You may have envisioned a relaxing day at the beach, but your little ones have something else on their mind. Luckily, Cannon Beach, a charming coastal destination for year-round family trips, offers spectacular activities like hiking, whale watching at Ecola State Park, and brewery hopping in downtown Cannon Beach.
To get the most out of your Cannon Beach trip, plan the visit carefully, following the next few suggestions!
A Two-day Family Trip to Cannon Beach: Best Time to Visit
Unlike other Oregon destinations with unique activities available only during the summer (think Crater Lake National Park), Cannon Beach offers family fun year-round. Winter is the slow season, but it is the most attractive for people who enjoy storm watching, low-key celebrations, and discounts on lodging.
Late spring and early fall are the best times of the year to enjoy Cannon Beach and avoid crowds. Long summer days allow you to get the most of your trip to Cannon Beach, but prices are high, and crowds are thick..
September is for most families (including mine) the ideal time to visit Cannon Beach because of the lingering long, warm days, misty mornings, lower prices, and fewer crowds.
No matter the season, always check the tide charts for Cannon Beach to ensure a safe trip to the beach.
Day one: Haystack Rock and Downtown
You haven’t visited Cannon Beach if you haven’t been to Haystack Rock! It is truly mesmerizing for the entire family. The iconic stack of rocks will leave a lasting impression, but the real wow factor lies in the ecosystem it supports. Have a checklist for the Haystack Rock visit to ensure the best time:
- Visit at least one hour before low tide to have enough time for exploration.
- Prepare the kids – Explain how Haystack Rock’s diverse ecosystem is full of life.
- Give them a task – Make them find one specific species to complete the task; try bright orange sea star, hermit crab, or famous Tufted Puffins! These cute creatures are visible from May to early September, and thrive with the help of local volunteers within the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP). Thanks to their funny looks and unique behaviour, these birds will make this trip unforgettable for your kids. Share that one Tufted Puffin can hold up to 20 fish in one trip to impress their chick, or how they are often referred to as sea clowns.
- Plan a break: Take a short walk from the Haystack Rock to downtown Cannon Beach and find a treat for the entire family. Try Bruce’s Candy Kitchen if you need a place to recharge! While the kids are focused on saltwater taffy being pulled and wrapped through a large window, you can explore the old-fashioned candies and gourmet chocolates – a win-win for everyone.
- Pick a spot for lunch: If you seek a meal with a view, choose restaurants with great food and atmosphere that exceed pub flair! Local craft beers are always a plus and add a dash of authenticity to your Cannon Beach lunch break. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House, a quirky place to try the best chicken wings, and let your kids enjoy the unique hardware store setting.
Day Two: Cannon Beyond the Beach
For the second day of your adventure, the entire family will never forget that a low tide is the key. Take the family to the Hug Point State Recreation Site to explore a hidden waterfall and enjoy a path blended with history.
Low tide allows you to walk along the most stunning towering sandstone cliffs and sea caves, and get straight to the stunning ethereal waterfall, which tumbles at the beach. Beyond the waterfall, you can see deep ruts carved into the rock, marking the beach as an ancient corridor.
Once you’re done there, move to the north to immerse yourself in Ecola State Park. To skip the crowds, don’t go to the main viewpoint. Instead, take the Crescent Beach Trail, a pathway to the primordial forest for an authentic experience. Sense the coolness of the air and the dampness of the soil, enjoy the dripping water and the calling of sea birds.
Since children are always the life of any trip, there’s not much time for relaxation! End the day by taking your loved ones for a fulfilling meal and a night at Funland Arcade to play old-school games – a treat for you and a way to keep the kids engaged during the entire day.
Or instead, take the family to the Tillamook Creamery, if you don’t mind the 45-minute drive. The tour includes some unique experiences (like watching a giant box of cheddar cheese being handled by robots) and a delicious ice cream at the end!
Insider Tips for a Smoother Trip
Cannon Beach is all about stunning nature, one-of-a-kind experiences, and unique activities (think glass-blowing demonstration at Icefire Glassworks). Pack smartly and don’t think of rain as a bad thing.
Rainy days can be fun with all the art galleries, breweries, and beachcombing after the storm! If the rain catches you, that’s a reason to arrange a treasure hunt on the beach and have the whole family involved! Just ensure to have enough layers and extra clothing to get ahead of the unpredictable coastal weather.
About the Author
Aleksandra Mihailovic is a content writer with over a decade of experience, a passion for long-form content, and a talent for deep research. Her work across the travel, home improvement, parenting, and wedding industries isn’t just enjoyable to read—it’s designed to provide genuine value to the reader and SEO optimized to increase organic reach.
