Heritage Vacation Homes Blog
At Heritage Vacation Homes, we believe the best trips start with a beautiful place to stay and local knowledge to guide the way. Our luxury homes in Cannon Beach and Arch Cape are designed to bring people together along one of the most stunning stretches of the Oregon Coast. Through this blog, we share our favorite beaches, seasonal traditions, and hidden coastal gems. Think of it as your insider guide to exploring the coast beyond the typical travel lists. We hope it helps you discover new places— and create lasting memories along the shore.
Photographing scenic Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a dream destination for photographers, travelers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its rugged coastline, charming town, and iconic landmarks, this coastal gem offers countless opportunities to capture stunning images. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply hoping to capture a beautiful Reel during your visit, we are here to share the best photo opportunities in our area!
Local Tip from Dennis and Lara: The best sunset shots are when low tied happens right at sunset! The reflections produced in wet sand are unreal!
1. Haystack Rock
Undoubtedly the crown jewel of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is one of the most photographed landmarks in the PNW. This 235-foot sea stack rises majestically in the waters close to the beach and is accessible any time of day. For the best shots:
- Sunrise/Sunset: The golden hues cast on the rock create dramatic silhouettes and reflections.
- Low Tide: Explore the vibrant tide pools and capture close-ups of starfish, anemones, and other marine life. Please be respectful of tiny wildlife by not stepping on the rocks around Haystack Rock.
- Birdwatching: Haystack Rock is a nesting site for tufted puffins in spring and summer—a rare and delightful sight to photograph. And if you get lucky, you may spot a bald eagle come in to cause trouble!
- Check the tide charts during the winter: The infamous King Tides make the beach practically unreachable
- There are multiple locations to photograph Haystack Rock from! Ecola Point, Tolovana Park, and Chapman Point (all listed below) will each offer a unique view of the Rock!
2. Ecola State Park
Located just a short drive north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers sweeping vistas of the coastline and lush forested trails. Don’t miss these photo-worthy spots:
- Crescent Beach Overlook: This iconic view of Cannon Beach offers a panoramic viewpoint ideal for capturing the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast.
- Trails: The park’s hiking trails offer opportunities to capture the old-growth forest full of moss-covered trees, ferns, and wildlife.
- Indian Beach: Perfect for dramatic ocean shots, especially during stormy weather. Surfers also flock to this beach, creating a dynamic photo op.
3. Downtown Cannon Beach
The quaint charm of downtown Cannon Beach is a photographer’s delight. Wander the streets to capture:
- Art Galleries and Shops: Unique storefronts and colorful signage make for great detail shots.
- Seasonal Decor: Visit during holidays or festivals for vibrant, themed displays.
- Public Art: Sculptures and murals scattered throughout the town add character to your photos.
4. Tolovana Beach
South of Haystack Rock, Tolovana Beach offers quieter shores and expansive views. This location is perfect for:
- Wide-Angle Shots: Capture the full expanse of the coastline with Haystack Rock in the distance.
- Bonfire Scenes: Document cozy evening gatherings around a beach bonfire.
- Dog Photography: Tolovana Beach is dog-friendly, making it a great place for candid pet shots.
5. Arcadia Beach
Less crowded than other spots, Arcadia Beach is a serene location with dramatic rock formations and tide pools. It’s ideal for:
- Long Exposure Shots: Use a tripod to capture silky water effects around the rocks.
- Family Portraits: The calm and spacious environment is great for group photos.
6. Cape Falcon Trail
For those willing to hike, the Cape Falcon Trail rewards adventurers with jaw-dropping views. Located within Oswald West State Park, this trail offers:
- Cliffside Vistas: Stunning views of the ocean from high above.
- Wildlife Photography: Keep an eye out for whales, seabirds, and other wildlife.
- Lush Forests: The journey through dense forest is as photogenic as the destination.
7. Chapman Point
- Crowd-free Photos in Cannon Beach: Because of its proximity to the very popular Haystack Rock, this beach is incredibly quiet.
- Sand dunes: the perfect spot for a classic multi-generation beach pose or a romantic engagement session
- Basalt Rock Formations: jagged rocks of different shapes and sizes rise from the water
8. Hiking Trails
Every hiking trail will afford an incredible photo op every step of the way! From the boardwalk section in Ecola State Park (pictured above) to the foggy sun beams that push through the shadows on the path to Neahkahnie to the mossy undergrowth of the Cape Falcon trails, your camera memory card will quickly fill up with winning shots!
Things to know:
- Please always stay on the official trails. Wandering into this beautiful nature destroys it.
- Always keep your distance from any animals you encounter.
- Trails in State Parks will require a parking fee.
- Other popular trails may run out of parking spaces, so it’s best to go either earlier or later in the day.
9. Hug Point State Park
Be captivated by the rocky cliffs, multiple sea caves, tidepools and of course the beautiful waterfall that flows straight onto the beach! This location is perfect for:
- Wildlife photography, from the tidepool creatures to bald eagles overhead. If you’re lucky, you may see a sea pup sunning on the beach or a Dungeness crab quietly hiding at the bottom of a pool
- Family photography: candid photos of children playing on this beach and families having a picnic at the base of the falls.
- Dramatic landscapes, any time of year. The weather does not affect how dramatic this beach is!
Tips for Photographing Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Check the Tides: Many photo opportunities, such as tide pools and sea caves, are only accessible at low tide.
- Pack for the Weather: Coastal Oregon is known for its unpredictable weather. Be prepared for mist, rain, and wind.
- Use a Tripod: For low-light conditions and long exposures, a sturdy tripod is essential.
- Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing wildlife or fragile ecosystems.
Cannon Beach is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, blending natural wonder with small-town charm. Whether you’re capturing the iconic Haystack Rock, the tranquility of Tolovana Beach, or the dramatic landscapes of Ecola State Park, you’ll leave with memories—and images—to last a lifetime. So grab your camera and start exploring this coastal paradise!
Enjoy a vacation rental set right in the heart of some of our favorite beaches! Book The House at Arch Cape
Heritage Vacation Homes is a boutique collection of luxury vacation rentals along the Oregon Coast and on Maui, thoughtfully designed for families and multi-generational gatherings.
With local insight, elevated amenities, and carefully curated homes, we create beautiful spaces where meaningful memories are made.