Cannon Beach, Oregon, is one of those rare small towns where rugged Pacific beauty meets upscale charm. With its pristine shoreline, sweeping views of the iconic Haystack Rock, and streets lined with cozy shops and eateries, this beach town offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest coastal experience.
For our Southern-based family — more accustomed to Florida’s Emerald Coast and sugary white sand — Cannon Beach was a world away, but in a wonderful way.
First Impressions: From Cheese to Chill
We made the easy day trip from Portland, Oregon (about 90 minutes away), and even the drive itself was scenic. If it’s going to be a simple day trip, I’d recommend getting on the road early in the day simply so you can maximize your time at Cannon Beach.
On the drive, we passed the “Welcome to Tillamook County” sign, our younger daughter squealed — yes, because of the cheese. (Shoutout to Tillamook Creamery, which you can also visit nearby!)
The moment we arrived, we were greeted by a surprisingly sunny July morning and the charming sight of windbreakers, sweatshirts, and flip-flops — a true Cannon Beach summer uniform.
Haystack Rock: As Iconic As It Looks
Of course, our first stop was the beach and the majestic Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack that feels larger than life in person. We parked along a quiet residential street near a beach access point and walked downhill to the sand.
Despite the mid-summer date, the wind was brisk, and the Pacific was frigid. But the landscape? Absolutely stunning. The tides were shifting during our visit, and a local marine education nonprofit had a small setup near the rock offering real-time tide information and ecology lessons — an unexpected bonus for curious kids and parents alike.
What to Do at Cannon Beach with Kids
Our girls spent hours splashing in tide pools marveling at the marine life exposed by the outgoing tide. They love playing in the sand at any beach – digging, building in the cool sand, and making “sand angels.” My husband tossed a ball with both of them for quite a while too. I enjoy photography (and need tons of practice) so I enjoyed experimenting with the settings to capture the beautiful scenery.
Eventually, the girls declared it was time to eat, so we trekked back uphill (a glute workout disguised as parenting) toward the town center. I was interested in zipping into one of the cafes among the bustling shops, but my younger daughter was especially hungry and I wasn’t sure it would work well to wait at a restaurant. Rather than sit down for a big meal, we grabbed cut fruit and snacks from Mariner Market and topped it off with local ice cream — a treat well-earned after all the beach fun.
Note: Sweet Basil’s Cafe and Sea Level Bakery + Coffee are two spots I’d bookmark for a future sit-down lunch.
Final Thoughts: Is Cannon Beach Worth It?
Absolutely. Cannon Beach is more than just a beautiful beach town — it’s a slice of Pacific Northwest magic. While the ocean might be colder and the sand more rugged than what we’re used to in the South, the views, vibe, and charm more than make up for it. Plus, there’s something truly refreshing about needing a windbreaker in July.
If you’re in the Portland area or planning a trip to Oregon, this beach town is a must-visit — especially for families looking for something outside the ordinary.
Travel Tips for Cannon Beach:
- 🧥 Pack layers: Even in July, expect chilly ocean breezes. It was especially windy when we visited.
- 🧴 Don’t skip sunscreen: Overcast or not, the UV rays are real.
- 📍 Park smart: Find residential side streets for easier beach access.
- 🐚 Explore tide pools: If you’re not from the area, check local tide tables before your visit (Oregon Tide Tables) Check for low tide times for best viewing.
- 🍦 Support local: Opt for meals, snacks, and treats from Cannon Beach shops / restaurants.
📍 Plan Your Trip:
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