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Walk Through Picturesque Cannon Beach to See Charming Vintage Cottage and Dream Homes While Learning Fascinating Oregon Coast History

For the past 22 years, the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum has hosted tours of Cannon Beach’s historic cottages and beachfront dreamhomes. This annual Cannon Beach Cottage Tour is a celebration of both the quaint charm of our little Oregon coast community and the fascinating history of how Cannon Beach came to be.

The 2025 Cannon Beach Cottage Tour will take place over the second weekend of September, and it will feature a few additional events alongside the titular tour. Read on to learn more about what to expect for this year’s Cannon Beach Cottage Tour.

But First, a Little Cannon Beach History

Ever wonder how Cannon Beach got its name? If you’re thinking that it was named after a cannon on a beach, then you’re correct! But there’s much more to the story than that!

It all started way back in August of 1846, when the Shark, a U.S. Navy schooner, reached the Oregon coast on a mission to survey the harbor at the mouth of the Columbia River. After completing its mission, the Shark struck Clatsop Spit and wrecked on the mouth of the Columbia River whereupon a large section of the vessel split off and eventually washed ashore at what is now Arch Cape.

A U.S. midshipman named T.J. Simmons, was sent to visit the wreckage and salvage what he could. He and several Native Americans managed to free one of the Shark’s cannons, and they stored it away from the shoreline at a creek bed for safekeeping.

However, the cannon was soon lost, and it wasn’t seen again until a mail carrier spotted it half a century later in 1898. Since its rediscovery, the cannon changed hands many times, but it now resides at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum.

Check out the History Center blog to learn more details about the cannon and the Shark.

The 22nd Annual Cannon Beach Cottage Tour

That brings us to the Cannon Beach Cottage Tour, which is a fundraiser festival for the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. The fundraising from this festival helps the History Center preserve exciting exhibits like Cannon Beach’s cannon, keeping alive this community’s fascinating history.

So, if you’re visiting Cannon Beach between September 12th and the 14th (hopefully in a Beachcomber vacation home), then here are the details for each day of the Cannon Beach Cottage Tour festival:

Friday, September 12th

From 5:30 – 8:00 PM, the History Center will host the Opening Night Benefit Bash to kick off the weekend. Enjoy live music by Gayle Ritt and Mike Soto, refreshing beer pours provided by Pelican Brewing, exquisite wine provided by The Wine Shack, snacks from Rainy Day Boards & Bakery, all while touring the museum’s lovely exhibits. Plus, there will be an exciting silent auction where you can bid on everything from beautiful art pieces to private experiences.

The cost of admission to this benefit celebration is a “pay-what-you-will donation” to the History Center.

Saturday, September 13th

This is the day of the Cannon Beach Cottage & Garden Tour’s 22nd anniversary. From 12:00 – 5:00 PM, take the self-guided walking tour of over a dozen historic cottages and dream homes in Cannon Beach.

Locations for the tour range from areas behind the Coaster Theatre to Presidential Streets, and this year, your ticket includes “Out on the Town” perks granting you discounts at local shops in Cannon Beach.

If you want to take the tour, you are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time. Tickets cost $50 online now, but the prices will increase to $55 on Sept. 1st and $60 on tour day.

Sunday, September 14th

Finally, the festival weekend will close on Sunday with the Candle Painting workshop. This is held at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, with two session options at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Guests will decorate locally made beeswax candles under the guidance of artisan Kalla Jae and enjoy a tea-style setup with local treats and honey. Participants will also learn about the cultural significance of beeswax and the role of bees in the ecosystem.
Tickets are $50 and extremely limited. This workshop is expected to sell out.

And that’s what you can expect for this year’s 22nd Anniversary of the Cannon Beach Cottage Tour. Learn a little history, see some charming historic coastal homes, and have a great time with our welcoming community!

If you haven’t already booked a place to stay, then be sure to browse our catalog of lovely cottages and dream vacation homes in Cannon Beach. We have a fantastic selection of rental homes fit for any group size and budget. Check them out today!

Summer is a time for fun potluck gatherings with family and friends. We love to share tasty appetizers and other dishes while cheersing a cool, refreshing beverage out in the summer sun at Cannon Beach. And boy oh boy is this Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe a wonderful addition to any summer potluck gathering!

Adapted from an Albertina’s recipe, this Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe makes about 70 pieces of deliciously seasoned chicken that bring a little whisp of spice. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and mild heat, and the homemade mustard dipping sauce that goes with it is chef’s kiss-level excellent.

Without further adieu, here’s how you can make our favorite Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe this summer at your Cannon Beach vacation rental.

Cajun Chicken Morsels Ingredients

Cajun Chicken Morsels

 
Mustard Sauce

Combine all ingredients except chicken, butter and parsley. Melt cup of the butter. Dip chicken pieces in butter and then in panko flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Refrigerate.

Halve the remaining cup of butter and melt in a large skillet on medium heat. Add ½ of the chicken pieces and saute until brown on all sides. Repeat with remaining butter and chicken. If not serving immediately, chicken may be wrapped in foil and refrigerated at this point. Reheat in partially opened foil in 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Place in chafing dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley. May be served with Mustard Sauce for dipping if desired.

To prepare Mustard Sauce, mix and cook sauce ingredients in double boiler until thick. Stir often while cooking.

That’s how you make our tasty Cajun Chicken Morsels recipe! If you want to find more great recipes, head over to our blog feed and click the posts with “Cannon Beach Recipe” in the title.

Be sure to browse our catalog of Beachcomber Vacation Homes in Cannon Beach. We have a wonderful collection of vacation rentals in Cannon Beach fit for any group size or budget, most of which feature fabulous kitchen to cook in. Click here to check out all our Cannon Beach vacation homes.

This fall, bring a taste of the season to your Cannon Beach vacation rental with our delicious Caramel Apple French Toast.

Guaranteed to brighten your mornings and excite your tastebuds, this scrumptious dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch and is the perfect recipe to whip up as a family. Check out the instructions below:

Caramel Apple French Toast

Coat a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined and thickened. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Place one layer of sliced French bread (6 slices) on top of the syrup and pecans. Layer the sliced apples on top of the bread slices.

In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour half of the egg/milk mixture over the apples and the first layer of bread. Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of the apples, and pour the remaining egg/milk mixture over the top layer of bread. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown, on middle rack. Just before removing them from oven, drizzle ½ cup melted butter over top of bread period. To serve, place a double layer of French toast on each of 6 plates. Serve with whipped cream and hot syrup, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

*Adapted from California Wine Country Bed & Breakfast Cookbook
*I like to sauté apple slices in butter and cinnamon before placing them in the baking dish. Also works well with pears.

And there you have it! Your delicious Caramel Apple French Toast is ready to be devoured, and when it tastes this good… that’s exactly what will happen!

We hope you enjoy making this recipe while on your vacation to Cannon Beach and that you remember it long after you return home. With its perfect blend of fall flavors, it’s a delightful dish to incorporate into your regular recipes.

If you’re looking for a Cannon Beach vacation rental with a full kitchen, be sure to check out our available properties and book your next Cannon Beach trip with us right here on this site. You can also see other wonderful recipes in our Cannon Beach Blog!

About Hug Point State Park

Hug Point State Park Caves and Waterfall

Located just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, the Hug Point State Recreation Site is the perfect beach to explore when you want a mix of history, marine life wonders, gorgeous scenery, and peaceful headlands. Complete with convenient parking, restrooms, secret beaches, and more, this is one stop along the Northern Oregon coast that’s well worth it.

As you plan your visit, be sure to check the tide chart for the day, as most of the things you’ll want to see are only visible at low tide.

With more than 40 acres, this beach park is great for families visiting with kids, couples looking for easy hikes, or anyone who just wants to take in the scenic views. Keep in mind, though, it can get busy in spring and summer, so plan accordingly.

Top Things to See at Hug Point Recreation Site

Starfish on Sea Cliff

Tide Pools

Visible at low tide, tide pools are a beautiful microcosm of the ocean. Filled with colorful sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, sea slugs, mussels, barnacles, and more, they’re a great way to get up close to creatures you may not otherwise get to see.

Seasonal Waterfall

Best seen in fall and winter or after a good rain, the Hug Point waterfall is a great spot to let little ones splash or grab a great photo. To get there, exit the beach access onto the shore, turn right, and walk about a quarter mile. Once you round a rock that encloses part of the beach, you’ll be there!

Sea Caves

Years of pounding waves have eaten away the soft sandstone cliffs of Hug Point, leaving behind two ethereal beach caves for you to explore. Located near the waterfall, these caves are accessible at low tide and are a great spot to find tide pools. While one cave is relatively shallow, the other extends fairly deep into the rock. Always pay attention to the tides when you’re exploring, and make sure you’re out of there before high tide rolls back in.

Stagecoach Road

Hug Point got its name from the late 19th-century travelers who used to traverse the stretch of coastline by stagecoach. At low tide, they could just barely make their way around the rocks that divide the beach, having to hug the point to avoid the water. Thus, its name was born and has stood the test of time. Keep an eye out for the wheel ruts left in the rocks when you visit!

What Amenities are Available at Hug Point State Park?

Getting There:

Getting to Hug Point is easy! Just follow Oregon’s coastal Highway 101 south from Cannon Beach for about six minutes until you reach the Hug Point Beach Access Road and turn right. There’s a decently sized (free) parking area near the bathrooms with a path you follow straight to the beach.

How to Stay Near Hug Point

Windjammer - Cannon Beach Vacation Rental

Booking a vacation rental with Beachcomber Vacation Homes offers plenty of options for staying near Hug Point as well as other popular spots like Haystack Rock or Tolovana State Park. Plus, when you book a stay directly with us, you get local expertise to help you plan exciting vacation adventures, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you got the best rate on your stay.

Booking directly lets you bypass the third-party fees of online travel agencies like Booking.com or Vrbo. It also gives you access to specials only available through our site. And as if that’s not enough, all Beachcomber guests get up to $290 in free offers at local businesses thanks to our Xplorie Benefits Program!

So, what are you waiting for? Check out our Cannon Beach vacation rentals and book your stay near Hug Point State Park today!

Frequently Asked Questions about Hug Point State Park

Can I bring my dog to Hug Point State Park?

You can! Hug Point is dog-friendly. Just make sure if your dog is off leash, it’s under your complete control. That means it’s always in sight and responds to your voice commands or other methods of control. You’ll also need to have a leash with you. And as always, clean up after your pup.

Are drones allowed at Hug Point?

To protect our native nesting shorebird populations, drones are not allowed at Hug Point.

Can I hike at Hug Point State Park?

Yes! The Hug Point Trail is an easy .7-mile out-and-back trail that takes around 16 minutes to complete, and it’s also dog-friendly. Want a more secret spot? Head right from the parking lot, up a narrow trail past some picnic tables. Just beyond that point, you’ll find a clearing with an excellent aerial view of Hug Point – great for photo ops.

UPDATED April 29, 2026

By Jennifer Jeffcoat

Jennifer writes for Beachcomber, sharing helpful vacation planning ideas and tips to make the most of your time on the Oregon Coast. 

Every summer, Cannon Beach shines with a community event that attracts thousands of visitors and showcases elite coastal creativity. Bringing together sculptors, amateur artists, and families for a weekend of extraordinary talent, the Cannon Beach, Oregon Sandcastle Contest is one of the town’s most beloved traditions, spanning more than 60 years!

The tradition dates back to 1964, when an earthquake in Alaska triggered a tsunami that damaged parts of the Oregon Coast. Isolated from surrounding communities after the Elk Creek Bridge was washed out, Cannon Beach locals gathered on the beach to lift their spirits and have a little fun, and from that… a sandcastle contest was born! What started as a community event has grown into one of the largest and most celebrated sandcastle contests on the West Coast, drawing upwards of 15,000 visitors each year.

At Beachcomber Vacation Homes, we’re proud to be part of this tradition. We believe Cannon Beach isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to create lasting memories, whether you’re sculpting masterpieces in the sand or simply soaking up the coastal scenery with the people you love.

As you prepare for a fantastic weekend at the contest, take a second to fill out the rest of your itinerary with these resources:
How to Spend a Perfect Day at the Tillamook Creamery
Visit the Best Oregon Coast Towns Near Cannon Beach

In This Article:

What Is the Cannon Beach, Oregon Sandcastle Contest?

Today, the Cannon Beach, Oregon Sandcastle Contest welcomes builders of all ages and skill levels. Professional master teams, experienced amateurs, families, and first-time builders gather to transform the beach into a temporary art gallery. From castles to sea creatures to whimsical scenes, every creation brings something new to the shoreline.

The contest highlights what makes Cannon Beach special: creativity, community, and a shared appreciation for the coast’s natural beauty.

When and Where the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest Happens

The 2026 Cannon Beach, Oregon Sandcastle Contest will take place the weekend of June 19–21, 2026.
Here’s what’s planned:

Friday, June 19:
Live sand sculpting demonstration by a master builder
Kick-off party at Steidel Community Hall

Saturday, June 20:
Main contest begins around midday, with final judging at 2 PM
Public viewing and festivities throughout the afternoon and evening
Bonfire, s’mores, and music from 7 PM – 10 PM

Sunday, June 21:
Singing Sands 5K Fun Run & Walk at 9 AM

Location:
The contest takes place near the “Presidential” streets, west of Ocean Avenue, around Madison Street. Access is easy on foot from the north, south, or east.

What to Expect at the Contest

sandcastle on beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon with Haystack Rock in background

Cannon Beach comes alive during contest weekend. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and full of energy. Spectators can admire intricate sand sculptures, browse vendor booths for local treats, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a day at the beach.

Here’s what to plan for:

Thinking of competing?
Registration is required for participants and is currently open. Check out the divisions or jump straight to the registration form.

With so many folks coming to town for the event, be sure to arrive early so you can explore the beach and experience one of Cannon Beach’s most lively weekends of the year. Don’t forget the camera!

How the Sandcastle Contest Is Judged

sand sculpture of elephants

Winning the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest requires more than just an impressive sculpture; it’s about creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail. Judges focus on:

Every sculpture reflects not just skill, but the heart and imagination of the builders behind it.

Want to Build the Perfect Sandcastle? Here’s How

If you’re inspired to build your own sandcastle masterpiece, a few key tips can help:

1. Start with wet sand.
A mix of 8 parts sand to 1 part water creates the best texture for shaping and carving.

2. Build a solid foundation.
Focus on packing your base firmly before adding height. The stronger the base, the more creative you can get on top.

3. Bring the right tools.
Buckets and small shovels are essentials, but a putty knife, spatula, and even a paintbrush can help carve finer details and textures.

4. Work in layers.
Build slowly upward, smoothing and compacting as you go. Add delicate features last to avoid collapse.

Remember, the best sandcastles aren’t just big, they’re built with patience, imagination, and a good sense of fun.

Where Should You Stay for the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest?

Contest weekend is one of the busiest times of year in Cannon Beach, and the best places to stay often book up quickly. Beachcomber Vacation Homes offers a variety of rentals close to the event, ideal for enjoying the contest and everything else Cannon Beach has to offer.

Looking for a standout property?

Sandcastle B-3 property

Our Sandcastle B-3 property features two bedrooms and two bathrooms and offers a comfortable, well-located home base just two blocks from the beach, perfect for a small family getaway.

We also offer cozy rooms at the Sandcastle Inn, giving guests easy access to the sand, shops, and local dining!

Booking early gives you the best choice of locations and helps you make the most of your Cannon Beach experience. At the time of writing, both properties still have availability for the contest weekend, but if they’re full by the time you read this, you can browse our entire catalog of Cannon Beach Vacation Homes. We’re sure there’s a home perfect for you!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest

What goes into judging a sandcastle contest?
Judges evaluate teamwork, creativity, design detail, compliance with event rules, and the final appearance of each sculpture.

How do you make the perfect sandcastle?
Use wet sand, build a strong base, work in layers, and carve details with small tools like spatulas and paintbrushes.

Where should I stay for the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest?
Beachcomber Vacation Homes offers vacation rentals near the contest site. Check out all available properties and book directly for the best rate on your stay.
Don’t forget to take advantage of our free guest activities, too!

Can I park on the beach during the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest?
Yes, but only during contest hours.

What time should I arrive for the contest?
Arrive by mid-morning on Saturday to find parking and enjoy the full experience.

Are dogs allowed at the Sandcastle Contest?
Yes, dogs are welcome on leash. Be mindful of crowds and keep pets far from builders. You’d hate for Fido to wreck someone’s masterpiece.

Is there a cost to watch the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest?
No, the event is free for spectators.

The North Coast Trail Alliance has recently unveiled the first couple trails of their 40-mile trail project that will put the Cannon Beach area on the map as an Oregon Coast mountain biking destination.

The Oregon Coast has all the makings for world-class mountain biking: beautiful and shady forests, rivers, mountains, breathtaking seaside vistas and plenty of breweries, restaurants and coffee shops to fuel two-wheeled adventures.

 

Klootchy Creek Trails

Klootchy Creek Country Park is located northwest of the intersection of Highway 26 and Highway 101. The country park serves as primary access to the initial North Coast Trail Alliance project: Klootchy Creek Trails.
Currently, the trails offer 5 miles of riding, with trails rated easy to difficult. The first 3 miles of trails opened in 2019, and two more miles became available spring 2021.

West Hawley and Defibrillator were most recently added to the roster and provide more advanced riders with a new experience. Climb the well-shaded West Hawley gravel road for 1 mile to access the Defibrillator trailed. Some parts of the climb are a little punchy and will get the quads and lungs pumping, but then the terrain levels out a bit and provides a break.

Once you’re at the top of Defibrillator, a steep (but fun) .8-mile descent awaits. If you’re keen to defy a little gravity, you’ll love this trail’s (non-mandatory) jumps. Defibrillator features a flowy, fast descent through a beautiful conifer forest, complete with a fun mix of roots and loam (decomposed sand, clay, and silt, common in conifer forests and a coveted mountain biking trail soil).

The Klootchy Creek Trails offer a mix of family-friendly climbing trails, blue and black rated backcountry single track as well as bike optimized blue and black rated descending trails. This local mountain biking project is an innovative partnership between Lewis & Clark Timberlands, Northwest Trail Alliance, and Clatsop County, and as locals, we couldn’t be more proud and excited to welcome this new sport to the area.

 

Local Cannon Beach Mountain Bike Shops

Since mountain biking is a newer sport to the area, there isn’t yet a plethora of mountain biking rentals, sales, and repairs available. However, there is one stand-out: Bikes and Beyond. Located in Astoria (just north of Cannon Beach), Bikes and Beyond has been the local leader in bike sales and service on the North Coast for nearly 35 years. If you’re derailleur breaks or you need more brake fluid or (gasp) a shock rebuilt — this is where you’ll want to go. In addition, if you’re looking to try the sport out for the first time, the local pros at Bikes and Beyond will get you set up with the perfect rental.

 

Where to Stay in Cannon Beach

A Cannon Beach vacation rental is by far your best bet if you’re looking for convenience to the trailhead, as well as all the best local dining and shopping and local beaches. Beachcomber Vacation Homes have been managing and renting Cannon Beach vacation rentals for decades and will help get you in the perfect rental. Our hand-selected, professionally managed inventory includes beachfront rentals, oceanview rentals, rentals close to downtown, pet-friendly rentals, rentals with a hot tub or pool, and more. Give us a call at 855-219-4758 today or start by searching our rentals online.

This Valentine’s Day, give your special someone something truly special: a romantic retreat to the stunning Oregon Coast. Time away from the daily grind, devices, and children or fur babies (if you have them) provides the perfect opportunity to connect and deepen the ties that bind.

Nothing is cozier or more perfect for cuddling than a charming coastal cabin. Here are a few of our favorite Cannon Beach and Arch Cape cottage rentals for canoodling.

The Shell

The Shell - Vacation Rental in Arch Cape

2 beds | 1 bath
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Step inside your home away from home and get ready to relax! There’s plenty of space to spread out in the open living room with a gas fireplace at one end of the room, a flat screen TV at the other end, and lots of comfy furniture in between!

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Lil Bird Cottage

2 beds | 2 baths
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This cozy, relaxed cottage is inviting from the first moment you arrive. The front yard garden has been lovingly tended and is a complete joy from the front gate to the walk up to the porch. Cozy up with your sweetheart in front of the gas fireplace or whip up a home-cooked meal for honey in the galley kitchen.

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The Loft

2 beds | 2 baths
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This bright and cheerful upper-level condo offers a no-hassle accommodation close to all of Cannon Beach’s most popular attractions. The Loft has a warm and sunny charm and with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, there’s plenty of space for privacy, if you need to work a little and gather together in the cottage’s cozy nooks or in front of the gas fireplace.

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Puffin’s Nest

3 beds | 2 baths
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This warm and inviting three-bedroom, two-bath home is located just south of world-famous Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. Stroll hand in hand to the beach with your special someone or take in the fresh salty air from the cottage’s upper deck—also a fantastic setting to sip tea or your favorite vintage while the sun sets on the Oregon Coast.

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Little Caper

2 bed | 1 bath
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If you are dreaming of a “get away from it all” with your sweetheart at an authentic beach cottage you need to experience Little Caper. A beloved vacation home for ten years, Little Caper has great ocean views and is a quick one block walk to the beach. It is located on a dead-end street away from the noise and traffic of Highway 101. The cottage boasts a spacious, wrap-around deck and large grassy yard which is perfect for play and relaxation.

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