From the Oregon Coast Acquarium featuring life under the sea, to Howard Hugh's aviation dream, The Spruce Goose, there's a lot of unusual and interesting things to see around Lincoln City!
Within a short drive of Lincoln City and the Surftides Inn, you'll find several major Oregon attractions that are unique, interesting and unusual. In other words, you've got to find some time to see these while on your visit to the central Oregon Coast.
As you would expect, most of these favorite Oregon attractions are tied to the sea: Devil's Punchbowl, Sea Lions Caves, Oregon Coast Acquarium, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
Oregon attractions are listed by distance from the hotel:
Devil's Punchbowl • 19.6 miles
8 miles N. of Newport, off Highway 101 on Otter Crest Loop (follow the park signs)
The Devil's Punch Bowl State Natural Area is located eight miles north of Newport about a half a mile off of Highway 101. The park is on top of a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean crashing into the rock formations. The park features a unique rock formation that ocean waves churn in, and includes areas to watch whales, surfers or to enjoy a picnic lunch. It is believed that "the punchbowl" was formed when the roof of two sea caves collapsed, creating what looks like a big punchbowl full of churning and foaming water. As waves come in, water is caught in the rock formation swirling and spraying for some impressive displays - especially during storm season. If you plan on watching whales, bring some good binoculars – you can see their spouts with the naked eye – it makes the job easier and will give you a better viewing experience. Open year-round.
Oregon Coast Aquarium • 28.9 miles
2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road, Newport, OR, 541-867-3474
The Oregon Coast Aquarium's 2-1/2 acre facility features both indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring fish, sea otters, seals, sea lions, turtles, frogs and many shore and marine birds. The Acquarium is located in Newport on the South end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.
Hatfield Marine Science Center • 29.2 miles
2030 Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, 541-867-0100
The Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center is a research and teaching facility located in Newport, Oregon on the Yaquina Bay estuary, about one mile from the Pacific Ocean. The Center plays a major role in developing programs of marine and estuarine research and instruction, as a laboratory facility serving resident scientists, as a base for far-ranging oceanographic studies, and as a classroom for students.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum • 49 miles
245 NE 50th St, Lincoln City, OR, (541) 994-84423
The Evergreen Aviation Museum displays a number of military and civilian aircraft, most notably, the Hercules (Spruce Goose). The centerpiece of the Evergreen Aviation Museum is a plane known around the world as the "Spruce Goose.". Built by Howard Hughes for use in WWII, it flew only once, in 1947. The museum is located in McMinnville, Oregon near the headquarters of Evergreen International Aviation.
Sea Lion Caves • 76.1 miles
91560 Hwy. 101 N., Florence, OR 97439, 541.547.3111
This attraction is open every day of the year except Christmas. The Sea Lion Caves are a huge sea grotto and the only mainland home for wild sea lions in North America. Located at the base of a 325 foot headland, you descend, via an elevator, 200 feet to view, hear, and smell hundreds of sea lions.
