Kissing Rock - South Beach at Gold Beach City

South Beach is a marvelous sand and pebble beach on the Southern Oregon Coast right off Highway 101 at the seaside city of Gold Beach. South Beach along with Gold Beach and its vicinity is a perfect getaway with a plethora of things to do and see from beachcombing for ocean treasures to fishing, surfing, tidepool exploration, and much more.

South Beach, sometimes also called Hunter Creek Beach, stretches 5 miles from the South Jetty of the Rogue River south to Cape Sebastian. The Hunter Creek joint the ocean near Kissing Rock.

Kissing Rock is the biggest landmark of South Beach. It is a huge sea stack towering over the beach and highway with a few smaller rocks sitting around it. There are multiple stories of how the name was given to this rock, but the most common one is that it was simply a place for lovers to meet.

Kissing Rock is a part of the annual festival similar to the Finders Keepers Glass Floats Event in Lincoln City. The three miles of South Beach from the South Jetty to a bit farther past Kissing Rock become a hunting ground for beautiful glass floats from the beginning of February to the end of April. Those hand crafted treasures are hidden above the surf line in grass or among driftwood. You are only allowed to take one with you. If your find is tagged, check with the South Beach Visitor's Center for a chance to win a prize.

In addition to glass floats, beachcombers and rock hounds can find plenty of collectible rocks and minerals including jasper, agate, petrified wood, and a variety of fossils. South Beach is also a great spot for surfers and anglers. Anglers come to this area for late summer and fall runs of salmon. Surf fishing is available year-round.

South Beach has a few access points - from the South Jetty, the Gold Beach Visitor's Center, and the Kissing Rock pullout at Hunter Creek Bridge.

Otter Point State Recreation Site, Agate and Bailey Beaches are sitting just a short drive away from this spot.