Things to Do in Coos Bay Besides Fishing

While fishing is the main attraction in Charleston and Coos Bay, there's plenty to do before or after your charter trip. Here's how to fill your non-fishing time in the area.

State Parks and Natural Areas

Shore Acres State Park

Former estate with formal botanical gardens, dramatic ocean views, and cliffside trails. Beautiful year-round, especially during holiday lights season (Thanksgiving-New Year's). Located near Charleston.

Cape Arago State Park

Rocky headland with tidepool exploring at low tide. Excellent seal and sea lion viewing from clifftop viewpoints. Popular spot for whale watching during migration seasons.

Sunset Bay State Park

Protected cove beach safe for swimming (rare on the Oregon coast). Campground, picnic areas, and easy beach access for families.

South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Hiking trails through coastal forest and estuary habitats. Interpretive center with exhibits on estuary ecology. Excellent birding and wildlife viewing.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Massive sand dunes stretching for miles along the coast north of Coos Bay. Activities include sand boarding, ATV riding, hiking, and photography. Several access points with facilities.

Historic Downtown Coos Bay

Walkable downtown with local shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. Coos History Museum tells the region's logging, fishing, and maritime history. Egyptian Theatre (1925) hosts performances and films.

Coos Art Museum

Oregon's third oldest art museum featuring regional and national artists. Rotating exhibits, permanent collection, and community art classes.

Bastendorff Beach

Wide sandy beach near Charleston popular for beachcombing, kite flying, and bonfires (fire pits available). Campground with ocean views.

Charleston Marine Life Center

Small aquarium and educational center at the University of Oregon's marine research station. Touch tanks, local marine life exhibits, and educational programs.

Restaurants and Dining

See our complete restaurant guide for detailed recommendations, but highlights include fresh seafood at waterfront locations, local breweries, and family dining options.

Seasonal Events

Oregon Coast Music Festival (July): Two-week classical music festival with concerts throughout the area.

Charleston Crab Feed (February): Annual fundraiser featuring fresh Dungeness crab.

Blackberry Arts Festival (August): Art, music, food, and local blackberries in downtown Coos Bay.

Nearby Attractions

Bandon (25 miles south): Scenic coastal town with dramatic sea stacks, art galleries, and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Reedsport (30 miles north): Gateway to Oregon Dunes, Umpqua River fishing.

Planning Your Visit

Most visitors come to Coos Bay for fishing and add sightseeing around charter trip schedules. A typical itinerary might include:

• Day 1: Arrive, explore Charleston and Shore Acres
• Day 2: Full-day fishing charter
• Day 3: Dunes exploration or state park hiking
• Day 4: Departure via scenic coastal route

Check our booking guide to schedule fishing, then plan other activities around it.