It’s impossible to find a place with more diverse beauty than Oregon. From our lush, green forests to our sweeping sand dunes and beautiful rivers, we’ve pretty much got it all. One place in Oregon continually receives worldwide recognition: Cannon Beach. This picturesque beach was featured in National Geographic as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world back in 2013, and ever since numerous publications have agreed. What makes Cannon Beach one of the best small towns in the U.S.? Is it the Cannon Beach weather? The charm of the town? The pure beauty of the area? Let’s take a look.

Cannon Beach is undeniably Oregon's most recognizable beach and in our experience, one of the most picturesque.
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Its most prominent feature, Haystack Rock is unmistakable. The 235-foot-tall sea stack towers over the landscape, and it offers tide pools for starfish and anemones below and nesting spots for puffins and terns on its walls.
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Haystack Rock is made up of basalt created by lava that flowed here 16 million years ago. The three smaller rock formations at its base are known as The Needles.
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One look at this gorgeous beach and it's easy to see why National Geographic and other travel publications proclaimed it one of the most beautiful in the world!
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It's hard to tear your gaze away from this pretty place, but once you do, you'll find a plethora of activities to enjoy right on the beach. Take a horseback ride along the surf...
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...or build a sand castle a safe distance from the waves. Every June, you can even check out some impressive sand castles at the annual Sandcastle Contest.
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On sunny days, the beach comes alive with individuals who simply want to enjoy the view, dig their toes in the sand, and play with friends and family. This is one of our favorite times to visit.
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Stretch your legs on one of the nearby hiking trails, some of which provide excellent views high above the coastline.
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You'll undoubtedly want to have your camera ready for a Cannon Beach sunset.
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As the light fades from the sky, snuggle up in front of a fire, roast some s'mores, and enjoy your evening on the beach.
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But even if the Cannon Beach weather isn't perfect, we still love the view. Put on a jacket and simply walk along the beach — it's easy to fall in love with the area.
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When did you last visit Cannon Beach? Do you believe this is one of the most beautiful areas in Oregon? What is perfect Cannon Beach weather for you? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

In addition to spending time on the beach and gazing up Haystack Rock, make sure to check out Ecola State Park as well. And, we suggest you stay for several days to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the area. There are all types of places to stay in Cannon Beach from cozy vacation rentals to hotels.

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Cannon Beach, Oregon

Courtnie Erickson | September 30, 2023

When is the best time to visit Cannon Beach?

Summer is easily the best time to visit Cannon Beach. During this time of year, the Cannon Beach weather is perfect — typically in the mid-70s. All year long, the Cannon Beach water temperature is chilly and it may be hard to hop on in, but that doesn’t matter because there is plenty to do along the beach such as build sand castles, go for a walk, search for shells and sand dollars, and simply relax.

What are some of the best beaches in Oregon?

There is nothing quite like the beaches in Oregon. All along the coast, you will find beaches with picturesque views, remarkable rock formations, and so much more. While we could easily spend all day near Haystack Rock and along the shore at Cannon Beach, there are several other beaches that we love. They include:

  • Arch Cape, south of Cannon Beach
  • Port Orford
  • Seal Rock, Lincoln County
  • Otter Rock, Lincoln County
  • Seaside

 

If you love scenic places to visit in Oregon, especially its beaches, check out our list of 10 stunning places on the Oregon Coast that look like something from a dream. Each destination is amazing and magical — you won’t want to miss a single one!

What are some must-do activities in Oregon?

It doesn’t matter the time of year that you plan a visit to Cannon Beach, Oregon, as there is plenty to see and do. But exploring this charming town and its beach is just one of the hundreds of activities to experience in the Beaver State. If you are searching for even more things to do in Oregon, consider the following activities that I personally love and always recommend:

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