A Getaway from Portland to Cannon Beach

On your road trip from Portland to Cannon Beach, you’ll head out directly west on Highway 26. With the city skyline in the distance, the road opens up to rolling hills and farmland, but before you know it, the landscape will turn to lush trees of the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests as the roadway cuts between the two.

Eventually, the Coast will be in your sightline; there’s nothing quite like seeing the beautiful expanse of the Pacific Ocean framed by rugged sandstone cliffs. The route from Portland to Cannon Beach is only about 80 miles—an easy trip to escape from the city for a quick weekend or extended vacation.

You’ll be ready to explore after checking in at our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast! Here are the best things to do in Cannon Beach:

1. The Iconic Haystack Rock: Often, the first stop for those heading from Portland to Cannon Beach is the well-known Haystack Rock, a world-famous Sea Stack formation. At low tide, beach-goers can get up close to behemoth rock and wade through tidepools with colorful starfish and anemones. Stroll up and down the beach, looking for sea glass and other maritime treasures.
2. Hit the Hiking Trails: There are many lovely Oregon Coast state parks to explore, all with stunning coastlines and beautiful hiking trails meandering through lush seaside forests. A few parks not to miss on your trip from Portland to Cannon Beach are Ecola State Park, Oswald West State Park, and Hug Point (best to be explored at low tide!) These are also popular places for whale watching on the Oregon Coast!
3. Shopping, Farmer’s Markets, and Art Galleries: One of the best things to do in Cannon Beach is explore the charming downtown area. Here, you’ll find a fantastic selection of local art galleries with creative works, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and crafts. Many boutiques offer a great selection of souvenirs and holiday gifts.
4. Dining out at the Best Cannon Beach Restaurants: Not dissimilar to the restaurant scene in Portland, though, of course, on a much smaller scale, the restaurants in Cannon Beach offer delectable farm-to-table style fare with an emphasis on sustainability and creativity. Here’s a list of our favorite Cannon Beach restaurants to add to your itinerary during your stay!
5. Grab a Locally Crafted Brew: Oregon is known for its love of craft beer, and as the second-largest producer of hops in the country (runner-up to our neighbor of the north, Washington State), there is such a fantastic selection of breweries in every inch of the Northwest. One of the most iconic brands, Pelican Brewing, was founded here, and a visit to the brewery is such a fun stop for lunch or dinner.
6. Plan a Spa Day: If you’re heading from Portland to Cannon Beach with romance in mind, there’s no better way to spark the flame than with a couple’s massage at a local spa. We suggest the Cannon Beach Spa & Boutique.
7. Explore by Bike: Rent a “fun cycle” from Family Fun Cycles, a longtime local company that allows visitors to peddle along the long sandy beach. These three-wheel recumbent bikes are great for ages and skill levels.
8. Picnic on the Beach: As a guest at our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast, you’ll have access to our curated garden property and access to the beach. Pack a picnic and head down to the sandy shore; plenty of driftwood logs and areas are perfect for laying out a blanket and soaking up the fresh seaside air.

As you start planning your road trip from Portland to Cannon Beach, our Innkeeper and staff are always a great resource on the best adventures and activities! Feel free to ask for personalized recommendations during your stay.