Plot changes: The happiest beach in America it doesn’t have endless rows of cabanas in the 80s, crystal clear water, or year-round temperatures. Instead, it’s foggy and magical in the Pacific Northwest – Cannon Beach in Oregonmore precisely.
About 90 minutes from Portland, the stunning stretch of coastline is known for its dramatic coves and rocky shores, lush forests, an abundance of wildlife (hello, puffins), and a quaint downtown that punches above its weight. Think: vibrant boutiques and art galleries, the PNW’s best coffee shops, oceanfront hotels with postcard-worthy views (stay there. Surfsand Resort), and seafood that actually looks like the ocean. So yes, if you hit snooze in Cannon Beach, it’s on you.
🌊 We don’t usually follow the rules, but you can’t go to Cannon Beach without seeing its claim to fame – specifically, Haystack Rock. High Monolith (you can get it from Gunis) is best visited at low tide when you can walk right out and see the colorful waters teeming with marine life. And that’s just the beginning: just around the corner West Oswald State Park boasting a dense forest and two dramatic headlands, while Ecola State Park offers miles of hiking trails, surfer friendly waves Coast of Indiaand picture-perfect views of “Tillie Terrible” lighthouse..
👟 Cannon Beach may be small, but it’s big on charm. Creative experience of the city with a 1.5 mile public-art walk (don’t miss the bronze whales inspired by Lewis and Clark), followed by a few gallery walks. Advantages include: Northwest by Northwest Galleryfamous for its collection of pieces from—you guessed it—Northwestern artists; White bird gallerya cornerstone of the Cannon Beach art scene for over 50 years; and Refrigerated glass factory for sculptures, plates and handmade vases. While you’re wandering around, visit some of the city’s cute shops, e.g Antler + Old (wait for ceramic-chic beach, candles, and home decor) and Bruce’s Sugar Kitchen (the saltwater taffy is made on site and is ridiculously good).
🍴 The Oregon Coast is famous for freshly caught oysters, clams and Dungeness crabs – so stop by Ecola Seafood a must-have (order the crab meal). For something more premium, make a reservation Anna’s tablea sophisticated seafood-to-plate spot that serves up halibut, seafood platters, and Manila clam linguine. Finally, if you want to try the best beers on the beach and enjoy life-changing soft fried pretzels while you eat, Cannon Beach amenities and public house you are covered. Yes, it is also a hardware store. No, we are not kidding.
