The southern Oregon coast boasts breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and delectable dining options. Bandon, a delightful seaside gem, stands out as a must-visit destination. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the top Things to Do in Bandon, Oregon, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Summers along the Southern Oregon coast are truly magical. The combination of stunning scenery and the invigorating ocean air offers a genuine escape from the everyday hustle. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit.
Furthermore, this coastal haven provides respite from scorching summer temperatures. While Portland and the Willamette Valley may suffer under oppressive heat waves, this region maintains a refreshingly cool climate, making it an ideal summer retreat.
Bandon enjoys a remarkably consistent and pleasant climate, with summer temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70°F throughout July and August. This makes it the perfect base for exploring the town and the many attractions the surrounding area has to offer. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, culinary delights, or simply a relaxing escape, Bandon has something for everyone.
📍Where is Bandon, Oregon?
Bandon is situated approximately 250 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon, and a mere couple of hours north of the California border. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible for travelers from various regions.
The drive from Portland typically takes around four hours, offering a scenic journey through the picturesque Oregon landscape. Plan your route and prepare for a delightful road trip to this coastal paradise.
🏨 Where to Stay in Bandon: Best Western Inn at Face Rock
Best Western Inn at Face Rock
3225 Beach Loop Drive SW
Bandon, Oregon 97411
(541) 347-9441
For a tranquil and convenient stay in Bandon, consider the Best Western Inn at Face Rock. This hotel offers comfortable accommodations and is ideally located just steps from the beach, allowing you to easily access the stunning coastline.
The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a convenient self-service market for snacks and essentials, and a complimentary breakfast to start your day off right. It’s a perfect choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
During our stay, we opted for a double room to accommodate our kids and our dog, Ace. While it worked out, we might consider booking two rooms next time to provide the kids with more space. However, overall, the room was adequate and comfortable for our needs. The convenience and proximity to the beach made it a worthwhile experience.
🏖 The Beach: Bandon’s Coastal Jewel
After settling into your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll to the beach through the grassy sand dunes. This short trek is a delight for both kids and pets, and the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean serve as a rewarding culmination.
This stretch of coastline is also home to the majestic Face Rock, a natural landmark that bears a striking resemblance to a human face. According to Native American legend, the rock formation represents a local princess who was trapped in the ocean by an evil spirit. It’s truly an awe-inspiring sight to behold and a must-see during your visit.
🍽 Restaurants in Bandon, Oregon: A Culinary Adventure
Bandon’s prime location on the Pacific Ocean makes seafood a star attraction in many of its best restaurants. If you’re a fan of fish and chips, you’re in for a treat. Bandon offers a variety of establishments serving up this classic dish.
🐟 Bandon Fish Market: A Local Favorite
Our first stop on our fish and chips journey led us to Bandon Fish Market. Nestled in Old Town Bandon, right on the waterfront, this charming restaurant always seemed busy, which we took as a promising sign. We weren’t disappointed.
Marlynn and I sampled the cod fish and chips and the calamari, while our kids opted for the chicken strips. The fish was delicate and flavorful, with a thin and flaky batter that had just the right consistency. The calamari was fresh and crispy, and the chicken strips were a hit with the kids. Prices ranged from around $8 to $13.
Bandon Fish Market
249 1st St SE
Bandon, OR 97411
541-347-4282
HOURS:
Daily 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
⚓️ Broken Anchor: Unassuming Excellence
A short walk away, you’ll discover the unassuming Broken Anchor. Don’t let its modest exterior fool you. Inside, you’ll find a lively bar and restaurant serving up more fantastic fish and chips! In fact, we found it to be just as good, if not better, than Bandon Fish Market’s.
Here, they use rockfish ($15) instead of the more common cod or halibut, providing a pleasant and unique twist to the dish. The batter was crispy and flaky, making it utterly irresistible.
The atmosphere at the Broken Anchor leans towards a more adult-oriented vibe, especially later in the evening. However, they do offer a kids’ menu, making it a great option for an early dinner with the family.
Broken Anchor25 2nd St SE
Bandon, OR 97411
541-329-2326
HOURS:
Daily 12:00 am – 11:00 pm
🍺 Bandon Brewing: Pizza and Brews
If pizza and a beer sound like the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Bandon, Bandon Brewing is the place to be.
Located in the heart of Old Town, this open-front brewery and restaurant offers a variety of pizzas for dine-in or takeout. We opted for a classic pepperoni ($15 for a medium). The crust was not too thick, and the cheese was perfectly gooey, ticking all the pizza boxes.
As the name implies, this establishment also brews and sells its own beer. They typically have over a dozen varieties on tap, including a selection of IPAs, pale ales, and even a toffee nut brown ale that sounded particularly tempting. Unfortunately, during our visit, their liquor license had expired, so the taps were closed. We recommend calling ahead to ensure you can enjoy a beer or two during your visit.
Bandon Brewing95 2nd St SE
Bandon, OR 97411
541-347-3911
HOURS:
Daily 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
☕️ Bandon Coffee Cafe: Fueling Your Adventures
With so many things to see and do in Bandon, Oregon, you’ll need plenty of energy. Bandon Coffee Cafe is ready to help!
This charming coffee shop offers all your favorite hot and cold coffee beverages, as well as a tempting food menu. Marlynn opted for a black + white mocha (with dark and white chocolate) and some avocado toast with eggs ($6.50). It was the perfect portion size for a light and satisfying breakfast.
For a more substantial lunch, try the black forest ham sandwich ($9.50/whole) or the crab melt pita ($7.50).
Bandon Coffee Cafe
365 2nd St SE
Bandon, OR 97411
541-347-1144
HOURS:
Daily 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
🍩 Sugar Shack: A Donut Destination (Just a Little North)
Okay, technically this one isn’t in Bandon. The Sugar Shack is located about an hour north of Bandon in the small town of Reedsport. However, we felt compelled to include it because… well, just look at those donuts!
An employee at the Best Western Inn tipped us off about this sweet little slice of heaven, claiming it had “hands down the best donuts on the West Coast.” Having sampled quite a few donuts ourselves, our initial reaction was “challenge accepted!” We packed the family car and drove up there. We have to admit, that employee may have been right!
We ordered a wide assortment of donuts to ensure a thorough assessment, including a massive bear claw, some classic glazed donuts, and even a selection of macarons. They were all incredible. Seriously amazing. If you’re planning a trip to Bandon or anywhere on the southern Oregon coast, we highly recommend adding the Sugar Shack to your itinerary. The detour is worth it for a taste of donut perfection.
Sugar Shack
145 N 3rd St
Reedsport, OR 97467
541-271-3514
HOURS:
Daily 5:00 am – 6:30 pm
⛳️ Other Activities In and Around Bandon: Explore Beyond the Town
One of the best things about Bandon is its proximity to numerous other attractions and activities. A scenic 45-minute drive south will lead you to the majestic sea views of Cape Blanco State Park. On a clear day, the sweeping vistas stretch for miles along the coast. Be aware that it can get quite windy here, as the cape juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Exercise caution when opening car doors and keep a firm grip on your hats!
Discover Other Popular Attractions:
- Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – Built on sand dunes perched 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean, this is one of the finest links courses in the country. A must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
- Bullards Beach State Park – If you enjoy camping, consider staying here. Just minutes outside of Bandon, it features RV and yurt camping, as well as a horse camp.
- Coos History Museum – History buff? Discover some of southern Oregon’s past at the Coos History Museum, located about half an hour north of Bandon in Coos Bay.
- The Mill Casino – While you’re in Coos Bay, you can also try your luck at the nearby casino, which is owned by the local Coquille Indian Tribe.
🧳 What to Pack for the Southern Oregon Coast: Be Prepared for All Weather
While Bandon typically enjoys temperatures in the low 70s even during the peak of summer, it can get chilly when visiting the nearby beaches and exploring the natural surroundings. Plus, this is Oregon, so unexpected rain showers are always a possibility.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to pack a few cooler weather items, just in case:
- A waterproof (and windproof, if possible) jacket
- Waterproof boots or sturdy hiking/athletic shoes
- Jeans or fleece-lined leggings
- Layering tops
- Sweaters or hoodies
- Sunglasses
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