Six Unique Experiences on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
What makes Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston a one-of-a-kind destination? Is it the rustic natural beauty that can only be found along Oregon’s most beautiful stretch of coastal land? Maybe it’s the rare trifecta of state parks along Cape Arago Highway or easy access to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America .
Perhaps it’s our rich history & culture that sets our region apart from the rest. Even our geographic location, uniquely situated where the land meets the bay and the sea - opens up endless possibilities for anyone in search of new and exciting adventures. Regardless of the reason, Oregon’s Adventure Coast is the perfect destination for visitors hoping to rediscover their adventurous side as they explore nature, wildlife, food, and culture. Here’s a list of unique experiences we don’t always highlight, but are here for visitors to enjoy any time of the year in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.
#1 Go Lighthouse Hunting
Lighthouses have a long, fascinating history on the Oregon Coast, but there is something especially unique and mysterious about Southern Oregon Coast Lighthouses . The Cape Arago Lighthouse in Charleston is perhaps our best known of these rare coastal treasures, but there are four others (out of Oregon’s 11 lighthouses) within a short driving distance to explore!
#2 Learn About our Tribal Heritage
Indigenous people have lived and thrived on the Oregon Coast for thousands of years, long before Euro-American settlers would arrive. Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston is home to two of the nine federally recognized Native American Tribes in our state. The rich and diverse cultures of the Coquille Indian Tribe
(pronounced “ko-kwel”) and Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
are intricately woven into our history. Travel Oregon recently took the important step of publishing a new Guide to Tribal Nations
(copies are available at the Coos Bay Visitor Center).
#3 Experience Oregon Coast Art, History & Culture
Did you know there are multiple museums and experiences for art and culture lovers to explore on Oregon’s Adventure Coast? Here are just a few to add to your itinerary:
- Take a self-guided walking tour and explore the unique history of Coos Bay & North Bend
- Learn more about local marine life and coastal ecosystems at the Charleston Marine Life Center, part of the OIMB - The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology , located in the marina, overlooking the water.
- Take a deep dive into the rich and fascinating history of Oregon’s Adventure Coast at the Coos History Museum , Oregon’s oldest continuously operated historical society.
- Be inspired at Coos Art Museum , the cornerstone of visual arts on Oregon’s Southern Coast.
- Discover the fascinating history of the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum .
- Take a trip back in time at the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Museum .
- Discover the fun, quirky side of Oregon’s Adventure Coast at various destinations on The Oregon Coast Public Art Trail .
#4 Go Treasure Hunting
Hunt for treasures in our eclectic retail and antique shops
. Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston are chock-full of eclectic retail businesses, including antique and kitschy shops,
with an abundance of terrific deals and unique merchandise. Spend an afternoon getting to know our wonderful and friendly merchants while browsing through their shops. You never know what treasures you will find. Amp up your treasure hunting game even more by collecting special, one-of-a-kind souvenirs along the Southern Oregon Coast Charm Trail
. Download your map here.
#5 Eat & Drink Your Way Through Oregon’s Adventure Coast
The excellent quality of the food on Oregon’s Adventure Coast is one of our most underrated features. Several of our local restaurants are renowned throughout the region for dishing out the freshest seafood one could possibly hope for! So grab a pint at a local pub and explore the unique restaurants in Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston. Download our Local Restaurant Guide
to carry with you, or visit oregonsadventurecoast.com/dining
to see all our local restaurants. For the ultimate foodie experience, treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind tasting adventure you can only find along the Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail
.
#6 Unique Lodging
Many of our local lodging establishments offer visitors a more “eclectic” experience than one typically encounters. Here are some of the more unique lodging options for travelers looking for an authentic experience during their travels to Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Click here to see all of our lodging options!
- The Itty Bitty Inn - A 1950’s hotel located in North Bend and features an EV charging station along with a fun, vintage vibe with bicycles, record players & rebuilt Ataris available for guest use. Guests can borrow crabbing gear and learn how to cook, clean & enjoy the catch..
- Bay Point Landing - A modern camp experience. Open year-round with RV sites, cabins and Airstream trailer rentals. Indoor swimming pool, fitness center, activity room and kids den as well as an event center and pavilion. Sandy beach, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Pets welcomed.
- Coos Bay Manor - A grand colonial-style B&B featuring elegant cozy antiques-filled rooms, late 19th-century charm, high ceilings, free WiFi & full breakfast.
