There are plenty of reasons to visit the Southern Oregon Coastâit’s a stretch of rugged, wild beauty where dramatic sea stacks rise from the Pacific, windswept beaches stretch for miles, and charming small towns invite exploration. But there’s another, perhaps lesser-known, reason to visit Bandon: the chance to visit the Face Rock Creamery.
You may have heard of one of Oregon’s most famous creameries, way up the coast in Tillamook. The Tillamook Creamery brand is recognizable everywhere, from its assortment of cheeses to its delicious ice creams. But head south, and you’ll discover one of the best cheeses in Oregon, not to mention a rich cheesemaking tradition that predates most other creameries in Oregon.
No visit to Bandon is complete without a stop at Face Rock Creamery, recently rated one of the best creameries in Oregon. This local gem is a must for cheese lovers. Whether youâre grabbing a cheese-laden grilled sandwich from the creameryâs cafĂ© or picking up provisions for a beachside picnic, Face Rock Creamery is the perfect complement to a delicious coastal getaway. The Face Rock Creamery may be a delightful stop to make, but it’s just the start of your coastal adventure.
Bandon offers everything from breathtaking hikes to stunning paddles on a quiet river. Start your visit with a walk along Bandon Beach, where the iconic Face Rock looms offshore. Then, take in the stunning views at Coquille Point or spend time at the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, an excellent spot for birdwatching. Bandon Dunes is a world-class destination for those who love golf, with links-style courses that make the most of the dramatic coastal landscape.Â
The opportunities for adventure here are endless, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore it all. The Inn at Face Rock is one of the top hotels in Bandon, offering spacious rooms, easy access to the beach, and plenty of thoughtful amenities to make your stay comfortable. With family and pet-friendly rooms and on-property amenities like an indoor pool, there’s no doubt that our hotel is a welcoming home base for your coastal retreat. Book your stay directly with us today!
Don’t Miss the Iconic Face Rock Creamery
A trip along the Southern Oregon Coast isnât just about dramatic ocean views and outdoor adventureâitâs also a chance to indulge in some of the stateâs best local flavors. Face Rock Creamery in Bandon is a standout stop, offering handcrafted cheeses highlighting the regionâs deep dairy heritage. During the late 19th century, the small town of Bandon was home to nearly a dozen large cheesemakers and plenty of smaller farmers making their own handcrafted cheeses. The industry was fueled by the generally warm and mild climate on this part of the coast – the so-called âBanana Beltâ of Oregon.
The Coquille River Valley has long been home to a thriving dairy industry. It’s actually some of the richest dairy land in the country! The milk from these dairies was sent downriver to places like Bandon, where it was turned into cheese before being shipped to further destinations. In 2013, after some unfortunate local history involving the historic Bandon Cheese Factory, the town worked with local investors to establish Face Rock Creamery on the former Bandon Cheese site.
The Face Rock Creamery buys all its milk from the Scolari familyâs dairy farm near Coquille, which has been in business since 1925. Today, this award-winning creamery is known for its high-quality cheddar, fresh cheese curds, and unique blends that make every bite something special. Clothbound Cheddar, produced by Face Rock Creamery, was ranked in the overall Top 15 at the 2023 American Cheese Competition. It’s an impressive result for our Oregon Coast creamery, as there were just under 1,500 different cheeses in the competition!
The artisans at Face Rock Creamery are dedicated to old-school craftsmanship with a modern twist. Visitors can watch the cheese-making process through the viewing windows, getting an up-close look at how fresh, locally sourced milk is transformed into rich, flavorful cheddar. The tasting counter offers a lineup of samples, from sharp and creamy aged varieties to bold, unexpected flavors like spicy peppercorn or smoked cheddar.
If you’re hungry for more, the Face Rock Creamery CafĂ© in Bandon serves up cheesy comfort food, including their famous grilled cheese sandwiches and house-made mac and cheeseâperfect for warming up after a breezy coastal outing. Pair your favorite cheeses with fresh seafood from Bandonâs local markets, or enjoy them with a bottle of Oregon wine for a perfect evening after a day of exploring. Whether youâre a serious cheese lover or just looking for a fun and tasty stop, this creamery is a welcome addition to any coastal road trip.
More Things to Do on the Southern Oregon Coast
Though a trip to Face Rock Creamery in Bandon is a must, it’s just the start of your coastal adventure – and the charming town of Bandon is at the heart of it all. Towering sea stacks, windswept beaches, and a welcoming small-town vibe make it an unforgettable stop on any coastal getaway. This area is home to unprecedented coastal beauty, filled with opportunities for hiking, biking, beachcombing, kayaking, birdwatching, and so much more.Â
Old Town Bandon is the perfect place for an afternoon of shopping, with art galleries, gift shops, and seafood restaurants serving up fresh-off-the-boat catches, rounding up a diverse array of activities for your coastal adventure. In short, this stunning stretch of the Oregon Coast has something for everyone. We’ve listed a few of our favorite things to do on the Southern Oregon Coast.Â
- Walk across the street and explore the iconic Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. From there, continue your walk along the stunning expanse of Bandon Beach.Â
- Don’t miss the chance to visit Bullards Beach State Park and the iconic Coquille River Lighthouse.Â
- Bullards Beach State Park is just one of the many Oregon Coast state parks worth visiting. We also recommend Shore Acres State Park, a stunning park perched on a cliff, offering dramatic ocean views, lush gardens, and some of the best coastal views.
- Another fantastic thing to do is visit the Cape Blanco Lighthouse at Cape Blanco State Park. It’s the westernmost lighthouse in Oregon and sits atop a rugged headland with unbeatable panoramic views.
- For a relaxed afternoon, one of the best things to do on the Southern Oregon Coast is drive and explore the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. This 12-mile stretch of coastline is packed with secluded beaches, rocky arches, and scenic hiking trails. Don’t miss the Arch Rock Viewpoint, a short, scenic stop along the corridor.
- Take a boat tour up the scenic Coquille River with South Coast Tours. Alternatively, you can paddle on your own adventure along the river.Â
- Bandon Dunes is a wonderful place to golf for the day – but it’s not the only choice! You can also enjoy teeing off at Bandon Crossings.Â
- Get off the beaten path for a day and enjoy an afternoon of hiking or biking on the trails around Bandon.Â
- Go birdwatching up and down the coast. This spring is the perfect time to see puffins in Oregon, but there are always ample birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s one of the top things to do on the Southern Oregon Coast!Â
- Spring through fall is also prime time to enjoy whale watching on the Oregon Coast, whether from the safety of shore, or off the coast on local tours.Â
However you’ve spent your day, there’s only one place worth calling home at the end: the Inn at Face Rock. Rated as one of the most affordable, high-quality hotels in Bandon, there’s nothing else quite like it. Book your hotel room today!
