Hike, Paddle, Fish, Storm Watch and More… Then End Your Day at a Cozy Retreat
The South Coast is fantastic year-round, but it truly shines in the fall. With fewer crowds, you’ll likely have tidepools, trails, and beaches mostly to yourself. And, while Oregon is famous for its evergreens, there’s still plenty of electric fall foliage to marvel at on walks in the woods or along the banks of our wild, rushing rivers. With an ideal mix of relaxation and outdoor fun, the South Coast is the ideal spot for a spontaneous friend-cation or weekend with your special person. Digital nomads feel right at home in our breweries, cafes, and fish markets, as they enjoy the refreshing change of scenery and super-friendly locals. Read on, because the South Coast is also giving away a getaway for two!

Hiking Sisters Rock, photo by Matte Hanna
Get Outdoors!
- Explore incredible hikes with stunning views, like Golden and Silver Falls Trail, the challenging Humbug Mountain Loop, or the easy Port Orford Heads Trail. Each offers a mix of forest paths and spectacular water views.
- Try something unique with a guided horseback ride along the beach at sunset. Bandon Beach Riding Stables offers tours for an unforgettable experience.
- Fall is Oregon Dungeness crab season! Head to Bandon or Charleston, where you can catch crabs right off the docks. Local businesses offer gear rentals and will even cook your catch, making for that long-remembered dinner with friends.
- Always wanted to fish the coast? Book a bucket-list day out with Sharky’s Charter Fishing – fingers crossed you’ll be filling your freezer.

Shore Acres State Park, Photo by Danny Kent Alacali @homemadepizzafridaynight
Where to Eat & Drink
Take a break from your day of adventure and unwind at one of these South Coast eateries, many featuring cozy fireplaces.
- But first, coffee! Start your day in one of many sweet cafes that dot our tiny, coastal towns. In Gold Beach, don’t miss Kissing Rock Coffee, who craft their award-winning roasts with fair trade, organic beans. Bandon Coffee Cafe never disappoints, and all the locals love So it Goes Coffeehouse in Coos Bay.
- Lakeside: Enjoy misty lake views from the dining room at Lakeshore Lodge on Tenmile Lake, while relaxing by the fire. Savor barbecued ribs, brisket, or seafood specialties, and check the events calendar for live music, murder mystery dinners, and more.
- Charleston: Miller’s at the Cove is a family-friendly sports bar near the marina. With a cozy gas fireplace, it’s an ideal spot to catch the game while savoring a Dungeness crab melt, their signature green chili, or gluten-free fish and chips.
- Bandon: You don’t need to have golfed to enjoy Bandon Dunes Golf Resort’s outdoor fire pits for drinks and apps. In old town Bandon, the Crow’s Nest Lounge offers an intimate setting with awesome views of Bandon Harbor and the Coquille River. Their menu features Oregon wines, craft beers, and winter specials like oyster stew and clam steamers in a rich, buttery broth.
- Gold Beach: Enjoy a fireside tea at Endicott Gardens, where the owners craft teas and products using herbs and fruits grown in their garden.
Did we mention breweries? Check out 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse in Coos Bay, offering stunning bay views and a menu featuring regionally-grown ingredients. In Brookings, Chetco Brewing Company serves a wide variety of beers, perfectly paired with locally-sourced fare from their Off The Wagon food truck. Over in Gold Beach, the Arch Rock Brewing Company taproom offers hand-crafted brews and delicious Groundlings wood-fired pizza, Wednesday to Saturday.

Cozy up at Chetco Brewing in Brookings. Photo by Granite & Light
Where to Stay
As the day winds down, settle into accommodations that suit your style. Try these unique to luxury options, all with a focus on sustainability.
- Gold Beach: The Wildflower Inn’s stylish decor is just one highlight of this newer hotel. It’s also close to the ocean and within walking distance of numerous restaurants.
- North Bend: For a luxe glamping experience, Bay Point Landing features stylish cabins and Airstreams, each equipped with a fire pit, plus a well-appointed social space and indoor pool.
- Port Orford: This tiny hamlet is home to several beautiful rentals with stunning views. One rental sits right above the exquisite Redfish Cafe, with a panoramic view looking south down the coastline.

Photo courtesy of The Wildflower Inn in Gold Beach
Must-Attend Fall Events
Why not plan your trip around one of these annual fall events? It’s a blend of traditional Fall fun with a coastal flair.
- Legends Music Festival – Celebrate the legend of Sasquatch! Enjoy live music, delicious local food and drinks, and activities for all ages. Explore the myths and stories of Sasquatch while listening to performances by talented local and national musicians.
- Mahaffy Ranch Pumpkin Patch – Enjoy autumn colors and pick your pumpkin straight from the patch! Explore the corn maze, take a hayride, visit farm animals, and sip fresh apple cider.
- Oktoberfest – This 18+ event at the Coos History Museum in North Bend features live music, a Biergarten, German food, a silent auction, a cake walk, and Oktoberfest-themed games. PROST!
- Manhattan Short Film Festival – The historic Egyptian Theatre hosts a worldwide screening of ten short films exploring a range of relatable topics. From dramatic and comical takes on everyday life to the challenges of growing into adulthood with griffins and a murderous mom. You’ll be hard-pressed to pick a favorite.
- Octoberfish – Hosted at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Charleston, this event includes activities for kids, live music for adults, yoga workshops, local art, and a tuna cookout with local craft beer from 7 Devils Brewing Company.
- Wild Rivers Mushroom Festival – Dive into everything funghi at this two-day festival in Brookings. From learning and tasting to shopping and even drinking mushrooms, there’s something for everyone.
Win a Cozy South Coast Getaway!

Enter to win this bucket of Fall fun & a getaway for two on the Southern Oregon Coast!
Are you intrigued? Here’s an offer for you: Travel Southern Oregon Coast is giving away a Cozy South Coast Getaway for two. The prize includes four bags of South Coast Roast, the new signature coffee from Kissing Rock Coffee, plus 2 Kissing Rock t-shirts, hats, and tumblers, a plush Pendleton throw, a lantern for night beach walks…and a two-night stay at the lovely Wildflower Inn in Gold Beach. Enter now for your chance to win this fun-filled escape by November 30th, 2025.
ENTER TO WINSee you on the Southern Oregon Coast!
Want more trip ideas? Subscribe!Shore Acres State Park, Photo by Danny Kent Alacali @homemadepizzafridaynight
in Events, Hikes, Outdoor Activities, Seasons