Coos Bay Travel Guide

Surrounded by rich green forests, the wild and beautiful Pacific, and nestled into a protected bay, Coos Bay is a vibrant community and the largest coastal city in Oregon. The city is also historically a trade and commerce center, having been an important commercial sea passage since the 16th Century and the days of the Pioneers. Before the settlers arrived, Coos Bay was home to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Siuslaw and Lower Umpqua Indians and the Coquille Indians, who call the area their ancestral homeland and gave it its name.

Things to Do in Coos Bay

The city itself is alive with art, culture and exciting things to do, plus with three State Parks close by, Coos Bay has much to offer.

Check out the history of the area with the Coos Historical and Maritime Museum New History Center. This is where you can learn about Native American culture and how the first settlers arrived. For contemporary art visit the Coos Art Museum downtown where you’ll find permanent and changing exhibits of modern American artists. An important part of the city’s legacy is preserved in the Oregon Coast Historic Railway Museum – resting place of a restored Baldwi Steam Train from 1922.

Get out into that fresh Oregon air with three state parks just 13 miles away from the city waiting to be explored. The trio are connected by a hiking trail part of the coast trail, so there’s no excuse to miss the incredible views.

Coos Bay is 20 minutes from the great Pacific for a day on the beach hiking, fishing, camping or simply taking a picnic for a peaceful experience by the ocean.

Golfers will be pleased to know the area boasts five courses and the great weather means plenty of perfect golfing days.

Best Time to Visit Coos Bay

Most festivals take place during the summer months, with the Oregon Coast Music festival and the Coos County Fair in July plus the Blackberry Arts Festival in August. Fall can be beautiful for the colors and Spring when everything is in bloom.