The South Coast

Further out from large population centers, the Southern Coast revels in being off the beaten path. Set out into the wild, where coastal forest trails, stunning sand dunes, and secluded beaches await, anchored by the artistic and animated port of Coos Bay.

Photo: Tim Hurlbut

Further out from large population centers, the Southern Coast revels in being off the beaten path. Set out into the wild, where coastal forest trails, stunning sand dunes, and secluded beaches await, anchored by the artistic and animated port of Coos Bay.

Travel Stories

Oregon Coast’s Most Peaceful Places to Paddle

There’s nothing like the thrill of a fast boat excursion or shredding mountain bike trails on the Oregon Coast, but sometimes slow, leisurely outdoor enjoyment is the perfect day out. Whether you’re kayaking or paddleboarding, using rental gear or booking an expert guide, these peaceful spots are a great place to start. You’ll find wind-protected lakes and meandering rivers with close-up views of marshlands, birds and wildlife; read on for these and more pleasures of spending time on the water.
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Travel Stories

Weekend in Winchester Bay

Winchester Bay, a small community on the South Coast, is an outdoor lover’s paradise for family-friendly recreation. Surrounding an active harbor where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific, visitors have easy access to the Oregon Dunes, fishing charters and unpretentious seafood restaurants that focus on the catch of the day, and all the hiking and water fun you can imagine. Here are some ideas for a getaway to one of the Southern Oregon Coast’s adventure hot spots.
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Travel Stories

Summer Resident Whale Watching

While plenty of people flock to the Oregon Coast in winter and spring to see migrating whales and participate in Whale Watch Week events, the summer season brings plenty of opportunities to spot whales, too. While most Pacific gray whales spend their lives migrating between the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Alaska and the warmer lagoons of Baja California, ideal for breeding and calving, you’ll find about 200 that stick around and feed in Oregon Coast waters in summer and fall.
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Travel Stories

Celebrating Pride on the Oregon Coast

On the Oregon Coast, we’re committed to welcoming all, and that includes celebrating LGBTQ+ visitors and residents during Pride month and all year round.  “Here on the coast, Pride isn’t just a parade or a party—it’s a commitment,” says Scott...
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Travel Stories

What’s New in Mountain Biking on the Oregon Coast

For years mountain biking on the Oregon Coast has existed quietly alongside the region’s better-known draws: wide beaches, cold-water surf and fog-draped headlands. But a wave of new trail development, events and long-term planning is beginning to change that. From newly opened public trails near Pacific City to shuttle-served descents near Gold Beach, the Coast is shaping a mountain bike experience that pairs well with everything else people already love about being here.
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Travel Stories

Protecting the Western Snowy Plover

Spring on the Oregon Coast brings not only warmer weather but also more wildlife — migrating gray whales, raucous colonies of common murres on cliff ledges and charismatic tufted puffins perched on sea stacks. While all wildlife should be viewed from a safe distance, one species in particular requires extra care: western snowy plovers.
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Events on the South Coast

April 19, 2026 - August 15, 2026

Circles in the Sand

Face Rock Viewpoint
Bandon, OR
May 5, 2026

Coos History Museum – First Tuesday Talk

1210 North Front Street
Coos Bay, OR

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