Take This Road Trip To The Most Charming Coastal Towns In Oregon
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 18, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There is nowhere better than the Oregon Coast. It’s 363 miles of sublime shoreline that opens right out into the picturesque Pacific Ocean, where you’ll find some of the grandest natural wonders in the country: massive monoliths, sea caves, and striking geological formations. Today, however, we’re focusing in on the small towns that dot the shores of the South Oregon Coast; these are adorable little locales that are peak PNW vibes. Here’s a road trip to the most charming coastal towns in the state; this excursion is designed to be done in a day, making for a short-and-sweet tour de force of the South Oregon Coast!
The Oregon Coast is divided into three regions: the North Coast, Central Coast, and South Coast. Today we're visiting the oft-overlooked South Coast; the region that spans Florence to Brookings. This two-hour, 100-mile road trip has us visiting four southern coastal towns in Oregon.
It's no secret we adore Florence, Oregon. It's one of the most delightful towns on the Oregon Coast, and a treasure of a place to visit.
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Florence has a thriving downtown, full of charming shops and restaurants. Known as "Historic Old Town Florence," this downtown area is straight from a Hallmark movie!
In the Historic District, you'll find some of the very best restaurants in Oregon -- including Mo's, a delightful seafood shack that's a perennial Beaver State favorite!
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The scenery and outdoor recreation in Florence is amazing, too. While you're in the area, definitely visit Hecta Head Lighthouse. Located mere minutes from Florence, it's one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast and a must-visit.
Next up: Coos Bay. Coos Bay is a charming little coastal city many Oregonians flock to for a little escape. Right in the heart of the downtown area sits the Coos Bay Boardwalk, a delightful place to walk and wander.
This nice, easy, 1.4-mile stretch takes you past stunning views of the bay and the little town itself, and it’s the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs!
This wood-plank boardwalk has a pier that hosts a fish market, informative displays, and unparalleled views of Coos Bay.
Another must-visit in Coos Bay is the nearby Shore Acres State Park. There are few better places to experience the fierce beauty of the Pacific coast than from the cliffs of Shore Acres State Park, where enormous waves crash spectacularly against commanding, craggy rocks.
Shore Acres State Park, 89526 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
Continuing our journey south, Bandon is a treasure of a town that's criminally overlooked. Known for its stunning ocean vistas, Bandon offers amazing views and family-friendly beaches.
The menu is full of tasty ocean treats, like clam chowder, crab cakes, oysters, lobster rolls, and of course, fresh Dungeness crab. The crabs are caught right in Bandon, or in nearby Winchester Bay and Coos Bay. They're about as fresh as they can possibly be. Tony's is definitely a place for your foodie bucket list!
Last, but certainly not least, is the picturesque Port Orford. Located in Curry County, Port Orford is a beautiful small town tucked into the dramatic coastal landscape. You can stroll along beautiful beaches, eat at delicious restaurants, walk to the top of Oregon’s oldest lighthouse, and more — all in Port Orford!
Port Orford's most distinctive feature is the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. Perched atop a beautiful cliff, Cape Blanco is the oldest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse, 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
Stroll around the area for amazing views of the sea, and sign up for a fascinating lighthouse tour that will take you inside and all the way up to the top.
Full of pristine beaches, stunning cliffs, gorgeous hiking trails, and more, the whole of Port Orford is spectacularly beautiful... but then again, so is the whole of the Oregon Coast!
Coquille River Lighthouse, 56487 Bullards Beach Rd, Bandon, OR 97411, USA