Did you know that there is a place in Oregon with miles of sandy beaches, majestic sea stacks, a lively downtown, and one of the best golf courses in the country, all at your fingertips? Well, if you head down to the Southern Oregon coast, this could be your life for a day, a weekend, or perhaps even longer.
More than a few people have ventured down this way and ended up sticking around for a long time for the relaxed pace that comes with this part of the coast.
The town we’re talking about is Bandon, Oregon.
Once a sleepy retirement town best known for the world-class Bandon Dunes Golf Course, the city has grown over the years.
Thanks to its location along the Southern Oregon coast, it doesn’t see nearly the same amount of day-trip traffic during the busy summer months as stops further to the north.
This means more time enjoying the sights and less time searching for a parking spot!
What To Do In Bandon
Here are a few of our favorite things to do on a trip to Bandon.
Play A Round At Bandon Dunes
No matter which ranking you look at; there is a nearly 100% chance that a few of the courses at Bandon Dunes will be included among the top 100 golf courses in the country. This sprawling golf resort just north of town is home to seven links-style courses that hug the coastline and provide sweeping views of the Pacific.
Bring your A-game, as these championship-level courses will challenge even the best of golfers.
Visit Face Rock Creamery
This regionally renowned creamery is located right in the heart of Bandon and takes its name from the famous face-shaped rock that sits just offshore.
This isn’t just some touristy stop that dishes out mediocre cheese to unwitting visitors. One look at their awards page will tell you that the folks at Face Rock take the craft of cheesemaking very seriously and the quality of their product shines through.
Take A Walk Along the Beach
The beach that borders the town of Bandon might just be one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the entire Oregon coast. Here, you can walk amongst dozens of towering sea stacks that line the water.
With names like The Castle and Wizards Hat (and, of course, Face Rock), these rock formations let the imagination run wild and are a photographer’s dream at sunset.
Visit the Coquille River Lighthouse
The Coquille River Lighthouse is located in Bullards Beach State Park on the north side of town. This 130-year-old light has served as a beacon for ships attempting to make the treacherous passage over the bar and upstream into the Coquille River.
Although it is no longer in service, the light is open to visitors between 11 AM and 5 PM during the summer months.
Explore Downtown Bandon
Bandon’s small downtown is nestled along the banks of the Coquille River. Here, you’ll find charming coffee shops perfect for escaping the cool and foggy Oregon Coast mornings, restaurants serving up platters of freshly caught seafood, and gift shops to take home that ideal souvenir.
One place that is an absolute must-visit is the Washed Ashore Gallery. This free, public art display is made up entirely of garbage that has washed up on the area’s beaches and represents the animals and sealife that are impacted by marine debris.
Tour Some Unique Culinary Delights
In addition to the fabulous cheese produced at Face Rock Creamery, Bandon is also home to some other rather unique culinary delights.
First off are the local cranberry bogs that make up 95% of the cranberry production in the state of Oregon. The mild weather on the Southern Oregon coast makes for the perfect growing conditions, and over 30 million pounds of berries are harvested every year around town.
Some of the bogs are even open to tours where you can sample the product and see their unique cultivation methods.
The other culinary stop is at Oregon Coast Wasabi. While the farm itself is not open to the public, the fact that this Japanese delicacy is grown along the Southern Oregon coast is a shock to many.
Keep an eye out around town for their fresh wasabi, as its flavor is an absolute treat compared to the dyed horseradish served at most sushi restaurants.
