Cannon Beach is a laid-back coastal town on the Oregon coast, fringed by a gorgeous 15-kilometre stretch of sand from Arcadia Beach to Ecola State Park. When you're not swimming, hiking or sunbathing, you can shop at trendy boutiques and dine at farm-to-table restaurants.

Things to do

It's impossible to miss Haystack Rock, an enormous boulder that rises more than 70 metres from the Pacific Ocean. At low tide you can walk out and check out seabirds nesting on the rock. Keep an eye out for tufted puffins and colourful sea stars.

Ecola State Park is laced with scenic hiking trails. The path to Tillamook Head is particularly beautiful, studded with clifftop viewpoints overlooking the ocean. Head down the coast to Arcadia Beach to find glassy tide pools and a shady picnic area, while Hug Point State Recreation Site is known for its hidden sea caves.

In downtown Cannon Beach you'll find boutiques and galleries lining the flower-strewn streets. There are plenty of sunny cafes to choose from, as well as some fantastic farm-to-table restaurants. Don't miss Irish Table, which serves tasty meals spotlighting local Pacific Northwest ingredients.

Every year Cannon Beach hosts Sandcastle Day, one of Oregon's most popular family-friendly festivals where the beach comes alive with quirky sand sculptures. Even if you're not in town for the festival, you can still try your hand at creating your own sandcastles on the beach.

Getting around

Cannon Beach is easy to get around on foot, with the stroll from the main strip to the sand taking less than 10 minutes. Rental cars let you explore the Oregon coast at your own pace. The drive from Portland to Cannon Beach takes around 1.5 hours.