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.
Google Maps
Florence
John Elk/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images 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. Florence, OR 97439, USA
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!
Stephen Colebourne/Flickr 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!
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.
Ian Sane/Flickr
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.
John Elk/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images 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! Coos Bay, OR, USA
This wood-plank boardwalk has a pier that hosts a fish market, informative displays, and unparalleled views of Coos Bay.
Silentfoto/Moment Collection via Getty Images There are also some amazing eats here, too, like SharkBites, which is rumored to have some of the best fish and chips on the Oregon Coast!
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.
Ramin Nabipour/Moment Collection via Getty Images This is one of Oregon’s most underrated state parks, and absolutely worth checking out! Shore Acres State Park, 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.
Frank Jackson / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images The downtown is also a delight of a place, with weather-worn buildings housing a variety of charming shops and restaurants. Bandon, OR 97411, USA
While in Bandon, a visit to Tony’s Crab Shack is most definitely in order!
Tony’s Crab Shack/Facebook 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! Tony’s Crab Shack, 155 1st St SE, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
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!
Melanie Hobson / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
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.
Rick Obst/Flickr 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. Cape Blanco Lighthouse, 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
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!
Diana Robinson Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images This 100-mile road trip offers a glimpse of the untold beauty in Oregon’s South Coast. Hop in the car and experience it for yourself! Coquille River Lighthouse, 56487 Bullards Beach Rd, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Well, what do you think? Ready to embark on an adventure? Let’s go!
Google Maps
John Elk/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images
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.
Florence, OR 97439, USA
Stephen Colebourne/Flickr
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!
Ian Sane/Flickr
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!
Coos Bay, OR, USA
Silentfoto/Moment Collection via Getty Images
There are also some amazing eats here, too, like SharkBites, which is rumored to have some of the best fish and chips on the Oregon Coast!
Ramin Nabipour/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This is one of Oregon’s most underrated state parks, and absolutely worth checking out!
Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
Frank Jackson / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
The downtown is also a delight of a place, with weather-worn buildings housing a variety of charming shops and restaurants.
Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Tony’s Crab Shack/Facebook
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!
Tony’s Crab Shack, 155 1st St SE, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Melanie Hobson / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
Rick Obst/Flickr
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.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse, 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
Diana Robinson Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This 100-mile road trip offers a glimpse of the untold beauty in Oregon’s South Coast. Hop in the car and experience it for yourself!
Coquille River Lighthouse, 56487 Bullards Beach Rd, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
For another amazing trip that takes things off road, check out this amazing Oregon adventure.
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