If you are planning on exploring the vast coastline of the Pacific Ocean this year, there are so many fantastic Oregon Coast attractions to add to your itinerary. While Cannon Beach often gets the spotlight, the surrounding area offers some of the best things to do, including hiking trails, historic landmarks, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and quiet stretches of white sand that transport you to a vacation state of mind, where nature is just at your fingertips.
One of the hidden gems on the Oregon Coast is Arch Cape. Located just about 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach, this unassuming stretch along the historic 101 offers the perfect home base for heading out to explore the best Oregon Coast attractions. When you stay near Cannon Beach, you’ll be a quick drive to some of the best Oregon State Parks on the coast and the other, lesser-known, charming oceanfront towns. As you begin to plan your next visit, you’ll quickly see that there are so many fun things to do on the Oregon Coast!
If you’re exploring as a couple or with adults-only, the Arch Cape Inn is the best Oregon Coast hotel for romantic getaways or friends’ trips, with a focus on relaxation and quiet. The spacious suites are bright and airy with elegant decor and luxurious touches. Breakfast is included each morning, made with seasonal ingredients and served with care by our welcoming Innkeepers. Start planning your next trip and book your lodging today!
As you begin planning your next Northwest getaway, there are some main Oregon Coast attractions that you just can’t miss, especially in and around Cannon Beach. This area is an outdoor lover’s paradise, a fantastic culinary destination, and offers a long list of fun activities for adults. Whether you’re hoping to hit the trails, indulge in fresh seafood, or just relax by the waves, there are so many things to do on the Oregon Coast on your next vacation. Here are some of our favorite highlights not to miss:
Haystack Rock rises 235 feet above the shoreline at Cannon Beach. At low tide, you can walk right up to the base and see colorful tide pools filled with sea stars, anemones, and small crabs. In spring and early summer, tufted puffins nest on the rock, though it’s an excellent stop for birdwatching of all varieties. This iconic landmark is always at the top of the list for popular Oregon Coast attractions for its unique geology, wildlife, habitat, and one of the easiest beach accesses.
For more outdoor adventures, drive about ten minutes north of Cannon Beach to Ecola State Park. The park road climbs through forest and opens to sweeping views of the Pacific. On a clear day, you can see Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore. Indian Beach is a popular spot in the park for surfers year-round. If you prefer hiking, take the Clatsop Loop Trail. The 2.5-mile loop leads through old-growth forest and offers several ocean viewpoints. Lewis and Clark camped in this area in 1805, and interpretive signs share details from their expedition. If you are deciding on the best things to do in Oregon, this park should be on your itinerary.
About twenty minutes south of Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park protects more than 2,400 acres of forest and shoreline. Short Sand Beach, often called Shorty’s, sits in a cove framed by cliffs. It attracts beginner surfers and couples who want a more secluded beach experience. Hike the Cape Falcon Trail, a five-mile round-trip trek through dense forest, where the trail ends at a bluff with wide views of the ocean. During spring migration, you may spot gray whales traveling close to shore. This is by far one of the favorite Oregon Coast attractions near Cannon Beach.
Head north for about thirty minutes, and you’ll find Nehalem Bay State Park. This park sits on a four-mile sand spit between the ocean and Nehalem Bay. Bike the paved trail, rent kayaks in the bay, or walk the wide beach that often feels a little less crowded than some of the other beaches on the Oregon Coast. Crabbing is popular here in season (September through December). If you’re planning an Oregon Coast road trip, this stop offers space to stretch your legs.
For a more challenging hike, take on the Tillamook Head Trail. The full trail runs about six miles one way between Seaside and Cannon Beach. Many hikers choose an out-and-back section from either end. The climb rewards you with views from Clark’s Point, where waves crash against the sea stacks below. This hike connects history and scenery, making it one of the most rewarding Oregon Coast attractions for active visitors.
Just fifteen minutes north, Seaside offers a classic beach town experience. Walk the 1.5-mile promenade along the ocean, stop at the Seaside Aquarium to feed harbor seals, get your saltwater taffy, and browse cute tourist shops along Broadway Street. The best things to do in Seaside for couples offer a nostalgic touch when planning activities on the Oregon Coast. You can spend a few hours here, then return to a quieter setting for the evening back at Arch Cape.
Just about 10 minutes from our Oregon Coast Hotel, Manzanita is a cool, quiet spot to explore. The beach stretches wide, with fewer visitors even in peak season. At low tide, you can explore small coves and rocky outcroppings that many Oregon beaches are known for. The small community also has a great wine bar, coffee shop, and local boutiques to explore before or after the beach.
Hug Point sits just south of Arch Cape. Visit at low tide so you can walk around the headland, where you’ll find a small waterfall that spills directly onto the beach. This area used to be a roadway, so check for the old stagecoach road tracks carved into the rock. This is one of the best Oregon Coast attractions for history lovers and photographers.
About forty-five minutes north, Astoria stands at the mouth of the Columbia River. For those heading from Seattle to Cannon Beach, Astoria is right on the way. Climb the 164 steps of the Astoria Column for panoramic views of the river and ocean. Or visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn about shipwrecks and river navigation. As one of the best places to visit in Oregon, you’ll find much to explore, and don’t miss grabbing a pint at Buoy Brewing.
As you map out what to do in Oregon, you’ll want to choose a few key stops each day. But be sure to give yourself time to walk the beach at sunset and watch the tide roll in. When you stay at our Oregon Coast Hotel near Cannon Beach, you’ll sit in the center of it all. You can explore the best Oregon Coast attractions, enjoy dinner at one of the best Cannon Beach restaurants, and then head back to the hotel for an evening in.
The best time to visit Oregon depends on the focus of your vacation. Summer brings long days and ideal weather, though it also draws larger crowds. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and, overall, fewer visitors. Winter brings dramatic skies, a great time of year for storm watching from your cozy suite. Our Oregon Coast Hotel remains an excellent destination year-round. Every morning is cozy, and each evening you can settle into your pristine suite and feel the stress of everyday melt away. We can’t wait to host you; check our availability and reserve your room today!
