Beautiful Bandon by the Sea

The town of Bandon, Oregon is a charming spot located on the West side of the state. Bandon is a coastal town with many local-flavored restaurants in the downtown, or “old town” section of the city. Many of these restaurants are no more than a shack on the pier serving up homemade ice cream, freshly caught fish & chips, and other local treats, but they have been in the same spot for years and have become a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Downtown Bandon also boasts many art galleries, nicer restaurants and curio shops up and down its several streets that run down to the oceanfront and the tiny boat marina.

Bandon is also known as the cranberry capitol of Oregon due to the fact that it has over 900 acres of cranberry bogs. The local stores sell many cranberry products made from the fruit grown in the area. The town throws a yearly party in September known as the “Cranberry Festival” to celebrate the local cranberry bounty and show off all of the locally made and cranberry-related crafts and treats. It includes a parade, many local craft dealers, a dance, many exhibits of a variety of cranberry dishes and a high school football game called the "Cranberry Bowl.”

For sight-seeing, the main road to take is called Beach Loop and it winds south from the town along the coast. On this tour you can see craggy sea stacks with names such as the “table rock”, the “garden of the gods”, “elephant rock” and “cat and kittens rock.” The most popular among tourists is the monolith called “face rock.” This huge rock towering over all the others in the tidal area has ties to local Indian legends about a maiden being frozen into the stone by an evil spirit.

Tourists to Bandon can also enjoy the many 19th century buildings that dot the town. If you enjoy fishing you can try your hand at salmon fishing during the spring and fall salmon runs. Windsurfing is also a popular sport at many spots along the Oregon coast and the Bandon area specifically, along with taking long walks on the shore.

Bandon is located Coos County and was founded in 1853. It is named after a local Indian tribe and the name means “place of pines or lake.” For those visiting Bandon, there are many great places to eat such as the Bandon Baking Company, which offers customers a variety of pastries and croissants. This long-time Bandon gathering spot also brags award-winning cinnamon rolls and a specialty coffee called the "foamie" – a local favorite. Other eateries in Bandon include the Bandon Coffee Shop where you can enjoy pastries, bagels, cookies, and the Wheelhouse restaurant located on the waterfront where they serve up local beef and seafood while you take in the gorgeous ocean views.

If you plan to visit Bandon and stay for a few days, there are a number of Bandon Oregon hotels including the Bandon Beach Motel up on the bluffs above the town with a view of the ocean, and the very nice Inn at Face Rock located in the main downtown area.

Visiting Bandon, Oregon for your vacation or holiday trip is sure to leave you with great memories for a life time.