Unique Places to Visit Near Cannon Beach, Oregon in Winter

An Oregon winter is certainly not for the faint of heart. Here in the wild Pacific Northwest, our colder months are accompanied by wind, rain, and the beautiful gloom that blankets the region in that all-too-familiar gray haze.
If you’ve grown up here, you know it has a way of sinking into your bones and becoming a part of you. If you’ve never visited, it’s a time of year that highlights the specific splendor of the region. There’s something magical about a wind-whipped coastline and a warm cup of coffee in a local shop that you just have to experience to understand.

If you’re considering visiting Cannon Beach, Oregon, in winter, here are some delightfully unique nearby places you should make sure to visit. Beyond the normal state parks and rock formations, this list will help you immerse yourself in the PNW experience. So, grab your rain jacket and wellies and get ready to have one of the best trips of your year!

Where are the best places to go in Oregon in winter?

Astoria, Oregon
 

 

Just 40 minutes north of Cannon Beach, Astoria is one of the most well-known places along the Oregon Coast… especially for Gen X-ers and Millennials who grew up watching the Goonies.

The famous filming location draws visitors every year as they travel to see rock formations, the Walsh Brother’s house, Data’s house, and more. And if that’s not enough, the Oregon Film Museum is guaranteed to satisfy your itch for Hollywood highlights. Filled with Goonies memorabilia and items from other Oregon-filmed movies it’s a fun way to pass an hour or two on a winter afternoon.

Keep the museum vibe going with a trip to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn all about the region’s fishing village roots. Seafaring vessels, maritime artifacts, and fine art are all on display, as well as hands-on exhibits.

You can also climb aboard the Lightship Columbia – a floating lighthouse that guided ships to safety around the mouth of the Columbia River, and explore where sailors lived, cooked, and worked.

Twenty minutes from the maritime museum, the Wreck of the Peter Iredale is a must-see historic site. This enormous four-masted steel bark ship ran ashore in 1906, and today, its skeleton is still visible, jutting out from the sandy shores. For the best views, visit at low tide.

Last up for this coastal town is the Astoria-Megler Bridge. At just over four miles long, it’s the longest continuous truss bridge in all of North America. Connecting Route 101 from Astoria to Point Ellice in Washington, you can either opt to make the ride across, or snap pictures from several parts of town. Either way, it’s an impressive sight to behold in winter… or whenever you visit!

Tolovana Park

It doesn’t get more “near Cannon Beach” than Tolovana Park, a quaint neighborhood in Clatsop County just south of Cannon Beach. First, head to Sea Level Bakery for an exquisite cup of PNW coffee. Their made-from-scratch baked goods are otherworldly, so be sure to try a few.

Then, armed with your treats, drive to the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site, where you can either watch the huge winter waves crash on the shore or, if it’s a calmer day, take a walk along the coast and get a distant view of Haystack Rock. Winter is peak whale watching season, too. So, be sure to scan the distance for tail flaps or breaches of gray whales!

From there, you can head back into Cannon Beach and visit local boutiques, book shops, and art galleries, where you’ll find all sorts of locally made items that will make the perfect keepsake for your Oregon winter vacation.

Tillamook, Oregon
 

Probably best known for its cheese and ice cream, Tillamook is a great spot to visit at just under an hour south of Cannon Beach. The Tillamook Air Museum, Cape Meares Lighthouse, and Tunnel Beach are all excellent spots to check out.

And, of course, if you’re already here, stopping by the Tillamook Creamery is a must. From their guided tour to their delicious products, it’s a perfect way to end your Tillamook visit.
 

Portland, Oregon

A must-see Oregon winter sight is definitely the Portland Winter Light Festival. While most folks usually come to Cannon Beach from Portland, if you’re visiting the area for the first time, this is a great way to see more than just the beach.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this festival floods the streets of Portland in technicolor as dazzling displays of immersive art pieces fill the city. The festival will take place February 7-15, 2025.  

View the complete schedule and plan your visit here.
 

FAQs About Oregon Winter

What is an Oregon winter like?
The weather during an Oregon winter is typically cool and wet, with occasional snow in higher-elevation regions. High daily temperatures hover between the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. The closer you are to the coast, the more rain you’ll experience, but other regions in the mountains can expect a relatively mild day-to-day forecast.

What is the coldest month in Oregon?
December and January fight it out for the title of the coldest month in Oregon. You can see temps as low as 14 with highs not getting out of the 20s some days. Be sure to pack a warm coat, gloves, a hat, and water-resistant clothing if you’re visiting this time of year.

What is the most beautiful part of Oregon in Winter?
This is highly dependent on who you ask. To us, you can’t beat the Oregon coast. Lined with rugged rock formations and towering lookouts that wind through dense forests… it’s truly a heaven on earth. But Oregon has a little bit of something for everyone.

City folks will love Portland with its unique neighborhoods and ample things to do. Mountain lovers can find their paradise in central Oregon among the Blue and Elkhorn ranges. If you’re looking for wine country, the Willamette Valley and other regions across the western part of the state are filled with rolling hills ripe with grapes. So, whatever kind of experience you want to have, you can find it in Oregon.
 

Book Your Oregon Winter Escape Today

Featured Property: Monroe House

In addition to these unique things to do near Cannon Beach, Oregon, in winter, another reason it’s a great time to visit is the prices on vacation rentals!

During the shoulder season, you’re likely to find incredible vacation rentals at a fraction of their peak-season cost. Plus, with fewer tourists, you’ll get to experience life like a local as you visit all these great places!

As you plan your trip, remember the most important thing—to book your stay directly with a property manager instead of an online travel agency! Booking directly gives you access to the largest inventory, best rates, and best service, and at Beachcomber Vacation Homes, you’ll find the best of the best.

Check out our incredible inventory of Cannon Beach vacation rentals, and reserve your dream home away from home today!