Exploring Oregon's Adventure Coast: Spring Break Fun in Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston

Take a Break & Experience Family Friendly Fun this Spring on Oregon’s Adventure Coast

Are you looking for a spring break vacation destination the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston. From whale watching to exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon’s Adventure Coast is the perfect place for a family-friendly getaway.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, or just a place to relax and recharge, you’ll find it here! In this post, we’ll explore the fun activities and attractions you and your family can experience on Oregon’s Adventure Coast this spring.

• Look for Migrating Whales off the Oregon Coast. Pack your binoculars! Some of the best whale watching on the West Coast can be found right in our backyard. During the spring months, you can spot a variety of whale species and other wildlife as they embark on their northbound migration for the spring and summer months. Volunteers from the Whale Watching Spoken Here® program will be available in designated locations along the Oregon Coast (including our own Shore Acres State Park ) between 10am and 1pm each day Tuesday, March 28th – Sunday, April 2nd, 2023. While you’re there, be sure to explore the gardens and hidden trails in Shore Acres State Park, the crown jewel of the Oregon Coast! Click here for a Whale Viewing Guide and more information.

• Discover the Past & Present at the Coos History Museum. The Coos History Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of Oregon’s South Coast. This museum features interactive exhibits and displays about the area’s Native American and European settlers. With more than 50,000 objects and 250,000 images to discover, learning more about this fascinating, historical region has never been easier. Click here to learn more.

• Sample Goodies at Cranberry Sweets. There’s nothing family-friendlier than satisfying your sweet tooth with a trip to Cranberry Sweets, a candy manufacturer/retailer with stores in Bandon and Coos Bay, Oregon. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors. Visitors to their store are often rewarded with a variety of irresistible in-store samples. Visit cranberrysweets.com to learn more.

• Explore the South Slough Estuary. The South Slough Estuarine Research Reserve is a 5,000-acre estuary located off Seven Devils Road in Charleston, Oregon. Here, you can explore the diverse wildlife, including birds, mammals, fish, and plants. Take a hike through the reserve and experience the beauty of nature. Download this brochure to learn more about this Oregon treasure!

• Enjoy Family Fun at North Bend Lanes. For ultra family-friendly fun, head to North Bend Lanes . This bowling alley has been a staple on Oregon’s Adventure Coast for more than 50 years and offers a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Stop in at Back Alley Pub and Grill, attached to the bowling alley, for a quick bite and a drink. This is not your run-of-the-mill bowling alley food. From cosmic bowling to delicious fare and live entertainment, North Bend Lanes is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day or evening.

• Explore the Charleston Marine Life Center. The 6,000-square-foot Charleston Marine Life Center is a great place for kids AND adults to explore the wonders of marine life. From touch tanks to interactive exhibits, your family will learn about the ocean’s inhabitants and the importance of conservation. There’s even an open-air deck where visitors can watch fishing vessels coming and going out to sea!

• Go for a Ride or Hike in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America and features an impressive landscape of sand dunes and coastal forests. Families can explore the dunes on an ATV or take a hike or bike through the forest. Click here to learn more.

• Enjoy a Show at The Egyptian Theatre. The historic Egyptian Theatre , located in downtown Coos Bay, offers a variety of classic movies, concerts and more. If you’re lucky, you can watch a demonstration of the mighty Wurlitzer Organ ! Learn more about Entertainment and Nightlife on Oregon’s Adventure Coast .

• Visit the Coos Art Museum. The Coos Art Museum, one of the cultural hubs of Oregon’s Adventure Coast and Oregon’s 3rd oldest art museum, features a variety of artwork, from local artists to iconic works from around the world. The museum is housed in the historic art deco former US Post Office in downtown Coos Bay. We recommend stopping in the Prefontaine Gallery for a glimpse at the life and achievements of Olympian and Coos Bay native son, Steve Prefontaine. Visit coosart.org for hours and visitor information.

• Go Crabbing, Clamming, and/or Fishing and Catch Your Own Meal! Oregon’s Adventure Coast is known for its abundance of crabbing , clamming and fishing opportunities ! Visitors can charter a boat and go fishing in the sea or along the miles of lakes and rivers in our area. Crabbing and clamming are popular spring time activities the family can enjoy with relative ease as the necessary equipment for both crabbing and clamming are almost always available for rent from our local bait and tackle shops.

• Take a Mindfulness Spring Break with Us! Oregon’s Adventure Coast is the ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse your family in the beauty of nature. Go on a Forest Bathing excursion through one of our forested areas and sit on a promontory along the rugged cliffs and just Be. Disconnecting from the rest of the world for a short period will rejuvenate you like nothing else.

With miles of stunning coastline, lush forests, and endless outdoor & indoor activities, Oregon’s Adventure Coast has something for everyone. Let us help you plan a spring break trip with your family on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston today! Visit our featured adventures page and our trip ideas page to find more travel ideas and inspiration, and/or contact the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau .

You can also follow Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook , @travelcoosbay on Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to find inspiration on the best spots to visit, eat, stay and explore any time of the year. Request your FREE visitor’s packet today !