A Festive Weekend in Bandon
Last year, I planned a surprise holiday adventure for Brandon and Harrison. Each step of the adventure was unveiled in a series of envelopes as the weekend continued. If you are wanting to plan your own festive weekend getaway in Oregon, Bandon is the perfect spot - it’s charming, it has fantastic restaurants, and there are so many great outdoor activities nearby.
Where to stay
First up, where to stay. This was a quick getaway in the midst of a busy holiday season, so one of my priorities while planning was keeping the budget in check. The Bandon Inn is the perfect spot to stay - it’s affordable, but in an unbeatable location overlooking Bandon and the ocean. The rooms are recently renovated, clean, and comfortable. It was the ideal base for all of our adventures. Plus, I loved the special touches like our balcony being decorated with cheerful lights.
What to Do
We filled the weekend full of fun and festive activities. Highlights included the Bandon Nog Walk, seeing the holiday lights at Shore Acres State Park, doing a moody hike at South Slough, and visiting some of our favorite overlooks to view the King Tide.
Hike at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
For nature enthusiasts, a hike at South Slough is a must. This serene reserve offers trails that wind through lush forests, wetlands, and estuarine habitats. The peaceful surroundings and diverse wildlife make it a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Our hike was especially moody due to the king tide and a bit of rain; we absolutely loved this easy hike.
Stroll the Nog Walk in Downtown Bandon
During the holiday season, the monthly Wine Walk in downtown Bandon is transformed into the Nog Walk. This delightful event invites visitors to stroll through the charming streets of Old Town, sampling eggnog and other holiday beverages at local businesses. Souvenir cups are purchased for $10 each and kids can enjoy non-alcoholic beverages at most stops for free. This was so fun and the perfect way to check out the many great shops and galleries in Bandon.
Marvel at the Lights at Shore Acres State Park
No holiday trip to the Oregon Coast is complete without a visit to Shore Acres State Park. The park transforms into a dazzling wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. Stroll through the gardens and soak in the magical atmosphere that’s sure to leave you in awe. If, like me, you’re a total sucker for holiday lights, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Witness the King Tides from Face Rock State Scenic View Point
I love the Oregon Coast all year long, but I may be a bit partial to winter on the coast. One of the most awe-inspiring experiences is viewing the magnificent king tides. These dramatic high tides create a spectacular show as waves crash against the iconic sea stacks and rugged coastline. Face Rock offers a perfect vantage point to witness the raw power and beauty of the Pacific Ocean, while staying safely above the sand.
where to eat
You know that between all the fun adventures, we filled the weekend with delicious meals and snacks. We enjoyed a mix of favorites and new to us spots.
Bandon Fish Market Enjoy fresh, locally caught fish served with crispy fries. This casual eatery is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. I mentioned this in my last post, but definitely get the smoked salmon chowder.
Pablo’s Corner Unfortunately, this hidden gem offering handmade pasta and Argentinean dishes has since closed. Pablo and his wife are looking for another location to rent, so definitely search before your next trip to the coast. Harrison still talks about the pesto pasta as the best of his life. I hope they are able to return to providing their delicious and welcoming meals in this community.
Bandon Coffee Café Start your mornings with a warm cup of coffee and a pastry at this cozy café. Or, like me, get your afternoon caffeine fix.
Coastal Mist Treat yourself to decadent hot chocolate at this artisan chocolatier, a perfect way to warm up after exploring. My favorite is a mocha made with Mexican hot chocolate.
Sunnyside Café Known for its hearty breakfasts, Sunnyside is a go-to spot for a delicious meal any time of day. Breakfast here was a yummy way to wrap up our weekend.
Lord Bennett’s My family loves "fancy dinners" and this restaurant has been on our list to try for a while. A holiday weekend trip seemed like the perfect occasion to get dressed up for a meal at this fine dining spot. It was too dark to enjoy the ocean views, so perhaps a summer return trip is in order, but the seafood dishes were wonderful.
It's not too late to plan your own holiday weekend getaway this year! Bandon and the surrounding areas of the Oregon Coast were the perfect spot for last year’s trip. What are your favorite holiday getaways or local spots to celebrate the season?