Whale watching on the Oregon Coast is an unforgettable experience! Watch the Gray whales travel along the rocky coastline to the balmy waters of Baja, Mexico. Whales are visible from Oregon’s shores all year long but in the winter, you can see thousands of gray whales from mid-December through mid-January – the perfect time to book your stay at the Inn at Face Rock and enjoy a winter getaway!
Our Bandon hotel is just a quarter mile from the shore so our guests are lulled to sleep by the crashing waves and enjoy whale lullabies as they travel along the coast. Coastal Oregon enjoys temperate winters so couple your whale watching with one of the many outdoor activities in the area to make the most of your trip. This year’s winter migration is expected to occur in the last week of December.
Our Oregon Coast hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a busy Summer and Fall. The property’s sprawling eight acres offers plenty of space for travelers to stretch their legs and enjoy some quality time in private. A short hike to the beach makes it a convenient location for whale watching on the Oregon Coast and an onsite pool and spa is available for the ultimate relaxation after a chilly day on the beach. Book your stay today to make sure you get a front row seat for whale watching this season!
Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
Whale watching on the Oregon Coast is just one piece of the longstanding maritime culture of the area, and it is an experience you won’t forget! The best time for whale watching on the Oregon Coast typically falls into two main seasons: a Gray Whale migration in the winter and spring and a Humpback and Orca season in the summer.
In the winter, Gray whales migrate south from Alaska to warmer breeding grounds in Mexico, usually from mid-December to mid-January. This is a great time to see them as they pass close to shore. In the Spring, they return north from late March through June, and you can see them as they travel back to their feeding grounds in the Arctic. In the summer months (June to September), you might also spot humpback whales and occasionally orcas.
For the best experience, consider taking a guided whale-watching tour, as local operators have expertise in finding and observing these magnificent creatures. We recommend South Coast Tours, based our of nearby Port Orford. This eco-friendly tour company offers whale watching tours in both seasons as well as a range of guided activities to explore coastal Oregon in the summer.
Whales can even be observed from the shoreline from time to time at Bandon Beach, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, and maybe even from the end of the Bandon Boardwalk trail – we suggest you grab a warm drink and take a walk! The Port of Brandon is a working boat basin so if you aren’t watching whales then you’ll surely see some boats filing in and out of the marine terminal. From fisherfolk to sailboats, you’ll be sure to witness some eye-catching vessels en route.
Our Bandon hotel is perfectly situated within walking distance of the beach and less than 10 minutes from the harbor, so no matter how you plan to experience the whale migration, the Inn at Face Rock is a great choice! Reserve your room for whale watching season now.
More Things to do In Bandon, Oregon this Winter
Whale watching on the Oregon Coast is just one piece of the longstanding maritime culture of the area. With working boats, a vibrant local art scene and a gorgeous coastline, your stay at our hotel in Bandon will be full of adventure.
If you love fresh seafood, be sure and add the Bandon Boardwalk to your itinerary! The Boardwalk is the best place to purchase fresh seafood. While you’re there, stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the collection of beautiful marine life sculptures, a glass enclosed picnic shelter, and unique mosaic outdoor amphitheater. You can also experience whale watching on the Oregon coast while reeling in some big fish of your own! This quaint coastal town is known for more than whales and marine inspired art. For the adventurous types, consider booking a fishing charter and try some winter time bottom fishing – you could take home a box full of freshly caught lingcod or rockfish and see a whale up close.
Coastal towns embrace the season with cozy cafes and shops, often featuring local art and warm beverages. Winter is a time of natural wonder and quiet reflection, perfect for those who appreciate its wild beauty and whale watching on the Oregon coast. Check out the many adventures waiting for you near Bandon this winter:
- Check out the night of 10,000 lights, or stroll the sidewalks and enjoy the holiday scenery all season long.
- Gear up and hike the dunes.
- Mushroom hunting in the forest.
- Stroll the boardwalks and then get a warm cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage at the Warehouse Coffee cafe.
- See what’s playing at the Sprague Community Theater or the Bandon Playhouse.
- Enjoy handmade treats from the Cranberry Sweets.
- Snag lunch or dinner at the iconic Wheelhouse Restaurant and Crows Nest Lounge.
- Tour the most amazing lighthouses while simultaneously whale watching on the Oregon Coast.
- You can learn more about the rich past of the region at the Bandon Historical Society’s museum.
You’ll find plenty of adventure within minutes of the Inn at Face Rock! Book your winter getaway at our Oregon Coast hotel now.
