Travel Oregon

If your idea of romantic spots is sharing spectacular scenery, your visit to the Oregon Coast will be a can’t-miss. I suggest you stop at the Oregon Welcome Center as you cross the state line near Brookings. Be sure to pick up information on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. You will enter this beautiful scenic area as you drive between Brookings and Gold Beach. There are many scenic viewpoints and if you like to hike, most of these stops are intersected by some of the most beautiful portions of the Oregon Coast Trail.

I would recommend you spend at least a couple days in Gold Beach, allowing you to explore this scenic area. If you don’t mind not staying on the beach and want to splurge, one of the most romantic spots to stay would be Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, just up the north side of the Rogue River. Their dining room is open May through October and will offer some of the finest food you will find in the region, though you will be seated in tables of eight. For more intimate dining, return to downtown Gold Beach and look for Anna’s by the Sea, a small, quirky spot just off the main track that will offer a high level of dining. If you would prefer more of a cabin stay experience, consider Ireland’s Rustic Lodges, each cabin with wood burning fireplaces. They also offer traditional oceanfront motel rooms at Gold Beach Inn. For breakfast or lunch, consider a visit to Rollin in Dough Bakery and Bistro. I enjoyed the breakfast here last week and the lunch menu looked great. If you day trip to the north at Port Orford, consider a visit to Redfish restaurant.

If it were me, I would enjoy the drive north about 60 miles and spend the balance of your nights in Bandon. A visit to Cape Blanco State Park on the way would be a don’t miss place to visit. The beach at Bandon is spectacular, dotted with sea stacks, making for beautiful beach strolling at sunset. Beach Loop Drive in Bandon offers several great view points and beach access areas, most notably the Face Rock viewpoint and Coquille Point to the north. For romantic dining, don’t miss Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant in old town Bandon. Also nearby to consider is The Loft Restaurant and Bar with views of the Coquille River. For coffee or desserts, look for Coastal Mist. I’ve also heard good things about Lord Bennett’s Restaurant. There are a number of oceanfront hotels in Bandon. Consider the Table Rock Motel, Windermere on the Beach, Bandon Beach Motel or Sunset Oceanfront Lodging. I recently stayed in one of the suites at Inn at Face Rock (Best Western) and the room was nicely upgraded and had a wood burning (presto log) fireplace. Though not oceanfront, it had some ocean views and the property also has a good restaurant, Bandon Bill’s.

One great day trip from Bandon is to drive north to Charleston and the State Parks at Cape Arago. You can make this trip via the Charleston to Bandon Tour Route. Just a few minutes away is a nice restaurant, Empire Cafe.

Hope this is some help on your romantic getaway!

Gary