An Oregon Beach Was Ranked Second Best to Visit in Country in Spring of 2024

Cannon Beach Oregon Haystack Rock
Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach in Oregon. Photo by Mike Monaghan via Flickr CC2.

Three of the United States' top 15 ranking resorts are located in Cannon Beach. Iconic scenes from the cult classic movie The Goonies were filmed here right in front of Haystack Rock. Gorgeous Ecola State Park is just a few minutes north of town, and Hug Point is just south of town, making it the perfect destination for hiking and outdoor exploration. We love Cannon Beach and it's easy to see why this little beach town with chill vibes and lots to do was recently ranked as the second best beach to visit in spring, beating out numerous others in the US.

Cannon Beach Is One Of The Best US Beaches To Visit This Spring

Sunset over the needles near Cannon Beach. Photo by Leigh Anderson via Flickr CC2.

Recently, Dive In put out a ranking of best beaches to visit in spring, and Cannon Beach, Oregon made the list! Venice Beach in southern California, known for it's boardwalk, and seen in countless movies and TV shows took the number one spot.

Cannon Beach Oregon under the night sky with the Milky Way showing.
Michael Matti / Flickr

There were a lot of other well known beaches that could have taken the number two spot, but Cannon Beach beat them all out and with good reason. If you're planning on a trip to Cannon Beach this year, we've put together a little list of some of our favorite activities and places to stay.

Where To Stay During Your Trip To Cannon Beach, Oregon

Stephanie Inn In Canon Beach Oregon from the sky at sunset.
Stephanie Inn / Stephanie Inn Facebook

If you'd like to stay in a top notch resort or a resort with a view, there's no shortage of them in Cannon Beach. Stephanie Inn, The Inn At Cannon Beach, and The Ocean Lodge were all recently voted as three of the top 15 resorts in the US.

The Ocean Lodge exterior at night lit by the moon as seen from the beach.
The Ocean Lodge / The Ocean Lodge Facebook

If you plan on staying at these or any other hotels or resorts while you're in town, be sure to book at least a couple months in advance of your trip as they fill up fast. Most people that come to stay for a few nights choose to stay in a vacation rental instead as rentals are plentiful. From cute little beach themed cottages, to full size homes, there are tons of great options to explore when looking for a place to stay.

There are also a couple RV parks and a nearby campground you can check out.

Things To Do In Cannon Beach, Oregon

Ecola State Park looking south from up high. You can see rock stacks, blue ocean, blue skies, and a beach.
Ecola State Park looking south. Photo by Thomas Shahan via Flickr CC2.

We highly recommend during your trip that you try to make it out to explore Ecola State Park.

This stunning natural escape on the Oregon coast features pretty beaches, numerous trails to hike, stunning views, and the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, also known as Terrible Tilly.

Hug Point Falls at Hug Point in Oregon.
Hug Point Falls / Ian Sane via Flickr CC2.

Another great option to get you out exploring is Hug Point State Recreation Site. If you time it right when the weather is wet, you might get to see the little waterfall flowing down onto the beach at Hug Point. This is a nice spot to relax and walk along the beach.

Assorted handmade candies for sale
Photo via Bruce's Candy Kitchen Facebook page.

While you're in town, you should also stop by Bruce's Candy Kitchen for some sweet treats like homemade chocolate and taffy, and the Cannon Beach Smokehouse for a tasty meal.

The outside of the Cannon Beach Café. There's an old vintage yellow delivery truck parked out front.
Photo via the Cannon Beach Chocolate Café Facebook

The Cannon Beach Chocolate Café is a great place to get a cup of hot coffee, hot chocolate, and fine chocolates and is a must stop.

Have you ever visited Cannon Beach before? What's your favorite thing to do there?