Sea Lion Caves Overlook
Stop #5 on our Oregon Coast drive was the Sea Lion Caves overlook. The natural marine sanctuary is roughly 10-miles north of Florence, Oregon, around mile-marker 179.
It’s easy to find. The Sea Lion Caves gift shop, and place to get tickets, sits on the bluff above the Pacific Ocean. There is parking in front plus, across the road is a large overflow parking lot.
We hear seeing the caves is worth it but our limited time kept us above ground. However, what we saw from the overlook was definitely worth stopping to see.
Sign on the Oregon Coast Highway guides tourists to the caves.
Observation deck extends out closer to the Pacific Ocean for a clearer view.
What You Can See from the Overlook
At the Sea Lion Caves overlook, there are several places to get a good view of the coastline, and hopefully sea lions.. A wide, paved pathway behind the gift shop leads to observation decks on the north and south.
The covered south deck sits on the cliff edge facing the ocean. It’s a longer walk than the north deck which is almost directly behind the gift shop. Both have a couple viewers you can use to see longer distances.
Holding tight to the camera, Tom was able to capture a shot of a cave opening from above.
Waves crashing on the rocks had us mesmerized.
Huge Waves Crashing
Waves crashing on the rocks caught our eye first. Their splash was huge, each time reaching high up on the bluff. The breathtaking sight and striking sound of water’s power held me spellbound for a while.
Fortunate to be traveling on a clear day, we could see waves rolling in for miles down either direction on the coast.
Although it was mid-August and sunny, the wind was blowing cool air in from the north. (Note to self: take a jacket next time.)
Cormorants, large diving sea birds, warm in the sun on the rocky ledge.
Wildlife on the Craggy Rocks
Next, our attention turned to the rocky ledges below where we stood. We scanned the area hoping to catch a glimpse of sea lions but didn’t see any. Most likely they were lounging in the caves below.
What we did see were birds perched on rocks catching some sunshine. We learned these are Cormorants—large, black-brown water birds. The birds' long, kinked necks reminded us of the “sea turkeys” we see if Florida.
Whales, both gray and orca, are often spotted here during migration. Didn’t see any this trip.
Our Most Memorable Stop
The incredible view from our stop at the small, gravel parking area just before we reached Sea Lion Caves was perhaps, the most memorable of the entire drive.
See the separate chunk of rock in the photo? It’s Cox Rock—one of Oregon’s coastal icons.
Additionally, the photo shows sand dunes and beach in the distance as well as the forested bluff where we stood. It is beyond beautiful.
However, to get a feel for the jaw-dropping grandness of the view, you need to see it in person. You’ll find the turnout near mile marker 180 on the highway.
Iconic rock formations along the Oregon Coast.
A Stop Filled with Incredible Views
Choosing places to stop on our totally unplanned trip meant following others on the road. Whenever we saw cars at a turnout, we pulled over to see why.
What we found at these two turnouts were incredible. So, if you happen to be taking an unplanned drive down the Oregon Coast Highway, be sure to stop a Sea Lion Caves—and especially look for the Cox Rock turnout. Both are worth it.
Long view of the craggy coastline meeting the Pacific Ocean.
About The Sea Lion Caves
- Discovered in 1880 by Captain William Cox
- Opened to public in 1932
- Elevator added in 1961 takes tourists down 208 feet to viewing area
- Only known mainland home for sea lions; the largest natural sea cave
- Hundreds of sea lions come and go
- Sea lions in the caves during fall and winter to escape cold Pacific waters
- See them outside on the rocks during spring and summer (May – August)
- Main cavern 125’ tall at highest point and covers 2-acres
- Tickets to access the caves available at the gift shop; purchased on-site only
- Open 9 am to 5:30 pm, 363 days per year (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving)
- Adults - $16, Seniors - $15, Children 5-12 - $10, Under 5 are free
- Free parking by gift shop and across the street
- Caves can be chilly so bring a jacket
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Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
That is super pretty!
It was quite stunning. You should make a trip that direction sometime!