Located just a few blocks from the beach and well known for its towering rock formation, Haystack Rock is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning photo opportunities. It is also home to interesting animal species like crabs, limpets, sea slugs, starfish, sea anemone and chitons as well as many seabirds.
This place is unreal. There is plenty to see and explore. Really well kept and organized. There was a person there employed by the city to make sure everything went well and she was absolutely fantastic. Her name is Angela and she keep things under control while pointing out all the things to see and helping tourist not step on all the living organisms. She was great. I love this place. We spent quite a bit of time there and I am blown away by the experience. 5 stars for sure and a must see!
David Parra — Google review
Went in early June and the weather was great. Parking was a little confusing, we ended up just stopping on a nearby road and walking down but was only a 5 minute walk! The beach itself is beautiful and I loved that there were wildlife safety attendants who made sure to keep people off of the rocks and to help us spot animals! Cannon Beach was just down the road with a bunch of cute shops and restaurants to walk in. Loved all of the flowers in bloom.
Lizzie Albert — Google review
Very pretty, especially at sunset. Fun to see at low tide. You might even see starfish and sea anemones, plus tons of birds and maybe even a puffin or two! Free beach access but had quick access via nearby resort and spa. Romantic for couples, fun for families and even beach fires at night. There's nothing like waking up to the sound of the ocean and stepping out your balcony to see this beautiful sight.
Marisa Silversides — Google review
One of the prettiest locations I’ve ever been to. Went on a Saturday so parking was hard but we found something right near the one main entrance to the beach. Sand was so soft. It was very family friendly and pet friendly. It was such a beautiful day the weather couldn’t have been any better. Constant beach patrols going back and forth so that was nice to see.
Paulina Velez — Google review
Cannon Beach becomes even more beautiful with this extra touch—it just completes the whole picture. It's the kind of place that leaves you speechless, and trust me, you really have to check it out on your next Oregon coast trip. The sunset there? Absolutely worth every moment.
Fluffy Foody — Google review
We had to make a stop there and witness God's creation and enjoy it. This place is a must-visit attraction site if you are driving alongside the Pacific highway. I mean, there are many spots and viewpoints to enjoy and this one should be on the top 5 list. The area around it is very beautiful from sand, trees, and other natural sites. Make sure and stop there for a visit.
Peter Assad — Google review
The most beautiful place you'll find in the area. The tide pools are awesome to experience.
NOTE: If you choose to visit and see the tide pools, you MUST respect the rules. Stay on the sand.
DO NOT walk on the rocks or touch the wildlife. This is not some purpose made exhibit that you let your children crawl on. This is a delicate ecosystem. Please show respect and reverence to the wildlife.
Take a picture or watch. Don't touch.
Sunset and sunrise are stunning on Cannon Beach
Matthew Keel — Google review
"hey you guys" you've got to check out these rocks. I have seen puffin, sea stars, hermit crabs and other sea creatures out there but today I saw some Elk on the hill side leading down to the water. This place is special and is always a crowd pleaser. My son had fun spotting different sea creatures this last time we visited.
Domenic styer — Google review
Been visiting this spot since I was a little kid. Such good memories have been built on this beach. This is a must stop if visiting the coast. Cannon Beach is one of the best tourist stops on the coast in my opinion. Great stores, restaurants and beaches. What’s not to love. There is also plenty of rentals available for those wishing to stay more than a day trip.
Yedidyah Kent — Google review
One of the most beautiful beaches I've ever visited. So glad I made the trip. The beach wasn't too crowded. The water was freezing, but that didn't stop anyone from getting their feet wet. Plenty of overflow parking two blocks up from the beach. Well worth the drive up hwy 101.
Andrea Archer — Google review
Haystack Rock's natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Its grandeur against the ocean backdrop is captivating. Exploring the vibrant tide pools is like discovering a hidden world. The tranquility of the beach and the breathtaking sunsets make it a true gem for nature lovers. Oregon's masterpiece of nature! 🌄🌊
Bo Taylor — Google review
Iconic. Amazing. Well worth it. Must visit without a doubt. Go! Check it out. Make it a point to visit at least once. You will not regret. I will most definitely be back. I loved the beach and the view is amazing. I highly highly recommend.
Carlos Francisco Rivera — Google review
Must visit! The most amazing views. We stayed on the beach for a while, just in awe. We went on our own. We did not pay for a tour. If you rent a vehicle, you are able to drive there on your own and stay as long as you like. We ended walking to an amazing restaurant on the beach and had some delicious lunch. Don't think twice. Go!
Monique Baker — Google review
Long time & frequent visitor. So many great memories here. Hands down the most amazing beach I've ever been to. Night-time fires on the beach, picnics, birthdays, anniversaries, beach combing and the sunsets! The sunsets are incredible. Summer nights are the best because the sky is clear and you can see every star in the sky (provided you don't go on a full moon, which is equally as beautiful). I absolutely LOVE Cannon Beach. I loaded a mix of photos I've taken over several years. Time to go back SOON!
Stephanie Lorenzini Coleman — Google review
Beautiful beach. No litter (keep it that way!) And very dog friendly. Always windy, and always chilly. But beautiful and great for long walks on the beach. At low tide the volunteers that come out to keep people off the rock are amazing. They can teach you all about the wildlife that desperately need the safety of the rock to be protected.
Patrick Harding — Google review
This place has captured our hearts and refuses to let go. Cannon Beach, you’ve left an indelible mark on our souls. The memories we created there are etched in our minds like footprints in the sand. The feeling of the ocean breeze, so vivid and alive, still dances in our minds. It's like we can almost taste the salty air again! 🌅
But it was the kids eyes filled with pure joy that truly took our breath away. Seeing them delight in every moment was a reminder of how precious these family adventures are. ❤️
Saundharya Sivakumar — Google review
Wonderful beach and well worth a visit. Make sure to explore when the tide is out or at sunset. Starfish, puffins, etc...Perfect for kite flying too. Bathrooms are near the parking lot.
Wildcraft Rose — Google review
My first time in the Pacific Northwest! The coast is stunning! I'm a Florida native so the beach was a completely different experience! The water was a brisk 57 degrees and refreshing to walk in. I can't wait to visit again!
Melinda Thackrah — Google review
Haystack rocks is super cool. It is definitely worth taking the time to go over to it. Parked in a free lot just off the Main Street and walked over and it only took a few minutes. Got to the beach and walked a little ways to the rocks and it was awesome. The weather was gloomy and rainy but it really added to the ambiance of the rocks. Would recommend.
Tristan C — Google review
Gorgeous and worth the stop! We parked a few blocks away in a free public lot and walked over, maybe took 5 minutes. Great for walking or playing with dogs or just playing in the sand. Or just sitting there to relax and enjoy everything around you, definitely a good spot for that.
Alexandra Browning — Google review
What an amazing place! We went in January and were lucky enough to have the clouds part and the temperature rise to 50° for a few hours. The tide was also in a good spot to get close enough for a great shot. It’s a great day trip from Portland.
Charlie Foster — Google review
We visited the rocks during low tide. We parked on the street by the wayfarer restaurant and walked over to the big rock (~5 min) to where the tide pools are located.
We got to see starfish, anemones, sea slugs, and even octopus. What a great experience!
Jhonsen Djajamuliadi — Google review
One of the most magical things I saw. It was not just the rocks on the sand/water. It was the combination of the sunset sky, clouds, mist, reflections, waves!!! Oh my goodness~~ nature is beautiful!
We came in November, drove almost 2 hours from Portland just to see the Oregon coast! it was still chilly and rainy. But honestly, it was totally worth it! Come during sunset time, you will be amazed.
If not sunset yet, eat at MO’s seafood and chowder, you have a view of the coast in the restaurant.
Lia Guan — Google review
First time visiting since I was young. Great open beach with a lot of space to walk and wander between rock and coastal shrubs to higher land. I especially like the “channel-like” feel that gave a sense of plaza on this natural site and wonder.
Kristi — Google review
First time ever at Cannon Beach, and I got to be right up next to Haystack Rock! This was an amazing experience. Had an incredibly wonderful time just exploring and walking around on the beach with a low tide too!
Brendan Boyd — Google review
One of the most beautiful places here in PNW. So pleasing to the eyes. Stunning sunset experiences every time we visit. The important beach in Oregon and a must visit.
Ecola State Park is a breathtaking destination located on Oregon's northern coastline, just north of the famous Cannon Beach. This stunning park boasts sweeping coastal views and wind-swept rocky beaches, as well as a picturesque winding road and charming beach towns. The area also features an impressive rainforest with lush vegetation that visitors can drive through on their way up the hill. If you're planning to visit Ecola State Park, it's recommended to go around sunset for an even more awe-inspiring experience.
Amazing views and an easy to access park. There were even a few elk to greet us in the parking lot! As of April 2022, Indian Beach was open and we enjoyed walking that as well.
Ben Smith — Google review
What an amazing drive. 100% natural. If a tree falls, they leave it in place. In all its glory! There’s hiking trails in the forest itself, and a quick drive down to the beach and you have hours of entertainment walking and seeing beautiful, beautiful, pristine, beach, rock, formations, and, of course the magnificent ocean. They have picnic tables. I highly recommend purchasing the Oregon State park pass. An amazing value. And if you are a senior it’s $50 for two years. At all the state parks. Anyway, come on down to this state park it is magical. The smell is amazing! I think you’d be a great place to have a wedding.
Denny Kleen — Google review
Stunning park just north of iconic Cannon Beach with amazing views. My preferred time to visit is around sunset. You also get to drive through a really nice rainforest on the way up the hill. Oregon is amazing!
Dominick Weldon — Google review
This is a great spot for beginners or even elderly/handicap people. You get a great view even just driving up. There are bathrooms right near the parking and down the trail as well. There are some longer trails but you can still get some great views from the main short walking trails. It's a short drive from Seaside and parking is 5 bucks. Dog and kid friendly as well. Come check this place out.
Austin Miller — Google review
For a quick, scenic stop, this is the right stop. If you want to hike like we did, you have options too. The over look is an easy walk, but was quite muddy once you left the pavement. A nice view of Tillamook lighthouse is worth the short walk. The view of Cresent beach was equally impressive. We enjoyed our second time stopping here.
Bruce B — Google review
This beach was so magical!! First time ever seeing the pacific coast and I truly fell in love with this spot. We hiked all the way down to the beach trying to make it by sunset, and it didn’t disappoint one bit. The hike was a bit treacherous, but so worth it. The hike itself was beautiful, I felt like I was in the forest mixed with jungle! Once we were down at the beach, we were the only ones down there. We got to enjoy the sunset and beautiful views. Will definitely be back.
Laura Silva — Google review
Ohhhh the drive out there is a thrilling one for sure, esp in my tiny RV 😳😆😳...and people drive crazy fast so be careful!!! But it has very Beautiful views, and two long hikes to the beach ( which I didn't do) all of the shorter hikes and several view points are cabled off or have warning ⚠️ signs of closure due to active landslides. Place was packed like every place else. 🤷♀️ Drive out was even more exciting than the drive in.😳😳😳🤗😎
Twistedhippie — Google review
Amazing hike and views. We had the best time! Absolutely recommend!
Garrett Wheeler — Google review
Amazing views, trails can be muddy in spring so wear appropriate shoes.
Hug Point State Recreation Site is a charming state park located on the Oregon coast. The park boasts forested picnic areas and a sandy cove beach, making it a picturesque destination for visitors. Parking is free and plentiful, although the public restrooms may be closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. The beach offers rocky cliffs, sandy shores, and even a cave for exploration. Additionally, there is a small waterfall along the ocean that can be seen during low tide.
On a whim, we drove here from Portland on 1/17/22. It was the usual misty weather in Portland but the weather as the seaside was fantastic! Parking was free & plentiful, although the public restrooms were closed, probably due to covid.
The beach was not crowded and we enjoyed strolling along the shoreline. I've not lived in Oregon too long (11/2020), and this was my first visit to the Oregon coast. I'll definitely be coming back!
Donna Perry — Google review
A must see beautiful piece of history! Careful walking the stairs, the last one onto the beach is very unstable and steps on to rocks. If you struggle with walking make sure you have a strong hand to help you down.
But after the stairs it is freaking fabulous. Walk to the right and follow the sand around the point, shallow caves to explore, a beautiful waterfall and sea urchins by the barrels on the rocks. You will find wagon wheel tracks carved into the rock up over the ocean. Enjoy it! It is a special place😄
Mrs. Brown — Google review
What a beautiful section of the Oregon coast! Easy access to a large, walkable beach. If the ocean isn't fulfilling your fancy, how about a waterfall that flows right through the beach?! It's gorgeous and we enjoyed our visit!
Sandip Suvedi — Google review
Great spot! Beautiful all the way around with trails and plenty of exploring. It’s a must for the whole family. You could literally spend the whole day here exploring or just pick a spot and just enjoy all the natural beauty it offers. Definitely recommend to all ages!
A R — Google review
Lovely beach with a waterfall, caves and fun rockhounding. The stairs to get to the beach from the parking lot are missing a couple at the bottom making it a big drop for short or elderly people. Go during low tide if you want to see it all. That's the only time you can get around the point. Prepare to get your feet wet crossing shallow runoff water from the falls to explore.
Dena — Google review
Dreamlike beach not -- far off the hwy 101 but somehow off the beaten path. Look to go a low tide so you can turn the northern cliff corner and be surprised by the magic of ride pools in rocks, waterfall, and assortment of crevices and caves...warning: steep stairs challenging for some, not wheelchair friendly.
Mari Kim — Google review
Nice beach, good amount of parking spaces available. There’s rocks, sand, and a cave. We had this on our list of places to visit because the small waterfall along the ocean. We arrived during high tide so we were sadly unable to see the waterfall.
Megan V — Google review
Love all the surprises at this beach and the tide pool. Went there first time at low tide yesterday, it was great to see those amazing sea creatures on the rocks and huge mussels all around the rocks. The waterfall is a bonus. Very pretty nature artwork!
Grace Lukman — Google review
Beautiful beach tucked away on the Oregon Coast between Cannon and Rockaway Beach.
Parking was a but difficult with how many cars were there, but people were coming and going. Just had to be patient.
This beach is huge and widely accessible. We saw folks with grills and party set ups in both directions.
Lots of small stack rocks to climb on and tide pools when the water is low. Overall, worth the pit stop!
Taylor Gardner — Google review
This has always been my favorite beach! There is plenty of room to feel like you have your own private beach. There are tons of fun exploration options for kids and adults with caves and a waterfall!
Micah Peyron — Google review
My 1st visit and it was a super low tide. Gorgeous and fun to explore! Plus there were rope rescues being practiced, which was also fun to watch.
Teresa Vaughan — Google review
Majestic hug point! Caves, rare barnicals that you can harvest. Ocean waves, sandy beaches. And a waterfall in the beach. You can't ask for anything more.
Beth — Google review
Very beautiful and enjoyable, I will definitely be back to hike around when it's not raining
Wendy Duncan — Google review
Great spot to pull over with a very short walk down to the beach. Typically, it's not too crowded. The coves and rocky areas can fill up with water quickly once the tide returns, so be smart and check the tide charts if you're going to venture very far down the beach (Perhaps before you arrive, as sometimes cell signal can be spotty). Also, I'm unsure if it's officially a dog friendly spot, but I've seen dogs there often. Please keep them on a leash so they don't get themselves into trouble. Have fun!
Seth Harris — Google review
If you are in the area, you must stop here. Come early, limited parking. Waterfall is to the right of the staircase. We are so lucky to have seen this place!
Teresa Gildersleeve — Google review
Classic Oregon Pacific Coast beach. Fall waves were crashing. Plan your arrival to at low tide to explore more. Climb the short trail north of parking to see the small waterfall from the high bluff Note: restroom closed for season.
Curvie Hawkins — Google review
Hug Point is absolutely beautiful, it blew me away!! Pictures don't do it justice. There's a cool crevice in one of the rocks you can explore and there's a mini waterfall, all just a few mins walk from the stairs going down to the beach (turn right at the bottom of the stairs). BUT watch the tide because you will get wet if you don't time it right and the tide starts to come in! Breathtaking beach and nature though 😍
M — Google review
This is a very good place for an able-bodied person to walk down some steep steps to get to the beach and walk along the beach. We were here in early October, 2023, there were hundreds and hundreds of small jellyfish along the shore.
Roger Plank — Google review
What can you expect more from Hug Point? It has beautiful beach, fine sand, clear water, rocks, birds, trees, waterfall, caves and lots of sea creatures... It's not just a typical pacific beach, it's more like an entertainment center to explore! You can have too much fun here and the scenery is fabulous! The beach is huge and don't feel crowded at all. We had lots of fun here and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.