Coos Bay

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

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.

If you are traveling with kids:

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

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

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

Dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the region's logging industry and railroad, the Oregon Coast Historical Railway is a nonprofit organization run by a team of volunteers. The highlight of the collection is a restored Baldwin steam engine from 1922, which was used for logging in the region until the 1950s, but there are several other pieces as well, including a 1949 diesel switcher engine and a 1946 wooden caboose. Visitors are welcome to climb on certain trains, and some have bells that can be rung. The museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and admission is free of charge.

800 S 1st St, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Phone: 541-267-6900

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

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

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

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

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