Hey, You Guys! Experience “The Goonies” Cannon Beach, Oregon

Anyone blown away by the sheer grandeur of the mystical coastline in Richard Donner's classic 1985 kid's flick "The Goonies" can drop by Cannon Beach to see the landscape up close and in person. Along with nearby Seaside, Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beach towns in Oregon – and for good reason. The scenic beach and ocean view is beautiful, and it has been touched by Hollywood magic.

A small hamlet with fewer than 2,000 full-time residents, the seaside paradise fills up on weekends as nearby residents of Portland hit the coast in droves to soak up some sun and explore this dramatic edge of the country. You won't be disappointed by the renowned majesty of this sliver of the Pacific Northwest. Plan to let your inner Goonie out in this natural amusement park for all ages.
 

Play in the Shadow of Haystack Rock

Rising 235 feet above the shoreline, Haystack Rock is the third-largest freestanding sea stack in the world that can be reached by land. It stands as an iconic symbol of the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast. Several key scenes in "The Goonies" were shot with Haystack Rock in the background, including the opening race scene and the scene with the kids riding their bikes along the bluffs. Centrally located on the town's beach, it provides a picturesque backdrop for all the action happening on the stretches of golden sand.

Besides sun worshipping and people watching, Cannon Beach is a popular place for kiting, surfing, kayaking and bicycling. The summer months are ideal for beginners to try their hand at surfing – remember to always stay informed on conditions by asking the lifeguards when you visit. Visitors wanting a more leisurely activity can check out the tide pools at the base of Haystack Rock and the other dozen or so sea stacks along the beach. These are great spots for the family to hunt for starfish and sea urchins, and bonfires frequently light up the night sky.

Small Town Charm, Big City Flavor

Explore Cannon Beach's cultural side along the charming pedestrian streets that lead down to the golden sands from Highway 1. The town is popular with people from nearby cities and is home to many creatives. As a result, Cannon Beach is surprisingly sophisticated in terms of cultural activities, dining and shopping.

Arts and Crafts in Cannon Beach

With over 15 art galleries, Cannon Beach is proud to have its name included on the list of America’s 100 Best Art Towns. From photography and fine art to crafts such as glassblowing and metalwork, there is an artistic style to be explored whatever your taste. For your visit, we recommend stopping by the Cannon Beach Arts Association to view a sampling of works created by top local talent and check the current schedule of cultural events in the area. For die-hard Goonie fans, schedule a trip to check out the posters and memorabilia at the Oregon Film Museum, located about 25 miles away in Astoria, where most of the film was shot.

A Foodie’s Dream

When the sun sets in Cannon Beach, choose from a diverse array of dining options, including outdoor feasting at Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge and white linen service at EVOO, which also runs a beachfront cooking school that teaches students to integrate Oregon's local bounty into classic Mediterranean dishes. Parked up for the night, it wouldn't be a northwest vacation experience without knocking back a micro-brew or two before bed, and the Pelican Brewing Company knows how to pair its Sea'N Red Irish-style red ale and Tsunami Stout perfectly with fresh local oysters on the half shell.
 

The Wild Side of Cannon Beach

A visit to Cannon Beach clears up the mystery of why Oregonians always say they're going to "the coast" instead of "the beach". Sandwiched between Ecola State Park and Hug Point, which features caves much like the ones where a lot of the action took place in "The Goonies," Cannon Beach is located right at the trailhead of footpaths that wind through ancient Douglas fir and Sitka spruce forests and lead to jaw-dropping viewpoints far above the crashing surf. The experience is amazing, but nothing like a typical tropical beach. If you want to Goonie out on a hidden cove, then Cannon Beach offers a bit of heaven on earth.

As with many parts of the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach is visually stunning at any time of year. Take plenty of photos when you visit and share your Goonie adventure with us on Twitter.