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Things to do in Cannon Beach

Our most recommended things to do in Cannon Beach

Oregon Coast Day Tour: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

1. Oregon Coast Day Tour: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

Marvel at Oregon's scenic grandeur as you enjoy dramatic views of its coastline which may include: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Short Sand Beach at Oswald West State Park, Neahkahnie Point and Manzanita while enjoying spectacular views of the dramatic Oregon Coastline and of course the majestic Pacific Ocean. This escorted mini-bus tour, with stops at attractions, runs approximately 8 hours from pick-up to return. Neahkahnie Point: From this spot you look south past Nehalem Bay to Cape Meares and Cape Lookout nearly 30 miles away. With a huge expanse of ocean before you, this is one of the coast’s best whale watching locations. Short Sand Beach/Oswald West State Park: Stretching along four miles of coastline in dense, temperate rainforest, Oswald West State Park has a beautifully secluded sandy beach and miles of trails leading to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This vast, scenic treasure is without a doubt one of the most spectacular parks in Oregon. Cannon Beach: This picturesque small-town village by the sea is easily walkable and you will be able to explore meandering pathways, enjoy public art and courtyards spilling over with flowers. Historic Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, home to colorful tidepools and diverse bird life. It rises 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline. No visit to Cannon Beach would be complete without visiting Ecola State Park, perched dramatically on the edge of Tillamook Head. From Manzanita to Cannon Beach enjoy the dramatic beauty, fascinating history and diverse ecology featured on this Oregon coastal tour.

Portland: Cannon Beach, Trails, & Forests Oregon Coast Tour

2. Portland: Cannon Beach, Trails, & Forests Oregon Coast Tour

Spend the day exploring the Oregon coastline on a dynamic round-trip day tour with a local guide, snacks and drinks, and plenty of free time to explore. With over 300 miles of public coastline, Oregon’s beaches are sure to amaze with their dramatic offshore rock formations and beach towns.  Departing from downtown Portland, start heading west on the Sunset Highway, Oregon’s first automobile route through the Cascade Mountain Range. Leave the city behind and drive through rolling pastures and towering forests of Douglas firs. Drop down from Sunset Highway and meander through a lush Sitka spruce forest to find the first glimpse of the Oregon coastline through Ecola State Park. Momentarily leave the vehicle behind and explore this coastal oasis.  If time allows, travel to Indian Beach, a secluded pocket that hides away from much of the summertime crowd and a favorite spot for local beachcombers. The park connects with the Oregon Coast Trail, a 382-mile hiking trail that spans the entire length of the Oregon coastline. Make a quick jaunt to nearby Cannon Beach next, a piece of coastline punctuated by Haystack Rock claimed to be the third tallest intertidal structure in the world. Spot three adjacent rock formations to its south that are appropriately named the Needles.  Walk along the sandy beach, watch beautiful birds, and, if you’re lucky and the tide is out, view many species of marine wildlife in their natural tide pool habitat. Afterward, stop for lunch (at your own expense) in the town of Cannon Beach and enjoy some free time for about an hour. In the afternoon, head south on the famous Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Highway 101, exploring more beautiful coastal shores. Upon Neahkahnie Overlook, find stunning views along the highest driveable point along the Oregon Coast. Later, journey to Oswald West State Park. Time-dependent, take a short, forested hike following along Short Sand Creek to a driftwood stacked coastline known as Smugglers Cove. A variable from this stop would be a short visit to Hug Point. After finishing up at your last stop, make the trek back to Portland through Highway 26 and be back just in time for dinner.

From Portland: Oregon Coast Day Trip Cannon Beach Area

3. From Portland: Oregon Coast Day Trip Cannon Beach Area

Walk the beaches and an old growth forest along the Oregon Coast, and discover technological relics as you drive the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway with a small group led by an interpretive guide. This day trip is a tour along a rugged section of Oregon's northern coast. You’ll travel northwest of Portland, as your guide takes you through the farmland of Tualatin Valley, a sub-valley of Willamette, one of the richest valleys in the world, known for its hazelnuts, berries, Christmas trees, and Pinot Noir.  You'll spend time in Cannon Beach to check out Haystack Rock, boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.

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What people are saying about Cannon Beach

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 54 reviews

Had a great time and Adam did an amazing job sharing his knowledge on everything and anything Oregon. The amount of history he shared was truly impressive. He definitely made the trip totally awesome!

Sam did a wonderful job pacing our trip so that we had plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. Lots of fun stories and helpful background of the area. Highly recommend this trip.

We had a great time. The tour guide was great and very knowledgeable about the area. The description of the tour was good. Best tour we took while in the Portland area.

Day trip to Cannon Beach, Tillamook Winery and Lighthouse was amazing. Our friendly driver Brittany was very informative and hosted a wonderful tour

The driver was friendly, flexible with how we wanted to proceed and gave great background information.