This harbor community is located eight miles from Coos Bay and North Bend. Charleston, which is not an incorporated city, is home to a commercial fishing fleet. Visitors may enjoy fishing for salmon and a variety of bottom fish, along with going crabbing and clamming. Also nearby are the popular Sunset Bay, Shore Acres and Cape Arago state parks. In addition, the South Sough National Estuarine Research Reserve is popluar with hikers, conoeists and amateur naturalists. Charleston also is home to the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, the University of Oregon's satellite campus for marine education and research. The are also is home to the historic Cape Arago Lighthouse, visible along the Cape Arago Highway.