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. Not only is winter a great time for whale watching on the Oregon Coast, but it’s also the perfect time to enjoy a getaway at the charming Inn at Face Rock, one of the best Bandon Oregon Hotels!
Our Bandon hotel is just a quarter mile from the shore, with a private trail leading down to the iconic Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and the expansive Bandon Beaches. Our close proximity to the pounding waves of Oregon’s Southern Coast makes it easy to relax, unwind, and enjoy the best of this incredible region. Coastal Oregon enjoys temperate winters, so why not couple your whale watching on the Oregon Coast with one of the many outdoor activities in the area to make the most of your trip? From coastal hikes and beach walks to quiet afternoons watching wintering birds, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Bandon, Oregon, this winter.
Of course, relaxing at one of the best Bandon, Oregon Hotels should also be on your list of “things to do” this winter! As we head into one of the busiest times of the year, there’s never been a better time to escape to the quiet tranquility of the Oregon Coast. Our Bandon Hotel’s sprawling eight acres offer plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy some quality time. A short hike to the beach makes it a convenient place to unwind, and our onsite pool and spa provide the perfect escape from a chilly day on the beach. Book your stay today to ensure you get a front-row seat for Oregon Coast whale watching this winter!
Gray 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, from June through September, you can enjoy even more fantastic whale watching on the Oregon Coast when humpbacks and orcas come to our rocky shores as they follow their seasonal migration routes.
For the best experience, consider taking a guided whale-watching tour on the Oregon Coast. These local operators have expertise in finding and observing these magnificent creatures. We recommend South Coast Tours, based in nearby Port Orford. This eco-friendly tour company offers whale-watching tours in both seasons and a range of guided activities, like kayaking, during the summer months.
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 – an activity best done with a pair of binoculars! 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 whale watching on the Oregon Coast, the Inn at Face Rock is a great choice!
More Things to Do in Bandon, Oregon This Winter
Whale watching on the Oregon Coast is just one of many ways to enjoy your time this winter at our Bandon Oregon Hotel. With working boats, a vibrant local art scene, and a gorgeous coastline, your stay on the Southern Oregon Coast will be full of adventure. 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:
- One of our favorite things to do in Bandon, Oregon, during the holiday season is visiting the night of 10,000 lights. It’s spectacular!
- Gear up and hike the dunes. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area during the winter.
- Spend a little time Mushroom hunting in the forest. It’s a fun treasure hunt and a beautiful way to explore the Southern Oregon Coast.
- Stroll the boardwalks and get a warm cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage at the Warehouse Coffee Cafe. Enjoy the cozy vibe of the cafe, or take your beverage to go as you head to the beaches.
- See what’s playing at the Sprague Community Theater or the Bandon Playhouse. Performances at these fantastic venues are among the best things to do in Bandon, Oregon, during the chilly winter months!
- Enjoy handmade treats from the Cranberry Sweets in downtown Bandon.
- Snag lunch or dinner at the iconic Wheelhouse Restaurant and Crows Nest Lounge – or visit one of the other fantastic restaurants in Bandon, Oregon!
- Tour the most amazing lighthouses while simultaneously whale watching on the Oregon Coast.
- You can learn more about the region’s rich past 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.
