Charleston

This is Oregon’s Adventure Coast

Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston make up a diverse area of historic charm, natural beauty and outdoor adventure known as Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Each town displays its own unique independence while still being woven into a strong regional community on Oregon’s South Coast.

Here you'll find a small-town, local feel — the businesses and restaurants are owned and operated by people in the community, and it’s easy to see the network of relationships that make this place tick. The harbor is the heart of Charleston and serves as a home port to a large commercial fishing fleet. You’ll find a bustling marina serving charter boat operators, sports fishermen, crabbers, and recreational boaters. Fresh seafood is always served at a wide selection of local restaurants and pubs.

Leaving town along Cape Arago Highway begins one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the state, with multiple worthwhile stops on the way to the panoramic viewpoint of Cape Arago itself. The journey passes popular Bastendorff Beach, sheltered Sunset Bay, and historical Shore Acres — once a timber baron’s estate and now a formal garden with spectacular cliffside views of the ocean. Stunning Cape Arago Lighthouse, on Chief's Island, can be seen from a lookout spot on Cape Arago Hwy between Sunset Bay and Shore Acres.

Featured Spots

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South Coast

Charleston Marine Life Center

Part Aquarium. Part Museum. All Discovery! Located on the edge of the harbor in Charleston, the University of Oregon’s Charleston Marine Life Center is an exciting place of discovery for all ages, any time of the year. Aquaria highlight different coastal...

63466 Boat Basin Rd.
Charleston, OR

541-346-7280
Email us (cmlc[at]uoregon[dot]edu)

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South Coast

Charleston Information Center

Charleston Information Center welcomes you to Oregon’s Adventure Coast, where the land meets the bay and the sea, opening up an abundance of possibilities. You’re invites to explore, to discover, to feel, to know…at land’s end, adventure begins. On Oregon’s...

91141 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR

541-888-2311

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South Coast

South Slough Reserve

South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected estuary and natural area located in the Coos Bay Estuary on Oregon’s Southern Coast. Open to the public most days of the year, South Slough Reserve is a destination for recreation,...

61907 Seven Devils Road
Charleston, OR

541-888-5558

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South Coast

Betty Kay Fishing Charters

Whether your looking to catch tuna, salmon, rock cod, or halibut Betty Kay guides have a ton of experience in deep sea fishing off the Southern Oregon coast.  Located 9 miles west of Coos Bay in Charleston Harbor.

Charleston, OR

800-752-6303
Email us (fish[at]bettykaycharters[dot]com)

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South Coast

Cape Arago Lighthouse

Cape Arago is located in Charleston just west of Coos Bay, and is easily noticeable due to its distinct fog horn. It was first illuminated in 1934, and stands at 44 feet above sea level. The Lighthouse is located on...

Charleston, OR
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South Coast

Kinnee’s Gifts & Shells

Shells, t-shirts, novelty items, souvenirs to capture your memories! Friendly old fashioned service and a staple of Charleston!

91134 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR

541-888-5924

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South Coast

Sharkys Charter Fishing

Guided 6-Pack Ocean Fishing Charter located in the Charleston Marina. Six 32′ aluminum vessels that accommodate up to 6 people. Coast Guard licensed Captains. Private Charters and single fisherman are welcome. 6-pack vessels are heated and have a bathroom., Smaller 4-pack vessels...

63422 Kingfisher Road
Charleston, OR

541-260-9110
Email us (sharkyscharters[at]gmail[dot]com)

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South Coast

Bastendorff Beach

Bastendorff Beach is a favorite among surfers, kiters, beachcombers and locals and tourists alike. You’ll find an uninterrupted beach and ocean views can be enjoyed here. Bastendorff Beach is defined by Yoakam Head and the south jetty at the entrance of...

Charleston, OR
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South Coast

Chuck’s Seafood

Famuos for the finest Salmon, Albacore Tuna, Crab, Oysters and other fine seafood these water’s have to offer. At Chuck’s, they pick only the best! Gift packs and samplers are available as well and all are freshly prepared, hand packed...

91135 Boat Basin Drive
Charleston, OR

541-888-5525

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South Coast

Sunset Bay Golf Course

This professionally designed par 36 course is over 3,000 yards and majestically wanders through a natural valley setting. Sunset Bay Golf Course is family friendly and welcomes everyone to enjoy a relaxed game of golf. The Pro shop is open...

89516 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR

541-209-2820

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South Coast

Sunset Bay State Park

Situated in one of the most scenic areas on the Oregon coast, Sunset Bay State Park features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs. Only a short walk from the beach, the campground has sites for tent camping and...

Charleston, OR

541-888-3778

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South Coast

Shore Acres State Park

Perched on rugged sandstone cliffs high above the ocean, Shore Acres State Park is an exciting and unexpected combination of beautiful natural and constructed features. Once the grand estate of pioneer timber baron Louis Simpson, Shore Acres features lushly planted...

Charleston, OR

541-888-3732

Trip Ideas & Itineraries

King Tides on the South Coast

Every winter the Southern Oregon Coast is treated to king tides, a term used to describe the highest tides of the year. During this annual event — which will occur December 13-15, 2024; January 11-13, 2025; and again in November and December — ocean levels rise dramatically, resulting in magnificent waters that can be a wonder to behold, but only from a safe distance. Here’s what you need to know about experiencing king tides (and their counterpart, minus tides) on the South Coast.

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7 Reasons to Visit the Southern Oregon Coast This Winter

Discover the Serene Magic of a Southern Oregon Coastal Winter The coast conjures up images of sunny days with blue skies and warm sand between your toes. But here’s a fun twist–the Southern Oregon Coast boasts a wonderfully mild coastal...

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See the Dunes that inspired “Dune” on the Southern Oregon Coast

by Andrew Dickson (updated October 2024) There are so many reasons to visit the Southern Oregon Coast but the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is at the top of any shortlist. It’s one of the largest dunes in the world,...

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Guide to Mushroom Foraging on the South Coast

Lush temperate rainforests, sandy dunes and the misty, mountainous terrain of the Coast Range have long beckoned mushroom hunters to the Southern Oregon Coast — especially in the fall, when seasonal rains coax a wide variety of edible mushrooms through forest-floor duff.

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Movies Filmed on the Southern Oregon Coast

Grab the popcorn and settle in to enjoy some breathtaking landscapes and evocative views. Oregon frequently serves as a popular setting for films, with classics like “The Goonies” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” immediately springing to mind. Yet,...

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Accessibility on the South Coast

Thanks to new adaptive features, the jaw-dropping vistas, uncrowded beaches and quiet lakes of Oregon’s Southern Coast are becoming even more welcoming to visitors. In recent years, improvements like free rental beach wheelchairs and accessible kayak launches have made stunning outdoor experiences possible for more people. Here’s how to plan a great trip to the South Coast your whole crew can enjoy.

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Featured Dining

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South Coast

Miller’s at the Cove

Sports bar and grill with delicious, locally sourced seafood and beef. Known for their ah-mazing fresh tacos and green chili. Real taste of the coast with their Oyster Bacon Sandwich, Dungeness Crab Melt, Shrimp Louie, and Halibut Tacos to name...

63346 Boat Basin Road
Charleston, OR

541-808-2404

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South Coast

Portside Restaurant & Lounge

Serving great food and drink since 1979, Portside Restaurant & Lounge offers local seafood caught daily, steak, and a Friday night seafood buffet. Choose your own live Dungeness crab or lobster from the tanks. Live, easy-listening music and karaoke in...

63383 Kingfisher Road
Charleston, OR

541-888-5544

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South Coast

Persephone Cafe & Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods, coffee, or lunch in a delightful setting. Persephone Cafe & Bakery has a passion for bread and food crafted with the finest ingredients. Located inside Sea Coast Garden & Gifts. Come meet the friendly staff and enjoy...

91152 Cape Arago Highway
Charleston, OR

541-808-2500
Email us (bobak[at]persephonecafeandbakery[dot]com)

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South Coast

Cape Arago Café & Espresso

Breakfast served all hours with 10 different omelets, pancakes and French toast from the griddle, and Cape Arago Café’s famous 4-pound breakfast burrito. Enjoy their burgers, sandwiches, and creative lunch specials. Drive-thru espresso. Call ahead for meal and coffee pickup...

91120 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR

541-808-2226

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South Coast

Foggy’s Cafe’

Foggy’s takeout cafe serves scratch-made food, local espresso, and real fruit smoothies. Fuel up the nutritious way. Whether you’re in the mood for avocado toast, beef and sweet potato chili with greens, smoothie bowls, or another scrumptious creation, Foggy’s is...

91125 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR
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South Coast

Monkey Business

Monkey Business Marina Market & Restaurant proudly serves popular burgers, seafood, local fish ’n chips, and award-winning tacos. Savor their daily made clam chowder by the cup, bowl, bread bowl or quart. Located in the Charleston Marina.

63516 Kingfisher Road
Charleston, OR

541-778-3650
Email us (monkeybusinessfood[at]hotmail[dot]com)

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South Coast

Davey Jones Locker

Dave’s Pizza serves awesome pizza, generously loaded with fresh and healthy toppings and the best ingredients. Try our calzones, spaghetti, soups, and salad bar. We serve beer and wine. Your hometown pizza place with a casual, family setting. Call for take-out.

91139 Cape Arago Highway
Charleston, OR

541-888-3941

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South Coast

Fisherman’s Grotto

Fisherman’s Grotto has been serving delicious seafood for more than 40 years. Everything in their kitchen is homemade – a full line of seafood, fish and chips, clam chowder, deli sandwiches, and award-winning dishes. Groups are welcome. Rely on their...

91149 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR

541-888-3251

Featured Lodging

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South Coast

Portside Vacation House

A seven bedroom house in the Charleston Marina with a large deck and Bay views. Adjacent to restaurants and within minutes of the state parks along the Cape Arago Beach Loop, fishing, hiking and recreation activities.

63383 Kingfisher Road
Charleston, OR

541-888-5544

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South Coast

Oregon Coast Vacation Retreat

Fisherman’s paradise w/spacious yard, views of nature & crabbing gear! Ocean meets peaceful tranquility in Charleston. This 3-bedroom home offers both, within walking distance to Bastendorff Beach while still being just off the beaten path.

Charleston, OR
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South Coast

Snug Harbor RV Park

Daily, weekly, monthly rates. 10 sites, power available. Full Hookups, Pets OK, Cable, High Speed Internet Access, Dump station, Laundry Facilities, Pull Through Spaces, WiFi.

91134 Cape Arago Highway
Charleston, OR

541-888-5924

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South Coast

Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Charleston Marina

The Marina offers moorage at daily, weekly, monthly and annual rates. The RV Park offers RV hookup, restrooms/showers, Laundromat, and a recreation room. Tent space and yurts are available year-round. The Charleston Shipyard offers work dock space, vessel wash and...

63402 Kingfisher Rd
Charleston, OR

541-888-9512
Email us (rvpark[at]charlestonmarina[dot]com)

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South Coast

Captain John’s Motel

Located near the Charleston Marina, Captain John’s offers comfortable rooms with refrigerators and microwaves, free wi-fi, free boat parking, fish cleaning stations and is pet friendly. Weekly rates available.

63360 Kingfisher Drive
Charleston, OR

541-888-4041
Email us (info[at]captainjohnsmotel[dot]com)

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South Coast

Bay Point Landing Modern Camping Resort

Enjoy a modern camp experience at Bay Point Landing. Open year-round with RV sites, cabins and Airstream trailer rentals. There’s an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, activity room and kids den, as well as an event center and pavilion. Sandy...

92443 Cape Arago Highway
Charleston, OR

541-351-9160

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South Coast

Charleston Harbor Inn

Get the comforts of home just one mile from the ocean! At Charleston Harbor Inn you can wake up every morning to the sights and sounds of the harbor on your private patio or balcony. Soak in the salt air...

63361 Kingfisher Road
Charleston, OR

541-888-1178
Email us (innkeeperin[at]gmail[dot]com)

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South Coast

Vacation Home at Lighthouse Beach

Escape to the breathtakingly beautiful S Oregon Coast at this oceanfront home with furnished patio, yard, private beach access, and jaw-dropping lighthouse & sea views. This two-bedroom rental sits a few miles west of Charleston shops & restaurants.

89927 Cape Arago Highway
Charleston, OR
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South Coast

Bastendorff Beach County Park

Perched on the hill overlooking Bastendorff Beach is the 89 acre County Park open year-round for RV or tent camping. Amenities include space for RVs up to 45 feet, a fish cleaning area, full hookups, cable, high speed internet and...

63379 Bastendorff Beach Road
Charleston, OR

541-888-5353

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South Coast

Charleston Marina RV Park

The Charleston Marina features extensive public docks for recreational and sport boaters. Right next door is the Charleston RV Park. Stay and Play. The friendly residents and merchants of Charleston will do everything possible to make your visit memorable and...

63402 Kingfisher Road
Charleston, OR

541.888-9512
Email us (rvpark[at]charlestonmarina[dot]com)

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South Coast

Lou’s Bay View

This large beautiful 3-bedroom home has a spectacular view of the Bay. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of one of Oregon’s most diverse and largest cities on the Oregon coast. Close to recreation, marina and bay activities.

Charleston, OR

541-404-4419

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