Out of all of Oregon’s charming small towns, I don’t think any of them could compare to Bandon. Located in Coos County right along the water, you’ll never run out of things to do in Bandon. Whether you want to enjoy a scenic sunset stroll on the beach or hit the mountain bike trails, there’s something for everyone. Let this Bandon travel guide inspire you to take your own weekend getaway.

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History of Bandon, Oregon

Bandon was founded in 1873 by Irishman George Bennet, who named the town after his hometown, Bandon, Ireland. A post office was founded in 1877, and by 1883, the town had its own sawmill, schoolhouse, and Catholic Church.

Before Bennet founded the town, gold was discovered in nearby areas. This didn’t pan out (pun intended) as lucrative as everyone hoped, but there was a silver lining. Charles McFarlin came to the area in hopes of striking it rich with gold, but when that failed, he decided to plant cranberry vines that he had brought over from Cape Cod. This would become Oregon’s first cranberry bog, and it lasted for almost a century. The new vines adapted well to life on the West Coast, and the unique variety was even named after him.

Today, Brandon is known as the “Cranberry Capital of Oregon,” and grows about 95% of Oregon’s cranberries and accounts for roughly 5% of the national crop. Thousands of tourists flock to Brandon every fall to enjoy the Annual Cranberry Festival, which is held the second weekend of September every year.

Is Bandon Worth Visiting?

Bandon is absolutely worth visiting! The town offers a wide range of activities and attractions that everyone can enjoy. From sunset horseback rides on the beach to epic fishing expeditions, you can make your visit to Bandon as relaxed or as exhilarating as you wish, which is why so many people want to visit.

How To Get To Bandon, Oregon

Like many destinations in the United States, Bandon is a drive-to destination. Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) is the closest airport to Brandon (about 30 miles north). You can often find cheap flights on Dollar Flight Club.

There is an Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the airport, so once you land, you can rent a car and drive to Brandon.

Getting Around Bandon, Oregon

Bandon has limited public transportation, so we’d recommend renting a car to get around. The Old Town area is very walkable, but for folks who really want to take in the sights of Brandon, you’ll need to rent a car. Oregon's coast is known for its epic scenic drives, and that includes Bandon. Don't short yourself out of the freedom of flexibility by not having a car to get around.

Best Time To Visit Bandon, Oregon

Thanks to a moderate climate, Bandon is a year-round destination. If you want to beat the crowds, we’d recommend visiting Bandon during the shoulder season and planning your trip in September or October.

Spring and winter in Bandon are popular for whale watching, though you can still catch some of the resident gray whales in the summertime.

Where To Stay In Bandon, Oregon

Hotel Pick: Windermere on the Beach

Windermere on the Beach is one of the best places to stay in Bandon. Owned and operated by the same family for nearly 50 years, this is the type of place where you’ll feel like one of the family. We love that it is pet-friendly, too.

The best part about this hotel is its location!

Windermere on the Beach is nestled right along the ocean, and guests have private beach access and miles of coastline to enjoy. Every room has a spectacular ocean view, and you just can’t beat that!

Airbnb Pick: Oceanfront near Bandon Dunes

This incredible beachfront rental in Bandon is perfect for larger groups.

The Airbnb has four bedrooms with five beds and two baths and can accommodate up to 10 guests in total.

When you’re not beaching bumming, guests can enjoy the recreation room which includes a pool table and a piano. The glassed-in patio keeps those views coming regardless of the weather, and the fire pit is always ready for s’mores and good conversations.

Bandon Sights & Landmarks

Beach Loop Drive

Bandon is known for its breathtaking beaches and awe-inspiring sea stacks. Walking along the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Bandon. Beach Loop Drive is a popular scenic drive that takes you past Coquille Point and the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. Be sure to hop out of the car and take the trail to the beach here. This drive also includes Bandon State Natural Area, which features Devil’s Kitchen, Bandon Wayside, and China Creek. This route is also easy for bicyclists, and you can rent a bike in Bandon from South Coast Bicycles.

Coquille Lighthouse & Bullards Beach

Built in 1895, the Coquille Lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights in Bandon. Bullards Beach is right next door and provides the perfect spot for beachcombing, shoreline strolls, and horseback riding.

Historic Old Town

Old Town Bandon is the heartbeat of the city and it's where many travelers begin their journey. Within these 10 square blocks of downtown Bandon, you’ll find plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Many of the restaurants and attractions in this article are located in Old Town, so you'll get a better idea of things to do in Old Town Bandon as you read on.

Bandon Activities & Attractions

Fishing & Crabbing

Anglers from all over the world visit Brandon to fish in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Local charters are available year-round to take you and your crew out to fish for halibut, rockfish, tuna, salmon, and crab. Speaking of crab, Tony’s Crab Shack, which is located on the boardwalk, will cook your catch for you. We'll chat about Tony's more in the dining section.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding on the beach is one of the most popular activities in Bandon. Bandon Beach Riding Stables offers tours seven days a week, and it’s the perfect family-friendly activity. Once you are paired with your horse, you’ll take an hour-long horseback ride on the beach. These tours are beginner-friendly, too! Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a horse before — these horses are gentle giants, and you’ll learn everything you need to know before you take the reins.

Golfing

There are two award-winning golf courses in Bandon. Pictured above is Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, one of our favorites. This course features seven distinct links courses perched 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean. As one of the most popular golf courses on the Oregon Coast, we recommend making your reservations early!

Shops & Boutiques In Bandon

Cranberry Sweets

Cranberry Sweets

has been capturing cranberry’s delicious tang since 1962. Located in Bandon’s historic Old Town, the shop features hundreds of unique candies and chocolates that you’ll want to take home. Everything is made by hand in small batches, so you know you’re getting the freshest sweets around. The popcorn, in particular, is a huge hit and makes for the perfect road trip snack while you explore the sights and sounds of Bandon.

Big Wheel General Store

Make sure you carve out the time to fully explore the Big Wheel General Store — it’s huge! This general store is known for its fudge, but you’ll also find plenty of handcrafted treats, an art gallery, and even a driftwood museum within these walls.

Restaurants In Bandon, Oregon

Breakfast: Bandon Coffee Cafe

Perk up and start your day with a coffee and a pastry from Bandon Coffee Cafe. Located in Old Town just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town Welcome Arch, this locally owned eatery has served the Bandon community since 1995. All pastries, cookies, and bagels are made on-site every morning, and all coffees are roasted in Oregon. Local art dons the walls and adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

Lunch: The Wheelhouse & Crowsnest Lounge

The Wheelhouse & Crowsnest Lounge is a culinary pillar in Bandon, and no visit to this charming town would be complete without swinging by this historic restaurant. The two-floor restaurant is the second-oldest continually operating restaurant in Bandon, and it’s the perfect place for lunch as you explore Old Town. The restaurant has been serving the community for over 30 years in the same historic building that dates back to the 1930s.

Guests can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and Wheelhouse specialties with spectacular views of Bandon’s harbor and the Coquille River.

Dinner: Tony’s Crab Shack

Sitting pretty on the Bandon Boardwalk, Tony’s Crab Shack is one of the best restaurants in Bandon. Here, you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in town – and with a beautiful view to boot!

If you do any fishing or crabbing in Bandon, bring your catch over to Tony’s, and they will cook it for you.

Dessert: Bandon Sweets & Treats

I’m a firm believer that desserts taste better when you’re on vacation. Bandon Sweets & Treats is an old-fashioned candy shop that carries all of your favorite childhood sweets plus plenty of jams, preserves, and local treats. If there’s a childhood sweet you’re longing for, I bet this place will have it!

Nature In And Around Bandon, Oregon

Cycling

Cyclists will thoroughly enjoy riding along the Wild Rivers Scenic Bikeway. The journey begins and ends at Battle Rock Park in Port Orford, just 25 miles south of Bandon. This scenic bikeway in Oregon takes you through many historic landmarks and scenic sights, including Battle Rock, the Cape Blanco lighthouse, and the Elk River fish hatchery.

For a more adrenaline-packed ride, check out the Whiskey Run trails. It’s the first single-track mountain bike trail on the South Oregon Coast, and it’ll take you on a beautiful ride through Coos County Forest.

Beaches

Bandon’s beaches are one of the most popular destinations along the Oregon Coast. There are multiple access points in Bandon, and each season brings something special. All of the beaches in Oregon are public, but there may be some stairs to access the beach. Bandon’s official tourism website has an excellent map of Bandon’s beaches that will tell you if access to the beach includes stairs, a rugged path, or if it’s street level.

Are you ready to start planning your weekend getaway to Bandon? What activities in Bandon are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below! Keep planning your adventure on the official website for Bandon Tourism.

Be sure to check out our Road Trip Essentials Guide – it covers all of our favorite road trip essentials that we just can't live without.