Coos Bay OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Coos Bay, Oregon.
1. Shore Acres State Park
GARDENS AND OCEAN VIEWS
Shore Acres State Park features stunning botanical gardens perched on dramatic sandstone cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained gardens, which include a Japanese-style garden and seasonal flower displays that change throughout the year. During winter, the park transforms into a dazzling holiday light display that attracts visitors from across the region.
2. Cape Arago State Park
WILDLIFE AND COASTAL VIEWS
Cape Arago State Park offers breathtaking views of the rugged Oregon coastline and offshore islands that serve as wildlife refuges. Visitors can observe seals, sea lions, and migrating whales from the park's viewpoints while enjoying the sounds of crashing waves against the rocky shore. The park also features hiking trails through coastal forests that lead to secluded beaches and tide pools teeming with marine life.
3. Cranberry Sweets
LOCAL CANDY AND TREATS
Cranberry Sweets is a beloved local candy shop that has been creating unique Oregon-inspired confections for decades. Visitors can sample a wide variety of handmade jellies, chocolates, and other sweet treats featuring local ingredients like cranberries, hazelnuts, and marionberries. The shop's friendly staff offers generous free samples, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth exploring Coos Bay.
4. McCullough Memorial Bridge
HISTORIC COASTAL ENGINEERING
The Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge is an iconic structure spanning over 1,700 feet across Coos Bay, creating a dramatic entrance to the city. Designed by renowned engineer Conde B. McCullough and completed in 1936, the bridge features distinctive Art Deco elements and exemplifies Oregon's coastal engineering heritage. Visitors can stop at viewpoints on either side of the bridge, such as Jordan Point or Glasgow on the north side, to capture perfect photos of this architectural marvel.
5. Coos Bay Boardwalk
HARBORSIDE VIEWS AND HISTORY
The Coos Bay Boardwalk offers scenic views of the harbor and serves as a relaxing spot to learn about the area's maritime history. Interpretive signs and displays along the boardwalk provide fascinating insights into the region's rich maritime heritage, from shipbuilding to commercial fishing. The picturesque setting makes it an ideal location for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the sights and sounds of this working harbor town.
6. Egyptian Theatre
HISTORIC MOVIE PALACE
The Historic Egyptian Theatre is a beautifully preserved 1925 movie palace featuring authentic Egyptian revival architecture and décor. This unique venue hosts classic films, live performances, and community events in a setting that transports visitors back to the golden age of cinema. The theater's ornate interior, complete with Egyptian motifs and a Wurlitzer organ, makes it both a cultural landmark and an entertainment destination in downtown Coos Bay.
7. Coos History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Coos History Museum houses one of the oldest collections in Oregon with over 250,000 historical images and 50,000 artifacts documenting the region's past. Located downtown at 1210 N Front Street, the museum features permanent exhibits on the first floor showcasing stories from the lumber and ship industry that shaped Coos Bay's development. Visitors can explore the museum Tuesday through Saturday, with free admission offered on the second Saturday of each month.
8. Mingus Park
URBAN OASIS WITH GARDENS
Mingus Park is a century-old urban green space established in 1925 that offers diverse recreational opportunities in downtown Coos Bay. The park features a Japanese garden complete with the popular Japanese Bridge, Choshi Gardens, and a pond where visitors can observe local birds along the shoreline. Additional amenities include a skate park, arboretum, and baseball field, making it a versatile destination for both active recreation and peaceful contemplation.
9. Coos Art Museum
REGIONAL ART SHOWCASE
The Coos Art Museum is the cornerstone of visual arts on Oregon's southern coast, featuring a diverse collection of contemporary American art. Housed in a historic art deco building that was once a post office, the museum presents rotating exhibits of regional, national, and international artists throughout the year. The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and maintains a permanent collection that emphasizes artists from the Pacific Northwest.
10. Oregon Coast Music Festival
COASTAL CLASSICAL PERFORMANCES
The Oregon Coast Music Festival brings world-class orchestral and chamber music to Coos Bay each summer, attracting talented musicians and music lovers from across the country. For over three decades, this festival has presented diverse musical performances in various venues throughout the Coos Bay area. The festival combines the beauty of Oregon's coastline with exceptional classical music, creating a unique cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.
11. Steve Prefontaine Murals
HOMETOWN HERO TRIBUTE
The Steve Prefontaine Murals honor Coos Bay's legendary Olympic runner who set numerous American records and inspired generations of athletes. Located throughout downtown, these vibrant murals depict various stages of Prefontaine's life and running career before his untimely death at age 24. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to view these artistic tributes to one of America's greatest distance runners who grew up in this coastal community.
12. Sunset Bay State Park
PROTECTED BEACH COVE
Sunset Bay State Park features a sheltered beach cove surrounded by towering sea cliffs that create a picturesque setting for swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing. The park's protected waters make it one of the safest places for water recreation along the often-turbulent Oregon coast. Visitors can also explore hiking trails that connect to nearby Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks, offering miles of scenic coastal exploration.
13. Bastendorff Beach
SURFING AND BEACH RECREATION
Bastendorff Beach is a popular sandy stretch extending for nearly two miles, making it one of the most visited beaches in the Coos Bay area. The beach is renowned among surfers for its consistent waves, though the strong currents mean swimming should be approached with caution. With spectacular views, ample parking, and fire pits available, it's an ideal spot for beachcombing, picnicking, and watching dramatic Pacific sunsets.
14. Liberty Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Liberty Theatre is a historic performance venue that has been entertaining Coos Bay residents and visitors since the early 20th century. Now operated as a nonprofit community theater, the venue hosts a variety of live performances including plays, musicals, concerts, and community events throughout the year. The theater's intimate setting and community focus make it a cherished cultural institution that highlights local talent and brings quality performing arts to Oregon's south coast.
15. 7 Devils Brewing Co
LOCAL CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
7 Devils Brewing Co is a popular craft brewery and taproom offering a taste of Coos Bay's thriving local beer scene. Visitors can sample a rotating selection of handcrafted beers made with locally sourced ingredients while enjoying the casual, community-focused atmosphere. The brewery frequently hosts live music, trivia nights, and other events that showcase the area's vibrant culture and provide entertainment for both locals and tourists.