Charleston, Oregon
Charleston is an unincorporated community located on the south Oregon coast at the ocean entrance to Coos Bay. It is home to the Charleston Marina and its economy largely revolves around commercial and sport fishing. The climate in Charleston is fairly mild year round. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities including beachcombing, whale watching, camping, fishing, golfing, hunting, boating, surfing, hiking, scuba diving, wind surfing, horseback riding, swimming, clamming, crabbing, picnicking, and sightseeing.
Where to lay your head at night
Charleston offers visitors limited lodging options from which to choose. Here are our "sure bet" recommendations for travelers with various objectives and sensibilities.
Maximum Comfort and Amenities
Loft by the Lighthouse
(541) 888-8386
loftbythelighthouse.com
Vacation home with 2 private suites situated adjacent to Lighthouse Beach.
Homey and Friendly
Charleston Harbor Inn
63361 Kingfisher Rd
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-1178
charlestonharborinn.com
Boutique inn; 4 suites; private bathrooms; boat/RV parking; refrigerator; stove; microwave; cable TV; Jacuzzi tubs.
Home on Wheels
Bastendorff Beach Park
On Cape Arago Highway approximately two miles west of Charleston.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean; beach access; available on a first come, first served basis; 56 RV sites with water and electrical hookups; 35 tent campsites; handicap accessible restrooms; showers. A handicap accessible site and hiker/bicyclist sites are also available. Open year-round. (541) 888-5353 - information only
Under the Stars
Sunset Bay State Park
About 4 miles southwest of Charleston on Cape Arago Hwy
Old growth forest and a sandy beach protected by towering sea cliffs. Tent camping; RVs; yurts; a hiker/biker camp. In all, 29 full hookup, 34 electrical, and 66 tent sites; eight yurts; one group tent. Hiking trails connect to nearby Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks. Sunset Bay Golf Course abuts the park on its southeast border. Open May 1 to September 30. (541) 888-4902 or (800) 551-6949 - information only; (800) 452-5687 - reservations
Local favorite eatery
Portside Restaurant
8001 Kingfisher Rd
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-5544
Locally caught seafood; prime rib; steaks; chicken; pasta; waterfront locale.
Behind the scenes
Depending upon your interests, you may want to explore some or all of these local attractions during your visit to Charleston.
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Four miles south of Charleston on Seven Devils Rd
4,800-acre estuarine reserve that encompasses a mixture of open water channels, tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and forested uplands. Visitors can explore the estuary through an interpretive center, trails and waterways.
Betty Kay Charters
7788 Albacore Ave
PO Box 5020
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-9021
(800) 752-6303
bettykaycharters.com
Deep sea fishing: blue rock fish; black rock fish, cabazon; quill back; tiger rock; yellow tail; vermillion; China rock; ling cod. Wildlife tours: whales; seals; sea lions; sea otters.
Shore Acres State Park
89814 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-2472
shoreacres.net
Day-use park: extensive, well-maintained flower garden; walking paths; picnic areas; spectacular view of Pacific Ocean. Major regional attraction during the holiday season: garden is lit up with thousands of lights.
Sunset Bay Golf Course
11001 Cape Arago Hwy
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-9301
sunsetbaygolf.com
A nine hole public golf course; rustic coast setting.
Oregon Coast Cities and Towns Contact
easyfuncandlebiz.com homeandcareers.com
walking101.com wicksworks.com wordwooze.net