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.

From Portland: Oregon Coast Adventure Day Tour with Pickup

2. From Portland: Oregon Coast Adventure Day Tour with Pickup

On this full-day tour along Oregon's stunning coastline, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, history, and nature of the Pacific Northwest. With your naturalist guide, discover the same sweeping views witnessed by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Visit Cannon Beach and state parks teeming with wildlife. Start your day with pickup from your hotel in downtown Portland or at South Waterfront Park. As you set out, spot bald eagles wheeling in the air and local sea lions sunning themselves along the beaches and docks. A careful eye over the water might spot the fins of gray whales, porpoises, or orca. Head to Ecola State Park to retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark with the Clatsop Loop Trail. After the views at Tillamook Head enchant you with their natural grandeur, cast your gaze on the 1,477 basalt sea-stack islands that dot the coast. You may see herds of Roosevelt elk wading in the shallows. Next, explore the charming seaside town of Cannon Beach and revel in the majesty of Haystack Rock, sometimes adorned with thousands of native cormorants, terns, murres, bald eagles, and beloved tufted puffins. In town, feast on a tasty lunch and peruse the many art galleries and quaint boutiques. After an hour for lunch, explore other coastal highlights according to the weather and group mobility. Cruise along the stretch of road featured in the '80s classic flick "The Goonies." If time allows, visit Hug Point State Recreation Site, Oswald West State Park, or Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook. Once you've explored the hidden gems of Oregon's scenic coast, return to Portland to conclude your tour.

From Seaside: Cannon Beach and Seaside Helicopter Tour

3. From Seaside: Cannon Beach and Seaside Helicopter Tour

Fly in a private helicopter over one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Get the best possible views of the Pacific Ocean and a simply unforgettable experience. Get stunning views over two of Oregon's most famous coastal towns, Cannon Beach and Seaside. See your vacation spot from a new perspective and wave to beach-goers as you zip along the coastline on this exciting and beautiful ride.

From Portland: Oregon Coast Day Trip Cannon Beach Area

4. 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.

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

5. 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.

Oregon Coast | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

6. Oregon Coast | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

A driving tour of the Oregon Coast is an unforgettable experience that offers some of the most stunning scenery in the country, and this tour runs between Astoria at the Oregon - Washington border, and Florence in the south. Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Astoria Cannon Beach Cape Meares State Park Cape Perpetua Devils Punchbowl Florence Fort Stevens State Park Lincoln City Newport Oceanside Seaside Tillamook Includes: Oregon Coast The drive is an impressive contrast and collection of natural wonders - miles of wide sand beaches interrupted by headlands and outcrops of ancient volcanic rock. Forests of towering trees are laced with hiking trails that deliver you to panoramic views and sparkling waterfalls. The coast is filled with bizarre rock formations shaped by a millennia of pounding waves and historic lighthouses to keep passing ships clear of the danger. The wrecks of numerous of the unlucky ones can be explored on the sand to this day. You’ll follow the human history of the original Native American tribes and their ongoing connection to these lands, and the settlers who forged a new life in the unknown west. The great expedition of Lewis and Clark finally reached the Pacific Coast here, and we can see samples of early fort life. The coast is an outlet for multitudes of rivers, and notable historic and stylish bridges ease our journey to cross these waterways. It’s not all nature and beaches as we travel from beach town to beach town, each with there own distinctive personality. Many of the coastal towns have fun attractions, interesting place to dine, and brews to sample. There are world-class aquariums, whale watching cruises, beach fun parks amusements and many of our modern conveniences and entertainment to enjoy. Want to try the original Pronto Pup, a classic Oregon chowder - and how about a beer flavored with local cedar? All of those choices await you on your journey.

From Seaside: Arch Cape Helicopter Tour

7. From Seaside: Arch Cape Helicopter Tour

Enjoy your very own private helicopter tour of Oregon's beautiful coastal towns. On this 20-minute flight, you'll get to admire the beauty of Oregon from high above and you'll gain a new appreciation for its famous rugged beauty. Climb aboard for an exhilarating ride along some of Oregon's most iconic shoreline. Head south along Hwy 101 over Cannon Beach & Hug Point. At Arch Cape turn north to fly along the beach. Follow surf and beautiful rock outcroppings back to Seaside.

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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.