Trip 1
Here’s the list of tourist attractions with approximate travel times between cities from Lincoln City to the Sea Lion Caves:
Lincoln City to Depoe Bay (20 minutes)
1. Lincoln City Glass Center – Glass blowing demonstrations and workshops.
2. Chinook Winds Casino Resort – Gaming, dining, and live entertainment.
3. Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area – Kayaking, boating, and bird watching.
4. D River State Recreation Site – Known for one of the shortest rivers in the world.
5. Road’s End State Recreation Site – A great spot for beachcombing and tidepooling.
Depoe Bay to Otter Rock (15 minutes)
6. Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center – Famous for whale watching.
7. World’s Smallest Harbor – A quaint harbor with scenic views.
8. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint – Perfect for whale watching and ocean views.
Otter Rock to Newport (15 minutes)
9. Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area – A natural rock formation with tide pools.
10. Cape Foulweather – Historic viewpoint offering stunning coastal views.
Newport (Stay and explore)
11. Yaquina Head Lighthouse – Tallest lighthouse in Oregon with tide pools and hiking trails.
12. Oregon Coast Aquarium – Marine life exhibits and interactive displays.
13. Hatfield Marine Science Center – Interactive marine science museum.
14. Nye Beach – Charming historic beach town with shops and restaurants.
15. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – A quirky museum of oddities.
16. Undersea Gardens – Underwater experience with marine life views.
17. Yaquina Bay Bridge – An iconic coastal bridge perfect for photos.
Newport to Waldport (30 minutes)
18. Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center – Learn about the history of Alsea Bay and its bridge.
19. Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site – A peaceful beach great for walks and picnics.
Waldport to Yachats (15 minutes)
20. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – Stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and the famous Spouting Horn.
21. Thor’s Well – A natural sinkhole in the ocean, popular with photographers.
22. Yachats State Recreation Area – A quiet beach and picnic area.
Yachats to Florence (30 minutes)
23. Heceta Head Lighthouse – A picturesque lighthouse with stunning views, also featuring a bed and breakfast.
24. Sea Lion Caves – The largest sea cave in the U.S., home to wild sea lions and stunning ocean views.
Trip 2
Here’s a list of tourist attractions from Cannon Beach heading south toward Seaside, Oregon:
Cannon Beach
1. Haystack Rock – Iconic 235-foot sea stack, great for tide pooling and bird watching.
2. Ecola State Park – Offers stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and picnic areas with sweeping ocean views.
3. Cannon Beach History Center & Museum – Learn about the local history and culture of the area.
4. Hug Point State Recreation Site – Features caves, a seasonal waterfall, and an old stagecoach road carved into the cliffs.
Tolovana Park (Cannon Beach Area)
5. Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site – A quieter, more relaxed beach area with easy access to the ocean.
6. Tolovana Hot Springs (Nearby, inland) – A hidden gem with natural hot springs (requires some driving inland).
Arch Cape
7. Arch Cape Beach – A secluded and scenic beach known for its rock formations and tranquility.
8. Oswald West State Park – Stunning beaches, old-growth forests, and hiking trails, including the famous Cape Falcon trail.
Manzanita (30 minutes south of Cannon Beach)
9. Neahkahnie Mountain – Offers panoramic views of the coastline from hiking trails.
10. Manzanita Beach – A long, peaceful beach perfect for walking, kite flying, and beachcombing.
Here’s a list of tourist attractions in Seaside, Oregon:
Seaside
1. Seaside Promenade (The Prom) – A 1.5-mile oceanfront walkway perfect for a scenic stroll with beautiful views of the Pacific.
2. Seaside Aquarium – A historic aquarium where you can feed seals and explore marine exhibits.
3. Seaside Beach – A wide, sandy beach perfect for kite flying, beach volleyball, and family fun.
4. Turnaround at Seaside – A famous statue and viewpoint at the end of Broadway Street, marking the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s western end.
5. Historic Seaside Carousel Mall – A fun indoor mall featuring a vintage carousel, shops, and restaurants.
6. Seaside Inverted Experience – A quirky attraction that offers the opportunity to take photos in upside-down rooms.
9. Tillamook Head National Recreation Trail – A scenic hiking trail offering beautiful coastal views, connecting Seaside with Ecola State Park.
10.Funland Entertainment Center – A family-friendly arcade and game center located in downtown Seaside.
Seaside offers a variety of activities for all ages, from beachside fun to history and outdoor adventures.
Mount St. Helens is a popular tourist destination in Washington state, offering a variety of attractions related to its volcanic history and natural beauty. Here are some of the top tourist attractions at Mount St. Helens:
Mount St. Helens Attractions
1. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument – Established after the 1980 eruption, this area preserves the environment around the volcano and provides educational opportunities.
2. Johnston Ridge Observatory – Offers incredible views of the crater, informative exhibits about the eruption, and ranger-led programs. Named after David A. Johnston, a volcanologist who died during the 1980 eruption.
3. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake – Provides interactive exhibits on volcanic activity, the eruption’s history, and the recovery of the area’s ecosystem. Located near Castle Rock, it’s a great starting point for learning about the volcano.
4. Ape Caves – One of the longest lava tubes in the U.S., offering two different trails for exploring the underground. It’s a must-visit for adventurous tourists interested in geology.
5. Windy Ridge Viewpoint – Offers one of the closest views of the crater and blast zone. The area has hiking trails with panoramic views of Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake.
6. Spirit Lake – This lake was greatly altered by the eruption, and today offers stunning views of the floating logs from the 1980 event. While access is limited to protect the natural recovery, it’s visible from various viewpoints.
7. Harry’s Ridge Trail – A moderate hike offering fantastic views of the crater, Spirit Lake, and surrounding landscape. Named after Harry Truman, a local lodge owner who refused to evacuate before the eruption.
8. Loowit Trail – A challenging trail that circles the base of Mount St. Helens, providing close-up views of the lava fields, blast zone, and recovering ecosystems.
9. Meta Lake – A serene lake that was shielded from the worst of the blast by snow cover, making it a unique location to witness the effects of the eruption and the resilience of nature.
10. Hummocks Trail – A 2.5-mile loop trail that meanders through the debris field created by the 1980 eruption, offering views of unique hummocks, wetlands, and wildlife.
11. Coldwater Lake – Formed after the eruption, this lake offers hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities with stunning views of Mount St. Helens.
Near the Oregon Zoo in Portland, there are several attractions and activities you can explore:
1. Washington Park: The zoo is located within Washington Park, which offers beautiful gardens, picnic areas, and walking trails. You can also enjoy the Washington Park Loop, a scenic drive through the park.
2. Portland Japanese Garden: A short walk from the zoo, this tranquil garden is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. It’s a peaceful spot to explore nature and enjoy the serene landscaping.
3. International Rose Test Garden: Also located in Washington Park, the Rose Garden showcases over 10,000 rose bushes and is a must-visit for flower lovers, especially during blooming season.
4. Hoyt Arboretum: A great spot for hiking and nature walks, the Hoyt Arboretum has trails that wind through beautiful forested areas with a variety of plant species.
5. Children’s Museum: If you’re visiting with kids, the Portland Children’s Museum, located next to the zoo, offers hands-on exhibits and activities that are fun for younger visitors.
6. Pittock Mansion: A short drive away, Pittock Mansion offers amazing views of the city and the surrounding mountains, along with an interesting glimpse into Portland’s history.
7. Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., Forest Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, all just a short distance from the zoo.
These nearby attractions make it easy to enjoy a full day of exploration in and around the Oregon Zoo.
