Around Cannon Beach
Once you have conquered everything there is to do in Cannon Beach, there is a plethora of things to do in the near vicinity. Whether it’s hiking Ecola State Park or playing golf in Gearhart; we are within minutes of many worthwhile adventures. In this section of the Guest Guide, you will find brief descriptions of some of these places and activities, from Tillamook to Astoria.
Points of Interest
Columbia River Maritime Museum
1792 Marine Drive, Astoria | 503-325-2323
Interactive exhibits combine history with high technology for a truly participative experience. Learn how to pilot a tugboat, participate in a Coast Guard rescue, and fish for salmon. One admission includes a tour of the lightship Columbia – the last seagoing lighthouse serving the west coast.
Lewis & Clark National Historical Park
92343 Ft. Clatsop Rd, Astoria | 503-861-2471
This is the historical sight where the Lewis & Clark Expedition wintered- over in 1805-06. The 125-acre park has a replica of their actual fort, a fascinating interpretive center, and living history demonstrations during the summer.
Seaside Aquarium
200 N Prom, Seaside | 503-738-6211
This renowned aquarium has an underwater exhibit where visitors come face-to-face with sea life. Guests are also allowed to feed the harbor seals and watch many different live sea animal shows. They pride themselves on their enormous Octopus and Wolf Eel.
Tillamook Cheese Factory & Visitor’s Center
4175 Hwy 101 North, Tillamook | 503-815-1300
This famous cheese-making factory is located 45 minutes south of Cannon Beach. The visitor’s center offers a self-guided tour with video presentations on the making of Tillamook cheese and ice cream. You get a bird’s eye view of the cheese making process and samples throughout the factory. They have gourmet food shops, gift shops, and an ice cream parlor.
Entertainment
Movie Theaters Astoria Gateway Cinemas
1875 Marine Drive, Astoria | 503-338-6575
Columbian Theater
1102 Marine Dr, Astoria | 503-325-3516
Seaside Cinema
1026 12th Ave., Seaside | 503-738-0671 | catheatres.com
Recreation / Out of Doors
Ecola State Park
This State Park on the northern most end of Cannon Beach is widely known as the spot that William Clark stopped in 1805 to view the carcass of a 105 foot whale. Its spectacular views have made it, and Cannon Beach, the most photographed area on the West Coast. There is no camping here, but hiking, wildlife watching, and surfing are very popular activities at the Park. Ecola is also the best place to view Tillamook Lighthouse.
Perched on a rock 1 mile off shore, this lighthouse known as ”Terrible Tilly” has a lot of history behind it. Its light shown through storms from 1881 to 1957 when it was decommissioned. It is now privately owned, and used as a columbarium, (a storage place for ashes of the deceased). Please note, there is a small day use fee to explore Ecola State Park.
Hug Point
Hug Point, located about 4 miles south off Hwy 101, is a popular spot to hug someone! It is an amazing array of natural tidal caves and waterfalls. At low tide you can hike to the original beachside stagecoach trail, which “hugs” the headland, giving the area its name.
Fort Stevens State Park
100 Peter Iredale Rd., Hammond | 503-861-3170
This State Park is famous for its military history and a major shipwreck of which there are still remnants. There is plenty of camping, wildlife, biking, and hiking at this popular tourist spot.
North Coast Land Conservency
2609 N Roosevelt Dr., Seaside | 503-738-9126 | nclctrust.org
High Life Adventures – Zip Line Tours
92111 Highlife Rd., Warrenton | 503-861-9875 | highlife-adventures.com
High Life Adventure Park Aerial Challenge Course
2520 South Roosevelt Dr, Seaside | 503-717-5444 | highlifeadventurepark.com
Golfing
Below are the four closest golf courses to Cannon Beach. Only Gearhart is an 18-hole course.
Gearhart Golf Links
1157 N Marion, Gearhart (18 Holes) | 503-738-3538
Highlands Golf Course
33260 Highlands Lane, Gearhart (9 Holes) | 503-738-5248
Manzanita Golf Course
908 Lakeview Dr., Manzanita (9 Holes) | 503-368-5744
Seaside Golf Course
451 Ave. U, Seaside (9 Holes) | 503-738-5261