Spring on the Oregon Coast is a breath of fresh air—literally. After the beautiful and, at times, stormy drama of winter, longer days and milder temperatures bring new energy to the landscape. Coastal destinations, including Bullards Beach State Park, burst to life once again in preparation for the busy season ahead. Wildflowers begin to color the coastal bluffs, migrating birds return to the estuaries and offshore nesting sites, and gray whales begin to make their way north along the shoreline.
In Bandon, the changing season means more opportunities to explore, whether you’re wandering the rock formations at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint or strolling through Old Town, where shops and seafood spots help you shake off the quiet of winter. The fresh ocean air, coupled with fewer crowds, makes spring an ideal time to experience the rugged beauty of the Southern Oregon Coast. One of our favorite things to do in Bandon, no matter the season, is to spend the day exploring Bullards Beach State Park.
At Bullards Beach State Park, you can bike or hike through coastal forests and along the sand dunes, ride horseback on the beach or trails, explore tidepools when the tides are right, or visit the historic Coquille River Lighthouse, which opens for the season again in May. The park is situated at the mouth of the Coquille River, offering easy access to some of the top attractions in Bandon, including the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. It’s across the river and offers prime birdwatching as shorebirds and waterfowl return to the wetlands.
To round out your spring getaway to the Oregon Coast, there’s no better place to stay than our top-rated hotel in Bandon, Oregon. The Inn at Face Rock is a welcoming Bandon hotel just minutes from downtown Bandon. We’re right across the street from the iconic Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, offering gorgeous views of some of the most iconic stretches of Oregon’s Coast.
Our hotel offers comfortable, well-appointed rooms designed for relaxation after a day of adventure. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a round of golf, warm up after a day on the beach, or simply take in the stunning Pacific views, our hotel in BAndon offers a cozy retreat in one of Oregon’s most scenic coastal towns. Book your stay today!
Spend a Day at Bullards Beach State Park
Bullards Beach State Park is not only one of our favorite things to do in Bandon, it’s one of the best places to experience the rugged beauty of the Southern Oregon Coast. Located just north of Bandon, this expansive park stretches from the Coquille River to the Pacific, offering miles of sandy shoreline, coastal forests, and scenic trails.
The park is a year-round destination, but spring and summer bring ideal weather for exploring its diverse landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk along the beach, a day of outdoor adventure, or a chance to spot local wildlife, Bullards Beach State Park has something for everyone.
The beach itself is absolutely beautiful, with wind-whipped sand dunes standing in soft, pillowy contrast to the rugged offshore rocks. The walk out to the beach from the parking lot is about a mile and takes you through the park’s unique scenery, including open, grassy fields and lowland forest. Once you’ve reached the dunes, you’ll have 4.5 miles of gorgeous beach to explore – which makes it easy to carve out your own slice of coastal paradise for the day.
In addition to being a beautiful coastal beach, Bullards Beach State Park offers an extensive trail system, perfect for hiking and biking. There are several miles of trails here, which wind through coastal pine forests and along the river. Bullards Beach State Park is also a popular destination for horseback riding. There are 11 miles of equestrian trails here that lead to the wide-open beach where riders can gallop along the sand with ocean waves rolling in the background.
At one end of Bullards Beach State Park stands the Coquille River Lighthouse, adding a touch of history to the natural surroundings. Originally built in 1896, the lighthouse guided mariners safely into the river for decades. Today, it stands as a historic landmark, open for seasonal tours that provide a glimpse into the region’s maritime past. The views from the lighthouse area are stunning. Across the river, you’ll find the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, a prime location for birdwatching.
The river estuary here attracts a variety of bird species, from great blue herons to bald eagles, while harbor seals can often be spotted lounging near the river’s edge. In the spring, visitors might even catch sight of migrating gray whales offshore. With its mix of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and rich history, it’s easy to see why Bullards Beach State Park is a must-visit destination on the Oregon Coast.
More Oregon State Parks Near Bandon
As fantastic as Bullards Beach State Park, it’s just one of the many Oregon State Parks near Bandon worth visiting. These parks showcase some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the West Coast. From rugged shorelines and windswept dunes to lush coastal forests and historic landmarks, these parks offer a mix of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty.
Whether you’re hiking, beachcombing, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the fresh ocean air, these protected areas highlight the wild charm of the Southern Oregon Coast. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best Oregon State Parks to visit, each an hour or less from our hotel in Bandon, Oregon.
- Across the street from our hotel is another must-visit Oregon State Park. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is one of the most iconic spots on the Oregon Coast, offering dramatic ocean views and striking rock formations. From here, you’ll have an excellent view of Face Rock, a sea stack tied to local Native American legends. There’s a private path leading from our hotel to this stretch of Bandon beaches.
- Another local spot is the Bandon State Natural Area. Stretching along the coast south of town, this undeveloped park is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Its wide, sandy beaches are ideal for quiet walks, birdwatching, and exploring tide pools at low tide.
- Shore Acres State Park is about an hour north near Coos Bay. It features beautifully manicured gardens perched on a cliff above the Pacific. The park is a unique mix of natural and cultivated beauty, with seasonal floral displays, crashing waves, and one of the best whale-watching spots on the coast.
- Nearby is another top-rated Oregon State Park, Cape Arago State Park. This park offers sweeping ocean views, rocky headlands, and excellent wildlife viewing. Sea lions, seals, and even migrating gray whales can often be spotted from the overlooks, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Seven Devils State Recreation Site – A quieter stretch of coastline just south of Bandon, this park provides access to secluded beaches, tide pools, and scenic hiking trails. It’s an excellent place for long walks, beachcombing, and enjoying the rugged beauty of the Oregon shoreline.
From Bullards Beach State Park to Cape Arago, each of these State Parks showcases a different side of the Oregon Coast, offering endless ways to experience its wild, untamed beauty. Get started on an unforgettable coastal adventure, and book your room at the top hotel in Bandon, Oregon, today!
