Simpson Beach curves along a protected cove at Shore Acres State Park, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay off Cape Arago Highway in southwestern Coos County. This secluded sandy beach sits directly below the world-famous Shore Acres Gardens, the former estate of lumber baron Louis J. Simpson who constructed a magnificent mansion and botanical gardens here in 1906. The Simpson family logged old-growth coastal forests and operated shipping businesses before selling the 745-acre estate to Oregon State Parks in 1942 following financial hardships during the Great Depression. The formal gardens preserve Simpson's original design featuring over 750 plant varieties including Japanese maples, rhododendrons, azaleas, and dahlias blooming across manicured lawns and paths overlooking dramatic Pacific cliffs. Simpson Beach Trail descends 200 feet through coastal forest from the gardens to the sandy cove, offering intimate beach access distinct from the windswept headland views above.
Swimming at Simpson Beach proves dangerous despite partially protected cove conditions due to Pacific surf, rip currents, cold water temperatures averaging 50-55 degrees year-round, rocky sections, and complete absence of lifeguard services. Sneaker waves strike without warning even during calm-appearing conditions. Wading in shallow areas requires constant vigilance. Tide pool exploration during low tide reveals purple sea stars, green anemones, hermit crabs, and sculpin in rocky areas flanking the sandy cove. Beachcombing produces agates, driftwood, shells, and occasional Japanese glass floats deposited by winter storms. The sheltered cove provides gentler conditions compared to exposed beaches, attracting families seeking solitude and nature study. Harbor seals and California sea lions haul out on Shell Island and Simpson Reef visible offshore, part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge protecting critical marine mammal habitat. Barking sea lions audible from the beach create the soundtrack to Simpson Beach visits year-round.
Access Simpson Beach via the half-mile Simpson Beach Trail starting from Shore Acres State Park parking lot southwest corner or from a gravel pullout one-third mile south of the park entrance on Cape Arago Highway. The trail descends 200 feet through coastal Sitka spruce and shore pine forest, emerging at the sandy cove. Shore Acres State Park charges five dollars per vehicle day-use fee, with Oregon State Parks annual passes accepted. The park operates 8am to dusk daily. Restrooms and drinking water serve visitors at the parking area. The gardens feature a glass-walled observation shelter for storm watching during winter when waves reach heights exceeding 100 feet crashing against shore rocks. Pets permitted on the beach trail but prohibited in Shore Acres Gardens. Cell phone service proves reliable. Bay Area Hospital operates 13 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 fish and chips using local rockfish, clam chowder, and fresh seafood with covered patio seating overlooking Charleston Bridge. Miller's at the Cove at 63346 Boat Basin Road prepares fish tacos, burgers, and clam chowder using locally sourced ingredients in a sports bar atmosphere. 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 working fishing boat views. Chuck's Seafood sells fresh crab, canned albacore tuna, shucked Coos Bay oysters, and takeout shrimp cocktail at the boat basin. Simpson Beach's combination of Shore Acres Gardens access, lumber baron history, and protected cove conditions creates southern Oregon's most refined beach destination, pairing world-class botanical gardens with intimate sandy beach exploration beneath dramatic Pacific cliffs where Louis Simpson's mansion once commanded ocean views.
