A Two-Day Getaway in Charleston, Oregon

Experience the Best of Charleston With This Two Day Itinerary

Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston is known for our relaxed vibe and rustic atmosphere, and nowhere is this more apparent than Charleston (not the South Carolina one, the Oregon one). This small, unique fishing village is known for its charming marina, endless fishing, friendly merchants, lush state parks, beautiful beaches, and a distinctly charismatic local community. Since autumn is such a lovely time of year to visit this region, we thought this would be the perfect time to highlight the best things to do when you visit our beloved community of Charleston.

DAY ONE

Begin the day by fueling up with a fresh, hot cup of coffee and a delicious homemade pastry at Bayside Coffee & Tea . This community staple offers organic fair-trade coffee, house-roasted coffee beans, espresso, coffee, tea, snacks, and fair trade gifts. Once you’ve had your coffee fix, it’s time to hop in the car and explore the beaches and state parks along the Cape Arago Highway for the next few hours. Here are some points of interest you’ll want to hit along the way:

Shore Acres State Park , a.k.a. “the jewel of the South Coast”

Perched high above the Pacific on rugged sandstone cliffs, Shore Acres features lush gardens with plants and flowers from all over the world. In addition to exploring the gardens, visitors can take in spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean along with towering waves crashing against the shoreline and cliffs. Whale watchers have ample opportunities to spot migrating whales during the winter and summer migrating seasons. A secluded ocean cove at Simpson Beach awaits those willing to hike down a trail.

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to dusk. More Info: Shore Acres State Park is located on the Cape Arago Highway, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay/North Bend and U. S. Highway 101. Parking is $5 per car.

Simpson Beach (situated directly below Shore Acres)

A winding path takes you to this secluded ocean cove. You’ll find a small sandy beach bounded by high cliff walls, crashing waves, and views of seals and sea lions and other wildlife. Please do not bother the seal pups you may find on the beach. They are not lost, only waiting for mom to return. And that log that just moved, that’s actually a seal sunning himself, or herself, on this beautiful stretch of sand! (Note: please do not disturb the seals or sea lions you find on the beach.)

Shell Island

Part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Shell Island, and the surrounding reefs, provide breeding and rest areas for sea birds and Marine mammals. Gray whales, Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, Stellar Sea Lions, Black Oystercatchers, Great Blue Herons, and Pelagic Cormorants can all be viewed at the Shell Island Interpretive Stop. There is no public access to the island itself, but viewing points can also be found here and at both Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park.

PRO Tip: Be sure to pack a pair of binoculars so you can view the playful sea lions, harbor seals, and occasional elephant seals from the viewing area overlooking Shell Island.

Cape Arago State Park

From the overlook head south to the end of the roadway at Cape Arago State Park . This is a prime place to view migrating California gray whales. And watch for black oystercatchers and other birds feeding in the sea spray along the rocks. On a clear day, you can see for miles north and south. Hiking trails take you to a flat beach area perfect for tide pooling during low tides.

After your morning adventures, break for some midday Fish ’n Chips at Miller’s at the Cove or award-winning chowder at High Tide Cafe . You’ll also enjoy exploring what’s fresh in the retail fish market, Chuck’s Seafood , or add to your adventure and buy directly off the boats in the marina. Chuck’s can ship fresh seafood or you can purchase the canned catches from Charleston. If there’s time, we recommend exploring the eclectic shops in Charleston, you never know what you’ll find! With its top-notch outdoor clothing and fishing gear, Englund Marine is the place for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss Kinnee’s Gifts and Shells , featuring trinkets and other coastal items along with Davey Jones Locker on Cape Arago Highway (you can’t miss it), featuring an eclectic mix of merchandise.

After lunch, we recommend an afternoon walk on Bastendorff Beach , located 1⁄4 mile off the Cape Arago State Highway , about two miles west of Charleston. This local gem is never crowded and is a favorite among surfers, kiters, campers, beachcombers and everyone in between.

End the day with a stop at Stillwagon Distillery (by appointment only), where you can taste handcrafted rum, vodka, and whiskey.

DAY TWO

Start your morning with a nice hearty breakfast at The ‘Original’ Cape Cafe before taking a morning stroll along the Charleston Marina Complex . This is one of our favorite spots to watch the busy commercial and recreational fleets come and go as the fishermen bring in the day’s catch. With nearly 200 commercial fishing boats and 250 or so recreational boats, the docks and boatyard are busy year-round.

Your next stop will be the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve where you can explore miles of beautiful wooded trails, explore open water channels, tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and forested uplands. Take a self-guided tour through this protected area of land and estuary and you’ll likely spot a variety of birds like Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, and Belted Kingfishers.

When you’ve had your fill of nature, grab a quick bite at Monkey Business Food Express To Go or grab some snacks and a tasty sandwich at Davey Jones Locker . Be sure to get enough to eat because it’s time for a fishing adventure! While trips are limited in the winter due to weather conditions, it’s worth checking with one of our many charter fishing guides about opportunities to get out on the water. Or if you prefer to go crabbing off the docks, that’s an option too! Anyone can go crabbing, no matter what your skill level is! Just make sure you have the following supplies before you head out:

• Shellfish license (Ages 12 and older require a shellfish license for crabbing)
• Crab measuring tool
• pots or rings (can be rented)
• Cooler
• Gloves
• Bait holders and bait supply

Our local crabbing experts are always happy to help point you in the right direction! Rental crab rings are available at many RV parks and other lodging facilities, and tackle and marine supply stores like Davey Jones Locker. Click here for more crabbing tips.

If you need a break from all the hustle and bustle of the “real world” this fall, we’re here for you! There’s plenty of room for you to spread out and keep yourself and our community safe. For more travel inspiration, see our Adventures page and our Trip Ideas page to see all there is to do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast! Or request a visitor’s packet today . Please be sure to follow Oregon’s Safe+Strong guidelines and remember that face coverings are required in public spaces. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.