7 Wonders Road Trip: Day 4, Newport to Bandon

March 1, 2015 (Updated April 3, 2015)
Sunset Bay State Park Oregon
Just outside of Charleston, Sunset Bay State Park affords dramatic and beautiful views that make the rugged South Coast famous.
Advertisements

Day 4: Newport to Bandon
(Drive time: 122 miles/2.75 hours)

Spend some time exploring Newport’s historic bay front and Nye Beach neighborhoods. At the bay front, wander among the boat docks of this working seaport town and sample fresh catch at local restaurants. Nye Beach is home to quaint shops, the famous, book-centric Sylvia Beach Hotel and beautiful stretches of sandy beach perfect for beachcombing or fat biking.

A scenic detour inland along the Yaquina River will take you to the little town of Toledo, home to Pig Feathers BBQ, Twisted Snout Brewery and an annual wooden-boat show.

Back down scenic Highway 101, head south past Yachats to Cape Perpetua, where the Siuslaw National Forest juts out over the ocean in a forested headland. You can hike or drive to the breathtaking viewpoint at the top.

Farther south, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area stretches for 40 miles between the towns of Florence and North Bend — the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America.

Just outside of Charleston, Sunset Bay State Park affords dramatic and beautiful views that make the rugged South Coast famous. This park is adjacent to Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park, each offering opportunities for hiking, whale watching (seasonally) and storm watching.

Onward into the town of Bandon, be sure to stop at Face Rock Creamery, where you can watch the cheesemakers at work, sample a variety of award-winning cheddars and top off the day with a big scoop of Umpqua ice cream.

This is part of an epic two-week road trip to see all of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. See Day 5 or view the full itinerary here.

About The
Author

Eileen Garvin
Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.