While rain in the forecast is not ideal, don’t let that stop you from fully enjoying your Cannon Beach vacation! There are plenty of things to do in Cannon Beach on a rainy day. Plus, staying in one of our Cannon Beach vacation rentals instead of a hotel offers advantages on the occasional rainy day, giving you the space to spread out, cook your own meals, and relax. Check out our list of top things to do in Cannon Beach when it rains:
Cannon Beach Rainy Day Activities

Indoor Activities
We can’t blame you if you prefer to stay indoors on a rainy day. In fact, we can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy day on the coast than at home, nestled under a blanket. Our luxury Cannon Beach vacation rentals provide the perfect backdrop for those gloomy days. Pick up a book at Cannon Beach Book Company, light up the fireplace, and savor a glass of wine while diving into your new book and enjoying the comforts of home.
If you’re itching to get out of the house, there are several museums and art galleries in Cannon Beach and its neighboring towns to keep you busy on a rainy day. For history buffs, the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum is a great stop to learn about Cannon Beach’s past and present. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year. Cannon Beach is also known as one of America’s best art towns and is home to over 15 art galleries, including Icefire Glassworks, the Jeffery Hull Gallery, White Bird Gallery, and more. Many are located within blocks of each other, so make a day of it and hit as many art studios and galleries as possible during your Cannon Beach vacation.
Other museums and art galleries in the nearby towns of Manzanita Beach and Seaside include Hoffman Center of the Arts, Fairweather House and Gallery, and the Seaside Museum and Historical Society. These are all just a short drive away from Cannon Beach, so it’s a great day trip/indoor activity!
Warm up and pop in for a cozy visit at Elk Creek Coffee, one of Cannon Beach’s most beloved local coffee shops. Elk Creek serves delicious coffee made from Caravan Coffee, as well as fresh-baked goodies. Try a drink off their seasonal menu, or stick to the classics. It’s the ideal spot for those wanting a little company while watching the rain fall over Cannon Beach.
Or, instead of coffee, grab lunch or dinner at Cannon Beach Hardware & Public House – Oregon’s first hardware store to serve beer and wine. Today, you can still get the hardware shopping experience, but with a chance to grub on delicious food as well. The menu includes a range of items from seafood to standard pub fare. Fan favorites include the cajun-style tater tots, oyster shooters with oysters fresh from Willapa Bay, and the Ecola burger. Come in for a bite, shop around, and stay awhile.
Outdoor Activities
Don’t let a little rain get in the way of your Cannon Beach adventures! These outdoor activities are great for when the forecast calls for a sprinkle of rain.
Throw on your rain gear and explore Cannon Beach hiking trails. Walk through misty forests, admire the dramatic coastal views, and take advantage of the fewer crowds on the trails at Ecola State Park and Hug Point. With a good rain jacket and sturdy shoes, a drizzly day becomes the perfect excuse to slow down and experience the Oregon Coast at its most serene.
While you’re outdoors, consider a stroll along the beach. With a rainjacket and rain boots, you’ll be able to explore with no problem. You may even get lucky and have the beach to yourself! See Haystack Rock in a new light while the waves roll in and the mist surrounds one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks.
Cannon Beach provides an array of fun-filled activities for visitors to enjoy on rainy days. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or indoor entertainment, your vacation is sure to be memorable, rain or shine!