Shoreacres State Park

This User Rated

Was this tip helpful?

4.4 (5 members)

Report a Problem

Oregon Coast Gem

If you're traveling to the Southern Oregon Coast, don't miss Shoreacres State Park. In fact the short drive to the ocean west of Charleston is one of my favorites. Camping is available at Sunset State Park, which is about half way between Charleston and Shoreacres.
Shoreacres is on the bluff overlooking the Pacific and is a large day-use state park for picnicing and short walks with spectacular ocean views. However, there is also a beautifully maintained garden, which probably has no rival closer than Butchart Gardens in B.C. This peaceful and beautiful plot is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday afternoon on the Oregon Coast and I highly recommend it. And, if you happen to be in the Coos Bay/North Bend/Bandon area at Christmas time, the Shoreacres garden is decked out with the most beautiful holiday light display in Oregon from mid December till New Year's. Do not miss this. It's worth the drive from Portland.
Also recommended and not to miss, the beach at Sunset State Park and the view point at Simpson's Reef. The Reef is usually home to hundreds - if not thousands - of California sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals and whales.
This 6 or 7 mile stretch is simply one of the best little secrets on the Oregon coast and you will miss it if you don't get off highway 101.

Keywords: Scenic, Any time of the day, Just you alone / As a single, With teens, Historic Site, Interesting, All year, Under US$ 5, Park (Local / State / National), Everyone, With a group, With kids, As a senior citizen, As a couple, Beach / River / Lake, Easy to reach