Our Magical Time at Cannon Beach, Oregon

Hey y'all!

We’re Brandon and Soraya, your friendly neighborhood photographers, and today we want to share one of our favorite adventures: our unforgettable time at Cannon Beach, Oregon. From the breathtaking natural beauty to the mouthwatering local cuisine, Cannon Beach offered us an experience filled with joy, relaxation, and incredible photo opportunities.

Exploring Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches and spectacular dunes, making it the perfect place for peaceful morning walks. The beach stretches for miles, inviting visitors to wander along its pristine shores, with the rhythmic sound of the waves providing a soothing soundtrack. We found ourselves drawn to the serenity of the early hours, capturing the soft light and the gentle beauty of the landscape.

One of the most iconic landmarks at Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock. This towering monolith rises majestically from the ocean, creating a dramatic and otherworldly backdrop for portraits. We've taken some of our favorite photos here, with the rock standing sentinel in the background as waves crash around it. It's a place that truly showcases the raw beauty of the Oregon coast.

Culinary Delights

No adventure is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and Cannon Beach did not disappoint. Just a short drive away in Seaside, we discovered the best fish tacos we've ever had at Grizzly Tuna, a charming roadside seafood shack located across from the outlet mall (which, by the way, had a fantastic Pendleton store). The tacos were so good, they alone were worth the trip to Seaside.

When we craved fish and chips or a hearty hamburger, Tom's Fish & Chips became our go-to spot. Not only did they serve delicious food, but they also had great weekly deals that kept us coming back for more. The casual, friendly atmosphere made it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Another culinary gem we frequented was Sleepy Monk Coffee. Their coffee was always on point, and it quickly became a staple of our mornings. We learned to get there early to beat the line, as it’s a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.

Bonfires and Stargazing

One of the highlights of our time at Cannon Beach was the magical evenings spent around bonfires on the beach. We met many friendly and interesting people while enjoying hot dogs, wine, good beer, and, of course, s'mores. The stars twinkled brighter than we had ever seen, creating a mesmerizing canopy above us. A word of advice: it can get really chilly on the beach at night, so wearing thermals and a nice puffy coat will keep you cozy next to the fire.

Unique Local Spots

Cannon Beach has its share of unique and quirky spots that we absolutely loved. Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House is one such place – a hardware store and restaurant with a bar attached, aptly named the Screw and Brew. It was a fun and unexpected combination, and they even had bug spray for those moonlight strolls down the beach and through the neighboring forests.

The Cannon Beach Liquor Store stood out not just for its selection but also for its incredibly friendly staff. One of the highlights was meeting "the wine guy," whose name we regrettably forgot. He recommended the best Oregon Pinot Noir, which we later took on a delightful picnic to Manzanita Beach.

Wildlife and Nature

Nature lovers like us found Cannon Beach to be a paradise. We were thrilled to encounter a herd of elk that seemed to enjoy posing for pictures. We even captured a photo of an elk that we swear was smiling at us – a truly magical moment that still brings a smile to our faces.

Pelican Brewing and Antique Treasures

For a fun and lively atmosphere, Pelican Brewing was always popping. The outdoor patio, with its cozy fire pits, became one of our favorite spots to relax and unwind. The environment was always welcoming, and we made many wonderful memories there.

A hidden gem in Cannon Beach is the antique store called The Butler Did It. Packed full of little treasures, this store was a delight to explore. We found a beautiful blue floral plate to add to our vintage plate collection, which we’ve been building as we travel from state to state. Each piece holds a story and a memory, and this particular plate will always remind us of our time in Cannon Beach. We could have easily spent the entire day browsing through the myriad of fascinating items.

Final Thoughts

Cannon Beach, with its stunning natural beauty, charming local spots, and warm, welcoming community, has left an indelible mark on our hearts. It’s a place where we found inspiration, relaxation, and countless opportunities to capture the essence of love and nature through our lenses. From the spectacular dunes and iconic Haystack Rock to the friendly faces and delicious food, every moment spent here was a treasure.

As photographers, we’re always on the lookout for places that not only offer beautiful backdrops but also resonate with our own love for adventure and nature. Cannon Beach exceeded our expectations in every way. We’re grateful for the memories we made, the people we met, and the stories we captured.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Cannon Beach. We hope our experiences inspire you to explore this incredible place and create your own magical moments. Stay tuned for more stories, more adventures, and more beautiful moments captured through our lenses.

With love,
Brandon & Soraya