This gorgeous coastal town is nestled amidst a forested headland and broad spans of sandy beach with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the towering monoliths. Haystack Rock, which reaches to 235 feet above the ocean, is one of the largest monoliths in the world and a photographer’s favorite.

The stretch of sand beach bordering Cannon Beach was rated Best Overall Beach in Oregon in Stephen Leatherman’s book, “America’s Best Beaches”. You’ll discover why when you see the spectacular views of the monoliths breaking through bubbly surf, explore a tide pool full of flowery anemones, bright colored starfish and scurrying crabs or spot the tufted puffins nesting in nearby rocks.

Haystack Rock’s designation as a part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuges protects the marine life in the tide pools at the base of the rock. You can learn about this treasured marine life through the Haystack Rock Awareness Program classes held at the rock.

Birds also find Cannon Beach irresistible. Tens of thousands of common murres are found on Bird Rocks near Chapman Point in the summer. A variety of birds can be spotted on beaches and estuaries during the spring and fall migrations.

Ecola State Park lies just south of Cannon Beach. Some of its first visitors were Captain William Clark and 12 members of the Corp of Discovery, who scrambled over the rocky headlands to reach a beached whale. Visitors today can skip the rugged trip through shrubs and trees and take the park’s scenic road through Sitka spruce to another breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. You can take a hike on the Clatsop Loop Trail to retrace the steps of Captain Clark and his crew. The park also is a fun place to watch surfers or spot a migrating gray whale during spring and winter. If you want to take the reenactment one step further, you can stay at one of the park’s primitive cabins on Tillamook Head.

Learn about local history at the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum in revolving and permanent interactive exhibits, including oral histories, a Native American longhouse, historical photos, and tours.

Cannon Beach is a great place to launch a bicycle trip on the Oregon Coast Bike Trail that runs along Highway 101. Hikers can head 18 miles east to Saddle Mountain State Natural to climb to the top of Saddle Mountain, the highest accessible peak in the Coast Range with huge views of the surrounding area.  Not too far away you can find Jewel Meadows Wildlife Area, a refuge for Roosevelt elk. If you are lucky you might even spot them from one of the four viewing areas along State Highway 202.

Once considered an artist community, the town remains focused on the arts with over a dozen galleries. They also have year-round performances at the Coaster Theatre. Formerly a roller rink in the 1920s, the historic building now hosts community theater, concerts, and other special events.

The quaint downtown area has cozy courtyards spattered with flowers and you’ll see the charming gesture of a dog dish sitting outside of many of the shops’ doors. The upscale town offers great shopping at unique boutiques and specialty stores, where you might find a treasure for your home or wardrobe.

Good eating is almost always an important part of vacation and you’ll find a variety of dining options in Cannon Beach with local seafood and gourmet food prepared by top notch chefs. Maybe you’d like to complement this scrumptious cuisine with one of Oregon’s fine wines or microbrews. Local wine shops and stores also feature wines from the Northwest and offer wine tasting. Taste locally-made saltwater taffy and fine chocolates or stop in at a coffee shop or bakery for a delectable fresh-baked treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The lively little town has year-round entertainment and activities and also has some big special events.

The Stormy Weather Arts Festival, held each November, fills the town with live music and art. Musicians perform throughout the town and you can watch artists creating their work in the quick draw and during artist demonstrations.

Sandcastle Day is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in June. Some professional sand sculptors show up for this event, but local residents and visitors are all invited to join in for this fun day at the beach to watch or create a sand castle or some other masterpiece from your imagination.

For more information visit the Information Center in Cannon Beach, at the corner of Second and Spruce streets, or their website: www.cannonbeach.org.