Wind-swept beaches, majestic sand dunes and spectacular scenery describe the Oregon Coast. With a diversity of recreational opportunities, there's always something to see and do.

Shore Acres State Park
Perched on a scenic bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Shore Acres began as a private estate with luxurious gardens featuring trees, shrubs, and flowering plants brought from around the world aboard the sailing ships of pioneer lumberman and shipbuilder Louis J. Simpson.

Thousands of people visit at Christmas time for the 'Holiday of Lights' when 200.000 lights turn this park into a holiday fantasy.

A fully enclosed observation building on the site offers magnificent views of towering waves, rugged cliffs and glimpses of migrating whales from December through June. One mile to the south, Cape Arago State Park has hiking trails, picnic tables, and excellent opportunities for viewing tidepools life and marine mammals (whales, seals, and sea lions).

Dune Buggy Rides & Tours
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends 4.0 miles along the Pacific Ocean from Florence on the north to Coos Bay on the south. The 32,000 acre National Recreation Area provides a unique setting of sand, lakes, timber and ocean beaches. The thousand-year-old sand dunes are always on the move - a giant playground for dune buggies, horseback riding, and natural areas for exploration. Dune Buggy Rides and Tours are a fun and exciting way to see the dunes, Experienced tour guides will take you on a dune buggy ride climbing and descending through some of the most beautiful and impressive dunes in the world. Experience the exhilaration of driving across a vast expanse of open sand, climbing up and over massive sand dunes, or exploring one of the many trails. Fully automatic ATV dune buggies are also available to rent for an unforgettable family excursion.

Whale Watching
Every year thousands of Gray Whales migrate past the Oregon Coast from the Bering Sea to the warm waters of Baja. These giant creatures are usually mottled gray with numerous white, yellow or orange patches of barnacles and parasites around the blowhole, on top of the head, and on the fore part of the back. Males can reach 35-50 feet and weigh 28-38 tons; females can reach 42-50 feet and weigh 34-38 tons.

Whale watching peak times are December through May, but we also have "resident whales" who summer off our coast and leave in autumn. This allows for whale watching almost year round. Pick a calm, slightly overcast day and watch for the whale spouts, and don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera!

Deep-Sea Fishing
Coos Bay is home to the Oregon Coast's largest seaport and deep-sea fishing charters are readily available.

Only the pleasure of eating a freshly caught salmon surpasses the thrill of landing one. A wide variety of fish are abundant and accessible by charter boat or surf fishing. Crab rings and baits are available for trapping a feast of Dungeness crab.

Incredible Sunsets
Oh - and did we mention the sunsets? Sunsets on the Oregon Coast are truly 'art In the sky'. An ever-changing scene of incredible beauty.

At the end of your busy day, take some time to sit back, relax and enjoy all that Nature has to offer. Every evening a fabulous light show is waiting just for you - each one unique, each one fantastic!