Activities for non golfers at Bandon?

Edaw68 · May 20, 2014

I was wondering how much stuff there is for non-golfers to do at Bandon? I understand it's mostly for people who just want to golf. My wife doesn't play, but loves just hanging out on the OR coast, so she would probably be fine with Bandon as a vacation, but I want there to be something for her to do. Are there spa facilities, available areas near the water for resort guests to hang out, that kind of thing?

Chris_NH · May 21, 2014

Honestly - there's not much. The town of Bandon is, shall we say, pretty sleepy. There are (I hear) some nature trails that run through the property. I'm sure an enterprising/outdoorsy person might be able to find some other things to occupy themselves. But I'm not aware of any natural draws, nor is there a spa at Bandon. I don't think there's any way to get down to the water (easily) for resort guests.

To be honest, I think you'd be better served picking a different destination.

Edaw68 · May 21, 2014

Copy that, thanks Chris

Tallen01 · May 21, 2014

It is not good. The resort does offer massages, and will even come to your room or late at night (both extra charge). They also have a workout facility, but not much at all in terms of a full-blown spa (or shopping, other than a full-range pro shop at each course). She could go to the beach/water via vehicle (our caddies told us how--a few miles north of the property, I think), but I would want a four wheel drive. I saw a few vehicles on the beach, but temps in the 50s and blowing wind would make it no so much fun. Bandon the town itself was quite dead--we could not find anything open past 9, and all we were looking for was a pizza joint. Not a good place to take the spouse, IMO.

Edaw68 · May 24, 2014

Ok, thanks guys.

lumberman2462 · May 24, 2014

Agree with above....she'll be bored. Unless she likes to sit around and read.

Gachnar · May 26, 2014

Nothing much as other have said. If she has a car and enjoys hiking/walking there are some stellar natural areas just north of Bandon. If you want Oregon coast with shopping, spa facilities etc. Salishan is really the best option, but the golf doesn't even remotely compare to Bandon. However the spa is amazing and there is much more to do in Newport/Lincoln City.

teckneeklyperfect · May 26, 2014

copy the Salishan rep, the back nine ( coastal) is pretty nice, the front nine is nothing special just forest golf. Lots to do for the non-golfer with shopping and other tourist activities

I played the back 9 last week

Check some of the online review site(s) for Salishan as far as the resort and lodging go, as some of them are a bit disturbing, ala take them with a grain of salt. Salishan Resort used to be awesome

RainShadow · June 3, 2014

I would think a nature lover would have a blast at/around Bandon. Photography and hiking / beachcombing ought to be great mornings before wind and evening.
But if the non golfer isn't into the outdoors, there's not much for sure.

bpark1210 · June 9, 2014

If you don't mind invite her out to the round. I saw plenty of groups there in Feb with caddies and wives walking side by side chatting it up w/ their husbands. The beauty of Bandon doesn't have to be taken in just by golfers. Walking the courses in itself is an experience w/ jaw dropping views, smells of ocean air, sounds of crashing waves etc.

JB57 · September 2, 2014

[quote name='Edaw68' timestamp='1400640865' post='9336671']
I was wondering how much stuff there is for non-golfers to do at Bandon? I understand it's mostly for people who just want to golf. My wife doesn't play, but loves just hanging out on the OR coast, so she would probably be fine with Bandon as a vacation, but I want there to be something for her to do. Are there spa facilities, available areas near the water for resort guests to hang out, that kind of thing?
[/quote]

Just came across this discussion so I am late to the party, but still will add my experience. My wife took me to Bandon Dunes on our 10th wedding anniversary 14 years ago. There were only the original 2 courses then and we did not stay on property. We stayed at a little hotel just south of the town of Bandon and the place was right on a cliff overlooking the beach. It was very beautiful. A someone mentioned a few posts before mine my wife loves to hike, explore and walk on the beach. When I played golf she did that and had a great time. She and I still talk of our time in Bandon and want to plan a trip back most likely staying on site. We would have a rental car just so she could leave the property if she wanted and explore the area of Bandon.