Independent shops, a public crabbing dock, and the best off-resort dining within twenty minutes of the first tee.
Bandon's Old Town occupies a compact stretch along the Coquille River, with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants lining the main streets and a boardwalk running along the waterfront. The scale is small, reflecting Bandon's population of roughly 3,200, but the quality of the shops and the character of the setting exceed what the town's size might suggest.
The Washed Ashore Gallery displays large-scale sculptures made entirely from ocean debris collected from Oregon beaches. The work is visually striking and carries an environmental message without being preachy. A public crabbing dock extends into the Coquille River for anyone inclined to try their hand, and the boardwalk sculpture garden provides a pleasant walk with river views.
For golfers, Old Town's primary function is dining. The resort's restaurants are solid, but Bandon town offers a handful of independent restaurants that serve local seafood with more personality and lower prices than resort dining. An evening in Old Town after a day on the courses is one of the better ways to spend a non-golf hour during a Bandon visit.
Old Town is roughly 20 minutes from the resort by car. Shops and restaurants generally operate from 10 AM to 8 PM, with some seasonal variation. There is no formal parking structure; street parking is available and rarely a problem given the town's size.
Old Town Bandon is the only off-resort dining and shopping option within reasonable distance. For groups staying five nights at the resort, one evening in town breaks the resort routine in a way that refreshes the trip.