One Day in Cannon Beach

With a population of just under 1600, but host to many times that in tourist season, Cannon Beach boasts all the upscale eateries, luxe accommodations, and expensive galleries and stores that you'd expect, but the influx of well-heeled West Coasters can't quite wash away the down-at-home charm of this lovely spot. Among the pricey premises sit chowder shacks, beachside taverns, and little nooks that give character to the town. The untouched beachscape and towering sea stack are what most people come to see and the wide beach is perfect for a day of sandcastle building, Frisbee-playing, pelican watching, and picnicking. Remember to bring picnic suppliesCannon Beach has only one tiny grocery store.

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Haystack Rock
The most iconic natural feature along the stunning Oregon Coast, 237-foot-high Haystack Rock is the most distinctive landmark of this upscale seaside town. It's a much-photographed hunk o' rock, rising out of the smooth sands of the broad Cannon Beach. It's a gorgeous spot to bring the kids, a picnic, the dogand binoculars. The Rock is... More >
The most iconic natural feature along the stunning Oregon Coast, 237-foot-high Haystack Rock is the most distinctive landmark of this upscale seaside town. It's a much-photographed hunk o' rock, rising out of the smooth sands of the broad Cannon Beach. It's a gorgeous spot to bring the kids, a picnic, the dogand binoculars. The Rock is home to an incredible abundance of birdlife, including shy tufted puffins, garrulous gulls, and lumbering cormorants. On summer mornings during low tide, a volunteer program offers guided interpretations about the sea and bird life that the Rock supports.
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Dooger's Seafood & Grill
Famed for its chowder, Doogers Seafood & Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so whether you're craving their legendary chowder or are still at the short stack end of the day, the grills are at the ready. Chowder makes it onto the menu at midday (accompanied by steamer clams, crag legs, sea scallops, and various other local c... More >
Famed for its chowder, Doogers Seafood & Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so whether you're craving their legendary chowder or are still at the short stack end of the day, the grills are at the ready. Chowder makes it onto the menu at midday (accompanied by steamer clams, crag legs, sea scallops, and various other local critters done deliciously.) Dinner entre portions of various fish and chips, burgers and steaks are available all day. Its kid-friendly with an extensive children's menu three meals a day.
Resident chefs prepare, cook, and explain as they're rustling up a thrilling four-course meal with wine pairings for their rapt audience to devour.
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Ecola State Park
Part of Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Ecola is named after the native word ikoli, which means whale. A wonderland of dense old-growth Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock, park at the northern Indian Beach lot or at the parks entrance. Trails lace through the park, offering incredible coastline and lighthouse views. Take a break ... More >
Part of Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Ecola is named after the native word ikoli, which means whale. A wonderland of dense old-growth Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock, park at the northern Indian Beach lot or at the parks entrance. Trails lace through the park, offering incredible coastline and lighthouse views. Take a break at secluded Indian Beach and don't forget your camerathe panoramas of sea stacks fading into the mists of the Pacific are truly beautiful.
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EVOO Cannon Beach Cooking School
Right in the heart of Cannon Beach, just a block from the beach, EVOO is a small cooking school with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen that seats 12. Resident chefs prepare, cook, and explain as they're rustling up a thrilling four-course meal with wine pairings for their rapt audience to devour.
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Cannon Beach Gallery
Conveniently tucked into the same space as a popular coffee house, Cannon Beach Arts Association gallery showcases the varied artworks created by the constellation of artists who live in the beach town. Located right opposite the Farmers Market, shows usually run for six weeks to a month and often feature two local artists simultaneously.
It's a gorgeous spot to bring the kids, a picnic, the dogand binoculars.
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Stephanie Inn
Reserve well ahead for the Dining Room at the Stephanie Innset to be the culinary highlight of any visit to Cannon Beach. A four-course menu of Northwest cuisine changes nightly, but might feature Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon paired with a Sonoma Chardinnay or Duck Confit paired with a local Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It's an elegant dining room, more popular with a serene mature set. Its pricey, but service is perfect, th... More
Reserve well ahead for the Dining Room at the Stephanie Innset to be the culinary highlight of any visit to Cannon Beach. A four-course menu of Northwest cuisine changes nightly, but might feature Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon paired with a Sonoma Chardinnay or Duck Confit paired with a local Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It's an elegant dining room, more popular with a serene mature set. Its pricey, but service is perfect, the food exquisite, and the experience worth every cent.
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About the Author

Aefa Mulholland
Aefa Mulholland
Travel writer Aefa Mulholland has worked with the B.B.C., Irish national broadcaster R.T.E. and a plethora of print and online publications, including the Irish Times, Miami Herald and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She has been published or broadcast on four continents. She is currently writing “The Scottish Ambassador”—a book on learning how to become Scottish in Scottish America.
Websitehttp://thescottishambassador.wordpress.com/
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