Cannon Beach, Oregon, is an award-winning beach town. Often named one of the best beaches in the U.S., this Oregon beach and its quaint town is a highly sought-after place for its beauty and all there is to do here.
But is Cannon Beach, Oregon, safe? And why is it so popular? Read on to learn all about this picturesque Pacific Northwest town.
Where Is Cannon Beach, Oregon?
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is located in the Pacific Northwest along the coast of Oregon’s northern shoreline. Only 80 miles west of Portland, this quaint beach town with a population of only 1500 people is a perfect place to spend a day on the beach. But with so much to do here, you might want to plan on more than one day.
Why Is Cannon Beach So Popular?
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Oregon, and it’s not hard to see why. The beach is absolutely beautiful. But Cannon Beach is more than just a pretty face. There’s plenty to do here, from playing in the ocean and on the sand to shopping and dining in town.
But Cannon Beach, Oregon, is really known for the iconic Haystack Rock. This massive rock formation is one of the most photographed landmarks on the Oregon Coast. Its tidepools offer a landscape for many intertidal creatures, and the rocks are home to a diverse bird population.
That includes the Tufted Puffin. Made even more sought after from the movies “The Goonies” and “Twilight,” this 235-foot monolith jutting up from the sea is a sight to experience.
Pro Tip: Learn more about Why Do People Visit Haystack Rock?
Is Cannon Beach, Oregon, Safe?
But the real question still remains. Is Cannon Beach, Oregon, a safe place to visit? Safety is never guaranteed anywhere; however, this quaint beach town is considered a great and safe place to visit.
After all, it has been labeled as one of the “21 Best Beaches in the World” by “National Geographic.” And “U.S. News and World Report” calls it one of the “30 Small Beach Towns that Should be On Your Radar.”
Even then, as with any coastal town, when exploring and playing in the ocean, you’ll need to be aware of currents and tides to avoid getting caught in them. When exploring the outdoors, you’ll need to prepare for the terrain you’re walking on and the weather you’ll be in. So be sure to wear layers of sunscreen with proper footwear, depending on your style of adventure.
It’s pretty safe to say that a beach town that receives many awards for its beauty is a pretty safe place to visit.
Can You Swim at Cannon Beach, Oregon?
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Oregon, and for good reason. Not only is it a beautiful spot for swimming, but it’s also great for building sand castles and playing in the water.
However, it’s important to know the dangers of swimming at Cannon Beach. Rip currents and rising tides can pose a serious threat to even the most experienced swimmers. It’s always important to exercise caution when swimming in unfamiliar waters. Also, be sure to follow posted signs for any hazardous conditions.
Remember that Oregon’s ocean waters are cold. But as long as you take the necessary precautions, Cannon Beach is a great place to go for a swim.
What Is the Best Month to Go to Cannon Beach, Oregon?
No matter when you visit Cannon Beach, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of the town alongside nature. But the best time of year to visit this coastal town allowing you to experience the warm sunshine and bustling shops, is the summer.
On that note, the best month is August. You’ll still have warm summer weather. The shops and restaurants will be fully open for the season, yet the crowds are a bit less as people begin to wind down for the summer.
However, if you visit in the spring months, your chances of catching a glimpse of a whale are greater than at any other time of year. And the bird watching this time of year is phenomenal as birds of all types, including the Tufted Puffin, are building their nests and preparing for spring.
Again, no matter when you visit here, there’ll be no disappointment.
What Is There to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon?
As mentioned earlier, Cannon Beach, Oregon, isn’t just a pretty face. There’s plenty to do here, including exploring Haystack Rock and walking the miles of beach shoreline. Ecola State Park is another popular destination for hiking, surfing, and expansive views of Oregon’s rocky forested coastline. But if you’re looking for more than just sand in your shoes, exploring the town is just as worthy of your time as exploring the beach.
Called Cannon Beach for the cannon found in a shipwreck in the 1800s, you’ll find plenty of history and art in its many museums and galleries. And, when you have worked up an appetite, there are restaurants of all types, from casual seafood restaurants to fine dining to everything in between. Its many cozy coffee shops, bars, and nightlife will also not disappoint.
Shopping more your thing? No worries. You can peruse eclectic stores with unique items or seek locally handcrafted goods and vintage items. Whatever your desire, it’s here amongst the beauty that is Oregon.
Which Is Better, Seaside or Cannon Beach?
Oregon is well-known for its seaside towns all along the coast, and with Seaside being less than 10 miles from Cannon Beach, which beach town is better? That all depends on what you’re looking for during your beach adventure.
However, Seaside is a larger town with a population of around 7,000 people. Cannon Beach is a great little town to explore on foot, and you may need to drive a bit more to explore Seaside. It has a sandy shoreline, but Seaside is known for its 1.5-mile Seaside Promenade. You won’t go wrong with either choice, but Cannon Beach is your best bet if you’re looking for that true vibe of a quaint little seaside village.
Pro Tip: While visiting Cannon Beach, spend the night at one of these 7 Best Free Camping Spots in Oregon.
Is Cannon Beach, Oregon, Worth Visiting?
Cannon Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the United States. With its rocky coast and picturesque views alongside Haystack Rock, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular place. Local shops and dining make Cannon Beach a great destination, and ocean swimming provides the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
If you’re looking for a charming town with stunning coastal views, Cannon Beach, Oregon, is definitely worth a visit.
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