Look at That: What to See on the Oregon Coast

Tillamook Light House

From the moment you arrive at Tolovana Inn, adventure is right at your fingertips. Our Cannon Beach resort puts you near some of the best activities this Oregon town has to offer. Spend time outdoors at Ecola State Park or discover filming locations of a cult classic. It won’t take you long to fill your itinerary with memorable adventures. When researching things to do, don’t forget to look into what to see on the Oregon Coast when visiting Cannon Beach.

5 Unique Cannon Beach Attractions

Whether visiting with friends, family, or the one you love most, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your days. A fun way to explore Cannon Beach is to see how many unique attractions or landmarks you can stumble upon.

  1. One of the most recognizable spots in all of Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock. During low tide, you can even walk right up the basalt sea stack. This landmark is known for its tufted puffin population.
  2. Hidden behind Ecola State Park is Crescent Beach. You’ll need to hike just over a mile from the Ecola State Park Trailhead to reach the secluded beach. While countless travelers visit the state park, most won’t venture to this hidden gem.
  3. Part hot shop and part art gallery, Icefire Glassworks is known for its incredibly finely crafted blow glass. Opened in 1991, this shop represents several artists with a connection to Cannon Beach.
  4. Once an ice skating rink and silent movie theater, the Coaster Theatre is still a go-to place for entertainment. Transformed into a theater in 1972, this theater puts on two musicals and five plays a year. Check the box office to see what shows are taking place during your visit.
  5. Venture to Tillamook Head, about 15 minutes from the resort, to see if you can spot Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. The deactivated lighthouse was first lit in 1881 after years of work and delays due to storms and harsh weather.

You never know what other attractions you might stumble upon, so keep your eyes peeled for unique sights while exploring.

Plan a Memorable Cannon Beach Escape

Before you can have a relaxing getaway to Cannon Beach, there’s some work that has to be done. One is researching what to see and do on the Oregon Coast near town. The other is reserving your stay at Tolovana Inn.

The spacious suites and rooms at our oceanfront hotel are ideal for any getaway. Enjoy the comforts of home, like a living room, full kitchen, and fireplace, by staying in one of our suites or studios. To learn more about our resort or its amenities, including a sauna and complimentary morning coffee, call 503-436-2211. We can also answer any questions you have about our special offers.

What to Know about Cannon Beach Tides

Situated right on the shoreline in Cannon Beach, Tolovana Inn is the ideal location for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Oregon’s coast. As one of the state’s favorite beach communities, everyone from families to couples will have fun discovering all there is to do and see throughout town. Thanks to its coastal location, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in or near the water. However, before setting off on your adventure, it’s important to understand the tides in Cannon Beach.

How Changing Tides Can Affect Your Outing

Something as simple as the changing tides may not seem like a big deal, but it can significantly impact activities. The moon’s gravitational pull causes sea levels to change by advancing and retreating along the shoreline. If the water is as high up the shore as it’ll go, this is called high tide. Low tide is when the water recedes as far as it’ll go.

There are generally two high tides and two low tides a day. However, these occurrences don’t happen at the same time each day, so it’s essential to check a tide table before heading out on your excursion. Knowing when the tide is coming and going means you can decide the best time to head out on your coastal adventure.

  • For the best surfing, go between high and low tide
  • The hour before and after high and low tide, known as slack tide, is the best for swimming
  • Anglers will want to cast their lines about an hour before low tide, known as falling tide
  • If you want to go beachcombing, set out about two to three hours before low tide

One of the most well-known landmarks in the area, Haystack Rock, is surrounded by tide pools. Exploring these sites is one of the most unique things you can do on vacation and is best done right before low tide. You might just see everything from sea stars to anemones and other marine creatures.

Unwind after Exploring the Pacific Northwest Coastline

No matter where your Cannon Beach outing takes you, like exploring tide pools during low tides or discovering The Goonies filming locations, rest easy knowing you have a cozy place to call home. Booking your getaway to Tolovana Inn means staying at an incredible resort right on the ocean.

Our accommodations range from rooms to suites, so we can host groups of all sizes. We even have a limited number of pet-friendly rooms if you’re wanting to bring your four-legged friends along. Before turning in for the night, enjoy a night under the stars at the beach fire pits or get a quick workout in at the fitness center. For more information about the resort or special offers, call 503-436-2211.