Your Oregon Coast retreat awaits at the Inn at Haystack Rock. The drive to Cannon Beach is part of the experience itself, salty air, rugged shoreline, and dense, leafy evergreens. My first time on the Oregon Coast was truly something I’ll never forget.
When I first came across the Inn at Haystack Rock, I knew it would be the perfect place for a coastal getaway. A huge thank you to them for hosting our little escape.
The Journey
We left on a sunny Thursday afternoon and headed west to Olympia to stay the night with family and break up the drive. Depending on where you’re coming from in Eastern Washington, the drive can be around six hours.
Since we were already in Pacific County, we started early Friday morning just after sunrise and made our way down the coast. We intentionally routed our drive through Astoria (highly recommend), and arrived in Cannon Beach around 11 a.m., giving us plenty of time to explore.
The Stay
I had the absolute pleasure of staying at the Inn at Haystack Rock, and truly, the location could not be better. The property is charming and instantly eye-catching, with bright teal exteriors and pink doors that feel both coastal and playful.
We were just a two-minute walk from the beach and about ten minutes from downtown, close enough that we never had to move our car (which, if you’ve been to Cannon Beach, you know is a huge win). Upon arrival, they provide a parking pass, so you’re guaranteed a spot.
The Inn has two buildings, kitty-corner from each other, both featuring beautiful shared spaces with fountains and fire pits. The grounds are thoughtfully maintained and added so much to the overall experience. During the summer months, you can even rent bikes, which makes getting into town even easier.
Our stay felt like something out of a dream. Our room included a full kitchen (some offer kitchenettes), which is such a great option when traveling it helps keep things more affordable if you want to cook. We also had a full jetted tub, which felt like such a luxury after long beach days.
One of the room fits up to eight people and the rest of the rooms can accommodate up to six people, making it ideal for families or group trips. Ours included a queen bed, a Murphy bed, and a pull-out couch. Most rooms also feature a cozy fireplace perfect for misty coastal mornings.
Exploring Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is one of the few towns that doesn’t have any franchises, which I feel is such a rare sight, so I soaked it right in. The town was just as charming as you’d hope. Coffee shops, locally owned boutiques, and some seriously delicious food spots fill the streets. The walk from the Inn was so nice, and we lucked out with perfect weather.
There were some truly amazing standout businesses, the first being Cannon Beach Bakery. I mean, come on. After many moves in its past, the bakery that’s currently there has been serving the community since 2005, offering fresh pastries, artisan breads, and locally loved coffee. Everything is made with intention, you can smell it the second you walk in. From flaky croissants to hearty breakfast options, it’s a go-to whether you’re starting your morning or grabbing something cozy for a beach walk. The welcoming, small-town feel paired with consistently high-quality baked goods makes it a must-stop while exploring the area.
If you know me, you know we had to stop into Cannon Beach Book Company. As a longtime book lover and a graduated literary major, this is basically a requirement wherever I go. The walls are filled with all sorts of genres, and it made my book-loving heart very happy. What I loved most is how thoughtfully curated everything felt they highlight a mix of bestsellers, local authors, and coastal-inspired reads that perfectly match the vibe of the town. They even have a whole section dedicated to beach reads, so if you forget a book at home (which, honestly, happens), I highly recommend stopping by and picking something up before heading back to the sand.
When we first got into town, we ended up stopping at Seashore Bagel & Espresso, right as you enter Cannon Beach. They make their bagels fresh every day, and they definitely don’t skimp on the sandwiches. We’re talking stacked turkey, lettuce, tomato… I mean, the works. You are absolutely getting your money’s worth here. We took our bagels down to the beach and just sat, listening to the waves roll onto the shoreline. Honestly, it was the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
Finally, one of the newer (but truly one-of-a-kind) spots we found was Cannon Beach S’mores Company. I’m talking about a full lineup of house-made s’mores, served warm and melty on freshly baked cookies or classic graham crackers, all layered with their rich, house-made chocolate ganache. Yeah, this place is an absolute must. They offer a variety of set menu options if you need a little inspiration, or you can fully customize your own creation. It’s the kind of treat that feels extra special after a long beach day. It was absolutely delicious!
And of course, the iconic Haystack Rock. I mean, you truly can’t miss it, it rises 235 feet out of the shoreline and is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Oregon Coast. But even though you’ll see it from just about everywhere, it’s absolutely worth experiencing up close. I highly recommend heading out when the tide is low so you can explore the tide pools surrounding the rock. They’re full of marine life! And if you’re there during the right time of year (typically late spring through early summer), you might even spot Tufted Puffin nesting on the rock.