Cannon Beach stretches for approximately 4 miles along the northern Oregon coast in Clatsop County, about 80 miles west of Portland. The beach is dominated by Haystack Rock, a 235-foot basalt monolith rising dramatically from the sand and one of the most photographed natural landmarks on the Pacific coast. The sand is wide and firm at low tide, pale gray-brown in color, and backed by low bluffs and the walkable village of Cannon Beach. Pacific surf here can be powerful with frequent heavy swells, making swimming inadvisable for most visitors, though waders and wetsuits-clad surfers appear in warmer months. The beach runs from Ecola State Park in the north to Haystack Hill in the south, fully exposed to westerly winds. This is primarily a scenery, photography, and family beach rather than a warm-water swimming destination. Amenities are excellent: restrooms are located at Hemlock Street, dozens of restaurants and galleries sit within a five-minute walk, and several hotels overlook the waterfront directly. The tidepool interpretive program operates in summer and centers on the Haystack Rock Marine Garden, home to ochre sea stars, purple sea urchins, and nesting tufted puffins in spring. Dogs are welcome on the beach year-round. Parking lots near Hemlock Street are the largest but fill quickly on summer weekends and holiday weekends. The Sunset Empire Transportation District provides affordable bus connections from Seaside for $1.50 USD for visitors arriving without cars. Ecola State Park, accessible by a short drive or trail north of town, offers clifftop viewpoints across the full sweep of beach to Haystack Rock and Tillamook Head.
Amenities
- Restaurants within 5-minute walk
- Hotels and vacation rentals
- Free public restrooms at Hemlock St.
- Dog-friendly beach
- Tidepool interpretive program (summer)
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, families, beachcombers, wildlife-watchers, couples
Location
Cannon Beach, OR 97110
45.8918, -123.9615 View on map
Highlights
- Haystack Rock, a 235-foot basalt monolith rising from the surf, is one of Oregon's most iconic coastal landmarks.
- Haystack Rock Marine Garden hosts tufted puffins in spring, plus ochre sea stars, purple urchins, and anemones at low tide.
- Four miles of firm, dog-friendly sand with easy access from the walkable village of Cannon Beach.
- Ecola State Park, a short drive north, provides clifftop trails and sweeping viewpoints overlooking the beach.
- Summer tidepool interpretive programs educate visitors about intertidal species clustered around Haystack Rock.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends to find parking near Hemlock Street—lots fill by late morning.
- Check tide charts before visiting; the Haystack Rock tidepool area is only fully accessible at low tide.
- Puffin nesting season runs roughly April through August—binoculars improve viewing from the beach.
- The Sunset Empire Transportation District bus from Seaside costs $1.50 USD and avoids parking hassle on busy days.
- Bring layers—coastal winds are brisk even in summer and morning fog burns off slowly.
- The most scenic photography stretch runs from Hemlock Street north toward Ecola Point with Haystack Rock in the foreground.
When to visit
May through September offers the most reliable dry weather and warmest conditions, with August being the driest month. Summer weekends attract large crowds; weekday visits in June or September provide a quieter experience with similar conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim at Cannon Beach?
Swimming is not recommended due to cold water temperatures (typically 50–58°F / 10–14°C), strong currents, and unpredictable surf. Most visitors wade, walk the shore, or explore tidepools. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Is Cannon Beach dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach year-round. The village also welcomes dogs in many shops and outdoor dining areas, making it one of the most pet-friendly coastal towns on the Oregon coast.
How far is Haystack Rock from the village?
From the main village center near Hemlock Street, Haystack Rock is approximately a 5–10 minute walk south along the flat sandy beach.
Is there public parking near Cannon Beach?
Several free public parking lots are available near Hemlock Street and other beach access points. They fill quickly on summer weekends; arriving before 9 AM or using the bus from Seaside is advisable.
When can visitors see puffins at Haystack Rock?
Tufted puffins nest on Haystack Rock from approximately April through mid-August. The best viewing is from the beach at low tide with binoculars; the Marine Garden extends 100 feet around the rock and is a protected zone.