Best Stops on the Oregon Coast from Cannon Beach to Manzanita
The Oregon Coast has so many awesome sights that it can be hard to know where to start exploring. Let me plan your next visit for you! We start at Ecola State Park and head south for an unforgettable day that is still relaxed enough to be called a chill day at the beach.
Overlook at Ecola State Park
1. Ecola State Park
Our journey begins with the unmatched ocean views of Ecola State Park. Grab your crew and head west on Highway 26 to Highway 101-South. Take the exit for Cannon Beach and turn right towards the park. Follow the narrow winding road through dense ferns and Sitka Spruce where dinosaurs would not look out of place. Park in the day-use lot and take in the views of the Pacific. There is a $5 day use fee unless you have an Oregon state park pass. Dogs are welcome here (and in all destinations mentioned in this post), and there are restrooms near the parking area.
Terrible Tilly
Ecola’s picnic area
Here is what you can do and see at the park:
Take the short, paved trail to the overlook at Ecola Point that showcases the rugged Oregon coastline and the town of Cannon Beach to the south.
See Terrible Tilly, an austere, abandoned lighthouse looking desolate so far from shore. Fun fact: the lighthouse is currently for sale if you happen to have a spare $6.5 million burning a hole in your pocket, and a helicopter to access it.
Reminisce about scenes from The Goonies shot at this park.
Stop for a picnic at one of the tables with panoramic ocean views.
Try out one of the hiking trails, such as the 3-mile Clatsop Loop Trail that begins at Indian Beach. Heads up, these trails do get very muddy in spring so wear shoes, socks, and pants that can get dirty. Like, really dirty.
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
2. Cannon Beach
From Ecola State Park, head south into the town of Cannon Beach. Several free public parking lots are available in town as well as public restrooms. From here you can’t go wrong. Start by checking out the town or head straight to the beach.
View of Ecola State Park from Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock
Here are tips for visiting Cannon Beach:
Admire the rocky coastline of Ecola State Park to the north from the sands of Cannon Beach.
Walk along the beach to see iconic Haystack Rock and look for nesting birds. Tufted puffins are coming soon! Starting in May look for these birds as they make their temporary home on Haystack Rock. Having trouble spotting them? I have found the park rangers and a good pair of binoculars to be invaluable resources in years past.
Check out the shops and galleries in town.
Grab lunch, coffee, or pastries at one of the restaurants. The scones at the Lazy Susan Restaurant are a particular favorite of mine.
Try a tasting flight at Puffin Wines.
Hug Point Waterfall
3. Hug Point
Hug Point is one of my favorite beaches on the Oregon Coast. It does require some planning since parts are only accessible during low tide. Make sure to check out a tide chart before you go to time your visit right. To reach Hug Point from Cannon Beach, head south on Highway 101 for 5 miles and look for the low-profile parking area on the right. There are restrooms by the parking area and there is no fee to park, although the small lot fills quickly during popular times. Consider beautiful Arcadia Beach as an alternative if the parking lot at Hug Point is full.
Things to do at Hug Point:
Walk along Hug Point Beach just below the parking area. This beach is accessible even at high tide, so no need to worry about timing here.
Have a picnic! There are picnic tables available with views of the water.
Follow the short trail from the parking area for an overhead view of the Hug Point waterfall.
See the waterfall up close at low tide.
Look for sea caves carved from the sandstone cliffs.
Check out the tidepools.
Check out my article here for details about how to hike around Hug Point.
Glimpse of Blumenthal Falls at Short Sand Beach
4. Short Sand Beach
Located in Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach is one of the can’t-miss destinations of the Oregon Coast. Towering hills covered in Sitka spruce surround this picturesque beach, helping to moderate the weather and create great conditions for surfing. To get here from Hug Point, take Highway 101 south for 6 miles and look for the parking lots directly off the highway. Parking is free, no pass is needed, and restrooms are available. The beach will be a half-mile walk from the parking area, accessible by a trail through dense forest that follows a creek out to the ocean.
Waters of Smuggler’s Cove
Tidepool anemones
What to do at Short Sand Beach:
Hike down the scenic 0.6-mile trail that leads from the parking area to the beach. The trail is well-maintained and fairly flat throughout, making it a good walk even if you aren’t looking for a rigorous hike.
Watch the surfers catch some waves. Or bring a board and try it out yourself! Be aware that there is no parking directly at the beach, so if you bring a board you will need to carry it there and back.
Look for tidepool critters.
See Blumenthal Falls, which is most impressive during wetter months.
Clouds roll in at Manzanita Beach
5. Manzanita
From Hug Point, head 10 miles south on Highway 101 to Manzanita, which offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach as well as the fun of a beach town.
Here’s what to do in Manzanita:
Listen to the waves roll in on Manzanita Beach as you take in the grandeur of the cliffs to the north.
Let your dog run off-leash.
Fly a kite, build a sandcastle, and do all the beach classics.
Head into town for window shopping and some dinner.
Visit the Winery at Manzanita. Sit by a fire pit on the patio on a sunny day or watch the rain from the bar on a wet one. We tried out the house label 2020 Pinot Noir, which had a light and intriguing hint of smoke without being overpowering. With a picture of a dog on the winery’s logo, you know this one will be dog friendly, so bring your furry friend to the patio.
Enjoy the beach and cheers to your next adventure!
With love,
Emma
Looking for more to do at the Coast? From north to south, here are trip suggestions and travel tips for:
Also, check out my guides to the wildlife of the Oregon Coast and Oregon geology.
