John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two man-made beaches, but don't hold that against it. You'd never know it by how gorgeous they appear. Far Beach is lined with shady palm trees and is good for swimming or simply chilling. But Cannon Beach is

(+) More

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two man-made beaches, but don't hold that against it. You'd never know it by how gorgeous they appear. Far Beach is lined with shady palm trees and is good for swimming or simply chilling. But Cannon Beach is more interesting, and the park's primary snorkeling spot. Indeed, a 17th-century cannon is mounted right on the sand, and about 100 feet offshore, you can snorkel out to an authentic replica of an early Spanish shipwreck. (Experienced snorkelers or divers may opt for boat tours that take them a lot farther offshore.) The lagoon waters at Cannon Beach are calm and good for children, and the ocean is even wheelchair accessible via a pathway across the sand. Note that any swimming or snorkeling done outside the designated swimming areas is prohibited unless a Diver-Down flag is properly displayed.

(-) Close