


Cannon Beach City Park
About
Cannon Beach City Park serves as an ideal basecamp for families exploring Oregon's stunning coastline. With convenient picnic facilities and direct beach access, it's the perfect spot to refuel between sandcastle building sessions and tide pool adventures. The park's central location makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed lunch while the kids burn energy on the sand.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple shaded picnic areas perfect for beach lunch breaks
- ✓Easy, family-friendly access to Cannon Beach's famous shoreline
- ✓Convenient central location within walking distance of town shops and ice cream
- ✓Grassy areas ideal for kids to play while parents set up picnics
- ✓Stunning views of Haystack Rock in the distance
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (by 8-9 AM) to snag the best picnic tables, especially during summer weekends when the town gets crowded
- 2.Bring blankets or beach mats as backup since picnic tables fill up quickly during peak season
- 3.Pack extra layers and windbreakers,coastal weather can change quickly even on sunny days
- 4.Use the park as a convenient meeting point if your family splits up to explore different shops along Hemlock Street
- 5.The restroom facilities here are cleaner and less crowded than beach access points, so make it a pit stop before heading to the sand
Best Time to Visit
Visit weekday mornings (7-10 AM) for the most peaceful experience and easiest parking. Late spring through early fall offers the best weather, though summer afternoons can get crowded. Early evening visits (5-7 PM) provide beautiful sunset views with thinning crowds.
What to Know
The park is free to visit with street parking available nearby (metered in some areas). While picnic facilities are provided, there are no playgrounds or restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly and consider stopping at nearby public facilities before settling in.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer (June-August) is prime time with the warmest weather and longest hours of daylight. Winter visits can be magical for storm watching, though bring waterproof gear. The park is especially popular during the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest in June.
Nearby Eats
Grab fresh clam chowder and fish & chips at Mo's Restaurant (kid favorites!) or pick up sandwiches and snacks at Mariner Market deli before heading to the park for a classic beach picnic.
More Activities Near Cannon Beach
Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site
Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site offers families a perfect blend of rugged Oregon coastline and sheltered amenities. This peaceful beach park features tide pools to explore, wide sandy beaches for castle building, and convenient covered picnic areas,making it ideal for families who want the beach experience with a bit more shelter from coastal winds.
Saddle Mountain State Natural Area
Saddle Mountain offers an achievable challenge for adventurous families, with a 5.2-mile round-trip trail that climbs through wildflower meadows to Oregon's third-highest peak. The summit rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cannon Beach, and the Coast Range,a memory-making experience that active kids will talk about for years.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach offers families an unforgettable Oregon Coast experience centered around the iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock, one of the most photographed landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. Kids can explore magical tide pools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs, build elaborate sandcastles on the wide sandy shores, and watch for puffins nesting on the rock during summer months. The gentle beach slope and relatively calm waters make it ideal for wading and beachcombing.
Newman's 98 French Restaurant
Newman's 98 French Restaurant offers families a rare opportunity to enjoy upscale French dining with kids in the heart of Cannon Beach. With stunning ocean views and an accommodating atmosphere during early dining hours, this is the perfect spot for celebrating special occasions or treating the family to an elevated culinary experience without the usual fine-dining stress.