Charleston sits at the mouth of South Slough, a tidal river basin that turns into a vast, muddy estuary full of wildlife. Four miles south of Charleston on Seven Devils Rd is this excellent interpretive center, with exhibits on estuarine ecology, also showcased in a 12-minute video. It runs events and programs all year.
Several walking trails, ranging from 0.25 to 3 miles, offer glimpses of the local ecology. Canoeing is also possible but you'll need your own canoe.
4.2 MILES
Beautiful rehabilitated gardens are the highlight of this unusual state park, 4 miles southwest of Charleston. Louis Simpson, a shipping and lumber…
Washed Ashore Gallery & Workshop
12.88 MILES
This tiny but cool gallery features gigantic sculptures made from trash washed up from the sea. Walk through a life-sized whale skeleton made from plastic…
4.07 MILES
Three miles southwest of town on Cape Arago Hwy, this state park is nestled in a small, protected bay that once served as a safe harbor for fishing boats,…
4.33 MILES
About 5 miles south of Charleston at blustery Cape Arago you can scan the horizon for whales, seals and watch ships passing into Coos Bay. The 0.2-mile…
14.27 MILES
A few blocks to the south of Table Rock is Face Rock, a huge monolith with a very real-looking, almost creepy human profile. Native American legends tell…
26.25 MILES
About 4 miles south of town you can tour the 1894 Umpqua River Lighthouse; the lighthouse's museum (200yd away) is free. Opposite is a whale-watching…
3.74 MILES
This fantastic new little museum/aquarium has lots of interactive displays plus views out over the harbor. Touch a whale on a screen to hear its song, pet…
7.25 MILES
The Coos Art Museum, in a historic art deco building, provides a hub for the region's art culture. Rotating exhibits from the museum's permanent…
1. Charleston Marine Life Center
3.74 MILES
This fantastic new little museum/aquarium has lots of interactive displays plus views out over the harbor. Touch a whale on a screen to hear its song, pet…
4.07 MILES
Three miles southwest of town on Cape Arago Hwy, this state park is nestled in a small, protected bay that once served as a safe harbor for fishing boats,…
4.2 MILES
Beautiful rehabilitated gardens are the highlight of this unusual state park, 4 miles southwest of Charleston. Louis Simpson, a shipping and lumber…
4.33 MILES
About 5 miles south of Charleston at blustery Cape Arago you can scan the horizon for whales, seals and watch ships passing into Coos Bay. The 0.2-mile…
7.25 MILES
The Coos Art Museum, in a historic art deco building, provides a hub for the region's art culture. Rotating exhibits from the museum's permanent…
6. Coos Historical & Maritime Museum
7.77 MILES
In gigantic and fancy new digs on Coos Bay's waterfront, this museum displays exhibits from Native American culture to maritime shipwrecks, plus mining,…
7. Bandon Historical Society Museum
12.84 MILES
This museum has exhibits on the area's historical industries and the Coquille Native Americans, along with memorable photos of Bandon's two devastating…
8. Washed Ashore Gallery & Workshop
12.88 MILES
This tiny but cool gallery features gigantic sculptures made from trash washed up from the sea. Walk through a life-sized whale skeleton made from plastic…