The beach that gives the town its name is where you’ll spend most of your time walking on the sand, picking up shells, and just relaxing with your family. It’s the beach that will be right outside your hotel, or at least within walking distance. It’s where you’ll watch the sunset each night, and search through tidepools with your kids each morning.

With Haystack Rock towering over you, this is the beach where you can plant yourself on the sand while your kids build sandcastles to their heart’s delight. In fact, this is the beach where, every June for the past 50 years, they hold one of the oldest sandcastle building contests in the country. Master craftsman from all over come to make their creations in the sand and compete for prizes. But so do local children and families. If you’re lucky enough to be on Cannon Beach for this popular event, it will be just one more amazing memory you’ll make with your kids.

Cannon beach was also named to Family Vacation Critic’s 10 Best Beaches for Families in 2014.