15 Fun Things to Do in Bandon, Oregon
I don’t usually name favorites, but I’ll make an exception for Bandon, my favorite Oregon beach town. In the heart of the southern coast, Bandon’s charm lies in the easy flow between the bustling town center and incredible natural features, all set away from Highway 101. Stroll on a magnificent beach, watch for wildlife, eat gourmet chocolate, go window shopping, and wander the art galleries. After exploring, have a beer on a patio or split a bottle of Champagne in a cozy Italian eatery. Here are the best things to do in Bandon-by-the-Sea, Oregon.
1. Coquille Point National Wildlife Refuge
Coquille Point
The best views in Bandon are from Coquille Point, its most prominent bluff. A short paved trail circles the top, offering stunning vistas from multiple overlooks. Frequent benches along the way are perfect spots to linger and watch for seabirds. When you start the loop, you’ll see the giant statue of Cosmo the Puffin and views of Bandon Beach stretching out towards Devils Kitchen. To the west is a large cluster of rugged islands, including Elephant Rock, a massive natural wall with an arch through the center. From the north end of the loop, you’ll see Table Rock, the largest of Bandon’s sea stacks. Beyond it, the Coquille River empties into the ocean. In the distance are the cliffs of Cape Arago. When you finish seeing the views from above, look for a staircase descending from the top of Coquille Point to Bandon Beach.
2. Walk on Bandon Beach
Bandon Beach
It’s hard to capture the scale of Bandon Beach in pictures. Beyond a typical plain of sand and water, tall bluffs and over a dozen sea stacks give the beach a striking sense of depth as well as breadth. In spring, the slopes framing the beach erupt in a carpet of vivid yellow thanks to invasive but beautiful gorse bushes. The real drama of Bandon Beach, though, comes from the sea stacks. Their curious shapes inspired names like Elephant Rock, Face Rock, Wizard Hat, and the Kittens. They have countless fascinating details, from hidden sea caves to the awe-inspiring sea arch in Elephant Rock. These Jurassic and Cretaceous formations are older and more varied than the rocks of the northern Oregon Coast. You can spot colorful blueschist and red chert on the beach with a sharp eye.
If you’re lucky with your timing, you might arrive for Circles in the Sand, the ambitious and short-lived sand labyrinths artist Denny Dyke creates on the beach. Like natural Zen gardens, Dyke and other volunteers rake paths in the sand so that visitors can enjoy a meditative stroll until the tide comes in.
3. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Face Rock
Face Rock is Bandon Beach’s sea stack celebrity. Unlike some of the other named sea stacks (I’m looking at you, Elephant Rock), Face Rock is instantly recognizable as an upturned face when seen from most angles. A Coquille legend adds romance to the already evocative rock formation. When a dangerous ocean spirit seizes a beautiful swimming woman, she keeps her gaze upward to avoid meeting the spirit’s eyes, the source of its power. And so she remains, frozen but unconquered.
There are two ways to see Face Rock. The first is by walking along Bandon Beach. The second is from above at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. Starting at Coquille Point, a five-minute drive down Beach Loop Rd will bring you there. Once at the viewpoint, follow the short path that circles the end of a bluff to see views of Bandon Beach and its sea stacks in both directions. Looking straight out into the ocean, Face Rock is dead ahead. After seeing the views from above, a trail from the viewpoint makes it easy to get down to the beach.
4. Coquille River Lighthouse
Coquille River Lighthouse
The Coquille River Lighthouse is a short, squat lighthouse with a distinctive octagonal shape. It sits just inland of the Coquille River’s north jetty, where it guided ships through a difficult passage from 1896 until 1939. Now, it’s ornamental. In the summer, you can have a look inside. There aren’t formal tours (the whole shebang is one room), but park hosts are around to answer questions when the lighthouse is open. Looking out from the inside, you’ll see the north jetty where waves crash on stormy days. On calm ones, you can walk out to the end and look for seals.
The Coquille River Lighthouse is open from May through September, 11 AM - 5 PM. You can see it from the outside year-round. Visiting is free.
5. Bullards Beach
Bullards Beach
Bullards Beach is just north of town but feels far away from any human development. Unlike Bandon Beach, you won’t see any swanky houses overlooking the coastline. While it lacks the awe-factor of the sea stacks, Bullards Beach has a feeling of unsullied natural beauty and, often, solitude. At the south end of the beach is the Coquille River Lighthouse and the north jetty. Since most visitors to Bullards Beach State Park stay near the lighthouse, it’s easy to find seclusion by walking north on the 4.5-mile, driftwood-rich beach. You can also start at a separate beach access about 1.5 miles to the north. It’s not better or worse than the lighthouse access, just a different vantage point.
Bullards Beach State Park has a large campground, hiking and biking trails, restrooms, and a picnic area. Day use is free.
6. Port of Bandon Boardwalk
Amphitheater at the Port of Bandon
One of the most appealing things about Bandon is that the town center is by the water rather than the highway. Once you turn off the main drag into Old Town Bandon, you’ll find a small centralized downtown next to the harbor. The boardwalk beside the water has benches, public art, a glass picnic structure, and a small outdoor amphitheater. Near the marina is a fishing pier where you can walk out and admire the boats. Look over the side into the water to spot translucent white jellyfish floating.
7. Washed Ashore Gallery
Beach trash becomes sea life statues at Washed Ashore Gallery
From the Port of Bandon Boardwalk, it’s worth continuing a short distance on 1st St to reach the town’s most unique art space, the Washed Ashore Gallery. The outside looks like a nondescript warehouse. Inside is a workshop, exhibit space, and coffee shop. The material for the art comes from beach trash, which gets transformed into larger-than-life sea creatures based on the vision of artist Angela Pozzi. Among its works, the gallery created Cosmo, the puffin that stands on Coquille Point. Beyond being delightful oddities, the sculptures are poignant reminders of ocean plastic pollution. Washed Ashore’s volunteers have collected thousands of pounds of debris during their beach cleanups.
Washed Ashore Gallery is free to visit. It’s open 7 AM to 2 PM on Monday and Tuesday, 7 AM to 4 PM on all other days.
8. Old Town Bandon
Old Town
The heart of Bandon is Old Town, a condensed and walkable town center with a lot of charm. Within a few square blocks are boutique shops, restaurants, patios, and art galleries. You won’t see much tourist kitsch here, but you can find blown glass artwork and artisan chocolates. On a rainy day, browsing in WinterRiver Books is a treat. Old Town borders the Port of Bandon Boardwalk, making it easy to move between the shops and the water. Just across Highway 101 in the former City Hall building is the Bandon Historical Society Museum, with exhibits about the culture, nature, and history of the area. Adult admission is $3. Kids under 12 are free.
9. Bandon Coffee Cafe
Bandon Coffee Cafe
Bandon Coffee Cafe has legit good coffee. Not “for a small town,” just good, no qualifiers needed. If you’re on a road trip, it’s worth waiting for. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll cave and get gas station coffee first, then stop again for better coffee once you get to Bandon. Inside is a typical cafe setup. For food, try out one of the bagel sandwiches or choose from a tempting spread of baked goods. Since the Coffee Cafe is in Old Town Bandon, it’s an easy stop before browsing the shops, walking by the harbor, or driving to the beach.
10. Try the chocolate
Chocolate counter at Coastal Mist
Old Town Bandon has two notable candy shops. I like Coastal Mist Chocolate Boutique because it doesn’t waste your time with many non-chocolate distractions. The highlight of the shop is the chocolate counter full of decadent cakes, brownies, truffles, and ganaches. The treats are on the pricier side but worth a little vacation splurge. The gift boxes are good presents for the petsitter if they make it home uneaten.
Cranberry Sweets & More gives a nod to Bandon’s reputation for cranberry farming with its candies (“The Cranberry Capital of the World!”). The shop has used traditional candy-making techniques to create novel treats for over 50 years. Along with the cranberry jelly candies, look for a gourmet popcorn wall, cookies, caramel, toffee, fudge, and chocolates. Whether or not you’re having trouble deciding, the samples are sure to help the process.
11. Check out the restaurants
Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant
The restaurant scene on the Oregon Coast can be a little hit or miss. In Bandon, you’re in good hands. I haven’t yet been to a bad restaurant in town. If there’s a risk, it’s not so much about the quality as the price tag. I once made the mistake of wandering into a low-profile fine-dining restaurant while on a strict travel budget. My night ended by having an appetizer for dinner. When I become wildly successful (any day now), I will return to Bandon and eat everything. In the meantime, here is a non-comprehensive list of great restaurant choices:
For a quick, easy, and satisfying lunch, Face Rock Creamery has wonderful mac & cheese. It’s also filling, which is important if you eat an appetizer for dinner later. Or so a friend told me.
Lord Bennett’s Restaurant has the best views in town. It’s on Beach Loop Rd overlooking the Pacific rather than by the harbor in Old Town. The food and wine are lovely, but watching the sunset over the ocean is the real treat. Reservations are required.
Okay, so Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant is the site of the infamous appetizer dinner. No hard feelings. The confusion was my fault, and the appetizer was incredible. It was a couple of years ago, but I still remember all three bites. Porcini and hazelnut soup made with mushrooms foraged from the Coastal Mountains. The housemade bread came warm with a light aroma of rosemary. Great food, great cocktails, excellent service, and an impressive wine list with a little of everything from Oregon pinot noir to Barolo. Reservations are required. Pro-tip: if you look up their menu online, make sure you’re looking at the Dine-in Menu rather than the Dinner Menu.
12. Watch for wildlife
Harbor seal pup nurses below Elephant Rock
Of all the towns on the Oregon Coast, Bandon has some of the best wildlife-watching potential thanks to the excellent habitat nearby. Hotspots are Coquille Point, Bandon Beach, Bullards Beach State Park, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, the jetties, and Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
The sea stacks of Bandon Beach are favorite perches and nesting sites of sea birds, including some rare sights like tufted puffins. Gulls, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers, and pelicans are also frequent visitors.
Seals and sea lions like to hunt near the mouth of the Coquille River. You might also see them lounging out of the water on the rocky ledges of Bandon Beach’s sea stacks. Late spring and early summer are good times to look for harbor seal moms nursing their pups.
Many types of shore birds flock to the marshy areas around Bandon, especially during spring and fall migration seasons. The Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a good place to spot birds like grebes, loons, buffleheads, surf scoters, ducks, geese, herons, and raptors.
Bandon’s elevated bluffs are excellent for whale watching. Stop by Coquille Point or Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint during the winter and spring grey whale migrations.
For details, check out my guide to the wildlife of the Oregon Coast.
13. Tidepools
Anemones and sea stars on Bandon Beach
With sea stacks in every direction, intertidal life thrives on Bandon Beach. Low tide reveals anemones, mussels, barnacles, and sea stars packed so tightly that it’s hard to find a free square inch of rock below a certain level. While searching for critters, you’ll also find intriguing nooks and crannies in the rocks, like sea caves, arches, and tidepools. The beach access at Coquille Point and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint are both ideal places to start the search. If the timing of your visit doesn’t align with low tide, try looking around the base of Coquille Point. I found some anemones and sea stars there when a medium tide covered most of the other animals. High tide will block passage around Coquille Point, something to keep in mind before a beach walk.
See all of the best tidepool beaches on the Oregon Coast.
14. Golf at the Bandon Dunes
First, a confession. I have never been golfing and know nothing about it. I’m including the Bandon Dunes on the list based on reputation and feedback from my friends who golf. The consensus is that it’s a great course, one of the best in the country. There are, at the very least, excellent ocean views. I’m told a hazard of the course is that golf balls sometimes leave the bluff and land on the beach below.
15. Cape Arago Scenic Drive
Shore Acres State Park
I’m taking you north of Bandon now because the Cape Arago Scenic Drive is worth the 30-minute excursion out of town. This scenic byway connects three unique parks on the Oregon Coast. Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago State Park showcase dramatic cliffs of slanted sandstone, a product of tectonic collision over millions of years. Sunset Bay is a sheltered cove with incredible tidepools and some of the calmest water on the Oregon Coast. Shore Acres has both an unforgettable walk next to wave-buffeted cliffs and a beautiful botanical garden. Cape Arago is a tall headland perfect for watching the waves crash as you look for seals, sea lions, and whales out in the water. Leave time for a full day exploring the parks if your schedule allows it.
Find details on the Cape Arago Scenic Drive.
16. Floras Lake and Blacklock Point
Cliffs approaching Blacklock Point
About 30 minutes south of Bandon, Blacklock Point is one of the most obscure and unusual places on the Oregon Coast. The yellow-orange cliffs here look more akin to the deserts of the American Southwest than the shores of the Pacific. There are two ways to see Blacklock Point. Both take some work.
The first is to drive south from Bandon to Floras Lake. Pay the $5 to park at Boice-Cope Park, then take the bridge to the lake, a favorite of kite surfers. Walk past Floras Lake to reach the ocean, then take a left. Blacklock Point is straight ahead. You’ll reach the cliffs after about a mile. They continue for a couple of miles and get more interesting as you walk. A trail from the beach leads up onto the bluff and continues to Blacklock Point, a 9-mile hike in total.
The second way is shorter and cuts out the walk on the beach. Drive south from Bandon to the Cape Blanco Airport. Park at the airport entrance and follow the hiking trail to the end of Blacklock Point, 4 miles out and back.
17. Cape Blanco State Park
Cape Blanco
Continuing south of Bandon, Cape Blanco State Park is a place you need to see to believe. The cape extends far into the Pacific, forming Oregon’s westernmost point. At its tip, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands over 200 feet above the ocean. You can drive almost to the end of the cape. When you reach the gate at the end of the road, continue about a half mile on foot to reach the lighthouse. Constructed in 1870, it’s the oldest in Oregon. At the time of writing this, lighthouse tours are suspended for repairs, but the scenery is the real draw. At the end of the cape, the ocean surrounds you in three directions. To the south is the monolith Needle Rock, next to a ruggedly beautiful and deserted coastline that extends to Port Orford Heads. To the north are the rocky islands of Gull Rock and Castle Rock. Beyond them is the Blacklock Point.
Packing list
Sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy.
The weather on the Oregon Coast can change quickly and without warning. Bring a rain jacket.
Camera
Good binoculars to spot the wildlife.
To learn more about the geology of Bandon and the southern Oregon Coast, check out Marli Miller’s Oregon Rocks!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission by linking to Amazon. I am very grateful for these orders, which help fund the blog at no extra cost to you.
Cosmo the puffin at Coquille Point
Best things to do in Bandon, Oregon, the short version:
Coquille Point National Wildlife Refuge
Bandon Beach
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Coquille River Lighthouse
Bullards Beach
Port of Bandon Boardwalk
Washed Ashore Gallery
Old Town Bandon
Bandon Coffee Cafe
Candy shops
Restaurants
Watch for wildlife
Tidepools
Golf at the Bandon Dunes
Cape Arago Scenic Drive
Floras Lake and Blacklock Point
Cape Blanco State Park
Enjoy your trip to Bandon!
With love,
Emma
Getting there
Bandon is on the southern Oregon Coast, directly off Highway 101. The drive from Portland takes a little over 4 hours. You will need a car to get there.
Explore nearby
Continue south of Cape Blanco to the incredible Sisters Rock State Park.
Visit the secluded Otter Point State Recreation Site.
