Bandon Lighthouse Tour
The Bandon Lighthouse is just on the other side of the Coquille River from the Beach Shack. So you have a great view of the lighthouse, but you’ll need to drive south through town to the State Park to visit. It’s one of the few working lighthouses which offers free tours to the public.
While you are there check out Bullards State Beach which stretches out to the north of the lighthouse. If you are daring, walk out on the jetty; but not recommended during big surf.
There are lots of other lighthouses up and down the coast. If you know of any good ones to visit, please post a comment below.
Shore Acres
This is an amazing State Park just north of Bandon and south of Coos Bay. Here is a link to the website. The property has the most amazing gardens and cliff vistas of the ocean. If you are there around Christmas time, it’s turns into a “must visit” location as they decorate the gardens with an incredible light display.
Surfing
I haven’t been brave enough to handle the 55F water. However there was one spot called Sunset Beach which is located in State Park area just beyond Shore Acres. It looks like a pretty good location to catch a swell in a somewhat protected area with a sandy beach finish. It would be a fun day trip with the family and a chance to catch a swell if you are motivated.
Charter Fishing
Located on the dock in Old Town Bandon is Prowler Charters. They include all types of fishing charters from halibut, tuna, bottom fishing and river trips. Check out their site at Prowler Fishing Charters.
Wine Tasting
On your drive to Bandon from the I-5 you will pass a couple vineyards which offer wine tasting. We’re usually in a hurry to be done driving and be at the Beach Shack, so we haven’t taken the time to stop. However in Old Town Bandon, Nancy, runs a great little wine tasting event in her shop across from Bandon Coffee Cafe. She is a kick to talk to and seems to know about everyone in Bandon.
Movie Rentals
While not technically an excursion, snuggling up to a great movie or two is a great option, especially on a rainy day. Bandon Video just south on the 101 has a good selection and it’s quick to setup an account with a license and credit card. Recently we also discovered that the new library on 11th Street has a great video selection as well. The lady working there boasted that this library is one of the best when it comes to movies. The best part is that they are free; just signup for a library card.
Port Orford
We haven’t been here yet, so if you go, be sure to tell us about it. We’ve heard great things about this smaller beach town located about 30 minutes south of Bandon. It also has a single theater movie venue if you wanted a date night.
Charleston
Just north of Bandon off Seven Devils Road is Charleston. A while back the fishing fleet moved from Bandon to Charleston so this place is more busy with boats and commercial fishing related activity. It’s worth a mention because if the crabbing is not too good in Bandon due to recent rains, it can still be good in Charleston. This is because the harbor in Charleston does not have a river to wash out the crabs after a storm.