A Dreamy Honeymoon in Cannon Beach, Oregon
As newlyweds, we were eager to find the perfect spot to unwind and celebrate our love. Now, I’m one of those people who prefer to wear sweatshirts to the beach instead of swimsuits. Because of that we decided on the picturesque Cannon Beach, Oregon. Known for its stunning coastal views, charming atmosphere, and iconic Haystack Rock. It turned out to be the ideal honeymoon destination!
Planning the Trip
My Fiance had been to Cannon Beach before and he took over planning our itinerary full of must-see attractions, exceptional dining experiences, and romantic activities. We stayed at the Lodges at Cannon Beach, a luxury townhome that was on the edge of town and only steps away from the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore would be the perfect soundtrack for our romantic getaway.
The Journey from Portland
Cannon Beach is just a two-hour drive west of Portland, and the journey is part of the adventure! As we made our way along the scenic Highway 26, we stopped at charming roadside farm stands. These little gems offered fresh local produce, delicious baked goods, and homemade jams. Picking up some sweet strawberries and a couple jars of artisan pepper jelly’s added a delightful touch to our road trip and set the tone for our relaxing getaway.
Outdoor Adventures
We were so excited to explore the beauty of the Oregon Coast all so close to Cannon Beach. There’s Ecola State Park which offers breathtaking views with lush forests and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Oswald West State Park is only a few minutes drive south of Cannon Beach. The towering trees provided a stunning canopy as we walked along the trails, and the rocky beaches offered a serene spot to relax.
Wildlife can be found all around you at Cannon Beach! There are the most adorable bunnies hopping around the bushes nibbling on the marionberries. We even came face to face with a herd of Elk as we were walking on the beach! Keep an eye out for Puffins when you’re looking at Haystack Rock. We didn’t see any but the local wildlife guide told us they are there during the early and mid-summer months.
One of the most enchanting moments of our trip was exploring Haystack Rock during low tide. As we walked along the sandy shore, we were delighted to discover a vibrant tide pool teeming with life. We spotted colorful starfish clinging to the rocks and playful hermit crabs scuttling about in their shells, adding a sense of wonder to our beachcombing adventure.
Arts and Culture
Cannon Beach isn’t just about natural beauty; it also boasts a vibrant arts scene. We dedicated a day to exploring local galleries and shops. We discovered stunning artwork at multiple art galleries, locally handmade soaps with unique scents, and a whole shop dedicated to artisan oils and vinegars. We’re excited to try our oils and vinegars we picked out with some delicious new recipes. I purchased some beautiful earrings made from sea glass a local had collected from the beach.
During our trip we were fortunate enough to visit the local farmers market. The various stalls were filled with an array of fresh produce, artisan cheeses, homemade spices, and baked goods. We loved chatting with the friendly vendors, who shared stories about the local area and their products. There were so many delicious delicacies to sample and we came home with some homemade African spices and fresh hummus which we used in our picnic that afternoon. The farmers market was a delightful way to connect with the community and experience the flavors of Cannon Beach!
Delicious Food
The Oregon Coast has some of the best seafood, or so I’ve been told. I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t eat seafood. I haven’t tried it because the thought of seafood just freaks me out. So while I can’t speak for the seafood myself, my husband swears that “It’s the best seafood in the world”. But everything else we had was divine!
Pizza A’ Fetta boasts serving pizza ranked Top 50 in the Nation. They did not disappoint. The crust was perfectly crispy and the toppings fresh and flavorful. Bruce’s Candy Kitchen is the most charming shop on the block with freshly made salt water taffys and decadent chocolate treats; we couldn’t resist picking up a few sweets to enjoy. As a chocolate lover, we stopped by the Chocolate Cafe for some hot chocolate and the creamiest chocolate truffles in the shape of Cannon Beach Bunnies! My personal favorite restaurant was Pelican Brewery which served the best lemon chicken pasta!
Final Thoughts
Cannon Beach was everything we hoped it would be and more—a beautiful blend of adventure, relaxation, and romance. If you’re looking for a destination that offers stunning views, charming local culture, and a peaceful atmosphere, I can’t recommend Cannon Beach enough.
Our honeymoon was a magical experience, and I can’t wait to help others plan their dream getaways! If you’re interested in visiting Cannon Beach or any other romantic destination, feel free to reach out—I’d love to assist you in creating magical memories.
If you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, I’d love to help you! Book
with me, Victoria Steeneck, and let’s create unforgettable memories together.