by Haley Rae Shoning
the quaint Oregon town invites visitors into a slower rhythm of shops, wine and sweeping coastal views
ON OREGON’S RUGGED coastline, just south of Ecola State Park, lies the seaside village of Cannon Beach. Spanning just more than a square mile, this tiny town welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Best known for Haystack Rock—a 232-foot sea stack made famous by films like “The Goonies” and the “Twilight” saga—Cannon Beach buzzes on weekends as Hemlock Street fills with beachgoers, boutique browsers and diners hunting for fresh oysters and a glass of local red. And it’s often celebrated as one of the most scenic coastal destinations in the state.
To start your stay, check into the Inn at Haystack Rock, a cluster of cozy cottages just one block from the beach. The cheerful bungalows are easy to spot, painted bright turquoise with signature pink doors. Each cottage centers around a shared courtyard with a fire pit and Adirondack chairs—an inviting spot to soak in the coastal air while unwinding with a beverage.
Once you’ve settled in, set aside a full day to explore the town and wander in and out of the quaint shops and galleries around North Hemlock between Washington and 3rd streets. Antler & Alder is an ideal spot to bring home a keepsake from the trip. The thoughtfully curated boutique offers everything from playful stickers and distinctive home goods to on-trend beachwear, all infused with a distinctly Oregon sensibility.
Just across the way, you’ll find Cannon Beach Book Company. From the outside, this welcoming bookstore looks to be a typical coastal home, right down to the wooden front porch and traditional pine shingles. But inside you’ll find shelves and tables packed with bestsellers, rare reads and delightful stationery.
Next door, The Wine Shack offers a perfect pause for both shopping and a refreshing sip. Named one of GQ’s Top Wine Stores in America, the shop is home to the Puffin Tasting Room, where travelers can sample a lineup of award-winning Puffin Wines crafted exclusively for the store by Oregon vintners. Purchase a bottle or two to take home, and the tasting is complimentary.
When you’re ready to keep exploring, continue north to Second Street, where Sesame + Lilies sits just off the main drag. An independently owned interior design firm and town fixture for more than two decades, the shop is a go-to for distinctive finds. Many call it a hidden gem—here, you’ll find a vast, handpicked selection of antique home furnishings and decor, plus upscale gifts like luxury soaps and perfumes.
Before the sun goes down, make your way over to the edge of town to the beach. While the shoreline fills with daytime visitors in the afternoon, the crowds thin by evening. It’s the perfect time to snap a photo with Haystack Rock, slip your toes into the chilly Pacific, and explore the tide pools for starfish. With a bit of luck, you may also spot tufted puffins nesting on Haystack Rock or even herds of elk grazing along the beach at dusk.
After taking in one of the area’s signature sunsets, head back into town to sample the local cuisine— particularly the fresh seafood that comes with a coastal setting. A longtime fixture, Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge serves classic seafood and steak dishes alongside an extensive wine list. Guests can linger over dinner on the expansive outdoor deck, gathering around firepits as the evening cools.
For an intimate evening out, the menu at Anna’s Table highlights flavors of the Pacific Northwest, such as oysters on the half shell, crab cakes and octopus. Head chef and owner John Nelson grew up helping his mother at her dockside clam chowder shack and now crafts fresh, seasonal meals inspired by his experiences along the North Coast. Complement the source-to-table fare with a rotating selection of wines from the nearby Willamette Valley to unwind and close out the evening.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore the Pacific Northwest, an oenophile hunting for a standout local vintage or simply seeking a quintessential coastal experience, Cannon Beach should be at the top of your 2026 travel list. A long weekend here is just enough time to relax and soak in the sights, sounds and charm of the Oregon coast.
