Located on the southern Oregon coast, Coos Bay is the ultimate coastal adventure destination in Oregon! In fact, it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Oregon. Home to one of the largest coastal dune systems in the world, Coos Bay offers fantastic outdoor adventure opportunities, amazing food, and lots of unique activities. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, fly a stunt kite, take a hike along the coast, or indulge in local treats and food, Coos Bay has something for everyone! See below for 15 things to do in Coos Bay Oregon. We also share our thoughts on the best time of year to visit Coos Bay and the southern Oregon coast, the best places to stay in Coos Bay, and what to pack for a trip to the southern Oregon coast!

Why can you trust our guide to the best 15 things to do in Coos Bay Oregon? We’ve been to Coos Bay several times and genuinely LOVE the region. We’ve experienced EVERYTHING we recommend below. Only our favorite activities and restaurants made our guide to the southern Oregon coast!

This post is in partnership with the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau. All thoughts, experiences, and opinions are our own!

15 can’t-miss things to do in Coos Bay, Oregon

Planning a trip to Coos Bay, Oregon: what you need to know

Below we share a roundup of 15 can’t miss things to do in Coos Bay, Oregon. Before we dive in we also share our thoughts on the best time of year to visit Coos Bay and the southern Oregon coast, and how to tread lightly and be a good visitor. We also share the best places to stay in Coos Bay, and what to pack for a trip to the southern Oregon coast!

When is the best time of year to visit Coos Bay, Oregon?

Coos Bay and the southern Oregon coast are beautiful year-round! The peak tourism season is in summer, and roughly corresponds with the warmest months. May – October the average highs in this region are in the 60s, making that a great time of year to visit for hiking, outdoor adventures, and even some swimming! Note that the ocean is cold year-round, so you have to be brave to take a dip! This time of year brings lots of events, farmers markets, and other activities.

Off-season travel on the southern Oregon coast brings unique benefits, including lower prices for lodging and fewer crowds! Fall brings cooler temperatures and lovely colors inland, making it a great time of year to visit the region. Spring is a fantastic time to see the region’s waterfalls, and to enjoy coastal fishing. Winter is a great time to watch the dramatic storms (and big waves!!) on the coast, and to see the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres. 

How to be a good visitor: tips for visiting the southern Oregon coast

The Southern Oregon coast is full of charming small towns and, in my experience, they welcome visitors with open arms. Let’s keep it that way! Below are a few tips for being a good visitor in town, on the trails, and on the beach. You can find additional leave no trace tips here. 

Leave no trace on trails AND in town

The southern Oregon coast is a stunning environment characterized by huge sand dunes, lush forest, and expansive beaches. Let’s work to keep the coast beautiful! Visitors on trails and beaches should be prepared to pack out EVERYTHING they pack in– including human waste, and all organic food items (YES, even apple cores, orange peels, and nut shells!). 

“Leave no trace” extends to town, too. If you visit the beaches or marinas be sure not to leave trash in the parking lots, and to pick up any litter you see. This goes a long way in ensuring that visitors are still graciously welcome here. Let’s work together to keep the southern Oregon coast beautiful for decades to come!

Support local businesses

The economy of the Coos Bay region is largely driven by timber, fishing, and tourism. The businesses along the main streets of Charleston, North Bend, and Coos Bay rely on tourism dollars to stay afloat in a heavily seasonal economy (summer is by far the most popular time of year to visit). Your dollars go a long way! You can support the local businesses of the southern Oregon coast by shopping along Main Street and visiting some of the locations mentioned in this guide to Coos Bay and the southern Oregon coast.

Respect coastal wildlife and tidepool etiquette

When tidepooling, remember the mantra “if you pry, it will die.” If you choose to handle tide pool critters do NOT pry them from rocks – this can kill them. 

Only pick up critters that are unattached, and handle them gently and briefly. Many need water to breathe and survive, so they need to be returned to the water quickly! Touch tide pool animals gently, and leave shells at the beach (many are home to animals – sometimes ones you can’t see!). Click here for more tips for responsible tidepooling!

Drown all campfires

Whether you’re camping at a state park or enjoying a fire on the beach, please be sure to practice fire safety. Follow campfire safety recommendations, and be sure to completely drown ALL embers when you leave camp.

The best places to stay in Coos Bay, Oregon

Coos Bay has a wide variety of accommodations available, including great camping at Sunset Bay State Park Campground and Bastendorff Beach Park. Outside of the parks, below we share two of the best places to stay in Coos Bay, Oregon: Bay Point Landing and Itty Bitty Inn.

Cute coastal cabins, Airstreams, and RV sites at Bay Point Landing

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway for a romantic trip or fun girl’s weekend I highly recommend staying at Bay Point Landing. Located on the bay, they offer cute coastal cabins, Airstreams, and RV sites. I can say hands down this is the nicest RV park we have ever stayed at! The property is pet friendly.

The attention to design at Bay Point Landing is impressive, and the whole place has a relaxing Nordic coastal cabin vibe. The RV spaces and cabins are nicely spaced so that visitors aren’t on top of each other, and they have thoughtful amenities that will appeal to people enjoying a weekend getaway or a longer road trip. We took advantage of their laundry room, and they also have a small fitness room, heated saltwater pool, common spaces, and dog wash station. 

We stayed in one of the cabins, which are incredibly cute, light and bright, and offer guests private patios with seating and fire pits. They thoughtfully provide locally roasted coffee and pour-over supplies, as well as a well-stocked full kitchen.

Unique themed accommodations at Itty Bitty Inn

The Itty Bitty Inn might just be the most unique hotel we’ve ever stayed at! This uniquely-themed hotel is a truly memorable and fun lodging experience. They are a self-described “charming retro, non-fancy, geek chic motel located on Route 101.” Honestly, that description hits the nail on the head. This micro-hotel has a series of unique themes rooms, including an Oregon Trail Room, a Tiki room, and a Star Trek themed hotel room!

I’m a Star Wars buff but we stayed in the Star Trek room and had a BLAST (you might say it was out of this world). The nerdy little details are unmatched. The hotel does not allow smoking, pets, or shoes inside of the rooms. In addition to 10/10 vibes, visitors can enjoy free local beer and cider on tap, nerd-ing out with the inn-keeper, and freshly ground coffee in the morning. Highly recommend! 

The Itty Bitty Inn on the southern Oregon coast is especially LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming.

What to pack for a trip to the Southern Oregon coast

• Stunt kite: We use the Synapse 140 Speed Foil Kite from REI. It doesn’t have a frame, so you don’t risk breaking the kite if it crashes.
• Sunglasses: It’s bright on the coast! Protect your eyes from sun glare and blowing sand.
• Lots of layers: Weather changes fast. Pack a fleece for warmth and a lightweight base layer for comfort.
• Waterproof hiking boots: We love our Lowa Renegade GTX hiking boots (mens and womens), which are warm, waterproof, and rugged enough for muddy trails.
• A rain jacket: It rains a lot on the Oregon coast! Be prepared with a breathable, waterproof shell.
• A picnic blanket for the beach: Cape Arago is a perfect place for a lunch picnic. Choose a picnic blanket that can withstand some sand.

15 things to do in Coos Bay, Oregon: the best activities on the southern Oregon coast

Below we share a roundup of 15 things to do in Coos Bay, Oregon! These activities are fun year round, and make for the perfect trip to the southern Oregon coast. 

Try sandboarding at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

One of the most unique and fun activities to do around Coos Bay is sandboarding and sand sledding! If you’re up for an adventure, this is a must-do activity on the southern Oregon coast.

Sandboarding is a lot like snowboarding, but on sand. You stand on a wooden board with your feet strapped into binding. You can then “ride” down wet or dry sand similar to how a snowboarder rides down snow on a mountain. This takes some practice, and good balance! If you want something a little more ‘tame’ I recommend a sand sled, which can be ridden while seated.

Pro tip: wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying sand! We used our sandboards at Hall Lake, which is located in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Site. This area does not allow ATVs or dune buggies, making it ideal for safe sandboarding. Park here and walk up the dunes behind the lake. It’s a workout! 

On the southern Oregon coast I recommend renting sandboards from Bahama Boards, located in Coos Bay. As of summer 2025 sandboards and sand sleds rented for $20 for the full day (10 am – 5 pm), or $25 for 24 hours. They have a variety of other beach rentals available, as well. 

Enjoy fresh fish and chips at Fishermen’s Seafood Market

Located right on the waterfront, Fishermen’s Seafood Market serves up the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. The rockfish is fresh, lightly battered, and fried to golden perfection. It’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside. I got the kid’s portion was surprisingly generous, making it a solid dinner option after a day of exploring. If you like fish and chips, this spot is a must.

Explore the tidepools at Cape Arago State Park

Cape Arago State Park is located on a scenic headland along the Oregon coast, and is one of THREE state parks in a single area. About 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay, this area is great for whale watching, beachcombing, and tide pooling. The best tidepools are located at South Cove Beach. Remember: “if you pry, it will die!” so please don’t pry tide pool critters (including sea stars and barnacles) off of rocks or surfaces. Make sure to only walk on bare rocks (don’t step on the critters!).

The tidepools are best viewed during negative low tides. Tide times differ every day. You can access tide charts for the southern Oregon coast here.

Stroll through the beautiful gardens at Shore Acres State Park

Shore Acres State Park might be one of the most unique places on the Oregon coast. The park features craggy sandstone cliffs, dramatic views of the ocean, and a STUNNING formal garden. Once the grand estate of timber baron Louis J. Simpson, the garden has been beautifully maintained and has beautiful blooms year-round. Some of the paths are paved, making this an accessible adventure on the southern Oregon coast.

You can visit Shore Acres State Park between 8 a.m. and dusk every day, year-round. Visiting the gardens is free, but a $10 daily parking fee (cash only) is required to visit the park and garden if you choose to park your car in their parking lot. You can also use an annual Oregon State Parks pass.

Have a burger or chowder at Monkey Business in the Charleston Marina

Monkey Business is a quirky little lunch spot tucked into the Charleston Marina, and it’s a great place to grab lunch. I ordered the fresh clam chowder in a sourdough bowl. It was creamy, rich, and packed with a generous portion of clams and potatoes. Gwyn got the veggie burger, which was hearty and flavorful, and was perfect for a plant-based option. It gets rave reviews on Google, which I can confirm are well-earned!

Fly a stunt kite on the beach or dunes

One of my favorite activities at the beach is flying stunt kites, and the southern Oregon coast is a GREAT place for stunt kite flying! This unique and fun activity will make you feel like a kid again. Hall Lake in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Site and Bastendorff Beach are both great locations for kite flying. Generally, student kites require winds of 12 miles an hour or more to fly.

Wondering what type of kite to get? Stunt kites come in two main forms: dual lined framed kites, and dual lined foil kites. Framed kites have metal or plastic frames similar to tent poles, while foil kites have ‘air foils’ that inflate in the wind. Framed kites are better for trick and precision, but you can break the poles if you crash too hard (I’m guilty of breaking my poles!). Foil kites are more forgiving. For these shots we used the Synapse 140 Foil Kite, which was super fun and easy to fly! Note that Coos Bay does not have a kite shop, so you’ll want to purchase one before you travel here. 

Grab a handmade treat (and lots of samples!) at Cranberry Sweets Candy Factory

The southern Oregon coast is famous for its cranberry production, and Cranberry Sweets Candy Factory is a must-visit! They hand make and sell dozens of unique fruit candies and chocolate, including a variety of cranberry treats. Founded in the 1960s, visitors to the factory can see the sweets being made, and sample a seemingly endless variety of treats.

Hike between Cape Arago, Shore Acres, and Sunset Bay State Park

One of the most unique activities you can do in Oregon is hike between THREE state parks on the coast! We’ve done the 8 mile hike from Sunset Bay to Cape Arago (which also goes through Shore Acres) twice, and it’s a beautiful route with great views of the coast. Just be ready for some roots along the trail! Pack a lunch and plenty of water because this hike takes at least several hours.

Rent a kayak at the self-service station at John Topits Park

Located in Coos Bay, John Topits Park (also known as Empire Lakes) is a 120 acre natural area preserving dunes, forest, and Empire Lakes. Free to visit, gas powered boats are prohibited making this a great place to canoe, SUP, and kayak. Coastal Kayak and SUP Rentals has a self-service station at John Topits Park where you can rent up to 4 kayaks, along with PFDs (life jackets) and paddles. The self-service station is easy to use, and the lake is a great place for novices and expert kayakers alike! 

Have lunch at Tin Thistle (the best vegan food on the Oregon coast!)

Located in North Bend, the Tin Thistle Cafe is an all vegan restaurant that serves simple but delicious food. Their hours are a bit quirky (open Tuesday – Saturday from 11-4), but it’s worth the effort to stop in. Neither of us is vegan, but we’ve eaten here several times and feel it’s a must-visit location in the area! Their food is fresh, simple, and delicious. Don’t miss out on their homemade pie – it’s INCREDIBLE! 

Enjoy forest bathing on the Oregon coast

One of the unique activities you can do on the southern Oregon coast is forest bathing. Also known as Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing involves immersing yourself in nature and connecting with the environment to support your physical and mental health. It’s a relaxing activity you can enjoy in forests, parks, and along the dunes. You can learn more about forest bathing in Coos Bay here. We enjoyed some self-directed forest bathing, but you can also book a guided experience through Mossy Lotus (note: we have not personally experienced their services).

Have a local beer at 7 Devils Brewery & Tap Room

7 Devils Brewery is a must-visit in downtown Coos Bay, and we always stop for a pint or two when we’re in town! Their locally brewed beers celebrate the coast from ‘farm to foam.’ They rely on fresh local ingredients to create innovative and delicious beer. Their food is also excellent! They have two locations: a brewery and pub, and a waterfront ale house. Both have different menus, so take note of the options before you decide which one to visit!

7 Devils, if you ever read this… please consider this my petition to bring back your vegetarian-friendly poutine with cheese curds! It was SO DANG GOOD.

Hike Golden and Silver Falls Trail to two majestic waterfalls

Tucked away in the forest, Golden and Silver Falls Trail is a family-friendly hike that leads to two MAJESTIC waterfalls. The falls are best viewed in spring when the water is flowing, but they’re also beautiful in late summer when flows are at their weakest. The falls are about 30 miles east of Coos Bay, but the drive can take an hour. This area is free to visit. 

Enjoy classic saltwater taffy and popcorn from Sweet Street

I grew up spending my summers on the New Jersey shore and Sweet Street is a nostalgic throwback to nights on the boardwalk! Located in downtown North Bend, this classic family owned sweets shop offers saltwater taffy, hand crafted chocolates, fresh fudge, caramel apples, freeze dried candy, ice cream, and more. I especially loved their cookies and cream fudge and saltwater taffy!

Have a date night dinner at Wildflour Pub

Located in North Bend, Wildflour Pub offers fresh farm-to-table food that’s perfect for a nice date night or family meal. Their menu can accommodate a wide variety of diets (from vegan and vegetarian to gluten free), and we especially loved their homemade desserts. Their caprese pasta was absolutely full of flavor, and Amiana’s Wildflour burger was juicy, moist, and cooked to perfection.

Final thoughts on can’t miss things to do in Coos Bay Oregon

I hope you found our guide to 15 things to do in Coos Bay Oregon helpful! From epic dunes to delicious food, the Coos Bay region of the southern Oregon coast is perfect for everything from weekend getaways to family vacations. I genuinely think Coos Bay is one of the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast, and it’s a place I always enjoy coming back to. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Looking for more adventures in Oregon? See below for some additional Oregon travel inspiration!