Gold Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gold Beach featuring a marina
Gold Beach which includes a beach
Gold Beach showing street scenes, a house and a small town or village
Gold Beach
Gold Beach which includes a beach

Enjoy mild weather and sandy beaches in this coastal Oregon town, located where the majestic Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. 

Gold Beach earns its name: This city has more golden, sunny days than many others on Oregon’s coast. Enjoy its beautiful beaches and charming downtown, which attract visitors year after year.

The community was originally named Ellensburg in honour of Ellen Tichenor, daughter of a sea captain. In the early 1850s, miners renamed it Gold Beach after discovering gold in its sands. A few years later, the gold disappeared and salmon fishing became the area’s primary source of income. 

Gold Beach is located in the heart of America’s Wild River Coast. This 101-mile (162-kilometre) stretch down Highway 101 is riddled with gushing rivers leading to the Pacific Ocean. See the end of the mighty Rogue River at Gold Beach. 

Ride a jet boat along the historic mail boat route. Beginning in 1895, when road access did not exist, boats delivered mail to isolated towns upriver. Gold Beach continues this tradition today, making daily mail deliveries to Agness, a tiny town located 32 miles (52 kilometres) inland. Ride along the river in style and enjoy nature as you follow in the footsteps of Oregon pioneers.  

One of the most famous routes in the United States, Highway 101 serves as the main road through Gold Beach.  Drive along America’s entire West Coast on this north-to-south highway, which travels through Washington, Oregon and California. The Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge, part of Highway 101, has been taking drivers over the Rogue River since 1932. This beautiful art deco span connects the town with neighboring Wedderburn.

Explore miles of sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Go salmon fishing or whale watching. Enjoy views of the rugged coast from Cape Blanco Lighthouse. 

Gold Beach is part of Oregon’s “banana belt.” Expect mild weather throughout much of the year. It rarely gets too hot or too cold regardless of the season. 

Drive from Gold Beach to the California border in less than 45 minutes. Brookings is about 30 minutes south and Port Orford is about 30 minutes north.

Jot's Resort
Jot's Resort
2.5 out of 5
94360 Wedderburn Loop Rd., Wedderburn, Gold Beach, OR
Stay at this hotel in Gold Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,859 reviews)
"Recently updated. The only downside was no elevator to get to the third floor. Gorgeous view of the river/bay. Would come back again if we’re ever in the area."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Jot's Resort
Pacific Reef Hotel & Light Show
Pacific Reef Hotel & Light Show
3.5 out of 5
29362 Ellensburg Hwy 101, Gold Beach, OR
The price is ₹7,600 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹7,600
₹8,398 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Gold Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a private beach and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Location good for what we were doing"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Pacific Reef Hotel & Light Show
Gold Beach Inn
Gold Beach Inn
2.5 out of 5
29346 Ellensburg Avenue, Hwy 101, Gold Beach, OR
Stay at this beach hotel in Gold Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
My stay at Gold Beach
"Nice staff. Accommodated me by giving me a better room due to my inability to climb stairs. The view was amazing. Spacious room. The room was a bit stuffy in the evening, but a fan was provided."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Gold Beach Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oceanview Cabin 18 With Private Jacuzzi
Oceanview Cabin 18 With Private Jacuzzi
2 out of 5
Smith River
Stay at this apartment in Smith River. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Pelican State Beach and Crissey Field State Recreation Site are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Other than a slight hiccup on check in, was an absolutely wonderful experience."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Oceanview Cabin 18 With Private Jacuzzi
Oceanview Cabin 26 w Jacuzzi Striking Views
Oceanview Cabin 26 w Jacuzzi Striking Views
2 out of 5
Smith River
Stay at this apartment in Smith River. Enjoy a garden and bathrobes. Popular attractions Pelican State Beach and Crissey Field State Recreation Site are located ...
Oceanview Cabin 26 w Jacuzzi Striking Views
Oceanview Cabin 28 w Jacuzzi Terrific Views
Oceanview Cabin 28 w Jacuzzi Terrific Views
2 out of 5
Smith River
Stay at this apartment in Smith River. Enjoy a garden and bathrobes. Popular attractions Pelican State Beach and Crissey Field State Recreation Site are located ...
Oceanview Cabin 28 w Jacuzzi Terrific Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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