Got rain?
This guide will show you how to have fun regardless of the weather in and around Coos Bay, Oregon. And just so you know, you don’t have to wait for a rainy day — these activities are great additions to any visit.
LOCATION
Coos Bay is located on the Southern Oregon Coast along Highway 101. The activities included in this guide are located in downtown Coos Bay near Highway 101, and further west in the tiny town of Charleston and nearby Sunset Bay and Shore Acres State Parks.
CURRENT INFO
Websites for individual locations are listed in throughout the text below. For more information about Coos Bay, visit the city website. The Oregon State Park website includes good information about Sunset Bay State Park and Shore Acres State Park.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Parking is typically free at all locations listed in this guide.
- Restrooms are available at all locations.
- Pack rain gear and extra layers. Even on a rainy day, come prepared to spend some time outside. Rain jackets, wind breakers, hats, and gloves are key. Rubber boots are a great option for the beach and tide pools, especially for kids eager to splash in the waves on a cold day.
- Pets are allowed at some locations, but not all. As expected, museums and restaurants don’t allow pets indoors, but may allow them in outdoor seating areas. Sunset Bay State Park allows pets on leash, but Shore Acres State Park does not.
- Cell service can be spotty on the Oregon Coast. We had good service in Coos Bay, but no service at Sunset Bay and Shore Acres State Parks.
- Restaurant reservations can be made ahead of time for both 7 Devils Brewery locations, but are not required.
- Check hours for restaurants and museums ahead of time, as they are subject to change.
HIGHLIGHTS
Even in the rain, you really can’t beat the beach. When the weather is at its stormy best, head to Shore Acres State Park to take in the show. Sunset Bay is beautiful in any weather, and low tide reveals a vast expanse of tide pools. Our family loved visiting the Marine Life Center in Charleston with its hands-on exhibits, and dinner at 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse in Coos Bay was the perfect end to a rainy day.
THE KIDS’ TAKE
All of the activities listed here are kid-friendly. Top picks include the beach (of course) and the Charleston Marine Life Center. Don’t miss the chance to catch the waves crashing at Shore Acres at high tide or the tide pools at Sunset Bay when the tide is low.
NEARBY & NOTABLE
A couple of other good rainy day options that we didn’t have the chance to check out include the Coos Art Museum and So It Goes Coffeehouse. For fresh seafood with a casual vibe, visit The Boat Fish & Chips. Leashed dogs are welcome on their covered porch, which provides shelter in any weather.
There’s so much more to do along this beautiful stretch of the Oregon Coast. South of Coos Bay, the town of Bandon is lined with quaint shops and cafes, as well as a sweeping beach dotted with sea stacks.
Campers should consider a few nights — or more — at Sunset Bay State Park Campground. The hike from Sunset Bay to Shore Acres takes in some of the best coastal scenery this area has to offer. Those visiting in lake November or December should reserve a visit to Shore Acre’s incredible holiday lights display in advance. Beyond Shore Acres, a third state park, Cape Arago, is well worth a visit for its scenic beaches and viewpoints.
Exploring In & Around Coos Bay
CHARLESTON MARINE LIFE CENTER
The Charleston Marine Life Center in (who woulda guessed it?) the tiny hamlet of Charleston is my top pick for families and anyone who enjoys learning about marine life. It’s a twenty-minute drive west of downtown Coos Bay, and three miles east of Sunset Bay State Park. The ground floor features aquariums filled with local sea life, while upstairs focuses on artifacts and hands on exhibits covering a wide range of topics. Bonus: There’s also a beautiful view of the Charleston Marina and fishing fleet.
Despite its small size, the Marine Life Center offers a wealth of things to see and do. It’s easy to spend an hour or more examining specimens under the microscope, learning about whale calls, or talking with the docent about the fascinating creatures that populate the aquariums. My kids were thrilled to touch actual shark teeth and hold a black marlin bill.
As of this writing, the Charleston Marine Life Center is open Wednesday through Saturday form 11am to 5pm, but please check their website for updates. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and children and students are free.
SUNSET BAY BEACH & TIDEPOOLS
True, it’s hard to beat a sunny day on the beach, but a rainy one brings its own joys, and the beach at Sunset Bay State Park is picture perfect in any weather. This protected bay sees less wind than many other Oregon beaches, and low tide reveals a fascinating world of tide pools to explore. There’s even a “ghost forest” — the fossilized remains of ancient tree roots. To make the most of these sights, check the tide tables ahead of time.
Sunset Bay State Park is located three miles west of Charleston, and a 25-minute drive from the Coos Bay waterfront. The park offers ample free parking in the day use area. There’s even a large enclosed picnic shelter near the far end of the lot, perfect for a foul-weather picnic.
For those with more time, consider camping at Sunset Bay. The campground is cozy and compact, with easy access to the beach. This is also the starting point for the gorgeous hike to nearby Shore Acres State Park.
STORM WATCHING AT SHORE ACRES
Shore Acres State Park, located just south of Sunset Bay State Park, is famed for the thunderous waves that frequently pummel its coastline. The photos below were taken from the viewing area near the small storm shelter above the cliffs. Believe it or not, it was still low tide. Imagine the scene during a king tide — wow! Check the tide tables ahead of time to plan your visit.
This is a beautiful spot even on a calm day, but it becomes even more exciting during a storm. Come prepared for wind and rain and you won’t be disappointed. This is also a great place to start or end a coastline hike. We love the hike to Shore Acres from Sunset Bay (although I admit we hiked it on a sunny day).
Please note that Shore Acres State Park does not allow dogs, but you can leave Fido in the car during a short visit. Shore Acres is also home a a stunning formal garden. Visit in spring or summer for the floral displays, or come during the holiday season for the wonderful light display. Just beyond the garden, a short trail leads to lovely, secluded Simpson Beach. For more dreamy seascapes, head two miles further south to Cape Arago State Park.
COOS HISTORY MUSEUM
This small museum gives a good look into the early days of the town of Coos Bay, from logging and fishing to health care. After eyeing those torturous-looking medical instruments from the past, I sure am grateful for what we have today!
The Coos History Museum doesn’t have a lot of hands-on exhibits, so kids may not find as engaging as the Charleston Marine Life Center. Fortunately, there’s plenty of room to let loose in the open outdoor space surrounding the museum. The old fishing boat out front also makes a great photo op.
Check out the Coos History Museum website to learn about special events and verify hours and prices. As of this writing, the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Regular admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children, with discounts available for groups and families.
FACE ROCK CREAMERY
After touring the Coos History Museum, head across the parking lot to Face Rock Creamery, where a giant cone of Umpqua Ice Cream is sure to hit the spot in any weather. Face Rock Creamery is a local cheesemaker based in Bandon, and this outpost in Coos Bay sells a full range of their delicious cheeses and other snacks in addition to ice cream. The Vampire Slayer is a hit with garlic lovers, but may not pair well with a cone of almond mocha fudge, so buy some to enjoy later.
Face Rock also hosts a cafe serving an assortment of cheesy goodies from panini to pretzel sliders. Check their website for up-to-date hours and menus. When we visited, the cafe and ice cream shop were open daily from 10am to 5pm.
7 DEVILS BREWERY
Directly across from Face Rock Creamery, 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse is a lovely place to enjoy a drink and a meal with a river view. Well, if you arrive after dark you’ll miss the river view, but the food and drink still make this a worthy destination. You’re on the Oregon Coast, so expect seafood, including the ubiquitous fish and chips, but there are options for meat eaters and vegetarians, too.
On our visit, one of the specials was a smoked albacore sandwich. Let me tell you, this was one incredible sandwich! Piled with house-smoked albacore, spicy mayo, and crisp cucumbers, it was perfection between two perfectly toasted buttery slices of bread. Oh, and the beer’s good, too.
In addition to the Waterfront Alehouse, 7 Devils also runs a Tap Room in Coos Bay. The atmosphere is a little cozier and more casual, with a smaller menu. My friend wasn’t too impressed with their poutine, but I enjoyed the tuna cakes — 7 Devils knows their tuna! As always, check their website for current hours and menus.
I hope you’re now ready to get out and experience Coos Bay, come rain or shine!
Happy exploring, from my backyard to yours!
