Planning to Travel to Oregon's Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston in 2023? Start Planning Your Time Off TODAY!#

It's a new year, which means it's time to start planning your next big adventure. Multiple studies have shown that taking time off from work has many positive benefits for one's mental health and productivity. Yet, many of us STILL neglect to take all our vacation days! The U.S. Travel Association says Americans are more likely to use all their paid time off when they plan their vacation days at the beginning of the year. To encourage us to take time off and recharge, they have designated January 31, 2023 National Plan for Vacation Day!

So, if you want to be happier with your job, health and wellbeing in 2023, make a plan to use all your time off this year. Here are some tips to help you plan your vacation to Oregon's Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston.

Step One: Figure Out WHEN You Want to Come#

Because of our temperate marine climate, Oregon's Adventure Coast is an all-season destination. There is a magnificent adventure waiting for you here any time of the year. Summer and fall are our most popular months for visitors, but there are advantages to visiting other times of the year, as we point out in our recent post, Reasons to Visit Oregon's Adventure Coast in the Off-Season.

To determine the best time for you to visit, we recommend researching annual events that are happening, along with various adventures and experiences you'd like to have. For example, if Winter Storm Watching and/or Whale Watching appeals most to you, we recommend planning your trip during the months of November, December and January. Or, if you've always wanted to try stand-up paddle boarding or salmon fishing, you may want to consider taking your trip during the warmer months of June-September.

Research Upcoming Events

The best time of year to visit could depend on specific events on Oregon's Adventure Coast. For example, we often get an influx of travelers during the holidays here for the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres Park. We also attract visitors to some of the food and music festivals that happen throughout the year.

Here are some annual events expected to happen in 2023. Events are added to this calendar throughout the year, so check back often. Please note that due to circumstances beyond our control, some of these events may change without notice. You should always call in advance to confirm whether the event is still happening.

• January - Ice Skating in North Bend (goes through February 19, 2023)
• February- Annual Charleston Crab Feed February 11, 2023
• March- South Coast Clambake Music Festival March 10-12, 2023
• May- BBQ Blues & Brews on the Bay - May 27-29, 2023 (Memorial Day Weekend)
• June- Annual Juneteenth Celebration,UTV Takeover in the Dunes and Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Festival
• July- Independence Day Celebrations/July 3rd & 4th Fireworks Over The Bay + North Bend July Jubilee, Oregon Coast Music Festival
• August- The Mill Casino Food Truck Off, Annual Blackberry Arts Festival, Annual Charleston Seafood, Beer & Wine Festival
• September - Mill-Luck Salmon Celebration, Annual Bay Area Fun Festival, Prefontaine Memorial Run, Cruz the Coos
• October- Octoberfish
• November/December - Storm Watching, Holiday Lights at Shore Acres (goes through Dec 31) + Various Holiday Happenings, Tree Lightings and Events

Visit our Calendar page for more events happening in Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston!

Determine What Adventures You'd Like to Try

When you come depends on what you'd like to experience on Oregon's Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. Here are some examples of adventures locals and visitors can enjoy at any time of the year. You never know what the weather or conditions will bring, so we recommend being flexible and putting multiple options on your itinerary.

Year-Round Adventures on Oregon's Adventure Coast

• Traversing through coastal forests and sweeping vantage points found in a vast network of hiking trails, state parks and national lands.
• Taking a thrilling ATV or Dune Buggy ride along the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America.
• Exploring entire ecosystems in the Charleston Marine Life Center and mysterious tide pools located near the ocean, bays, estuaries, isolated coves, sea caves, and sand dunes.
• Cycling and mountain biking on the Whiskey Run Mountain Bike Trail, designed for year-round mountain biking (it is, after all, one of the ONLY systems in Oregon open year-round).
• Learning about marine habitats and wildlife along the Simpson Reef Interpretive Stop, Shell Island and Simpson Beach.
• Viewing amazing and rare shore birds in South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and/or the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a protected habitat for 1.2 million nesting seabirds.
• Searching for natural and made-made treasures on our undeveloped beaches.
• Hunting for one-of-a-kind antiques and souvenirs in locally owned shops and boutiques found throughout the Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston area.
• Appreciating the art, history & culture of Oregon's South Coast in its impressive network of museums, galleries, and various theatres.
• Dining in locally owned restaurants, before taking in some live entertainment, nightlife and/or Vegas style casino gaming.
• Embarking on a lovely scenic drive along Cape Arago Highway, or viewing some mysterious lighthouses located throughout Oregon's South Coast.
• Fishing, Crabbing, and Clamming can also be enjoyed year round, though seasons may vary. Check the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for information on conditions, licenses, rules and regulations.
• Year-round golfing at one of the renowned golf courses on Oregon's South Coast.

Seasonal Adventures

• Storm Watching (November-February)
• Viewing the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park (Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve)
• Whale Watching (December-January & March-April)
• Water Recreation (Spring, Summer, Fall)

Step Two: Make Reservations as Far In Advance as Possible!#

Visit our lodging page to research hotels, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds, and RV park options. Once you have found options that will suit your needs and preferences, make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Please contact the hotel directly and ask if there are discounts, packages or other specials available for the time you are staying.

Step Three: Put in Your Time-Off Request!#

You should never feel guilt or shame for requesting time off - you have earned it! However, do not wait until the last minute to inform your unsuspecting boss that you will take time off! The sooner you request and inform your superiors of your travel plans, the more likely it will be granted to you. Make sure you know your company's vacation policy, and that your duties and responsibilities will be covered while you are gone.

Be sure to read Oregon’s Adventure Coast Traveler’s Information to help you plan.

Visit our featured adventures page and our trip ideas page to find more travel ideas and inspiration, and/or contact the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau .

You can also follow Oregon's Adventure Coast Facebook , @travelcoosbay on Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to find inspiration on the best spots to visit, eat, stay and explore any time of the year. Request your FREE visitor's packet today