Things to do

20 Fascinating Things To Do In Coos Bay, Oregon

Source : instagram

Coos Bay is a coastal town with beautiful scenery and outdoors. Walking around Shore Acres State Park with its stunning ocean views and colored gardens, or hiking at Cape Arago Lighthouse adds to a perfect outdoor adventure.

This nature lover's dream town includes beach walks, whale watching, and fishing. Therefore, in this article, we have listed 20 fascinating things to do in Coos Bay for your next visit:

1. Visit Shore Acres State Park

Shore Acres State Park is one of the major beauties of parks along the Oregon coast and near Coos Bay, with breathtaking ocean views, strikingly appealing gardens, and serenity.

One of the main attractions is a formal garden that has flowers all through the year-roses, dahlias, and other plants with colors that make a person's eyes gleam in wonder.

The visitors also get to see powerful waves during storms that dash against the cliffs presenting a beautiful sight. The Shore Acres is a good place for whale watching during the migration season of whales.

2. Explore Cape Arago State Park

Source : instagram

Cape Arago State Park is a beautiful park that features the top things to do in Coos Bay, Oregon. The park views oceans with rugged cliffs and picnic areas since it's peaceful there.

Experience tide pools teeming with sea life, seals, and sea lions lying on nearby rocks while exploring coastal trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks. It is an excellent place for whale watching during the seasons of migration.

It also has quiet spots for picnicking, perfect for a family outing. From hiking and wildlife watching to simply enjoying the coastline beauty, Cape Arago State Park won't disappoint any nature lover.

3. Discover The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is among the more subdued, natural areas around Coos Bay. It is an excellent location for understanding nature and wetlands in general.

There are various walking trails inside the reserve where one can see birds and animals living in their natural environment. A walk through the forests, wetlands, and along the shore could provide great opportunities for the nature enthusiast.

There's also a visitors center that provides information about the local wildlife and ecology. Many activities involve kayaking in the calm waters and spotting wildlife herons, otters, and fish.

4. Wander Around The Coos Bay Boardwalk

Source : instagram

The Coos Bay Boardwalk is one of the favorite places and top things to do while in Coos Bay, Oregon. It offers an excellent easy walk beside the water with great views of the bay.

There are displays around the area where visitors can read about the history of the area and the many stories about the fishing and shipping Coos Bay experienced. It has benches along the boardwalk, perfect for just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the bay in quiet serenity.

You may even get a glimpse into passing boats or birds flying across the water. There are a couple of shops and restaurants around for any light snacking or meals.

5. Visit The Egyptian Theatre

The Egyptian Theatre is an adorable Coos Bay Oregon movie theatre boasting an uncommon historic feel. It features a classic design in an Egyptian style of decoration and a classy vintage ambiance. There is a cozy, somewhat nostalgic feeling about watching movies; both new movies and classics run here.

Special events and community gatherings are also shown here, making this a very popular local spot. Comfortable seating and a congenial atmosphere make it a very enjoyable place to take in a film with family or friends.

6. Understand Arts At The Coos Art Museum

Source : instagram

The Coos Art Museum is a cultural treasure and displays work by many local, regional, and national artists. The museum rotates exhibits to keep it new: paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. It also offers classes and workshops in art for all ages.

This is housed in a historical building, which accentuates its recommendations and characteristics. Visitors will enjoy exploring the varied artistic methods and coming to an understanding of the creation behind them.

Coos Art Museum is a fun place to visit for the love of art and to support the local art community.

7. Go To The Coos Historical & Maritime Museum

The Coos Historical & Maritime Museum is a very captivating place in which one can get to know the history and maritime of this region. It has several local historical exhibits like early settlers, logging, and fishing industries.

It also possesses historic artifacts, vintage photographs, and other nautical things such as ship models and navigation tools. The museum offers educational programs and special events which bring history alive.

8. Experience The Thrilling Of ATV Rides

Source : instagram

A true excitement in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is to explore this fantastic landscape on an ATV. The area is highly covered with extensive expanses of rolling sand hills, which generally makes the area ideal for off-road exposure.

The feeling of moving over sand and enjoying the beautiful sceneries around the coastline and nature could be just fantastic. The trails in this area and open riding zones are set aside for beginning, experienced riders, and even those in between, so either can enjoy themselves.

Safety rules must be adhered to so as not to harm the environment. ATV adventures through the Oregon Dunes allow one to view this beautiful part of Oregon uniquely and excitingly.

9. Visit The Department Of Motor Vehicles

The DMV represents the place where driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle services are in operation. It is known as "Coos Bay Oregon DMV" and handles several tasks.

 It is related to the application for a new driving license, renewal of a previously used license, and updating titles and registration of any vehicle. If you need any license plate-or in other words, wish to change your address-it is the right place to visit.

The office also provides driving test information and requirements. It would be best to check their website or call them before visiting to confirm you have all your documents with you.

10. Go For Hiking

Source : instagram

Hiking in Coos Bay boasts beautiful trails and natural sceneries that attract outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the favorite spots include Shore Acres State Park, which has trails to wander along and enjoy great views overlooking the ocean.

Coos Bay Wagon Road Trail is another one of the best places with its forested trails and quiet surroundings. For an even more coastal experience, head to the Cape Arago State Park trails for scenery ranging from cliffs to tide pools.

These vary in difficulty, so finding one to match up with your fitness level is pretty easy to do.

11. Explore The Coos Bay Library

The Coos Bay Library, better known as "Coos Bay Oregon Library," is a very strong community tool at the ready for both residents and visitors alike. From books to magazines and newspapers, this facility has quite a wide variety for all types of readers, old and young.

You can borrow books for reading at home or use computers and Wi-Fi in the library for research and personal projects. The Library also offers a lot of other great activities: book clubs, story times for children, and educational workshops.

12. Enjoy Paddle Boarding

Source : instagram

Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to check out the beautiful scenery of the coast from the tranquil waters. These stunning views with calm waters make it an ideal combination for both beginners and experts.

This would include popular spots such as the estuaries and bays that are around Coos Bay, where you'll find serene waters hosting local wildlife, such as seals and birds.

The rentals and guided tours commonly at your disposal make it all rather easy to get going. Oregon's Adventure Coast offers a memorable paddleboarding experience with breathtaking coastal views.

13. Shop At Coos Bay Walmart

The Coos Bay Walmart store is a big retail store where all types of daily needs are available. From groceries to clothes, from electronics to utensils, and so on.

A few advantages of this store for shopping for needs and wants are: It also has a pharmacy where prescribed and health-related products are available for customers.

Inside, there will often be toy, home goods, and automotive supply sections. The store generally has low prices and personnel who are friendly to help you with your needs. If you are in Coos Bay and have to pick up some supplies or do some shopping, this Walmart is a pretty good place to come into.

14. Go For Fishing In The Middle Of The Ocean

Source : instagram

Fishing is very enjoyable in Coos Bay, Oregon, both for its residents and for visitors. There is saltwater fishing in the bay proper and freshwater fishing in the rivers and streams feeding into Coos Bay.

You will be able to catch a range of fish from salmon to halibut and rockfish. You will find many spots and docks around the bay for sitting, setting up, and casting your line.

You may also want to join a guided tour just to learn more about the hot spots and tips for fishing. Just be sure to confirm what the local fishing regulations are, and get any required permits ahead of time.

15. Attend the Oregon Coast Music Festival

The Oregon Coast Music Festival is annual in Coos Bay and one of the best things to do in Coos Bay, Oregon. It brings together some of the finest musicians in the country, and pretty eclectic-classical, jazz, and pop music are known to be played.

The event would run for about a week with concerts spread over Coos Bay and its environs. It is a great opportunity to listen to live music in a pretty coastal setting. Many of the concerts are family-friendly, making it an event for all to participate in.

The Oregon Coast Music Festival has all a music lover may want to see and experience. It's a special event adding to Coos Bay's vibrant cultural landscape.

16. Discover The Coquille River Lighthouse

Source : instagram

Coquille River Lighthouse is an 1896 lighthouse near Bandon which led ships through the Coquille River into the mighty ocean. Today, it is a place where one can very well see great views and learn about the rich history it has.

Guests may enjoy the beach, have a picnic, or take their time walking around the shore. The lighthouse is also open to the public for tours where one can make his or her way up and view the surroundings from atop.

Another fantastic thing about this place is that you get to shoot some very good photos and enjoy the serenity of its coastal surroundings.

17. Take A Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise is one way in which a person can get a whole lot of relaxation with attractive scenery when the sun starts to set below the horizon. You can get a tour that will take you out on the water during evening hours.

When the sun starts setting, the sky just fills up with different colors, from pink through orange to purple. On the cruise, one could spot the seals, birds, or sometimes whales.

Indeed, it is relaxing because of the prevailing calm atmosphere in such surroundings and helps share the natural sceneries around. Some cruises have refreshments or snacks aboard.

18. Enjoy Your Day At Mill Casino

Source : instagram

The Mill Casino can be considered a well-known place for fun and delicious food, though it outranks the top of Coos Bay Oregon casino places. This casino offers everything from a large selection of gaming activities down to slot machines and table games, including blackjack and poker.

Besides that, the casino restaurants serve some great Coos Bay Oregon food, running the gamut of casual dining to fine dining with seafood, burgers, and more.

Besides gaming and dining, The Mill Casino treats its guests with a full package of entertainment through live shows and events. Attached to the casino is a comfortable hotel, making it a good option for a stay.

19. Visit The Marshfield Sun Printing Museum

The Marshfield Sun Printing Museum is small, yet highly interesting in that it takes the visitor time to observe exactly how newspapers were printed at the beginning of the 20th century.

The museum is housed in the same building where once upon a time the Marshfield Sun was published. Visitors will find their old printing presses, old-fashioned typesetting machines, typewriters, and other ancient tools related to printing.

Visitors get to know the history of local journalism and observe how newspapers were made before modern technologies existed. It is an interactive museum where, if you visit it, you can even see the printing machinery in action.

20. Taste Candies At Cranberry Sweets & More

Source : instagram

Cranberry Sweets & More is a charming candy store that specializes in handmade goods and is particularly famous for its candies made with locally produced cranberries.

Decades of experience, and also sweets on sale, include chocolates, gummies, fudge, and their famous candies made from cranberry. Most of the items are free samples that one can have, making it a fantastic and yummy stop for any sweet tooth visitor.

Besides candies, jams, jellies, and other specialty foods are sold. It is a place one should not miss out on with their friendly atmosphere and unique flavors for real taste in the Oregon coast's culinary delights for tourists and locals alike.