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Sea Otter at Oregon Coast Aquarium
D with the smoked porter & brie
Haystack Rock is the town's big draw
the big bowls, the big smile
You can catch your own dinner from the Public Pier. I've not seen a fishing pier like this before, but I wondered how many tourists knew of its existence? I was the only person there, LOL! (Well, there was actually another guy there too - Thanks Phil!).
A funky wax museum in very kitschy Mariner Square. There is a tiny boardwalk area here and several similar attractions, including a Ripley's Believe it or Not and an arcade.
This is quite far removed from the scenic drive along the Coast. So much so that its hard to imagine that you're only a mile or two away from Oregon's coastal beauty. But, if you're traveling with children, particularly restless children, this place might be worth your while. The museum is a series of rooms with believable-looking wax sculptures, including Star Wars figures and others.
These lovable little animals are a joy to sit and watch. You can just go down on the waterfront (go around the fishing boats...they are looking for fresh handouts) & they are usually swimming around & laying in the sun, they love the attention. They are quite comical to watch when there are a bunch of them. You can also drive down the coast a bit, just north of Florence and see the Sea Lions caves. This is home to the largest amount of sea lions in the world. Although it is a fun place to go, they charge admission, and I think you get closer to them just watching them in Newport & it doesn't cost anything!!
The Marine Science Center reopened in 1997 after being closed for more than a year for a $5 million renovation and remodeling. Built in 1965, the Science Center is the hub of Oregon State University's coastal research. The public wing focuses on the research efforts and studies of the Center's more than 300 marine scientists. Among many discoveries, visitors can explore the geology of the ocean floor, learn about coastal hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and find out about advancements made in whale tracking and research. The Center's exhibits include a "touch" tank of tidal animals and a live octopus. Summer: daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry to the science center is free.
In complete contrast to Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which sits majestically on a headlands beaming out to all the ships at sea, Yaquina Bay is hidden by trees and easy to miss. That's not to say it's not worth visiting. Quite the contrary...Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is one of the best Lighthouses along the Oregon Coast. Or rather, former lighthouse, since it was only in commission from 1871 til 1874. (In 1996, the light was turned back on and is operated by Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses.)
Yaquina Bay is unique in that it looks nothing like a typical lighthouse. It looks more like a 2 story New England Farmhouse, and that is what makes it so appealing to me. Plus, it has been lovingly restored by the Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, and all the rooms are open with period furniture. It is without a doubt the best place along the Oregon Coast to get to see what the living quarters were like for the Lighthouse Keepers and their families.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is open every day, except certain holidays, and if free with donation.
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