Location: Gold Beach
Top Things to do in Gold Beach
What to do and see in Gold Beach, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Gold Beach (Tolowa: yan-shu’-chit, yan-shuu-chit’-dvn) is a city in and the county seat of Curry County, Oregon, United States, on the Oregon Coast. The population was 2,253 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Gold Beach
1. Prehistoric Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 192 reviews
One of the most unique tourist attractions on the Oregon Coast, the Prehistoric Gardens is great for young and old alike. Just 17 miles north of Gold Beach lies an untouched prehistoric garden complete with 23 life size dinosaurs set among a lush 300 year old Oregon rainforest. The self-guided tour allows you to casually stroll along the path and discover what the Earth was like millions of years ago. Family owned and operated since 1955, this eco-friendly attraction is a must see! Pet-Friendly! Dogs are allowed to take the tour for FREE as long as they are on a leash.
Reviewed By Shapley_Hunter - Thebes, Illinois
Yes, it's a tourist trap, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The dinosaurs are kind of cheesy, designed (I suppose) to be not overly frightening to children. Their size is accurate, even if their details are not.
The foliage is interesting, and the historical information provided on the signage is good.
All in all, it is a good place to stretch your legs for a bit, learn a little history, and enjoy the type of wayside attraction that has been luring travelers off the road for decades.
2. Rogue River Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By bd W - WY
Gold Beach is a good steward of this bridge ... take the scenic loop up the N side (Weederburn side) of Rogue to Lobster Creek Bridge and cross to S side of Rogue to return to Gold Beach.
3. Otter Point State Recreation Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Bill V - Medford, Oregon
I'm calling Otter Point "hidden" although it's an Oregon State Recreation site. The thing is, it's not on the Coast highway. So unlike a lot of lovely beaches on the Oregon Coast, it gets no impulse visitors. You have to drive several miles on a narrow, winding road to get to it.
Once there, it's a short walk to headlands that afford magnificent views of the ocean and the rugged sea stacks, huge rocky formations carved by the pounding of the sea over millions of years.
It's probably a good place to see gray whales on their southward migration in December and/or their northward journey the spring. Just a guess. You could also see sea otters and sea lions.
If you have the time for more that just the view, a section of the Oregon Coast Trail runs through here. Instead of taking the path from the parking lot straight to the headland, you can choose to take the immediate left fork and hike through dense forest a mile or so down to the beach.
We're talking private. Although there were a half dozen cars in the remote parking lot, I saw only two other people on miles of beach all day. A special spot, and no crowds.
4. Arch Rock Brewery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Sam D
Hats off to Larry & Marjie, the dynamic couple who now own and operate Arch Rock Brewing Company! Having stumbled upon (Google map searched for 'brewery') this unsuspect location along a multipurposed road trip dotted with breweries, we were pleasantly surprised by their particularly warm PNW hospitality you may or may not know what I'm referring to. The three beers currently on tap were all above average in their quality so as to not detract from a somewhat limited selection for a thirsty visitor; Lager, Porter, Pale Ale. Not sounding incredibly unique on paper, these brews came to life in the glass and made for an unforgettable detour. The tap room is an industrial setting - vats and equipment - with few (if any?) seats available...which is great because the owners engage with their guests making everything all the more memorable. Had a great time enjoying theirs beers and talking about the beautiful state of Oregon! Thanks again!
Best,
~S
5. Visitor's Center, Gold Beach OR
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Patricia B - Yorktown, Virginia
Nice stop off to spend several hours. Visitor Center has a small museum and a wealth of brochures/information & staff members are accommodating. Restrooms inside, or if its closed, there are some outside, but rather unclean. Picnic tables, but pick a day that it isn't windy. The wind in this area can get unbearable! Beautiful place to walk on the beach and collect uniquely colored rocks (not shells, but rocks). It's also loaded with driftwood. Huge rock structures in the water affords great photo opts.
6. The Mary D Hume
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Rebekajean - The Woodlands, Texas
Easy to access and great photo op for interesting areas. Must read about the life of the Mary D. Hume to appreciate. Several of the local restaurants have the life and times as well as pictures through the years. We have been through the area regularly over the past decade and it has deteriorated but still makes a great picture.
7. Illinois River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
A challenging river with scenery second to none.
Reviewed By sunshine_traveler909 - Hermitage, Tennessee
After a visit to Oregon Caves our group of 6 were looking for a place to swim on a hot afternoon. We stumbled upon a perfect swimming hole just before a small waterfall off of Eight Dollar Road between Selma and Cave Junction. This Illinois River location was perfect. Park in a small camping area and follow your nose on the hiking trails to the river. There is a rustic bathroom to change in the parking lot. Aside from a lone fisherman we had the river to ourselves to splash and sunbathe. A fantastic place to while away a few lazy summer day hours.
8. Curry Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By dmc50 - Brookings, Oregon
wow...we recently moved to the area and had heard great things about the museum. we can agree, it's true. the variety of historical artifacts and the way everything is displayed and explained is excellent. from indians to gold miners to school and postal photos and memorabilia, not to mention clothing and homemaking treasures.
9. Event Center on the Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By ATL_Jacket - Atlanta, Georgia
I recently went to a dinner at the Event Center on the Beach. The facilities were very nice. I was impressed by the table settings and the quality of the sound equipment and stage. The in-house catering was not great, but okay. Overall, it was a small, well-maintained facility. I would rent it out if I needed to host an event in the area.
10. Geisel Monument State Heritage Site
Overall Ratings
3 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Jollywomon - Brookings, Oregon
This place is pretty much only a lawn area, picnic table and graveyard. There is nothing to do there except maybe a place to stretch your legs and have a picnic. Don't plan a day or a trip around it
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