Park
Shore Acres State ParkBeautiful rehabilitated gardens are the highlight of this unusual state park, 4 miles southwest of Charleston. Louis Simpson, a shipping and lumber…
Southern Oregon Coast
The flip side of its northern coastal counterpart, Oregon's southern coast is further from the major inland metropolises and consequently gets less attention, less traffic and more solitude. Much of the coastline here is nearly pristine, with a wild and dramatic feel. Beautiful clean rivers gush from inland mountainsides down to the sea, offering exceptional salmon and steelhead fishing along with boating recreation. Life is laid-back and subdued; if you find a sandy beach at the end of a hiking trail, chances are you'll have it to yourself.
The southern coast is slowly attracting a finer class of tourism, with world-class golf courses and amazing gourmet restaurants – if that's what you're looking for. Harboring a milder climate (and less precipitation) than the north has its advantages as well, and the scenic drives – especially from Port Orford to Brookings – boast some of the most memorable coastal views you'll ever set eyes on.
Explore Southern Oregon Coast
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southern Oregon Coast.
Park
Samuel H Boardman State ParkFour miles north of Brookings, US 101 winds over 11 miles of headlands through Boardman State Park, which contains some of Oregon's most beautiful…
Park
Cape Blanco State ParkNine miles north of Port Orford, this rugged promontory is the second-most-westerly point of the continental US and host to a fine state park with hiking…
Gallery
Washed Ashore Gallery & WorkshopThis tiny but cool gallery features gigantic sculptures made from trash washed up from the sea. Walk through a life-sized whale skeleton made from plastic…
Museum
South Slough National Estuarine Research ReserveCharleston sits at the mouth of South Slough, a tidal river basin that turns into a vast, muddy estuary full of wildlife. Four miles south of Charleston…
Park
Sunset Bay State ParkThree miles southwest of town on Cape Arago Hwy, this state park is nestled in a small, protected bay that once served as a safe harbor for fishing boats,…
Park
Humbug Mountain State ParkSix miles south of Port Orford, mountains edge down to the ocean, and the heavily wooded Humbug Mountain rises 1750ft from the surf. When European…
Park
Port Orford Heads State ParkA short drive along Coast Guard Rd leads to this state park, which has the best location in town. A couple of 20-minute loop trails offer fine panoramic…
Park
Cape Arago State ParkAbout 5 miles south of Charleston at blustery Cape Arago you can scan the horizon for whales, seals and watch ships passing into Coos Bay. The 0.2-mile…
Park
Azalea ParkThis is a glorious, hilly park showcasing hundreds of azaleas, along with other pretty flora. Blooms are best from April to June. On Memorial Day weekend …
Museum
Chetco Valley Historical Society MuseumOnce a stagecoach stop, the 1857 Blake House is now home to this museum. Stop in to see a quilt from 1844, an old Native American cedar canoe and an iron…
Landmark
Face RockA few blocks to the south of Table Rock is Face Rock, a huge monolith with a very real-looking, almost creepy human profile. Native American legends tell…
Lighthouse
Cape Blanco LighthouseThis lighthouse, built in 1870, is the oldest and highest operational lighthouse in Oregon. There's an informative visitor center, plus tours that let you…
Lighthouse
Umpqua River LighthouseAbout 4 miles south of town you can tour the 1894 Umpqua River Lighthouse; the lighthouse's museum (200yd away) is free. Opposite is a whale-watching…
Park
Cape Sebastian State ParkThe coast around Gold Beach is spectacular. Take a break at Cape Sebastian State Park, a rocky headland 7 miles south, for a panorama stretching from…
Aquarium
Charleston Marine Life CenterThis fantastic new little museum/aquarium has lots of interactive displays plus views out over the harbor. Touch a whale on a screen to hear its song, pet…
Park
Darlingtonia State Natural SiteThree miles north of downtown Florence on US 101 is Darlingtonia State Natural Site, where a short boardwalk overlooks a surreal bog of insect-eating…
Museum
Umpqua Discovery CenterThis excellent discovery center has exhibits geared to all ages, covering the cultural and geological history of the tidewater area. There are lots of…
Museum
Coos Art MuseumThe Coos Art Museum, in a historic art deco building, provides a hub for the region's art culture. Rotating exhibits from the museum's permanent…
Landmark
Table RockAt Coquille Point, at the end of SW 11th St, steps lead down to a beach interspersed with rocky crags and monoliths. Table Rock lies just offshore and is…