Best Beach Towns: What to do with Kids in Bandon, Oregon

September 4, 2010 By

Face Rock State Park

Summer may be drawing to a close, but fall is the very best time to visit Pacific Northwest coastline! The Oregon Coast spoils families with miles upon miles of great beaches and beach towns, but one of our favorites remains Bandon. Located about midway up the coast, Bandon offers a little of everything: small town charm without being too touristy (but just touristy enough), gorgeous coastline, plenty of activities, and plenty of fresh, salty air. (Just be sure to bring a jacket, because Oregon beaches aren’t exactly known for bikinis and suntans!)

Where to Play: Bandon is all about the beach! Our favorite for beach combing, kite flying, and sand castle building is Face Rock Scenic State Park, right off Hwy 101 on the south side of town. (Follow signs from downtown). Be sure to check out the caves in the sides of the outcroppings of rock on the sand (at low tide). If you need a break from the sand, try your hand at picking cranberries (or just sampling them) at Faber Farms and Cranberry Scoop Gift Shop (from U.S. 101, head east 1 1/2 miles on State 42 South and turn right on Morrison Rd. Watch for the farm’s sign after about 1 mile.)

Where to Eat: Without a doubt, you’ll want to stop at the Bandon Fish Market for some fresh fish and chips, located in the Old Town Waterfront (right by the bay). (They also serve corn dogs and fries for the non-seafood-eating set.) Their seating is outside only, so bring sweatshirts as it gets chilly next to the water, but it’s fun to watch the fishermen on the wharf while waiting for your food. After your meal, cross the street to Cranberry Sweets and More. They’re not kidding about the ‘and more’ part: you’ll find chocolates, truffles, taffies, and every other kind of candy imaginable in addition to their signature sweets. The best part of this store is the abundance of samples. You can easily eat your way around the store, which makes it very fun for kids (and adults)!

Bandon Fish Market

Where to Stay: We usually opt to camp at nearby Sunset Bay State Park (north in Coos Bay area), but if you’re staying a full week, consider a home rental. There are many on offer, from sprawling beach houses fit for a family reunion to small cottages in town. If you’re only visiting for a day or two, we’re tried (and loved) The Best Western Inn at Face Rock.

Want a warmer beach town? Check out our Great Beach Towns article on Laguna Beach, CA!

Bear Creek Recreation Site

November 13, 2009 By

Highway 42
Oregon

You won’t find a better place to stop along windy Highway 42 on your way to the Oregon coast than the Bear Creek Recreation Site. Located between Roseburg and Coquille off Highway 42, look for the sign on the right-hand side directly after the Bear Creek bridge. There’s parking for several cars, a picnic area, bathrooms, and a beautiful foot bridge over Bear Creek ending in a short trail through the dense forest.

Looking down at Bear Creek from the foot bridge.

Looking down at Bear Creek from the foot bridge.

If the site is crowded, drive a few more miles to Sandy Creek Bridge, one of Oregon’s last standing covered bridges. It will be on the north side of the highway (right), 1/4 mile west of the Remote exit.

Date last visited: November 2009

Distance off the interstate: Directly off Hwy 42. Approximately 30 miles from I-5.

Hours and Admission Prices: None. Camping is permitted at the single site, but for a 24-hour maximum.

Hiking the trail along with the dog.

Hiking the trail along with the dog.

Bathrooms: Flush toilets and sinks, all quite clean. Open year round.

Food Services: None.

Website: More information can be found at recreation.gov.

Directions: From I-5, travel west (from Roseburg or Winston) on Hwy 42.