
Cannon Beach History Center and Museum
Discover Cannon Beach's rich past, from shipwrecks to local legends, at this charming, free museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect indoor escape

Cannon Beach History Center and Museum
Best Time
Perfect indoor escape

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cannon Beach's rich past, from shipwrecks to local legends, at this charming, free museum.
"A must-visit for understanding the area's rich maritime and cultural heritage."

🎯 Donate Generously
While admission is free, donations are crucial for this community museum. Show your appreciation! :heart:
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing local history. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Exhibit
Main Gallery
Discover the dramatic history of this offshore lighthouse, a true marvel of engineering and resilience.

Historic Photographs
Various Displays
See Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock through the eyes of the past with captivating old photographs.

Shipwreck Stories
Maritime History Section
Uncover tales of maritime adventures and the intriguing shipwrecks that dot the Oregon coast.

Goonies Doubloon Souvenir
Gift Shop
Grab a unique 'Goonies' doubloon, a perfect memento from this iconic filming location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Impact
Local Lore & Legends
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Donate Generously
While admission is free, donations are crucial for this community museum. Show your appreciation! :heart:
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing local history. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
📸 Goonies Souvenir
Pick up a 'Goonies' doubloon in the gift shop – a must-have for fans! :moneywithwings:
⏳ Quick Stop
It's a small museum, perfect for a 30-60 minute visit to enrich your beach experience. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Donate Generously
While admission is free, donations are crucial for this community museum. Show your appreciation! :heart:
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing local history. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
📸 Goonies Souvenir
Pick up a 'Goonies' doubloon in the gift shop – a must-have for fans! :moneywithwings:
⏳ Quick Stop
It's a small museum, perfect for a 30-60 minute visit to enrich your beach experience. :stopwatch:
📚 Local History Deep Dive
Great for understanding the Native American heritage and maritime past of the area. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum for its free admission, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and fascinating local exhibits. It's considered a must-visit for understanding the area's rich maritime and cultural heritage, with many highlighting the unique 'Goonies' doubloon souvenir. Some note its small size, making it ideal for a quick, enriching stop.
"This is an outstanding small museum. You should stop here to see it if you're in Cannon Beach! Free too, which is nice. Friendly people, and you can get some cool souvenirs! I wish I had come here a long time ago after going to Cannon Beach many times."
Sports Center
"I make sure to stop here every time I visit Cannon Beach.
The volunteers are the friendliest and have so much knowledge about the area’s history.
My favorite exhibit is of course, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
The museum is free but, definitely leave a donation or get a gift that’s for sale."
Mack Pines
"Great museum in Cannon Beach! We loved our docent Fish and had a great time learning about the area. Suggests a donation when you visit."
Patty Drake
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in the heart of Cannon Beach, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying in town. Parking is available nearby, though it can be busy during peak seasons. Many visitors find it a pleasant stop after exploring the beach itself.
Yes, there is parking available in the vicinity of the museum. However, Cannon Beach can get crowded, especially during summer and weekends, so be prepared for potential parking challenges.
Absolutely! The museum is situated in the charming town of Cannon Beach, just a short walk from the main beach access points. It's a perfect addition to your beach day itinerary.
The museum strives to be accessible. While it's a historic building, efforts are made to accommodate visitors. It's always a good idea to call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs.
The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is centrally located in town. Look for signs as you explore Cannon Beach's main street, or simply ask a local for directions – they're usually happy to help!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum offers free admission! However, they gratefully accept donations to help preserve the local history and keep the museum running.
Donations are not required but are highly encouraged. The museum relies on visitor contributions to maintain its exhibits and operations. Consider leaving a donation or purchasing a souvenir.
The museum is typically open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, but it's closed on Tuesdays. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Since admission is free, advance booking isn't necessary. You can simply walk in during operating hours.
Yes, Cannon Beach History Day is celebrated on March 6th, commemorating the city's official charter. The museum often hosts special events for this occasion.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of exhibits covering local history, including Native American heritage, maritime history, shipwrecks, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and fascinating historical photographs of the area.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the museum. It's a compact space, but packed with interesting information and artifacts.
While the museum focuses on historical artifacts and information, the stories and visuals can be engaging for children, especially those interested in history or the 'Goonies' movie.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask a museum staff member.
One TikTok mentions 'Cannon Beach Water Babies' and folklore related to the beach at night. While the museum focuses on documented history, local legends and folklore are part of the area's mystique.
🎫 🛍️ Gift Shop & More
The gift shop offers a selection of local history books, souvenirs, and unique items. Notably, they sell the 'Goonies' doubloon, a popular item for fans of the movie.
The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum's gift shop is one of the few places in the area where you can purchase the 'Goonies' doubloon.
Yes, the museum features exhibits that delve into the rich Native American history of the region, including the Clatsop and Tillamook tribes.
March 6th is celebrated as Cannon Beach History Day, marking the anniversary of the city's official charter being signed in 1957.
While the museum focuses on local history, its exhibits on maritime and coastal life provide context for the broader Oregon Coast experience, including areas relevant to the Oregon Coast Trail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 History Buffs & Culture Seekers
🎬 'Goonies' Movie Fans
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Uncovering Local History
The exhibits cover a broad spectrum of local history. You can explore the maritime heritage, including fascinating accounts of shipwrecks that have occurred along the coast. The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is a particularly captivating subject, detailing the challenges and triumphs of this offshore beacon. For those interested in visual history, the collection of old photographs offers a compelling glimpse into what Cannon Beach looked like decades ago, with many featuring the famous Haystack Rock.
Beyond the tangible artifacts, the museum also touches upon the cultural and folklore aspects of Cannon Beach. This includes insights into the ancestral lands of the Clatsop and Tillamook tribes, as well as local legends that add to the mystique of the Oregon coast. It’s a place where you can truly connect with the stories that have shaped this beloved destination.
The 'Goonies' Connection and Souvenirs
The museum's gift shop offers a unique and sought-after souvenir: the 'Goonies' doubloon. This replica coin is a perfect memento for fans and a fun way to bring a piece of the movie magic home. It's noted as being one of the few places in the area to find this specific item, making it a must-visit for movie buffs.
Beyond the doubloon, the gift shop also features books on local history and other coastal-themed items, allowing visitors to further explore the region's past and present. It’s a great place to find a memento that reflects the authentic spirit of Cannon Beach.
A Haven on Rainy Days
It offers a cozy and educational alternative to being stuck indoors at your accommodation. The exhibits provide a fascinating narrative of the area, making a rainy afternoon fly by. The intimate size of the museum means you can explore it thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed, even if you have young children in tow.
This makes it a valuable stop for families looking for activities that cater to all ages, especially when outdoor plans are disrupted by weather. The warmth and knowledge shared by the staff further enhance the experience, turning a potentially dreary day into a memorable one.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit