The whole of the Oregon Coast offers up near unlimited experiences. Explore rugged and rocky vistas, sandy beaches, and forests that practically touch the water’s edge. Lighthouses galore, quaint seaside bed and breakfasts, and world-class crabbing and fishing. The Southern Oregon Coast, in particular, is a prime playland for adventurous and curious souls.
Coos Bay
Once a major logging town and shipyard, it is still the largest town on the Oregon Coast. Take a walk on the boardwalk, catch a production at the historic Egyptian Theater, visit the Coos Art Museum, shop for treasure at Leaf’s Treehouse Antiques.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The dunes are perfect for hiking, photography, and riding dune buggies! For Dune Buggy tours, go here. If you want to explore the dunes with your own ride, go here.
Cranberries of Bandon
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE cranberries. I love to boil them into a sauce with sugar and a bit of orange zest for Thanksgiving (and watch them pop in the pan!). I love them as a juice (with vodka!), I love them in desserts. The small town of Bandon is Oregon’s answer to cranberry heaven.Hit up Cranberry Sweets for a tasty treat.
A ½ hour’s drive south of Coos Bay, Bandon hosts their annual Cranberry Festival in late summer.
Cape Arago Lighthouses and Umpqua Lighthouse
Since Coos Bay was once a major shipping port, it had to have its own lighthouse, right? First lit in 1934, Cape Arago Lighthouse was decommissioned only in 2006. It is located on an island offshore, and it’s closed to the public. However, you can get a closer view by doing some hiking! Other lighthouses along the coast can be found here.
State Parks (Otter Point, Samuel Boardman, Humbug Mountain, Cape Blanco)
There are several great parks to choose from: some with camping, most with hiking, but ALL with spectacular ocean views.
