Add to favorites Examiner Bio

The Oregon coast: A different kind of beach weekend

Historic Lighthouses. Photo Credit: Author

The Oregon coast is a magnificent, 350-mile stretch of undeveloped beaches, park, hills and forest with rugged coves and craggy cliffs. While Californian’s have unparalleled shoreline scenery, the Oregon Coast is distinctly different and hauntingly beautiful. Like Ashland, the Oregon coast is a bit far for a weekend getaway by car, but easily done when combined with a flight into Portland and out of San Francisco (which, conveniently, drives you through the magnificent Redwood Forest, which every Californian should see). The main route of Highway 101 closely follows the contours of the seaboard offering many turnoffs for postcard-worthy water views.

Photo Credit: Author   

Typically, the North Coast, from Astoria through Lincoln City, is generally more popular with tourist’s attractions, larger towns, and abundant accommodations. The South Coast of Oregon is considerably different from its northern counterpart, even though both have large, uninterrupted stretches of stunning landscape, countless state parks, and quaint towns. The south, running from Lincoln City through Brookings, is considerably less developed and more rugged than the northern sections, with far fewer visitors and a sizable number of parks strung together almost without interruption. The scenery, too, is a bit different, with ample sand dunes, more craggy sea cliffs, and a wealth of redwood and cypress forests. The towns are not nearly ready for mass tourists, but offer legendary seafood, historic lighthouses, breathtaking viewpoints, and amazing sunsets. But, that’s what makes the South Coast better. The rocky beachside scenery, and small towns, lends the place a palpable authenticity, one not likely to be forgotten by anyone interested in having experiences off the beaten path.

There are many motels, bed & breakfasts, hostels and campgrounds within each of these little towns offering places for the road-weary traveler. One appealing town is likeable Bandon, 25-miles from Coos Bay on the most southerly section of the Oregon coast. Also known as Bandon-by-the-Sea, this little seaside town offers rock-studded beach beneath pine-peppered cliffs in an engaging route titled, Beach Loop Road. While amazing in any weather, the coast here is particularly magnificent in stormy weather. The town has a penchant for fresh seafood, as you can watch the anglers head out to sea each morning.

Bandon-by-the-Sea. Photo Credit: Author