Chasing Memories: A Family Travel Blog.

Cannon Beach Family Adventures: Tips, Tales & Tidal Fun for Every Traveler!

Cover Image for Cannon Beach Family Adventures: Tips, Tales & Tidal Fun for Every Traveler!
Audrey Rose
Audrey Rose

Our Adventure at Cannon Beach, Oregon: Memories Made and Lessons Learned!

Gather ‘round, fellow fam-trotters! Let me take you back to our recent whirlwind adventure at the stunning Cannon Beach, Oregon. Think jaw-droppingly beautiful coastlines, towering sea stacks (hello, Haystack Rock! Wide-angle landscape photograph of Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach during sunset, featuring crashing waves and a vibrant sky filled with shades of pink and orange. The warm golden hour light illuminates the rock and beach, creating soft reflections in the wet sand, evoking tranquility and awe.), and a family bonding experience that brought laughter, a few meltdowns, and some epic sandcastle-building moments. Spoiler alert: sandcastles don't stand up well to toddler ideas of “decorating” with wet sand.

Highlights of Our Trip: The Good, the Great, and the "No, Don't Eat That!"

The first time we set foot on that golden sand, Max, our ambitious five-year-old, immediately announced that he was a professional sand engineer. Proud parent moment? Absolutely! We spent what felt like hours constructing the biggest sandcastle the Pacific Northwest has ever seen—or at least that's how it felt in our hearts!

Underneath the towering Haystack Rock, we marveled at the tide pools, which were genuinely a highlight of our trip. Watching Leo's eyes light up at the sight of a little crab scuttling away? Just priceless! Pro tip: Bring a magnifying glass for a better look at the sea critters and be prepared to explain for the hundredth time that crabs aren't available on the kids' menu.

The Challenges: Navigating Tantrums and Tides

Let's be real! Traveling with toddlers can sometimes feel like you're herding cats, and our trip was no different. One minute, Leo was squealing with joy splashing in the waves, and the next—boom!—he fell face-first into the sand, giving the locals a show-stopping performance in the art of unintentional slapstick comedy.

Speaking of comedy, can we talk about nap times? Our originally scheduled quiet hour turned into a wild game of "Will They Sleep?!” while we sat in our crowded beach tent fighting off seagulls looking to steal our beach chips. I recommend staying in a family-friendly rental near the beach where you can sneak away for those essential afternoon siestas, especially if you hope to watch the stunning sunset A close-up shot of a joyful 5-year-old boy named Max, who is excitedly building a sandcastle with wet sand near the shoreline at Cannon Beach. His focused expression and hands shaping the sand are prominently featured, with gentle waves lapping at the beach in the background. The image is bright and cheerful, capturing the playfulness and delight of the moment in daylight..

Must-Do Activities: Keep the Kids Happy and Parents Sane!

  1. Explore Ecola State Park Wide shot of Ecola State Park featuring dramatic cliffs and a rocky coastline under a bright blue sky. Hikers are seen enjoying the scenic trail surrounded by lush green foliage, with the soft natural lighting enhancing the vibrant landscape. The image conveys a sense of freedom and curiosity.: Grab those hiking boots, folks! Nestled just a little north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers spectacular ocean views and easy trails. If you're lucky, you might even spot a seal or two basking in the sun.

  2. Beach Bonfire: Yes, you can have a bonfire on the beach! (Please check the local regulations.) After dinner, we roasted marshmallows while trying not to let our boys fall face-first into the flames. Kids, right? Best s'mores ever!

  3. Cannon Beach Toy Company: This adorable, local shop became our oasis amid the chaos. Max and Leo were in heaven (read as: Mom was about ten dollars lighter in her wallet). Perfect spot to grab them a toy—parenting hack: you might be able to snag a quiet moment browsing unique souvenirs while they happily get lost in the toy aisle.

Budget-Friendly Shenanigans: Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Believe it or not, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities in Cannon Beach:

  • Public Beach Access: Yep, a big win! Enjoy the beautiful sandy beach without spending a dime. Bring your own snacks or steal a few of Noah's homemade sandwiches (seriously, they're the best).

  • Picnicking: Pack a lunch and find a scenic spot on the beach. Our kids might have eaten more sand than sandwiches, but it was worth the giggles!

  • Farmers Market: If you're in town during the summer, hit the Cannon Beach Farmers Market on Tuesday evenings. Fresh produce, local crafts, and the perfect place to grab a delicious and cheap meal while your kids chase after the friendly goats.

Must-O-Must-Try Foods: Local Flavor to Savor

You can't visit Cannon Beach without trying some delicious local eats.

  • Mo's Seafood & Chowder: Whether you're a clam chowder lover or just want some incredibly fresh seafood, Mo's is a must. Just be prepared for the possibility that your kids will insist on ordering something goofy like breadsticks instead.

  • Cannon Beach Bakery Close-up image of a golden, flaky chocolate croissant next to a steaming cup of coffee, highlighting the rich textures and inviting warmth of the scene at Cannon Beach Bakery. Soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, with gentle shadows accentuating the indulgent pastry.: Calling all carb lovers! Grab a coffee and a few pastries from this gem. Pro tip: The chocolate croissants are excellent fuel for those post-nap adventures, and trust me, they're kid-approved!

  • Ice Cream at The Ice Cream Shop: Nothing says “we survived another day of parenthood” like an ice cream cone bigger than your child's head.

Final Tips for Families: Your Cannon Beach Cheat Sheet

  1. Bring Plenty of Towels: You know how kids can be—one minute they're playing in the water, the next they're covered in sand. Just sayin'.

  2. Beach Games: Pack a frisbee, beach ball, or kite to keep your little ones entertained when they're not busy collecting seashells or chasing gulls.

  3. Stay Flexible: Plans with kids are prone to detours (or full-on U-turns). Embrace the chaos, because sometimes the best memories come from the moments you never saw coming!

So there you have it, folks! Our family getaway to Cannon Beach was filled with laughter, affection, tears, and maybe just a smidge of frosty ocean water. My hope is that this post sparks some wanderlust in you to explore this lovely coastal gem. Grab your kids, some beach toys, and dive into this adventure!