Discover 6 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Bandon (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Port of Bandon, Coquille River Light, and West Coast Game Park Safari. Also, be sure to include Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Bandon (Oregon).
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Port of Bandon
Marina in Bandon, Oregon. The Port of Bandon is the port authority for Bandon Harbor in the city of Bandon, Oregon, United States. The port has full marina facilities for boat launching and sport fishing. It also serves as a waypoint stopover for commercial fishing and recreation vessels, and has a scenic boardwalk with a nature pathway and observation areas. The United States Coast Guard operates Search and Rescue Detachment Coquille River in Bandon Harbor in the summer and on halibut season weekend openers in the spring, and is equipped with a 47-foot motor life boat and crew.[1]
Address: 390 First St SW, P O Box 206, Bandon
Coquille River Light
Lighthouse in Bandon, Oregon. Coquille River Light is a lighthouse located near Bandon, Oregon, United States. It is currently maintained by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as a part of Bullards Beach State Park.[2]
West Coast Game Park Safari
Safari park in Coos County, Oregon. The West Coast Game Park Safari is a walk-through safari park in Bandon, Oregon, United States. It opened in 1968, and includes snow leopards, African lions, Bengal tigers, emu, capybara, and cougars.
The park is a petting zoo and captive breeding program, including endangered species such as the snow leopard. They sell and loan big cats to other parks and zoos.
West Coast Game Park Safari is not AZA Accredited. They are a roadside zoo which lets the public interact with big cats, similar to those featured on the Tiger King series. They had multiple USDA violations in 2015 & 2016, including 4 critical violations in their June 22, 2016 inspection report. The critical violations included mishandling adult & baby animals, as well as shooting 2 of their own bears. In 2020 they were listed on PETA's Highway Hellholes: Roadside Zoos on the Blacklist.
In 1985, Bob Tenney, the park owner, stated the game park received 60,000 visitors per year.
Two American black bears from the game park were bought in 2001 and 2002 by Baylor University, whose mascot is the Baylor Bears.
On May 18, 2021, West Coast Game Park Safari was featured in the Showcase on The Price Is Right.[3]
Address: 46914 Highway 101, 97411-8248 Bandon
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
State park in Bandon, Oregon. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is a state park in Bandon, Oregon, United States, administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The rocks and tidal flats adjacent to the park form part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. More than 300 species of birds frequent the area.
The viewpoint's name is derived from the off-shore rock island which has the likeness of a human face and is part of a Native American legend.
The state acquired land over time for the 15-acre (6 ha) park, originally called Bandon Ocean Wayside. The initial land was a gift in 1934; the state bought additional acreage in 1961.
Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, a viewing scope, and a stairway and trail to the beach. Slightly north of Face Rock is Coquille Point, with its own parking area, benches, and hiking trail within the only mainland fraction of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.[4]
Address: Off US 101, 1 Mile South of Bandon, Bandon
Bandon State Natural Area
State park in Coos County, Oregon. Bandon State Natural Area is a state park in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The 879-acre park lies west of U.S. Route 101, off Beach Loop Drive, about 5 miles south of Bandon. The Oregon Coast Trail passes through the park.
The park is open year-round; annual day-use visitation is about 27,000. Amenities include beach access, hiking trails, birdwatching spots, fishing access, restrooms, parking, and picnic tables. The average elevation is about 26 feet (8 m) above sea level.
Three separate entrances lead to separate parking areas within the park. The two to the south offer beach access but no other amenities. The third, Devil's Kitchen, has picnic tables, seating benches, paths to the beach, and restrooms.[5]
Art by the Sea Gallery and Studio
Art gallery, Shopping, Museum
Address: 145 Fillmore Ave SE, 97411-9479 Bandon