Lighthouse Beach curves along a protected cove beneath Cape Arago Lighthouse on Cape Arago Highway, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay and four miles southwest of Charleston. This secluded sandy beach sits between Sunset Bay State Park and Shore Acres State Park, offering views of the historic Cape Arago Lighthouse perched on a rocky island 100 yards offshore. The lighthouse has guided ships entering Coos Bay since 1866, with the current structure completed in 1934 after storms destroyed two previous towers. Gregory Point and the rocky headlands frame the beach, providing slight protection from cross-currents and wind that make this cove safer than exposed southern Oregon beaches. The Oregon Coast Trail passes above Lighthouse Beach, connecting Sunset Bay to Shore Acres via the 4.7-mile Shore Acres Loop that traverses Norton's Gulch and coastal bluffs. Cape Arago Highway, designated a National Scenic Byway, winds along dramatic clifftops showcasing southern Oregon's most spectacular coastal scenery.
Swimming at Lighthouse Beach proves safer than most southern Oregon beaches due to partial protection from rocky headlands reducing wave energy, though swimmers must remain cautious of cold water temperatures averaging 50-55 degrees year-round, sneaker waves, and absence of lifeguard services. The protected cove attracts swimmers during summer months when conditions calm compared to the wild Pacific swells battering exposed beaches. Surfing thrives with both right and left breaks during westerly swells, requiring full wetsuits and experience navigating rocky bottom sections. Kayakers launch from Sunset Bay or Bastendorff Beach to paddle to Lighthouse Beach, exploring sea caves and rocky coves along the route. Tide pool exploration during low tide reveals purple sea stars, green anemones, orange sea cucumbers, and hermit crabs in rocky areas flanking the sandy cove. Birdwatching rewards visitors with black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots, and pelagic cormorants nesting on offshore rocks. Harbor seals and California sea lions haul out on Shell Island, a designated National Wildlife Refuge visible from the beach.
Access Lighthouse Beach via Cape Arago Highway at 89953 Cape Arago Highway near the Lighthouse Way intersection. No designated parking lot exists, requiring visitors to park along the highway shoulder where space permits and walk down an informal path approximately 100 yards to the beach. Exercise extreme caution crossing and parking along the narrow highway with limited sight distances around curves. The Oregon Coast Trail provides alternative access from Sunset Bay State Park one mile north, following clifftop paths before descending to Lighthouse Beach. No facilities exist at the beach with nearest restrooms at Sunset Bay State Park charging five dollars per vehicle day-use fee. The beach operates without posted hours, accessible dawn to dusk year-round. Cell phone service proves reliable with most carriers. Bay Area Hospital operates 15 miles northeast in Coos Bay at 1775 Thompson Road providing emergency services.
Dining concentrates in Charleston four miles northeast along Cape Arago Highway. Fisherman's Grotto at 91149 Cape Arago Highway serves fresh seafood, fish and chips using local rockfish, clam chowder, and deli sandwiches with covered patio seating. Miller's at the Cove at 63346 Boat Basin Road prepares fish tacos rated among southern Oregon's best, fish and chips, burgers, and clam chowder using locally sourced ingredients. High Tide Cafe cooks breakfast omelets, pancakes, and biscuits alongside lunch seafood plates, sandwiches, and salads. Portside Restaurant and Lounge overlooks Charleston Marina, preparing grilled salmon, Dungeness crab dinners, and prime rib with harbor views of working fishing boats. Chuck's Seafood sells fresh crab, canned albacore tuna, shucked Coos Bay oysters, and takeout shrimp cocktail at the boat basin. Lighthouse Beach's combination of Cape Arago Lighthouse views, protected swimming conditions, and Oregon Coast Trail access creates a scenic destination balancing solitude with proximity to Charleston's fishing fleet and Cape Arago Highway's spectacular state parks.
