Tourist Attractions in Oregon

The privately owned Sea Lion Caves is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve for wildlife and birds. As America's largest sea cave, the location serves as year-round shelter to a large colony of Steller sea lions free to come and go as they like. The cave, which formed about 25 million years ago, is as long as a football field and as tall as a 12-story building.

Best and worst time to go to the Sea Lion Caves
The best time to visit the cave is during the fall and winter when sea lions are more likely to be inside the natural amphitheater. During the spring and summer the creatures migrate to the rookery -- rock ledges outside the cave -- to breed and give birth. Staff at the Sea Lion Caves urge those who visit in the fall and winter to dress warmly, as the cave is prone to be drafty and damp.

Must see/do at the Sea Lion Caves
Those who are interested in the biology and anatomy of sea lions should be sure to take a look at the skeleton on display at Sea Lion Caves. On permanent loan from the Hatfield Marine Science Center in nearby Newport, the skeleton was a 3-year-old female Steller sea lion when she died after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound. The skeleton is more than 7 feet long.

Admission to the Sea Lion Caves
Tickets to the cave range in price from free to children age 4 and younger to $14 for adults. Admission for seniors is $13 per person, while children ages 5 to 12 may enter for $8 each.

Parking at the Sea Lion Caves
Parking is free and located just across U.S. Highway 101 from the cave and entry area. There is plenty of RV parking as well.

Public Transportation to the Sea Lion Caves
There is no regular public transportation available to Sea Lion Caves.

Food at the Sea Lion Caves
There is no food available at the attraction. However, there are many restaurants, cafes and grocery stores in the city of Florence, which is located about 11 miles south of the attraction.

Insider tip for visitors to the Sea Lion Caves
Those who plan to visit Sea Lion Caves should be prepared to walk down and back up a flight of stairs consisting of 37 steps to reach outside trails, followed by about 400 yards of pathway that includes uphill and downhill grades of 10 to 20 percent. At this point, visitors reach the elevator that transports them to the cave. The cave is not wheelchair-accessible.

Author's bio: LeeAnn Neal is a journalist, blogger and Pacific Northwest native.

Widely regarded as a world-class marine education destination, the Oregon Coast Aquarium appeals to all ages. Located on Yaquina Bay in Newport, the aquarium is one of Oregon's top tourist attractions as well as a partner in regional ocean literacy and conservation efforts. USA Today, Coastal Living magazine and Forbes magazine all named the facility one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation.

Best and worst time to go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium
The aquarium is open year-round, but tends to be most crowded during the summer. For a clearer look at its many exhibits, some people prefer to visit in the fall, winter or spring. However, since one-third of the exhibits are located outdoors, it is a good idea to wear layers of clothing and bring hats or umbrellas to prepare for possible mist or rain.

Must see/do at the Oregon Coast Aquarium
The aquarium's two gift shops provide a large collection of marine-related items, including books, videos, jewelry and apparel. The Shark Territory shop, which is the second of the two, the first being a general gift store, provides merchandise related specifically to sharks, including many items that appeal to children.

Admission to the Oregon Coast Aquarium
Admission to the aquarium varies considerably by age, with infants and toddlers 2 and under admitted free of charge. Adults pay $19.95 each, while seniors and young adults are admitted for $17.95 each. Tickets for children ages 3 to 12 are $12.95 each. The aquarium offers special packages for school group admission, professional tours and general group admission. It also provides additional discounts for AAA members and college students.

Parking at the Oregon Coast Aquarium
The aquarium provides ample free parking, including spaces for RVs. Parking lots are within a short walking distance from the entry gate.

Public Transportation to the Oregon Coast Aquarium
The local Lincoln County Transit system provides regular stops at the aquarium as part of its Newport Loop, which operates throughout the day and evening daily except for on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Food at the Oregon Coast Aquarium
The aquarium's Ferry Slip Café offers seafood dishes with many entrées available for less than $9 each. There is no need to purchase an admission ticket to dine at the cafe, which is open to the public. The Ferry Slip Cafe Coffee Bar, meanwhile, provides snacks, coffee drinks and other beverages. Both the cafe and coffee bar are located inside the aquarium's main lobby.

Insider tip for visitors to the Oregon Coast Aquarium
Those wanting to be sure to see certain aquarium inhabitants -- from sea otters to sharks -- in action can check the animal feeding schedule on the facility website or at the front desk in the lobby. The aquarium also offers guided Animal Encounters tours when prearranged.

Author's bio: LeeAnn Neal is a journalist, blogger and Pacific Northwest native.