Everyone Always Goes to Cannon Beach in Oregon: Go Here Instead

With craggy cliffs and rocks that jut out far into the waves amidst evergreen forests and sprawling beaches, the Oregon Coast is famous for its beaches and oceanfront towns. Unfortunately, however, these places can become quite congested with tourists and locals alike. Of them, Cannon Beach is by far the most popular and crowded, but don’t fret—the best hidden beach in Oregon is just around the corner!

What Makes This Secret Beach in Oregon Better

Short Sand Beach, also known as Shorty’s, is just to the south of Cannon Beach in Oswald West State Park between Arch Cape and Manzanita. To locals, this beach is no secret. This is a spot where surfers come to catch a wave, or locals go when they want to spend a day fully immersed in nature with dramatic Oregon Coast views—all without the hassle of tourists.

However, the nature of the beach and what it takes to get there mean that tourists haven’t yet (and are unlikely to) discover it. This is because visitors must tackle a short hike and be willing to pay a vehicle parking fee. Although, if you are willing to make the extra effort, it’s the perfect place to spend a quiet day at a less crowded beach in Oregon.

What to Expect When You Visit The Short Sand Beach

To access the beach, you must take the Short Sand Beach Trail. Taking around half a mile to reach the sand, the hike is relatively easy but has a few slippery spots in wet weather. Although the narrow trail can feel a bit crowded during bouts of nice weather, the trail opens up to a large expanse of sand and plenty of space to enjoy the water. Plus, as an added bonus, the hike itself is a lovely walk through the evergreen trees. 

The beach cocoons Smuggler’s Cove and has the Cape Falcon Lookout to its north and the Devil’s Cauldron to its south, creating a crescent of white sand with consistent, but not aggressive, waves. This makes it the perfect spot for surfers who are looking for a more low-key offering. But there’s even more to discover here beneath the waves. When it’s time for low tide, the beachcombing and tide-pool exploring scene reaches its peak. However, it is important to mention that Oregon tidepools change drastically with the seasons, with spring and summer being the safest times to access them, but also times when sand covers up much of the deeper areas. In the winter, dramatic storms tear sand away from the pools and reveal hidden worlds, but the area can be dangerous, so visit with caution.

Is It Worth Skipping Cannon Beach?

To be fair, Cannon Beach is worth a visit in its own right. It is a beautiful stretch of sand, with the famous Haystack Rock standing proud in the middle. But for those who are just looking for an uncrowded beach with beautiful views, it’s a beach that can be skipped. However, if visitors are looking for a trip that’s part beach, part time in town, it is a great spot for that, as is the neighboring town of Seaside. 

Cannon Beach has a famously charming downtown area, with well-reviewed shops, breweries, and restaurants. And all of this is only a few steps away from the beach, of course. So, it is worth a visit, just a different type of visit than when visiting Short Sand Beach. 

It’s easy to see why the beaches on the Oregon Coast would be crowded, especially in the summer. The views here are hard to beat, and the activities available only make the beaches more appealing. However, some places like Cannon Beach, although great, can be easily avoided in favor of the local-favorite beach alternatives in Oregon. Short Sand Beach, just to the south of Cannon Beach, may be a bit of a walk to get to, but it’s worth the steps.