Area Attractions and Calendar of Events

Sand Dunes: Winchester Bay is located in the heart of the Dunes National Recreation Area.  Visitor's center open all year.  Explore on foot or rent ATVs and experience the thrill of the dunes for the first time, or bring your quads and enjoy the largest dunes on the coast.  Winchester Bay is the only area left that affords you die hard riders 24 hour riding. Visit us in August for Dune Fest where the dunes literally fill with people all there to enjoy extreme sand fun for the extended weekend.  See booths set up in town from your favorite race teams and product vendors.  Watch the drag races, ride with thousands of other dune riders, show off your trick bike or just enjoy the all night parties. The Dunes Are The Premier Area Attraction - Don't Miss It!

Umpqua Lighthouse: Visit the historic operating Umpqua River Lighthouse overlooking the harbor entrance.  Interior open for tours during festival weekends.   Visit the museum housed in the adjacent former life saving station.  Spot migrating whales from the whale watching platform located at the lighthouse overlook.

Crabbing: For a good time with friends or family, try crabbing for fresh dungeness crab in Winchester Bay.  Our crabbing season is open all year and you can crab off the docks or by boat in the bay.  Trap rentals and bait are available locally.   Come in August or September during the Captain Umpclaw Crab Bounty Hunt and catch the Captain for a chance to win the $5000 cash bounty!

Fishing: Bring your own boat and fish for salmon, bottom fish, sturgeon or stripers or try one of the many charter or guide services including Sully's Guide Service, or Strike Zone Charters.  You may also want to  try your hand at surf or jetty fishing.  You can even have your catch custom canned at the local Sportsmen's Cannery.  Freshwater lake fishing also abounds locally.

Ocean Beaches: Miles of unspoiled, pristine beaches await your exploration - beachcomb, build a bonfire, fly a kite, or just stroll for hours and watch the gorgeous pacific coast sunsets.

Elk Preserve: View the large impressive herds of massive, free roaming Roosevelt Elk, often just a few yards from the observation facility.  Open all year with free easy access.

Shopping: A plethora of art galleries, antique stores, gift and specialty shops abound.  Several festivals throughout the summer offer a unique experience as you mingle with the crowds among the street vendors. Whether you are a shopper or just a browser, Winchester Bay is a true delight.

Fine Dining: Experience a variety of fine dining including fresh locally caught seafood, authentic Thai cuisine, the best pizza on the coast, quaint cafes such as the Crabby Cafe and more.

Other Activities Include:

• Bring your bike and take the bike path to the beach
• Swim at sheltered Lake Marie at the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park - featuring sandy beach, picnic tables and fire pits
• Hike the trail around the lake, climb the dunes, or explore numerous trails and small lakes throughout the dunes
• Play a round of golf at the nearby Forest Hills Golf Course  Show your room receipt for a 25% discount on greens fees.
• Pick abundant wild blackberries (Aug/Sept) for a tasty treat or take home for jam or cobbler
• Water ski, windsurf, scuba dive, surf - in the bay or at the local lakes.
• Take a free VIP tour of the impressive modern Coast Guard facility and its rescue boats
• Visit the oyster farm for fresh oysters on the half shell.  Watch them being shucked or take some with you to prepare yourself
• Try your luck at either the Mill Casino or the Three Rivers Casino, both just a short drive away.

Calender of Events: