Visit North Bend and Coos Bay, Oregon with Kids

Disclosure: we received our stay at the Mill Casino Resort to facilitate this post.

About an 8-hour drive from Vancouver, North Bend, and Coos Bay, Oregon is known for its sand dunes and beautiful rock studded beaches. As we were driving down to California, we wanted to drive Highway 101 (Coastal) for part of our trip, and thought that Southern Oregon into California would be perfect! Read more about the whole drive in my article HERE.

The Mill Casino Resort & RV Park appeared to be the largest hotel property in the town and offers all the amenities you would want on a weekend getaway or just a one-night stopover.

DINING

The hotel has a buffet (which is always popular with Casino-goers), a fine-dining option, a bar/lounge, and a café.

We ate breakfast in the café and I loved my choice of one egg, one toast, one bacon. A simple and filling breakfast that doesn’t break the bank is exactly what I need when traveling all day. The girls each had a short stack of pancakes (two big ones!) for only $5.

POOL + HOT TUBS

The pool is warm, and the girls enjoyed burning off some energy together. The hot tubs are outside and sheltered from the breezes on the bay, which was a perfect end to a long day.

ARCADE, GYM

A small arcade for the kids including Pac Man and an air hockey table and a fitness center round out the amenities included at the Mill Casino Resort & RV Park.

The beautiful views and outdoor boardwalk border The Bay.

WHAT TO DO ON OREGON’S ADVENTURE COAST!

Coos Bay is at the South end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and dune buggy riding through the dunes is a great experience for all ages.

There are hiking opportunities, beachcombing, and tide pooling along the coast, which are fun excursions as well.

Take a drive out to Charleston for a drive along Cape Arago Loop, along which you will find Sunset Bay State Park and Shore Acres State Park, to see the ocean at sea level and up on the cliffs, and then on to Cape Arago State Park for hiking along the cliffs.

Between Shore Acres and Cape Arago is a viewing area for Shell Island where hundreds of seals and sea lions call home. You will need binoculars to see them clearly but it is a sight you won’t want to miss. This drive is only about 6 miles, so not a long drive, but you will want to give yourself time to stop and explore at each location.

The Charleston Marine Life Center is also in the area for exploring and learning more about local sea life.