Explore the Beaches of Bandon

Bandon, Oregon, located on the Southern Oregon coast, is about 90 miles north of the California border and about five hours south of Portland. In other words, it's just far enough away so that it has not become a touristy, seaside destination. And that's good news for all of us.

This sleepy seaside town, with a population of about 3,100 people, is relatively undisturbed. The beaches are quiet and unspoiled, and the shoreline is beautiful. Sure, there are people along the beaches, but it's nothing like what you'll find up at Cannon Beach, for example, where tourists congregate at sunset. In Bandon, you won't get throngs of people.

What you will get, though, is large areas of beach that you'll have to yourself. It's not unusual to see your nearest neighbor about 100-200 yards down the beach. That's priceless. When you do come across someone, they'll likely wave or say hello.

The biggest draw to these beaches, besides the peace and quiet, has to be the rock formations that abound. Bandon is home to Wizard's Hat, a sea stack in the shape of, well, a wizard's hat. Photographers visit Bandon to capture it, especially at sunset when it is silhouetted. In addition to the sea stacks located off shore, there are many that are accessible along the sandy beaches. People often climb on them and explore.

If you haven't visited Bandon before, you won't regret visiting this location.