Located at the mouth of the Coquille River, Bandon is named after the Irish hometown of an early settler, George Bennet. It centres around an atmospheric old town clustered with independent boutiques and galleries while it’s also on the doorstep of stunning beaches, coastal wildlife refuges and a scenic art trail.
Things to do in Bandon
Watching over the mouth of the Coquille River is a charming lighthouse that has guided mariners past the coast’s shifting sandbars since 1896. Follow the short walking trail that leads to the Coquille River Light to watch the Pacific Ocean waves rolling in or coincide your visit with one of the seasonal openings to see its inner workings.
Stretching for around 50 kilometres between Bandon and Port Orford is the Oregon Coast Public Art Trail, which features modern sculptures, abstract murals and coastal-inspired mosaics. It highlights the artists and creatives that choose to live in this naturally stunning region and takes in several galleries, workshops and community art projects.
Bandon is an ideal base for exploring the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses the windswept coves, rocky islets and offshore reefs at Coquille Point. It provides a sanctuary for several species of nesting seabirds, including tufted puffins, Leach’s storm-petrels and Caspian terns. A wooden staircase leads down to a beachside viewing platform, from where you can spot harbor seals and Steller sea lions.
Getting around Bandon
Bandon is around 30 minutes’ drive from North Bend and 2.5 hours from Eugene. Southwest Oregon Regional Airport is 40 minutes away and has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses travel to Bandon and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the surrounding region.