A Family-Friendly, Year-Round Guide to Oregon’s Coast
For families who crave simplicity, luxury and authenticity, Cannon Beach offers a rare combination: a world-class coastal destination that’s as family-friendly as it is artful — and many of its best experiences are completely free. Whether you’re staying nearby at one of our beach homes or visiting for the day, each season brings its own rhythm of discovery, art, and natural beauty.
Spring: Whales, Puffins & New Beginnings
As the Pacific shakes off winter’s chill, Cannon Beach comes alive in color and motion. From March through May, grey whales migrate north toward Alaska, puffins return to Haystack Rock, and the town’s artistic heart starts to beat again.
Top Free Spring Experiences:
Whale Watching from Ecola State Park: Bring binoculars — this is one of Oregon’s best vantage points for spotting migrating grey whales just offshore.
Puffin Season at Haystack Rock: Tufted puffins nest here from April through August, easily visible from the beach. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program often sets up free interpretive stations to help kids spot them.
Spring Unveiling Arts Festival (May): Every May, Cannon Beach’s galleries celebrate new works with artist demos, live music, and open houses — all free to explore.
Self-Guided Art & History Walks: Stop by the visitor center for maps of Cannon Beach’s public art and historical walking tours. It’s a fun, educational way to spend an afternoon with kids.
Insider Tip: Always bring a pair of rainboots to the Oregon coast! Even if it’s sunny, you will be able to hunt for sand dollars, walk through went sand to the tidepools and simply enjoy a beach stroll without worrying about how cold the water is.
Summer: Sun, Sand & Seaside Traditions
Summer is Cannon Beach at its most vibrant — long days, lively festivals, and that irresistible Pacific breeze. Yet even at the height of the season, the town maintains a relaxed, family-oriented charm.
Top Free Summer Experiences
- Beach Time at Haystack Rock: Build sandcastles, explore tide pools, or just take in the ocean view that made Cannon Beach famous.
- Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest (June): This iconic event transforms the beach into a gallery of imagination, with everything from mermaids to mini-Haystack Rocks sculpted from sand. Free to watch, it’s one of the coast’s most beloved family events. You are also invited to sign up to compete- there are competitions for all ages and skill levels!
- Cannon Beach Farmers Market (Tuesdays, mid-June to early September): Located at Gower and Hemlock, it’s free to browse — a colorful mix of fresh produce, local flowers, and live music. Kids love sampling berries while parents chat with local growers.
- Fourth of July Parade: A small-town celebration that feels like summer nostalgia brought to life — lawn chairs, local floats, and patriotic pups.
- Free Pickleball & Tennis at City Park: Borrow equipment from the visitor center and play on community courts in downtown Cannon Beach.
- Build a Bonfire: End each evening with a bonfire, the stars, s’mores and memories made with the people you love. Be sure to check out our bonfire rules for the safest ways to enjoy this activity!
Fall: Art, Stormy Lighting & Tranquil Escapes
As the summer crowds thin, Cannon Beach reveals its quieter side. The air grows crisp, waves build drama, and the sunsets turn golden. This is the “second summer” for families seeking peace, photography, and cozy evenings.
Top Free Fall Experiences:
- Stormy Weather Arts Festival (early November): A local favorite that celebrates the intersection of art and atmosphere. Galleries host free receptions, live painting, and music throughout the weekend.
Gallery Strolls: With smaller crowds, you can linger and chat with artists. Cannon Beach’s compact downtown is easy to explore on foot.
Scenic Hikes: Ecola State Park, Short Sand Beach, and Hug Point offer easy family hikes with breathtaking coastal views. Fall rains can make the waterfalls even more dramatic.
Bird-Watching & Photography: Migrating shorebirds and changing light create endless opportunities for budding photographers.
Guests at our beach homes often find fall to be the most peaceful season — the perfect time to enjoy an oceanside fire pit or a gallery weekend with fewer visitors.
Winter: Storm Watching & Coastal Cheer
Winter on the Oregon Coast is anything but dull. It’s when Cannon Beach feels most intimate — waves crash dramatically, the town sparkles with holiday lights, and locals welcome visitors with warmth.
Top Free Winter Experiences:
- Haystack Holidays (late November–December): This month-long celebration features tree-lightings, free concerts, wreath-making, and caroling in the streets. Families can meet Santa, join the Lamp Lighting Ceremony, or stroll through twinkling Sandpiper Square.
Whale Watching (December–January): The grey whales head south again, passing close to shore. Bundle up and visit Ecola State Park or Silver Point lookout for the best views.
Storm Watching: Watch safely from viewpoints or your own covered balcony — the Pacific puts on a show of towering waves and dramatic skies.
This is the season for cozy togetherness — board games by the fireplace, hot cocoa for the kids, espresso for parents, and ocean drama just beyond the window. Our Beach Homes offer the perfect balance: luxurious comfort and front-row seats to nature’s show.
A Coastal Year to Remember
Whether you visit in spring for whales, summer for sandcastles, fall for art, or winter for storm-watching, Cannon Beach offers families countless ways to connect — without spending a cent. The beauty here is that the very best things are free: the sound of waves, the smell of sea air, and the shared joy of discovery.
For families staying nearby in our beach homes, these moments are all within reach — part of the rhythm of life on Oregon’s most beloved stretch of coast.