Woman in a white top and tan pants looks at paintings in a museum, pale blue walls.

Discovering the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum

Vacationing along the Oregon Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From beautiful coastal views to unique treasures spotted along the way, the coast offers endless opportunities to explore. One of those opportunities is the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, a fascinating museum tucked away in the heart of Cannon Beach, Oregon. The museum offers guests a dive into the past, from the early inhabitants to the town’s iconic seaside cottages. If you’re looking for something interesting to do while you explore the coast, look no further than the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. 

Woman in a museum looking at paintings, holding a tablet. Other visitors are nearby.

Cannon Beach’s Origins

Long before the area was a tourist attraction, it was home to the Tillamook people, a Native American tribe that thrived along the Oregon Coast. An exhibit within the museum showcases these individuals by taking an insider’s look into their way of life, as well as the connection they had with the land and sea. 


European explorers arrived in the 18th and 19th century, and it was during this time that one of the most famous historical events took place: the wreck of the USS Shark. As parts of the ship washed ashore, a cast iron cannon was found, giving the town its iconic name. You can learn more about the intense story of the shipwreck as you explore the museum’s exhibit. Artifacts from the wreckage, as well as firsthand accounts, can additionally be found. 


Touring the Museum


The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum was created to be engaging, interactive, and educational, and it accomplishes that greatly. Some museums feel overwhelming with their endless displays, but not this one. The museum creates the perfect blend of information and hands-on exploration, which is why it’s one of Cannon Beach’s best attractions.


Exhibits

With a range of topics capturing the essence of Cannon Beach, let’s take a look at some of the exhibits you will see during your visit:


  • USS Shark – Take a look at the famous cannon that gave the town its name, and explore the history of the wrecked ship.
  • Tillamook Tribe – Learn more about the Indigenous people of the Oregon Coast, and their lasting influence on the area.
  • Maritime Legends – Did you know that the Pacific Northwest  is known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”? Hear more about the ships that never made it to shore.
  • Architecture – Explore the Cannon Beach cottages, and see how they became a defining feature of the town.


Beyond their permanent exhibits, the museum also has seasonal displays, ensuring every visit offers something new. Some of the seasonal exhibits showcase beautiful photos of the state, local artwork, and history of the logging industry in Oregon. Regardless of when you visit, there will be something unique on display in the museum.

Woman and two children look at colorful, interactive wall display.

Special Events at the Center

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is more than a place to learn about history–it’s a place to experience it firsthand. A variety of lectures, workshops, and special events occur throughout the year, including:


  • Guest Speaker Series – Historians, authors, and experts present different topics, from local legends to early settler life.
  • School & Group Tours – Field trips to the museum allow students to interact with artifacts, experience hands-on activities, and learn more about Oregon’s past.
  • Community Projects – Local artists and historians frequently collaborate with the history center, displaying their works of different aspects of Cannon Beach. 


Admissions & Visitor Information


Want to know the best part about visiting this history center and museum? It is admission by donation! This means you can explore at your own pace, without worrying about ticket prices. Donations help to support the museum’s mission to preserve Cannon Beach’s history, making it accessible for all.


Location: 1387 South Spruce Street, Cannon Beach, OR

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


If you can’t visit in person, no worries! They have created an online archive portal, where you can browse their collection from anywhere.

Stay at Argonauta Inn

While you’re venturing through Cannon Beach, learning more about its history and significance, stop on by our property, the Argonauta Inn. We are steps away from the beach, where you can whale watch, comb the beach for seashells, or relax under the sun. Explore the downtown, perfect for all your shopping needs.



With comfortable accommodations at an affordable price, you can rest easy knowing that your stay is in good hands at the Argonauta Inn.