Oregon Coast Attractions
The greatest Oregon Coast attractions are the Pacific Ocean and its wonderful beaches, rocks, and cliffs. But there is more to the Oregon coast than that.
The Best Oregon Beaches
The beach at Oswald State Park is secluded and is a fifteen-minute walk from the highway. It is great for surfing, one of the very popular Oregon Coast attractions.
Near Coos Bay is Sunset Bay State Park. The beach here is protected by towering sandstone cliffs. There are tide pools for exploring marine life.
The miles of sandy beach at Seven Devils State Recreation Site south of Coos Bay near Bandon is great for beachcombing for agates.
Near Brookings at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor you will find secluded cove beaches with rock formations in the water. These little beaches are probably the best if you don't want to run into very many people. Also, you will find warmer temperatures here.
Oregon Lighthouses
A close second is the lighthouse at Heceta Head. It was built in 1894 and is visible for 21 miles up and down the coast. There is a walk of about half a mile from the parking lot. My favorite lighthouse is four miles north of Port Orford. The Cape Blanco lighthouse is the oldest in Oregon and dates from 1870. During normal hours during the week, it is possible to see inside.
Oregon Coast State Parks
Sea Lion Caves
The Sea Lion Caves north of Florence is one of the most popular Oregon coast attractions. You enter an elevator and descend 208 feet into the largest sea cave in the world. The sea lions live in the caves during the winter months and in the spring and summer months they move to the rocks outside the cave where they have their young. These animals are huge--especially the males.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Oregon Coast Fishing
If you have ever wanted to go deep sea fishing, charter boat fishing trips are available in various areas on the Oregon coast. You can fish for halibut, salmon, rock fish, and tuna. This is one of the Oregon coast attractions that can be cancelled by bad weather. But then who wants to fish is rough seas? Nalu Charters operate out of Depoe Bay. Contact: Phone (503) 848-6020. Tackle Time Charters operate out of Warrenton. Contact: Phone (503) 861-3693. Charlton Deep Sea Charters operate out of Warrenton. Contact: Phone: (503) 861-2429. Tiki Charters operate out of Astoria. Contact: Phone (503) 325-7818.
Oregon Coast Museums
Oregon coast attractions for those interested in history include: The Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria exhibits thousands of maritime artefacts and photographs from the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest. It is located at 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria. Fort Stevens was built during the Civil War to guard the mouth of the Columbia River and was in use until the end of World War II. Today it is a state park with an historic military area and a shipwreck exhibit, and gun batteries.
Oregon Coast Scenic Drive
Marine Discovery Tours
Enjoy watching sea and shore wildlife on a discovery tour aboard a 65-foot excursion boat. Marine Discovery Tours operate out of Newport. The tours are narrated by naturalist guides. Depending on the time of year, you may see grey whales, harbor porpoise, seals, sea lions, pelicans, bald eagles and an abundance of marine birds. The boat has both indoor and outdoor seating and can accommodate up to 49 people. It also has a wheelchair ramp. Another of the great Oregon coast attractions. Contact: 1-800-903-2628
Rogue River Jet Boat Tours
This is one of the Oregon Coast attractions that takes you away from the beach. From Gold Beach you can take a jet boat tour up the lower Rogue River through some of the most scenic country in the USA. This is a way you can see the real wilderness country without walking for miles. You very likely will see bear, deer, and other wild animals as you, at times, experience river white water in the comfort of the jet boat. There are three trips to choose from. The 64-mile trip goes from Gold Beach to Agnes. The 80-mile trip goes from Gold Beach through Agnes and on to Watson Creek. The longest trip is 104 miles and goes to Blossom Bar. You can pack a lunch or eat at one of the lodges at the stops along the way. If you are interested in taking one of these trips go to Jerry's Rogue Jets at 29880 Harbor Way, Gold Beach, Oregon. Tel: 1-800-451-3645 or locally (541) 247-4571.
Tillamook Air MuseumVisit the largest wooden building in the world and see one of the top five private aircraft collections in the country. The building was built during World War II to house the blimps that were used to patrol the coast for Japanese subs and ships. The museum has over 30 aircraft including a World War II German Messerschmitt. The museum is located two miles south of the town of Tillamook on Highway 101. It is open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tillamook Cheese Visitor's CenterThis is one of the most different of all the Oregon Coast attractions. Visit the farmer's cooperative that has been making Tillamook Cheese for 98 years. You can watch the cheese making process then you can go to the tasting room for sample tastes of some of the cheese Don't fill yourself up because they make ice cream also. Go to the ice cream counter and decide which of the 40 flavors you want to taste. And they make their own waffle cones too. Now you would think you were done wouldn't you? Wait there's more. Now you have to go to the fudge counter and have a taste there. Which one of the 16 or so will you try? Now if you are still hungry you can go have breakfast or lunch at the Farmhouse Cafe. The Tillamook Cheese Visitor's Center is located on Highway 101, two miles north of the town of Tillamook. It is open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Winter hours are from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Summer hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
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