Located on the spectacular Oregon Coast, Coos Bay is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. The natural attractions are perhaps the most obvious — visitors can explore the tidepools in Cape Arago State Park, get lost in the Elliott State Forest, or simply go for a stroll in Mingus Park — but there are plenty of other things to see and do as well, including a history museum, an art museum, and an old Egyptian theater. The local restaurants offer a wide range of different cuisines, and if you want something sweet, you can sample handmade treats at the Cranberry Sweets.
Shore Acres State Park
Formerly a private estate, Shore Acres State Park is perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean only 13 miles south of Coos Bay. The rugged sandstone cliffs and rock formations are one of the most incredible aspects of the park, particularly in the fall and winter when the waves are hundreds of feet high, but there's also a peaceful picnic area and a handful of walking trails. In a surprising twist, the park also features a beautifully landscaped formal garden, which covers five acres and has a greenhouse, a rose garden, and a Japanese garden with a large lily pond.
Phone: 800-551-6949
Cape Arago State Park
Another spectacular state park to the south of Coos Bay, Cape Arago State Park is a wonderful place to hike, picnic, and wildlife watch. There are two main trails to explore; the south cove trail takes visitors to a sandy beach lined with tidepools, while the north cove trail provides access to a fishing spot and a viewpoint where you can see colonies of sea lions and seals frolicking in the water. If you want to do a longer hike, there's also a four-mile trail that leads along the coast to Sunset Bay State Park.
Phone: 800-551-6949
Cranberry Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth, a visit to the Cranberry Sweets store might be the highlight of your time in Coos Bay. The company started out making cranberry candy with local berries in the 1970s, and over the years, it's evolved into a comprehensive sweets shop that sells everything from jelly candies to caramel popcorn. All the products are made by hand using traditional candy making methods, and only natural ingredients are used. Complimentary samples are always available in the store, and if you find a treat you can't live without, you can order their products online.
1005 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-888-9824
Conde McCollough Memorial Bridge
Constructed in the mid-1930s, the Conde McCollough Memorial Bridge is an impressive piece of architecture that stretches from one side of Coos Bay to the other. The design is influenced by Art Deco, Art Moderne, and Gothic styles, and there are sidewalks on either side, making the bridge accessible to both cars and people on foot. Both ends of the bridge have pedestrian plazas with built-in benches perfect for relaxing and admiring the view, and from here, you can take the stairs down to a beautiful waterfront park. Many visitors also like to take photos right under the bridge.
93488 Kelso Rd, North Bend, OR 97459
Coos History Museum
Operated by the local nonprofit historical society, the Coos History Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of the area and the people who have lived here over the years. The collection includes more than 50,000 artifacts and more than 250,000 photos and images, many of which are organized into exhibits covering topics like the lumber industry, the local indigenous tribes, and maritime history. Some of the exhibits even feature interactive stations designed to keep kids engaged and entertained. There's also an excellent gift shop, which sells books written by local authors, pine tree seeds, and other unique souvenirs.
1210 N Front St, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-756-6320
Egyptian Theate
Originally built to serve as a garage and service station, the Egyptian Theate was transformed into a cinema in 1925, and it's a wonderful example of the Egyptian Revival architecture that became popular in America after the discovery of King Tut's tomb. The foyer and the auditorium are decorated with hieroglyphics, bronze pharaoh statues, and other Egyptian-themed decor, and the theater still has all of its original theater backdrops, which were created by the Van Wie Scenery Company of Portland. Concerts and classic movies are played here on a regular basis, and free tours are offered every Wednesday.
229 S Broadway, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-269-8650
Coos Art Museum
Housed inside an Art Deco-style post office building from the mid-1930s, the Coos Art Museum is the only art museum on the Oregon Coast. It consists of 6 galleries that hold up to 25 permanent and temporary exhibits at a time, many of which feature items from the museum's own collection of more than 550 pieces of Pacific Northwest and contemporary artwork. There's also a gallery of pieces in need of restoration, which can be 'adopted' by donors. If you want to work on creating your own masterpiece, the museum also offers painting and drawing workshops and classes for artists of all levels.
235 Anderson Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-267-3901
Mingus Park
Only a short walk away from the downtown business district, Mingus Park is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of Coos Bay. The centerpiece of the park is a beautiful lake surrounded by a walking path; the fountains in the lake are lit up at night, and the water is home to ducks and other waterfowl that can be fed bread. To the west of the lake, the trail continues into the park's Japanese garden, and to the east, there's a heated pool. Other park amenities include a disc golf course, two children's playgrounds, and a tennis court.
Phone: 541-267-1360
Three Rivers Casino
Owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, & Siuslaw Indians, the Three Rivers Casino is a great place to relax, play some games, and enjoy a delicious meal. There are more than 250 games for visitors to play, including an excellent selection of slot machines, and the casino hosts an exciting Mardi Gras party every Saturday evening. The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it offers a different special every day of the week, the most popular of which is the prime rib special on Friday and Saturday nights.
1297 Ocean Blvd NW, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-808-9204
Marshfield Sun Printing Museum
The Marshfield Sun newspaper was printed every week between 1891 and 1944, and although it hasn't been published for decades, its legacy lives on at the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum. Visitors will be able to see much of the original equipment used to print the paper, and there are some exhibits about local history. Admission is by donation.
1049 N Front St, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-267-4027
Elliott State Forest
Encompassing approximately 93,000 acres between Reedsport and Coos Bay, the Elliott State Fores was the first state forest in Oregon. More than 70% of the land is covered by trees, and although it's primarily used for logging, it offers some excellent recreational opportunities as well. Visitors can get right into the heart of the forest by taking the Ridgetop Drive, which provides dramatic views of both clearcuts and heavily forested areas that haven't been logged in decades, and there are also several roads that provide access to the West Fork Millicoma River. Hiking is permitted as well, but there are no marked trails.
7 Devils Brewing Co
Specializing in high-quality, hand-crafted microbrews, the 7 Devils Brewing Co is a local brewery that operates a welcoming, coastal-inspired pub in downtown Coos Bay. The beers are proudly crafted with American ingredients, and the selection varies according to the season, although there's usually an excellent variety with something to suit every taste. The pub is open every day except Tuesday, and it hosts at least 100 live music concerts a year, all of which are free. In addition to beer, the menu offers a delicious selection of whiskey, wine, and tapas-style food made with locally sourced ingredients.
247 S 2nd St, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-808-3738
Coos Bay Boardwalk
You will find the interesting Coos Bay Boardwalk just off Hwy 101 in the heart of Downtown Coos Bay. The boardwalk offers beautiful views out over the Coos Bay and there are a number of interpretive displays which tell the story of Coos Bay, from its early days as a maritime and lumber port. The boardwalk is also home to a fresh fish market/ restaurant and picnic tables where you can relax over lunch on a nice day. You can also admire the Koos 2, a retired tug boat which was formerly in use on the bay. You can extend your walk by continuing along 2.3 km paved trail which is ideal for walking or cycling along the water’s edge.
Coos Bay Boardwalk, Hwy 101, Coos Bay, OR 97410
Steve Prefontaine Murals
Honoring the life and achievements of Coos Bay local Steve Prefontaine, three larger-than-life murals have been erected in Coos Bay. The Steve Prefontaine Murals were executed by talented Coos Bay artists (Old City Artists, LLC) and depict the Olympic athlete at various stages of his prestigious running career. The panel on your left depicts the runner during his high-school days; the middle panel represents Steve as a college athlete and the right hand mural shows him at the top of his game at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The athlete was tragically killed in a car crash – he was just 24 years old. You can find the murals prominently displayed on a Hwy 101 wall in the heart of Downtown Coos Bay.
Steve Prefontaine Murals, Hwy 101, Coos Bay, OR 97410
Mahaffy Ranch
Fall visitors can treat the family to a memorable day of outdoor fun at the Mahaffy Ranch, located about 30 minutes drive from Coos Bay. The You-Pick Pumpkin Patch Harvest season usually runs from the last week of September to the end of October. Besides finding the perfect pumpkin for Halloween, the kids can enjoy a range of fun country activities including a Hay Ride, Hay Maze, Molehill Slide, Corn Cannons and much more. In addition, children can meet some of the farm animals. There is plenty of tasty food available at the Snack Shack when tummies start to rumble. You can also stock up on farm-fresh produce, cider and other fall treats at the Harvest Market.
Mahaffy Ranch, 10362 Hwy 241 Coos Bay, OR 97420, 541-269-3900
