Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Bandon, OR
Face Rock anchors Bandon's Beach Loop Road, a sea stack that local legend describes as a Native American woman's face turned to stone, one of dozens of dramatic offshore rocks along this stretch. The beach below is part of the Bandon State Natural Area, connecting on foot north to Coquille Point and south to Devils Kitchen at low tide.
The single most recognizable landmark on the south coast, a real local institution, though the wayside lots along Beach Loop Road get busy in summer.
How we score beachesWalk the connected beach at low tide rather than driving between each numbered wayside. The whole Beach Loop stretch is walkable as one continuous beach when the water's out.
Free lot at the Face Rock wayside on Beach Loop Road.
A paved viewpoint sits at the top; a stairway leads down to the beach itself.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach.
Low tide during summer, June through September, opens up the most connected walking between the different Beach Loop viewpoints.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.