Paradise Still Exists in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Image Credit: Katherine Hernandez

My favorite vacation spot growing up was always Cannon Beach, Oregon. To me, the little town on the Oregon coast was paradise, and I cherished the time I was able to spend there with family and friends. My family went practically every other year when I was growing up, but as I got older and college (and student loans) were on the horizon, the trips predictably, but unfortunately, stopped. Though my family had discussed going back multiple times, it wasn’t until earlier this month, more than 10 years since my last visit, that I was able to go back.

Image Credit: Katherine Hernandez

It wasn’t until I finally returned to Cannon Beach that I realized how much I’d missed it. On the trip I took in early August with my mother, we stayed at the same hotel we had when I was growing up, which sits just steps from the beach. If you’re lucky enough to get a room on the ground floor, you can actually open your sliding door and walk to the beach in less than 10 steps. For the rest of us, the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean would have to do. But the moment I set foot in the sand, I felt like I had come back home. Walking along the coastline and knowing that I could put my feet in the ocean whenever I wanted to made me feel more at peace than I had in years. Do you ever get that feeling that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be? That’s how I felt the moment I returned to Cannon Beach.

Our first night there, we got in late because traffic getting out of Seattle was horrendous, but we did enjoy a nice, leisurely walk on the beach. Before we went to bed that night, my mom and I discussed all the places we wanted to revisit from previous trips the next day. We were excited to explore the town to see what, if anything, had changed. Of course, there were places that had changed, but not as many as I thought. Almost every shop and restaurant I remembered from my childhood was still there. I thought some places may have moved, though my memory could have been faulty since it had been so long since I’d been there previously. I meant to go to the Cannon Beach Library to see if they had an old map of the town, though I never made it over there. But for the most part, everything I remembered was the same, and I was so happy to be able to eat at my favorite restaurants and explore my favorite shops as an adult.

Marionberry scone from the Lazy Susan Cafe. Image Credit: Katherine Hernandez

Most of my favorite places in Cannon Beach as a child remained my favorite places after exploring them again as an adult. My mom and I enjoyed breakfast twice at the Lazy Susan Cafe, which had delicious food and generous portions of seafood in all their dishes. I spent an absurd amount of money on candy from Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, where you can watch as they make saltwater taffy in store. I stopped by Osburn’s Ice Creamery and the Cannon Beach Bakery to indulge my sweet tooth even more than I should have. And I got into the Christmas spirit early at Yuletides Christmas Shop. I loved exploring all these shops again and enjoying the delicious food I remembered from my childhood with my mom, and it was hard for both of us to not spend an absurd amount of money on gifts for friends, and for ourselves.

Image Credit: Katherine Hernandez

But the best part about being at Cannon Beach was the beach itself. The weather was perfect, mid-70s the entire time, and bright sunshine. The water was cold, I mean, it’s the Pacific Ocean, but I still made sure to spend plenty of time in the water. Every night I was there I took a long walk on the beach at sunset, and in those moments I had never felt more peaceful and more connected with life. The beach has always been a place I’ve gone to be calm, but Cannon Beach in particular relaxes me in a way that no other place can. The area is absolutely beautiful and it’s never too crowded. There are gorgeous landmarks around like Haystack Rock, and the beach itself isn’t very built up. I loved being able to wake up and see the ocean from the balcony at our hotel and fall asleep at night to the sound of the ocean.

Though I would have loved to stay at Cannon Beach forever, our four-day trip sadly came to an end far too quickly. I hadn’t had such a relaxing vacation in years, and I came back feeling happy and renewed with the promise to return to Cannon Beach again next year. I won’t lie, a trip to Cannon Beach can be quite pricey, but the peace and contentment that come from visiting are more than worth it. If you’re looking for a piece of coastal paradise, look no further than Cannon Beach, Oregon. You won’t regret it.

For more information on Cannon Beach, visit Travel Oregon on Facebook and Twitter to plan your next trip!