How I’d Redo My Trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon

It is no secret that I love the Oregon Coast. It is my happy place, and a destination where I can relax and unwind. I have been to several towns along the coast including favorites like Lincoln City and Astoria. In fact, my favorite road trip adventure was a drive along Highway 101, stopping at numerous attractions along the entire coast. Cannon Beach is one of the small towns I’ve explored and if I had the opportunity to redo my first visit, I’d jump at the chance.

My first trip to Cannon Beach was magical. Haystack Rock had been on my bucket list for a very long time. However, if I could go back in time, I would. I’d change my itinerary and add a few more destinations. If I could redo my trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon, these are the things I would change.

I’d stay much longer.

The first thing I’d change about my trip to Cannon Beach is the length of time I was there. Cannon Beach is a beautiful day trip destination but there is so much more to see and do that I found a day was simply not enough time. I want to book a stay in a cozy vacation rental and experience this beach town like a local. This Airbnb in Cannon Beach, for example, offers plenty of space for my entire family, has large windows that let in plenty of natural light, and you can even soak in a hot tub complete with ocean views. I could easily spend a few days here.

I’d love to fly kites on the beach.

When we visited Cannon Beach, we spent a long time sitting on the sand, admiring Haystack Rock, and enjoying the sea breeze. While this was a picture-perfect scene, I’d love to add one more activity — flying kites. There are several kite shops along the Oregon Coast where I’d love to purchase a colorful, high-quality kite that I could fly while the waves crash on my feet.

I’d visit several different beaches.

When visiting Cannon Beach, you likely head straight to Haystack Rock — the scenery here is breathtaking. However, this is just the beginning of the beautiful beaches in the area and I can’t wait to visit them all. Indian Beach, for example, is located just south of Ecola Point and is another area where you can enjoy views of inspiring rock formations. This is also a terrific place for surfing if you have experience on a surfboard. Short Sand Beach, Arcadia Beach, and Crescent Beach are three other beaches in the area that I'll be exploring during my next visit.

I’d spend an afternoon on the Clatsop Loop Trail.

There are some incredible hiking trails near Cannon Beach but I’ve got my eye on the Clatsop Loop Trail from Indian Beach in Ecola State Park. This is a loop trail that is just shy of three miles and has something remarkable for everyone. For example, you’ll walk through a lush, gorgeous rainforest, capture some remarkable ocean views, and even come to overlooks with the Tillamook Lighthouse in the distance. You will gain nearly 800 feet in elevation on this trail so sturdy hiking shoes are a must.

I’d explore the area on a bike

I come from a family of cyclists and I wish we would have spent some time exploring Cannon Beach from a bicycle. Not only would exploring town be delightful from the seat of a beach cruiser, but three-wheeled recumbent bikes can easily and quickly travel across the sandy beaches. This would be a fabulous way to capture views of all the incredible rock formations along the shore. I’d also love to fat bike and mountain bike along the beaches and through the forests.

I’d time my visit a little better

If I could redo my trip to Cannon Beach, I’d time my visit so it was during the peak whale migration. Cannon Beach is a fabulous destination to spot gray whales as they migrate along the coastline. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 18,000 gray whales travel through the area each year. Spring migration typically takes place from mid-March to mid-April and winter migration is from mid-December to mid-January. Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach is an excellent spot for whale watching.

Cannon Beach is easily one of my favorite places to visit, and I can’t wait until I return. And the next time I explore this coastal town, you can guarantee the above destinations are on my itinerary.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Cannon Beach, Oregon? Are there any activities or attractions I should check out? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to add your suggestions to my next vacation.