Coos Historical & Maritime Museum


In gigantic and fancy new digs on Coos Bay's waterfront, this museum displays exhibits from Native American culture to maritime shipwrecks, plus mining, farming and travel in the region's history.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Coos Art Museum

0.61 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…

2. Charleston Marine Life Center

6.19 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. Sunset Bay State Park

8.69 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,…

5. Shore Acres State Park

9.66 MILES

Beautiful rehabilitated gardens are the highlight of this unusual state park, 4 miles southwest of Charleston. Louis Simpson, a shipping and lumber…

6. Cape Arago State Park

10.56 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. Umpqua River Lighthouse

19.81 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…

8. Bandon Historical Society Museum

20.31 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…