Traveling While Black: Cannon Beach, OR
Exploring Cannon Beach, OR: A Traveling While Black Adventure
Cannon Beach is known for its stunning coastal views, charming town atmosphere, and its most famous landmark, Haystack Rock. But the town’s history runs much deeper than its modern reputation as an upscale getaway. Originally home to the Clatsop and Tillamook Tribes, the area thrived on fishing, hunting, and trade for thousands of years before becoming the tourist destination it is today.
The name “Cannon Beach” has an interesting origin, dating back to 1846 when the USS Shark, a U.S. Navy schooner, was lost to the treacherous sandbars of the Columbia River. The shipwreck’s cannons were lost to the sea—until the 1890s when one washed ashore, inspiring the name Cannon Beach. By 1956, the town was officially incorporated, and with the development of Ecola State Park in 1932, tourism began transforming Cannon Beach into the popular spot it is today.
Eager to experience everything Cannon Beach had to offer—its art, nature, and romantic appeal—we packed up our car and left Newport behind. Time to see what this stop had in store!
The Drive: Newport to Cannon Beach
With each leg of this road trip getting better, we had high expectations for the drive from Newport to Cannon Beach. The Oregon Coast had already delivered spectacular views, and we hoped that trend would continue.
Our Drive Grade rating scale includes the following criteria:
Quality of Views: 2/2 – This drive was nothing short of breathtaking. With rugged cliffs, vast ocean horizons, and dynamic coastal weather creating moody and mesmerizing scenes, it was a visual feast from start to finish. One of the most stunning pull-offs on this drive was Devil’s Punch Bowl Natural Area, where we marveled at the sheer power of the ocean. The swirling waters inside the rock formation created a mesmerizing display of raw nature. Further up the coast, Depoe Bay provided another scenic stop. Known as the whale-watching capital of Oregon, we took a moment to try to catch a glimpse of gray whales migrating just off the shoreline.
Roadside Attractions: 2/2 – This leg was packed with incredible stops that showcased both nature and history.
At Whale Cove, we reflected on an intriguing (though unverified) claim that this was where the first Black people set foot on the West Coast in 1579 as part of Sir Francis Drake’s voyage.Not far from there, we stopped in Lincoln City, which has historical significance for Black pioneers in Oregon. The Taft District was one of the few coastal areas where Black families could vacation during segregation, creating an important space for Black travelers in the early 20th century.
We also took a moment at Siletz Bay to see a marker commemorating the Cascadia Earthquake Tsunami of 1700, a sobering reminder of the powerful geological forces that have shaped this coastline.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 – Unlike some previous legs of the trip, this stretch had a good number of gas stations and snack stops, making for a more convenient drive. We made a quick stop in Lincoln City, which had more than enough options for refueling, grabbing food, and taking a quick break before continuing north.
Route Difficulty: 2/2 – The drive was smooth, with well-maintained roads and manageable curves. While there were winding coastal roads, they added to the scenic beauty rather than making the drive stressful. Unlike the previous drives where we had longer stretches without services, this leg provided more opportunities to stop and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Parking Availability: 2/2 – Parking was free and abundant in Cannon Beach. While the time of year likely played a role in our positive experience, it was still a welcome change from the paid parking struggles in Newport.
Final Drive Grade: 10/10!
A perfect score! This drive took the best aspects of previous legs and improved where they lacked, making it the best drive so far. The mix of breathtaking views, well-placed roadside attractions, and convenient amenities made this journey a standout.
Level of Fun: Cannon Beach
We had high expectations for Cannon Beach. Often recommended as a must-visit in the Pacific Northwest, we were eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Quality of Activities: 1/2 – While the town’s nature and art scene were enjoyable, nothing stood out as particularly unique compared to previous stops. Walking along the beach and exploring Ecola State Park were highlights, but overall, it didn’t have the variety of activities we had hoped for.
Demographic Applicability: 1/2 – Cannon Beach had a romantic, sleepy feel, making it perfect for couples but less ideal for families with younger kids or solo travelers looking for a livelier atmosphere.
Quality of Restaurants: 2/2 – The town is part of the North Coast Food Trail, meaning the food here is top-notch. We had delicious meals, particularly at Anna’s Table, and were impressed by the local breweries as well.
Special Events: 2/2 – Cannon Beach shines in its events, hosting everything from the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest (one of the oldest in the PNW) to the Spring Unveiling Arts Festival. These annual events add an extra layer of fun to visiting.
Affordability: 1/2 – Cannon Beach was the most expensive stop on our road trip. While it offers a luxurious experience, it comes at a price. Still, it was more affordable than bigger tourist cities on the West Coast.
Final Level of Fun: 7/10!
Despite the high expectations, Cannon Beach ended up with the lowest fun score of the trip so far. While still enjoyable, it lacked standout experiences beyond its stunning natural beauty.
Comfortability for Black People: Cannon Beach
We were pleasantly surprised by Cannon Beach’s comfortability rating. Unlike our previous stops, we actually saw a number of Black people, many of whom were locals.
Black People Seen: 2/2 – Seeing other Black people in town, including a Black woman working at our lodging’s front desk, was a refreshing experience. We also saw Black visitors at various establishments around town.
Personal Comfort: 2/2 – We felt comfortable and welcomed throughout our stay. The locals and business owners were friendly, making our time in Cannon Beach enjoyable.
Artifacts of Inclusion: 1/2 – We noticed some pride flags in town, which was a step toward inclusivity. However, there weren’t any notable signs of racial inclusion, such as BLM posters or diverse representation in businesses.
Diversity in Destination Marketing: 0/2 – From what we could see, there wasn’t much diversity in the way Cannon Beach marketed itself to visitors.
Cultural Resource Groups: 0/2 – We couldn’t find any Black cultural resource groups or organizations in or around Cannon Beach.
Final Comfortability For Black People: 5/10!
A consistent score for the Oregon Coast stops so far. While Cannon Beach had more visible Black residents and visitors, there’s still room for improvement in inclusive marketing and cultural representation.
Final Thoughts: Cannon Beach Delivered… But With Some Surprises
Despite its prestige as a top-tier Oregon Coast destination, Cannon Beach didn’t score as high as expected. The Drive Grade was a perfect 10/10, the Level of Fun was 7/10, and the Comfortability for Black People was 5/10. Would we come back? Absolutely! Seeing Haystack Rock in person is a must.
Next up, Astoria! Stay tuned!
