Guide to Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast

By Allison Fitts & Lillian Robinson

We recently rented a camper van in Portland and traveled through Oregon and were astonished by how quickly the terrain changed from mile to mile. We saw tall peaks in the Mt. Hood area of Central Oregon. Then, expansive plains in the High Desert region. But our favorite environment was the one we experienced on the coast of Oregon. There’s no better place to see beaches, sea stack rocks, and lush forests than in Cannon Beach.

This small coastal town is a must-visit for anyone road tripping through Oregon or the greater Pacific Northwest for that matter! Whether you are just passing through for a quick stop or a meal or staying several days, there is plenty to do in this town of a little over 1,000. Here are some of our favorites.

Cannon Beach Highlights

• Eat Breakfast at Lazy Susan’s – This cozy cafe is the quintessential beach town breakfast spot. The omelets and waffles are to die for. Heads up… it’s cash only!
• Take in Views of Haystack Rock – It is hard to miss this monolith sticking out of the sea right of the town’s beach. Enjoy views of it all throughout town, but especially up close and personal at the beach. Depending on the time of day you go, the tide is low enough for you to walk out within several dozen yards of the base of the rock.
• Hang out with the Cannon Beach Bunnies – A couple of decades ago, someone set their pet bunnies free in Cannon Beach and, well, they multiplied. By a lot. Today there are several hundred bunnies running around the town. Spot them along the beach, the road or outside the shops and restaurants.
• Grab a Drink at Pelican Brewing – With additional locations in Tillamook and Pacific City further down the coast, Pelican is a coastal Oregon staple. Try some of their in house brews or food from their full menu.
• Hike at Ecola State Park – One of the many beautiful Oregon state parks, Ecola has hiking trails that overlook the ocean, the town and Haystack Rock, all only a few minutes outside of town. Do a quick hike or enjoy the full 7-mile trail system. Be warned – parking fills up quick here.
• Enjoy some Fresh Seafood at Mo’s – If you are looking for classic, fresh seafood like shrimp, crab, claw chowder, look no further than Mo’s. This spot is great for lunch in the warmer months, with open-air seating that looks right out to the ocean.

Visit Cannon Beach for a nice, relaxing break from the road when you book your next campervan trip!