Aptly called “Bandon,” this place has been home to over 15,000 people since founded in 1873.
The Irish peer George Bennet gave it that name – Bandon being where he had come from.
You might know this 3.15-square-mile Coos County oceanside town with 20-feet elevation from its famous golf club, which is also a popular beach course due to its picturesque setting against the backdrop of surf and sand.
Located in the northern part of the so-called “banana belt,” it has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate.
That means that Bandon enjoys many dry days and has sunny weather most of the year long.
Surfing enthusiasts come to this area for surfing & kite surfing because Bandon beaches offer various surf opportunities for both novice and expert surfers from around the globe.
If Bandon is in your must-visit places, then you will have a fun time here.
Now let’s look at the 20 best things to do in Bandon, Oregon:
If you’re ever driving down the Oregon Coast and want to see some rocks by the ocean, Kronenberg Park is the perfect place to go.
The beautiful waves crashing against the rocks with a view of Oregon’s coastline is something you should not miss.
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There will be lots of marine life here for you to enjoy, such as seals and even whales, if you come during the right time of year.
You can also check out Coquille Point if you’d like, which is a shallow stretch of coastline that helps protect Bandon from sea storms.
Kronenberg Park is a great place to visit during any season because there’s always something exciting going on, thanks to nature.
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129 steps that lead down to the beach at Coquille Point in Bandon, Oregon, provide a welcoming space for those who want to see the city’s best view of Elephant Rock.
This lookout has a path along its edge that allows visitors to enjoy other parts of this park without fear of tripping over rocks and wind-blown debris.
The views are amazing here, even more so when paired with one of the many photo-worthy sculptures at the top of the bluffs.
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During more minor weather conditions, you can watch storms roll in off into the ocean that’s only steps away from relaxing at the top.
Coquille Point is an excellent place for photos, stargazing, or relaxing by yourself or with friends!
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In the lovely coastal town of Bandon is a gorgeous restaurant called Edgewaters.
This two-floor establishment has fantastic views of the Coquille River and serves the best steak, tasty seafood, and pasta dishes.
Each one of their employees treats guests with utmost courtesy and respect while also providing efficient service.
Here, you can indulge in one of the best goat cheese platters to ever hit your taste buds while sipping on some fabulous cranberry margaritas.
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Bullards Beach State Park lies inside a lovingly maintained forest of pines overlooking the shimmering pink sands of its private beach.
The park features something for everyone, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, families with children, and groups alike.
An established equestrian site, this park boasts miles of trails right out the front door, as well as access to gorgeous dunes along the vast sandy shoreline.
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And if that’s not enough to please you, there are plenty of outdoor activities available right outside the campground gates.
You can go on sunset hikes on nearby tour routes, fish in the gorgeously bubbling Coquille River, or try antique-hunting at north Bandon.
At the end of Bullards Beach Road is the charming and historic Coquille River lighthouse.
It’s open to tourists, visitors, and tourists on weekdays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
When you visit the signal room during these hours, you can expect to find some hot and welcoming volunteers who will tell you about the history of this fantastic landmark.
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It’s worth the trip down to Bandon, which aptly goes by the nickname “the cranberry capital of Oregon.”
Where urban areas have failed to produce a decent crop of tart fruit for decades, this little sliver on the map is a cranberry oasis.
Located a few hours north of the city, Bandon first started celebrating its cranberry festival in 1946.
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This festival takes place every year on the second weekend in September, and it brings people from all around to take part in the event.
The festival consists of many activities, such as crowning pretty pageant queens, live music playing from bands, and street merchants selling food and souvenir items.
You’ll also see gleaming floats accompanied by girls, with pieces of jewelry shining brightly on red their gowns, while everyone moves to the groovy music under a sapphire blue sky.
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West Coast Game Park Safari is a 53-year-old walk-through safari found in Bandon, Oregon.
They feature snow leopards and rare breeds of cats, such as African lions and Bengal tigers, all while operating as a petting zoo.
Additionally, the park also focuses on breeding endangered species, like emus and cougars.
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They are more of a captive breeding program and a petting zoo with their private facility.
Going here is a unique experience like no other, especially if you’re into pets or want to learn more about the dangers of keeping endangered animals in captivity.
It’s definitely one of the unique roadside attractions in the U.S.!
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Started in 2013, Face Rock Creamery is a small cheese company located in Bandon, Oregon.
Due to its beauty and outstanding success, it earned awards from the world’s chefs with its fine, handmade cheeses.
Face Rock Creamery has embraced their mastery of the medium; they admire that passion for detail, that hand-crafted style of doing things old school.
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This artisan dairy can rightfully claim to be carrying on the centuries-old tradition as they curd the naturally sweet milk of grass-fed cows from regional farms.
They’ve spent years perfecting what they do, and it paid off!
Face Rock Creamery won two awards for excellence in the craft of making cheese.
They got the award for the most outstanding cheese in the American Cheese Society for their first few years in business!
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First established over 20 years ago, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort will whisk you away to another place and time with Scotland in mind and Oregon Coast in view!
Through the USPGA Centennial Course and beyond, you’ll find holes that take their cue from classic links.
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Bandon Dunes Golf Resort combines the picturesque terrain of Oregon’s rugged coast with premier golf to bring you a breathtaking blend of unspoiled nature and challenging golf.
There are six one-of-a-kind golf courses set within gorgeous natural landscapes, each offering one-of-a-kind experiences that you will remember for years to come.
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Combined with every essential element suited to the game, they will allow you to play your best game every time.
The beauty of golf lies in this special place here, where its soul resides.
Try it all at Bandon Dunes!
Bandon Five-Mile Drive boasts several points of interest that are worth exploring.
It’s possible to go for a shorter drive or take your time and make an all-day trip out of it!
It’s important to remember that some areas may be more challenging to traverse depending on the tides, so give yourself some extra time just in case you’re caught up by a shallow tide while going on a walk.
Bandon’s Beach Loop Drive can take a little bit of time, but it’s always worth taking a stroll down when you’re in the mood to enjoy some amazing views and scenic beaches.
You’ll find yourself stopping every once in a while at the viewpoints and admire all of the rocky spires and offshore rock formations in awe because it is the most astounding place to be during any part of the day.
What you won’t miss while you’re here is the amount of wildlife you’ll get to observe.
From birds and sea mammals to crab forests and marine creatures found beneath the sand, there’s one thing sure – this will be an outing you won’t forget.
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The state of Oregon originally acquired the property where the Face Rock now stood in 1931.
Then in 1964, other sections were bought from private landowners, creating more than 100 acres of preserved landscape.
The legend says that you can hear a woman’s voice in the wind and see her reflection on the rocks if you listen carefully.
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This is why it formerly goes by the name Bandon Ocean Wayside Park.
Because of their importance to wildlife habitats, these natural landscapes are under the protection of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
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Amenities here include restrooms, picnic tables, a stairway, a trail to the beach, and a viewing scope.
Coquille Point sits north of Face Rock and features its parking lot, picnic tables, hiking trails, and scenic overlook.
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A wonderful escape from the bustling on-land world is just off of Oregon’s south-western coastline on a wildlife refuge that encompasses 1,853 tiny islands and rocks that all add up to 371 acres of land.
This region also boasts two headlands, making a total of 1,087 fascinating acres brimming with rich history and astonishing beauty.
The refuge currently protects many intriguing islands, reefs, rocks, cliffs, and crannies full of colorful marine life.
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Many people come here to take in the scenery while admiring some fantastic ocean views and several birds, fish, and other animal life.
The refuge welcomes visitors year-round who can enjoy walking trails, camping grounds, picnic areas, and wildlife observation points.
The Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for an exhilarating getaway, and its alluring magnificence guarantees to transport you to somewhere magical where your worries seem miles away.
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People often go to a national wildlife refuge in Bandon to view rare shorebirds.
It is one of the most popular locations for bird watchers to see these breeds, including Hudsonian godwit, Mongolian plover, and ruff.
In fact, the refuge has become prominent, so much so that it expanded from 889 acres (360 ha) into two units: Ni-les’tun and Bandon Marsh.
Right next door, there are plenty of fun activities you can do.
You can hunt for clams or fish in the saltwater lagoons.
And if you love flora and fauna – or taking photos – then this is going to be a hot spot for you.
Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest tidal salt marsh in the Coquille River estuary, providing a protected environment for crabs, clam, shrimp, worms, and more.
Semipalmated plovers, black-bellied plovers, western/least sandpipers, red phalarope(s), Pacific golden plovers, dunlins, and whimbrels abound the refuge.
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Denny Dyke spent years walking in circles in parks, but he found that it was getting kind of boring.
As a lover of the ocean, he took his walking path to the beach on a whim and was delighted by how enchanting sand patterns could become on the curves and lines of a regular geometric pattern.
After three years and hundreds of sand drawings later, he decided to create a twisted labyrinth at the beach with his own footsteps as inspiration for a first Dreamfield Labyrinth!
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The Dreamfields we know before us weaves its way through seven intricate patterns with one constant in mind: there are no wrong turns, and nothing is a dead end.
There is but one path, and it is the only way in and out of this magnificent labyrinth.
New and old visitors alike can appreciate the beauty and intricacies that only the sands of time can create.
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The Bandon Historical Society runs the Bandon Historical Society Museum in downtown Bandon, open seven days a week throughout the year.
The current museum’s location is near its predecessors: first at the old Coast Guard station and then on the upper level of a Masonic Temple.
Despite being housed in a historic bank building, the museum is only the second building constructed after a major fire in 1936.
But this tragedy eventually led to something greater – it made Bandon stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever before.
Bandon’s historic museum details the community’s incredible tale of fortune and sorrow.
If you’re traveling with kids, bring them here to learn all about the city’s triumphs.
There will be History Detectives who will take them on an exciting quest where they’re sure to put their problem-solving skills to the test!
Sometimes we tend to crave something familiar, and usually, we want it to be some food that we know will give us some comfort.
Bandon is a town famous for having a restaurant specializing in seafood dishes.
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The restaurant called Bandon Fish Market does not only cater to those who love seafood but also those who simply want something warm and filling, especially on this cold winter day.
Although their name suggests that they are a fish market, they actually are a full restaurant that offers some of the most delicious seafood you can ever find.
With their affordable, delicious food, their restaurant draws in plenty of customers every single day.
If ever in the area, be sure to treat yourself to a crispy light fish filet topped off with one of their tasty seasonal sides or salads.
They’re well worth a detour!
Browse Through Unique Art Pieces at Second Street Gallery
You have more opportunities to see impressive artwork at Second Street Gallery.
And you may have guessed it right because this gallery is located on Bandon’s 2nd Street, just a few steps from the harbor.
This gallery was established as a cooperative in 1983 by a group of local artists to sell their artworks; today, the gallery is owned by Carrie McKim.
Drop by the gallery to see original works in various media by over a hundred artists and companies mainly from the Pacific Northwest.
You’ll find assorted bronze sculpture displays, glass, metal pottery, and wooden pieces, as well as various prints and photography pieces.
Have a great art experience at Second Street Gallery.
For art lovers and enthusiasts, you can catch the annual Port of Bandon Boardwalk Art Show.
This event runs from Memorial Day to the second week of September.
Visit this unique art display on the Old Town’s picturesque boardwalk with different themes featured every year.
You’ll get to see amazing works from amateur and professional artists from Oregon’s southwest and nearby regions.
Get your free ballots and vote for your favorite entries for the Youth, Adult, and People’s Choice categories.
Feast your eyes on remarkable art pieces at the Port of Bandon Boardwalk Art Show.
One of the delightful places to visit at Bandon is Merritt Lavender Farm located at
McTimmons Lane.
This sustainable farm covers more than a thousand lavender varieties and colors in full bloom from July to September.
Book a free farm tour and experience cutting your own lavender on your visit; they’re open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Take snapshots, stroll the aromatic fields and drop by the gardens filled with growing produce.
You can also purchase a variety of unique lavender products at their beautiful gift shop.
Get handcrafted lavender essentials like facial wash and lotions, aromatherapy products, unique culinary products, and seasoning blends.
Merritt Lavender Farm also sells naturally grown lavender in bulk for your craftwork and culinary use; they also sell cookbooks featuring lavender recipes and growing guides to help you grow your own lavender.
Take a horse ride tour of the Beach Loop Road with Bandon Beach Riding Stables.
The company offers you a one-of-a-kind experience while enjoying the scenic sunset on Oregon’s coastlines.
They’ll first match you with a horse, then experienced guides will give you instructions and briefing before the tour.
The ride stretches about two and a half miles where you’ll pass through a small hill going to the beach and a grass trail before reaching the soft sands.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and spot some wildlife and sea creatures; you can also have your pictures taken by the tour guides for something to remember on your trip.
Have an unforgettable tour with Bandon Beach Riding Stables.
Scattered around this enchanting destination, you can find an assortment of beautiful attractions to visit and activities to engage in, including scenic beaches and other places to enjoy the seashore.
By keeping this list of awesome things to do in Bandon, Oregon, as your future reference, rest assured that all the top attractions become unforgettable experiences during your next trip.
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