NW U.S./Alaska Travel

Last week I wrote an article on Florence Oregon Vacation Activities, listing the top ten things to do while visiting Florence Oregon, along the Central Oregon Coast. People familiar with the area are probably wondering why I did not list Sea Lion Caves. Well, personally I think that Sea Lion Caves is a waste of time and money. For the price of admission, visitors can drive up to Newport's Bayfront and watch active sea lions basking in the sun, for free.

The time I visited Sea Lion Caves I saw one sea lion, far away, swimming into the cave. It was smelly and dark. The ride down the elevator to the cave was about as exciting as it got. Perhaps I just had bad luck.

Everytime I visit Newport's Bayfront I go to the dock adjacent to the Undersea Gardens, where I can watch a half dozen or more sea lions basking in the sun. It's hiliarious to watch them fight over the best spot or try to get their massive bodies up onto the floating dock. I find great enjoyment watching these creatures along the Bayfront.

So, just a piece of advice from an Oregon Coast traveler: Skip a visit to Sea Lion Caves and head to Newport's Bayfront.