Cannon Beach | USA Oregon

Cannon Beach is a premier coastal destination and arts colony in Clatsop County, serving as a significant site for ecological conservation and high-end tourism. It is situated on the Pacific Ocean in Northwest Oregon, approximately 80 miles west of Portland and 25 miles south of Astoria.

Historical Timeline

The area was originally inhabited by the Tillamook people and was visited by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806. It was named Cannon Beach after an iron cannon from the wrecked US Navy schooner Shark washed ashore in 1846. The city was incorporated in 1957. The most significant architectural preservation occurred after the 1964 tsunami, which destroyed the city’s bridges and led to strict building codes that emphasize cedar shingle architecture. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the 1970s implementation of the Oregon Beach Bill and local zoning laws that banned neon signs and chain restaurants.

Demographics & Population

The permanent population within city limits is approximately 1,500, though the population swells to over 10,000 during peak tourism weekends. The top three ethnic demographics are White (83.5%), Hispanic/Latino (10.1%), and Multiracial (4.5%). The median age of the population is 56.4 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is organized linearly along Hemlock Street, bordered by Ecola Creek to the north and Tolovana Park to the south. The Downtown District (North) is the primary commercial hub for art galleries and dining. Midtown (Central) contains residential zones and boutique lodging. Tolovana Park (South) serves as the secondary commercial hub with direct beach access to the southern sands.

Top City Landmarks

Haystack Rock (Marine Garden and Tufted Puffin habitat)

Ecola State Park

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (visible offshore)

Hug Point State Recreation Site

Coaster Theatre

Transportation Network

Movement within the city is facilitated by the "Cannon Beach Shuttle," a seasonal bus service. There is no metro or tram. Regional transit is provided by the North West Connector. Uber and Lyft have negligible availability. Official taxi service is limited and typically dispatched from nearby Seaside. Traffic density is extreme during summer months and holiday weekends; parking is strictly regulated in the downtown core.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. There are no specific "red zones." The primary safety hazards are environmental: sneaker waves, rip currents, and rising tides that can trap hikers against cliffs. Tsunami evacuation routes are clearly marked and must be followed immediately upon feeling seismic activity.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 100–250 Mbps via Charter Spectrum. Main mobile carriers are Verizon and AT&T; signal strength is poor in specific "shadow" zones near the southern cliffs. Card acceptance is universal. ATMs are concentrated on Hemlock Street in the Downtown and Tolovana areas.

Climate & Air Quality

Summer temperatures range from 11°C to 19°C, while winter temperatures range from 4°C to 10°C. Air quality is consistently high due to maritime winds. The area receives approximately 90 inches of annual rainfall. Dense fog is common during summer mornings, often clearing by mid-afternoon.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping is expected at 20% for service. Social greetings are informal. The dress code is "refined coastal," combining technical rain gear with upscale casual wear. Smoking is prohibited on most public beaches and in all public buildings. Public alcohol consumption is prohibited on the beach during specific holidays (e.g., July 4th) to prevent large-scale disturbances.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in Downtown for walking access to galleries, the Coaster Theatre, and the main view of Haystack Rock.

Stay in Tolovana Park for a quieter residential feel and closer proximity to southern surf spots.

Local Cost Index

Espresso: $5.25

Standard Lunch: $22.00

Bus/Shuttle Ticket: $1.00 (Local) / $0.00 (Seasonal Shuttle)

Nearby Day Trips

Seaside: 14 km (15 minutes by car)

Manzanita/Neahkahnie Mountain: 21 km (20 minutes by car)

Astoria: 40 km (45 minutes by car)

Tillamook Creamery: 63 km (1 hour by car)

Facts & Legends

Haystack Rock is a 235-foot basalt sea stack that is one of the world's tallest "intertidal" structures. A local legend involves the "Terrible Tilly" (Tillamook Rock Lighthouse), which is situated on a basalt rock 1.2 miles offshore; the lighthouse was so frequently battered by massive storms that stones were once smashed through the lantern room 133 feet above sea level. It currently serves as a private columbarium, housing the cremated remains of thousands.