Chapman Beach Access

Chapman Beach Access offers families a peaceful alternative to Cannon Beach's busier stretches, with wide sandy shores perfect for building sandcastles and flying kites. This hidden gem features accessible tide pools teeming with starfish, anemones, and crabs that fascinate young explorers, plus excellent shell collecting opportunities along the quieter shoreline.

• ✓Exceptional tide pools filled with starfish, hermit crabs, and sea anemones
• ✓Quieter, less crowded atmosphere than main Cannon Beach areas
• ✓Excellent shell and sand dollar collecting along the shoreline
• ✓Soft sand perfect for castle building and beach games
• ✓Beautiful coastal views without the tourist bustle

1. 1.Visit during low tide (check tide charts beforehand) for the best tide pool exploration,aim for 1-2 hours before the lowest tide for maximum marine life viewing
2. 2.Park along W 7th Street where you'll find the access point; arrive before 10am in summer for easiest parking near the beach entrance
3. 3.Bring a bucket with magnifying glass for tide pool exploration, but remind kids to observe gently and return creatures to their pools
4. 4.Pack layers and windbreakers even on sunny days,coastal winds pick up in the afternoon and temperatures can drop quickly
5. 5.The less crowded setting makes this perfect for younger children who might feel overwhelmed at Haystack Rock's busy main beach area

Visit on weekday mornings during low tide for the calmest experience with optimal tide pool access. Summer offers warmest weather, but spring and fall provide equally beautiful beach days with even fewer crowds and excellent storm watching opportunities.

Beach access is free with no entrance fees. Street parking is available but limited during peak summer months. No facilities directly at this access point, so plan restroom breaks at downtown Cannon Beach (5-minute walk) before heading to the beach.

Beach is accessible year-round. Summer (June-August) offers warmest weather but more visitors. Winter brings dramatic storm watching and near-empty beaches, though water is too cold for wading. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures with minimal crowds, ideal for tide pooling.

Walk five minutes to downtown Cannon Beach for Pizza a'fetta (kid-friendly pizzas and casual atmosphere) or Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters (pastries, hot chocolate, and light breakfast items perfect for beach picnics).