Here on the southern Oregon coast you will find a natural recreation playground and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The beaches and forested hillsides on the “fabulous 50 miles” between Port Orford and Brookings are a photographer’s dream. And there is a plethora of activities for the sports minded as well at the sight-seer.
Recreation
Golf anyone? It is a golfers paradise here with Bandon Crossings – just 15 miles north, and voted one of the 10 best new courses of 2007 by Golf Magazine – and world class links just 30 miles up the road at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, judged one of the country’s 10 best courses.
Hiking trails abound at the Port Orford Headlands, Cape Blanco State Park and nearby Humbug Mountain State Park. And that’s just for starters…
Watersports your thing? Surfers delight in the uncrowded beaches with some of the best waves on the coast. Windsurfers flock to Floras Lake, just 12 minutes north, the second most popular spot in Oregon. Kaykers can take their pick of lakes, wild rivers, ocean bays and estuaries, and Garrison Lake, right in town, is a beautiful spot for a sunset paddle. Fishermen delight in trophy catches of salmon and steelhead from our world class Sixes, Elk and Rogue Rivers. There is also lake trout and ocean fishing ans well as crabbing and clamming nearby. Divers come from around the world for the superb diving in Nellie’s Cove, just below Costa Sur.
Attractions
Visit Cape Blanco Lighthouse , just north of town, the oldest, highest and farthest west in Oregon and the only one where you can climb the steps to the top and see firsthand the beautiful fresnel lens. Next visit nearby Hughes House a fine example of late Victorian architecture and learn what life was like in the late 1800′s. Here in town, wind your way to the top of Port Orford headlands and see the old Coast Guard station, now a museum, and hike the paths to stunning views of sea and rocks.
A leisurely drive along the coast provides stops at local jam stands, summertime pick your own fruit farms, myrtlewood shops, chain saw artisans, glass blowers, and stunning lookout spots. Visit one of the many studios and galleries where local artisans produce beautiful glass art, sculpture, pottery and paintings. Don’t miss the Prehistoric Gardens, just 15 minutes south, or the West Coast Game Park with a petting zoo. Either is sure to be a hit with the kids.
Shore Acres State Park, an hour north near Charleston, is one of the loveliest historical spots on the coast, with gardens and lookouts. From Thanksgiving ’till New Years come to see it decked out with hundreds of thousands of lights.
From Gold Beach, just 25 miles south, take a wet and wild guided Jet Boat trip up the fabulous Rogue River.
Shop ’till you drop in quaint Old Town Bandon, 25 miles north, and try one of the many fine restaurants there.
Storm Watching
While many people think of the beach as a place to visit during sunny weather, some of the most spectacular views of the sea occur during our winter storms. High seas are an awesome sight, and Costa Sur is the best place in town to watch from! High above the waves, safe and dry, sip a hot mocha and enjoy the show from Costa Sur’s fabulous view windows.
Beachcombing
Beachcombing is an art in itself, and a joy for adults and children alike. Our local beaches hold many treasures including gorgeous agates, jasper and petrified wood. Smoothed and shaped by the ocean, these stones are lovely as they are, and even more beautiful polished. Glass floats come in with the west wind and locals have a friendly competition to see who can find the prettiest, largest, or oldest one (some have been drifting for decades!) Driftwood and beach glass is shaped and worn, and becomes a work of art in the hands of the ocean. Shells and sand dollars can also be found. It all depends on the time and the tide!
Wildlife Watching
Whale Watching from Costa Sur’s view windows and south facing deck is rewarding during peak months, and often whales can be spotted all summer in the ocean below as Port Orford has summer resident Gray Whales. Deer wander around the neighborhood and there are also beavers, otters and raccoons in the area. If you like birdwatching you will be pleased to know Port Orford is a premier spot to watch local and migratory birds! A trip to the beach can reveal a more close up view of the whales as well as seals and sea lions. Check the tide pools for starfish, crabs, anenomes and more!
And when the day is almost done, and you are ready to relax back into the comfort of Costa Sur, grab a glass of something cold, slip into the spa and take a little time to watch to sunset turn sky and sea into bands of blazing color while your dinner cooks in the well equipped kitchen!