Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area

A mile south of Cannon Beach is a State Park where the majesty of nature mingles with serene shores offering picture-perfect sunsets. Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area is in a shady grove off the highway, with easy access to the mile-long beach. 

To the north of Arcadia Beach State Recreational Area is Humbug Point, with Lion Rock off the point. Heading south will lead to Hug Point Recreational Point, rich with pioneering history, caves, and a seasonal waterfall. 

Both headlands can only be accessible at low tide, especially Hug Point, which has a narrower beach. So, check the tide tables before arriving for a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.

Historically, Arcadia Beach has been a beacon for those seeking tranquility away from the buzz of urban life. Its roots run deep in the local community, and it serves as a go-to destination for families, artists, surfers, and nature enthusiasts. 

Though less famous than its neighbor, Cannon Beach, Arcadia Beach offers an equally stunning setting with fewer footprints in the sand. The area's rich history is intertwined with tales of maritime adventures and the ebb and flow of settler life, adding depth to every visit. 

The beach's natural features, from tide pools brimming with marine life to the dramatic rock formations punctuating the coastline, tell a story centuries in the making. 

Arcadia Beach State Recreational Area offers serenity, natural wonders, and breathtaking views, making it a popular destination for locals and vacationers. 

Fun Facts & Cool Features

Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area captivates visitors with its beauty, intriguing features, and facts that enrich the experience. 

The unique rock formations that stand sentinel along the coast, like Lion Rock, serve as natural sculptures carved by the hands of time and the pounding surf. These geological wonders provide a backdrop for stunning photography and a habitat for diverse marine life, making the area a vibrant ecosystem to explore.

Another highlight is the tide pools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and crabs, offering a peek into the underwater world during low tide. These pockets of marine life foster a sense of discovery and connection with nature, igniting curiosity in visitors of all ages. 

With Oswald West State Park nearby, you can combine multiple State Park visits in a day. Check out the multiple hiking trails at Oswald that twist and turn through Oregon's rugged landscape, followed by catching the sunset at Arcadia Beach. Afterward, head to Cannon Beach for dinner at one of its many fine restaurants, like Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market.

Additionally, the serene mile-long sandy stretch is a canvas for sandcastle builders, a stage for stargazers and those seeking a moment of peace with the whisper of waves as their soundtrack.

Exploring Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area during a Cannon Beach vacation enriches the coastal experience. It reminds visitors of nature's capacity to awe and inspire, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to connect with Oregon's coastal allure.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from Cannon Beach to Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area:

• Start on US-101 S from Cannon Beach.
• Continue on US-101 S for approximately 3.5 miles.
• Look for signs for Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area on your right.
• Turn right into the parking area for Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area.
• Address: 80939 US-101, Arch Cape, OR 97102

Cost

Visiting Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area is free!