The Best of the Southern Oregon Coast

From discovering Bandon and other Oregon Coast Towns to walking miles of wild and rugged beaches in Oregon, there’s an endless list of things to do on the Oregon Coast. But there’s only one Oregon Coast Hotel worth considering!

Explore the Southern Oregon Coast

There’s nothing quite like the Oregon Coast. It’s wild in the best way, with crashing waves, dramatic sea stacks, and endless stretches of windswept beach. While the entire coastline offers something unique, the Southern Oregon Coast often flies under the radar, which makes discovering smaller Oregon Coast towns like Bandon all the more rewarding. With fewer crowds and jaw-dropping scenery, this part of the coast delivers the kind of coastal escape you’ll want to revisit again and again.

From iconic rock formations, like the famed Face Rock in Oregon, to misty cliffside trails and wide beaches that seem made for long walks and endless tidepool adventures, it’s no wonder this area is home to some of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast. Among the coastal towns you’ll find on the Southern Oregon Coast, few are better than Bandon. It’s artistic, a little quirky, and full of small-town charm without being overly polished.

There are plenty of things to do in Bandon, too. This stretch of coast is all about getting outside. Spend your morning exploring tide pools at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint or riding fat-tire bikes along the hard-packed sand. Hike the bluff trails for views you won’t find anywhere else, or spend a few hours watching sea birds and harbor seals. Downtown Bandon has a great mix of galleries, restaurants, and tasting rooms, and it’s just a short drive from even more scenic treasures, like Cape Blanco and the beaches around Port Orford. If you’re into golf, Bandon Dunes is world-renowned. If you’re not, there’s still plenty to do on and off the beach.

When it comes to where to stay, our pet-friendly Oregon Coast Hotel makes an exceptional home base. Tucked just off the beach and with direct access to Face Rock, this relaxed but upscale hotel offers the kind of comfort and quiet that feels like a true getaway. With oversized rooms, fireplaces, partial ocean views, fantastic amenities, and a location just off Highway 101 that puts you close to both the ocean and the best things to do in Bandon, it’s one of the best Southern Oregon Coast Hotels for travelers who want both adventure and downtime.

Best Time to Visit the Oregon Coast

The Southern Oregon Coast is beautiful year-round, but timing your trip can shape the kind of experience you have. Summer is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast for a reason. From June through September, you’ll get the most reliable weather, with dry days, cool coastal breezes, and plenty of sunshine. It’s the best time to visit the Oregon Coast if you want long beach days, sunset hikes, and outdoor dining with a view. Towns like Bandon come alive during this season, too, with shops, galleries, and outdoor events that buzz with energy.

But there’s a case to be made for the quieter months on the Southern Oregon Coast, too. Fall and winter bring fewer crowds, lower rates, and a more intimate connection with the coast. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, the off-season is the best time to go to the Oregon Coast. Storm watching is a favorite activity for many, especially in places like Face Rock, where waves crash dramatically against the sea stacks. Wildlife viewing also ramps up in the fall, with migrating birds and whales visible from coastal lookouts. The moody skies and misty trails give the entire region a cinematic feel, perfect for photographers and travelers who appreciate a touch of drama in their scenery.

Spring is another underrated time to visit the Southern Oregon Coast. The coast starts to bloom, trails are quiet, and the beaches are just as beautiful. It’s also an excellent time for tide pooling, hiking, and enjoying seasonal cuisine in Bandon’s local restaurants. No matter when you visit, staying at our Bandon, Oregon Hotel puts you close to it all.

Best Oregon Coast Towns: Discover Bandon

If you’re looking for charming Oregon Coast towns to visit, don’t miss Bandon. It sits along the rugged Southern Oregon Coast, about halfway between Coos Bay and Port Orford. It’s perched right where the Coquille River meets the Pacific, surrounded by dramatic coastline, windswept dunes, and forested headlands. This stretch of the coast is less developed than the more traveled Oregon Coast towns, and that’s exactly why it should be at the top of your list.

Founded in the 1850s and named after a town in Ireland, Bandon has a history tied to fishing, cranberry farming, and logging. The town was largely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1936, which gives its downtown a unique mix of history and resilience. Over the years, Bandon has evolved into a welcoming and creative community, where you’ll find independent art galleries, charming cafes, and a strong appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds it. The town is also famous for its cranberry bogs, which are still a major part of the local economy and celebrated each fall during the annual Cranberry Festival.

What makes Bandon one of the best Oregon Coast towns to visit is the variety of activities and adventures you have at your fingertips. It’s far more than just a beach town, offering something for everyone. Golf, hike, watch for puffins, bike, fish, and more. With its natural beauty, friendly vibe, and laid-back pace, Bandon continues to earn its place as one of the best Oregon Coast towns to visit this summer.

Local's Guide: The Best Things to do in Bandon & Beyond

There are plenty of exciting things to do right here in Bandon, but if you’re willing to branch out a little bit, you’ll find that Bandon is the perfect home base for all your summer adventures on the Southern Oregon Coast. From admiring the scenic Coquille River Lighthouse to tidepooling on remote stretches of beach, we’ve highlighted just a few of our favorite things to do on the Oregon Coast near Bandon.

Start your adventure on the Southern Oregon Coast right here on Bandon Beach, where, at low tide, you can explore the iconic sea stacks like Face Rock, Wizard’s Hat, and Cat and Kittens. This stretch of the Oregon Coast is what postcards are made of. It’s perfect for long, sandy walks, and rocky tidepools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
One of the most iconic things to do on the Southern Oregon Coast is to visit the Coquille River Lighthouse. Located in Bullards Beach State Park, this charming lighthouse dates back to 1896. It’s a scenic spot with great photo ops, beach access, and interpretive displays that tell the story of Bandon’s maritime past. End your day with a sunset view from Coquille Point, part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The bluff overlooks sea stacks and offshore islands that light up in shades of gold, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon.
Want to explore Bandon’s beaches and trails in a different way? Rent a fat-tire bike in town and head out on the expansive packed sands up and down the Southern Oregon Coast.
The Southern Oregon Coast is also perfect for quiet sports like birdwatching, particularly when you visit places like the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. A must for birders and wildlife lovers, this refuge is home to shorebirds, waterfowl, and native plants. There’s even more birdwatching in the offshore seastacks, part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This is where you’ll spot puffins as they nest throughout spring!
If you need a change of pace, head into Old Town Bandon. It’s the heart of this area, full of art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and seafood restaurants. Pick up handmade chocolates, browse local art, grab a bite to eat at the renowned Face Rock Creamery, and soak up views of the Coquille River. It’s the perfect place to slow down and explore on foot, and what makes Bandon one of the best Oregon Coast towns.
Even if you’re not an avid golfer, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is worth a visit. This world-renowned golf destination is perched above the ocean and features multiple championship Bandon Golf courses with stunning views. It’s regularly ranked among the best places to golf in the U.S.
If you want to enjoy some of the best tidepooling on the Southern Oregon Coast, you have plenty of options, especially at places like Devil’s Kitchen and China Creek. Just south of Bandon, you’ll find these lesser-known beach spots that offer quiet sand, dramatic cliffs, and great tidepooling without the crowds.
Bandon is one of the top cranberry producers in the country. Drive past the bogs in the fall or stop by the Cranberry Sweets & More shop year-round for treats made with locally grown fruit. If you’re visiting in September, don’t miss the Cranberry Festival, which consistently ranks as one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast each fall.
If you want to do more than look at the water, try renting a kayak and heading up the scenic Coquille River. It’s a great way to enjoy one of the best Oregon Coast towns from an entirely different vantage point. For a more hands-off water adventure, consider one of the South Coast Boat Tours near Bandon.
Finally, when your Southern Oregon Coast Adventures are done for the day, sit back and relax with a delicious cider tasting at Bandon Rain Cider Company. This local cidery crafts small-batch hard cider using apples grown in Oregon. The tasting room is a fun stop with rotating taps, friendly staff, and a laid-back vibe that fits perfectly with the pace of Bandon.

Bandon is full of authentic, low-key experiences that highlight the beauty of the Southern Oregon Coast. This list barely scratches the surface of what makes Bandon one of the best Oregon Coast towns to visit this year. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or making it part of a longer road trip, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do on the Oregon Coast, all within easy reach of our Bandon Hotel.

The Iconic Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint

Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Oregon Coast. This dramatic coastal overlook offers panoramic views of the Pacific, framed by sea stacks that rise from the sand like natural sculptures. The star of the show is Face Rock itself, a towering formation that, from the right angle, looks like the profile of a woman gazing up at the sky. According to local legend, she’s a princess from a Native American tale, frozen in stone by the sea.

Access to the beach is easy, with well-maintained stairs leading down from the bluff and a private path for guests at our Oregon Coast Hotel. It’s one of the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast.

The Best Southern Oregon Coast Hikes

Hiking on the Southern Oregon Coast is a whole different experience. Instead of crowded trailheads, you’ll find quiet bluff trails, forest paths with ocean views, and beach routes that feel completely wild.

The Bandon Oregon Coast Walk is one of the best hikes near Bandon. The 4.3-mile trail is relatively easy, as it meanders alongside coastal beaches and weaves through coastal forest, eventually leading out to open viewpoints of the Pacific.
The Coquille Point Loop Hike offers sweeping views of the sea stacks and offshore islands, with insights into the area’s geology and birdlife.
The Lost Lake Trail near Bandon is one of the South Coast’s best-kept secrets. The trail is just under 2 miles long, but it includes lake views, forested lands, dunes, terrific bird-watching, and seasonal wildflowers.
If you’re looking for a long walk on the beach, consider the Bullards Beach North Loop. This 5.7-mile hike offers bird, nature, and wildlife watching, as well as spectacular coastal viewpoints.
Hike the Blacklock Point Trail in Port Orford. The trail explores part of the Floras Lake State Natural Area and starts in dense forest before emerging onto coastal cliffs with incredible views of sea stacks, coves, and offshore reefs. It’s one of the best Oregon Coast hikes for dramatic scenery and solitude.
The Cape Blanco Headland Trails at Cape Blanco State Park feature a handful of interconnected trails leading to one of the most scenic lighthouses in the Pacific Northwest. With sweeping views of the coastline, secluded beaches, and rugged headlands, these trails are a favorite for hikers looking for the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast.

Tidepooling on the Coast

From colorful sea stars to anemones that wave with the water, tidepooling is one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is the most popular spot for tide pooling in Bandon, and for good reason. The exposed rocky outcrops at low tide are filled with vibrant sea creatures, including mussels, barnacles, limpets, hermit crabs, and even the occasional octopus. Look for pools near the base of Face Rock and the surrounding formations, such as Wizard’s Hat and Cat and Kittens.

Devils Kitchen and China Creek Beach also offer excellent tide pooling with fewer people around. These lesser-known spots are ideal for early morning beach walks when the water is low and the wildlife is active.

Unwind at One of the Best Oregon Coast Hotels

When it comes to finding the best places to stay on the Oregon Coast, the Inn at Face Rock in Bandon checks every box. This locally owned, independently operated hotel offers a peaceful coastal retreat just steps from the beach. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood off Beach Loop Drive, it’s close to Bandon’s top attractions, including Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Old Town, and Bullards Beach. You’ll have easy access to everything you want to explore along the Southern Oregon Coast while still enjoying a sense of privacy and comfort that makes your time on the Oregon Coast feel special.

Our Bandon, Oregon Hotel features spacious, well-appointed rooms with thoughtful touches like gas fireplaces, private patios, and kitchenettes in select suites. The indoor heated pool and hot tub offer a great way to unwind after a day of hiking or tide pooling, and the full hot breakfast served each morning adds a warm, personal touch to your stay. There’s also an on-site fitness center, guest laundry, Fast WiFi and streaming services, and plenty of parking.

One of the best parts? The Inn at Face Rock is a dog-friendly Oregon Coast hotel, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged family member behind. With pet-friendly rooms and amenities and miles of beach to explore nearby, your pup will love it just as much as you do. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, a cozy winter escape, or a last-minute weekend getaway, our top-rated Oregon Coast Hotel in Bandon is someplace you’ll look forward to coming back to year after year.