Cannon Beach, Oregon

Named for a cannon found washed ashore in 1846, Cannon Beach extends for a scenic 7-mile strand. Offshore stands Haystack Rock, a massive monolith rising 235 feet above the sea. Gulls and other sea birds nest in its rocky crags, and the tide pools around its base are alive with starfish, sea anemones, and other marine life. We love to walk along the sand just enjoying life and the sea. We found the wood for our pole lamp made from driftwood here. Each summer there is an annual Sand Castle Building Contest. The date depends on the best minus tides.