Photo courtesy of Robyn Anderson

Bullards Beach State Park is a great, family-friendly park with lots of options for outdoor and history enthusiasts. Located just north of Bandon on the southern Oregon coast, this park and day use area includes picnic areas and group picnic shelters with barbecues and horseshoe pits.

Beach access is at the end of the road, and you will also find the historic Coquille River Lighthouse there as well. Interpretive signs provide information about the geology of the area and how Oregon’s unique coastline has been affected by tsunamis. Bullards Beach stretches for more than 4 miles, and it is perfect for the beach comber looking for shells, driftwood, or wildlife. Birds such as brown pelicans, cormorants, and gulls can be seen on the beach, and harbor seals can be spotted in the surf.