A quaint town and an incredible stretch of shoreline, Cannon Beach is a must-visit, if for no other reason than, its Haystack Rock Beach. Haystack Rock is over 200 ft high and was formed by lava deposits millions of years ago. Now home to a plethora of birds indigenous to Oregon, it has become a tourist mecca for the town. Outside of their sandy shores, Cannon Beach is also known for its local art shops, distinctive brewery and that small town aesthetic that harkens a simpler time while maintaining its 21st century edginess.
Of course, Haystack Rock situated just off the shore, is going to be the main attraction. During the busier traveling season, lines to get near the rock as far as parking goes can be a bit long. Many prefer to park further away and enjoy a leisurely walk down the gorgeous beach.
When it comes to major events in the sleepy beachside town, The Cannon Beach Wine & Culinary Festival tends to be a pretty popular draw. Held in March, it features many of the top local wine labels and of course delectable gourmet fare.
With ample restaurants, bars and pubs, you will definitely have enough to keep your nights busy. One quirky side note, Cannon Beach Hardware is not your average hardware store; come night time, it’s also a bar with a decent local beer selection to boot.
Extremely mild, the summer highs barely reach 70, while the winter lows tend to hover around the 40-degree mark.
Winter is the cool and wet season. Cannon Beach averages about 10 inches of rain each month from November through February. It is the slow time to visit.
Spring can be a good time to visit for viewing wildlife. Spring is cool with April average high temps only hitting the upper 50s.
Summer is a busy season. The weather is beautifully mild, with highs only topping out around 70 degrees. It is also the relatively dry season.
Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach has a late summer season. The warmest month of the year is September. Many locals suggest that September is the best month of the year to visit.