This Quiet Pacific Coast City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Few places capture the sheer power of the Pacific and the beauty of its rugged shores quite like Coos Bay. This town, located on the southern Oregon Coast, was originally inhabited by many indigenous groups, including the Coquille and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw. When European explorers first arrived in the 16th century, they found a landscape that left them completely in awe. Today, travelers still venture here from all over, finding themselves just as captivated by the cragged cliffs, hidden coves, and massive sand dunes as those who arrived several centuries earlier. As you begin planning your 2026 adventures, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the unbelievable beauty of Coos Bay for yourself.
The Towering Sand Dunes
Coos Bay happens to sit just a short drive south of one of Oregon’s great natural marvels: The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Extending for 40 miles between Florence and Coos Bay, these dunes were formed by ancient winds and waters, some of which reach heights up to 500 feet! Interestingly enough, they also blend with other regional ecosystems like temperate rainforests, lakes, and rivers, resulting in a landscape unlike any other.
During your visit to the dunes, you can enjoy all sorts of recreational activities, including hiking through dunes and forests, riding in an off-highway vehicle, birdwatching, or fishing or boating in one of the area’s 30 lakes or rivers. Make sure to keep your eye out for the Western Snowy Plover, a species threatened with extinction that calls the dunes home.
The Coastal Beauty Of Coos Bay’s State Parks
While most towns are lucky if they have one state park nearby, Coos Bay has three! These state parks provide a great way to experience the town’s coastal cliffs and beaches. Located just southwest of town, Shore Acres State Park is famous for its craggy sandstone cliffs and premier stormwatching. From certain cliffside overlooks, you can witness powerful storm waves, rugged seascapes, and seasonal whale migrations from December through June. This park is also home to an expansive formal garden that features plants from all over the world, including a Japanese-style garden.
A quick five-minute drive north of Shore Acres leads to Sunset Bay State Park, a spot known for its towering sea cliffs and sandy shores. A convenient trail network links this area to both Shore Acres and Cape Arago, and the park offers year-round camping for those who want to stay longer. Cape Arago State Park marks the southernmost point of the trio. This scenic headland has been frequented by Native Americans for many years, and today it offers visitors a chance to explore biodiverse tidepools or fish along the coast. It is also a prime spot for wildlife viewing, where you can watch for migrating whales and observe the seals and sea lions living offshore on Shell Island.
The Local Seafood Scene
Once you finish exploring the area’s dunes, beaches, and cliffs, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Coos Bay’s seafood scene is the perfect place to head next! SharkBite's Seafood Cafe is an excellent spot to sit down and enjoy a variety of seafood dishes. The seafood here, of course, is locally sourced and includes all kinds of menu items, including fish and chips, fish tacos, halibut burgers, seafood platters, and much more. Travelers who prefer to cook their own seafood have several markets in town to choose from as well. Little Fish Fine Seafood Market sources all of its seafood from small, independent boats, supporting the local fishing industry. Fishermen's Seafood Market is another town favorite, located right on the boardwalk and serving seasonal, local catches.
Downtown Attractions
In addition to the surrounding natural beauty, Coos Bay has some fantastic attractions to check out downtown. Right in the heart of town, you’ll find the Coos Bay boardwalk, a wooden plank pier that provides excellent views of the bay, the aforementioned fish market, and interpretive historic displays and exhibits that dive into the town’s past. Mingus Park is another must-visit, a giant park in the northwestern corner that features an Asian-style garden, a large pond, a municipal pool, and a scenic paved trail. If you’re interested in the arts and culture scene, make sure to check out the Coos Art Museum, which showcases local art and tribal art and hosts occasional classes and workshops. The Coos History Museum also has lots to see, including exhibits on local tribes, the fur trade, maritime history, and more.
A Pacific Coast Town With Something Special
It is hard to go wrong with any coastal town in Oregon. However, between its three state parks and sand dunes, Coos Bay offers something special along the Pacific Coast, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the magic of this region. As a bonus, delicious seafood, museums, and a bustling boardwalk await you downtown, ensuring that every segment of your trip is a memorable one. Your next coastal trip will likely be the best one yet!
