Oregon Coast Aquarium: Explore the life of Oregon’s shores and oceans at this excellent aquarium.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area: A soaring lighthouse stands above a tide pool–studded inlet at this small park, the quintessence of the Oregon Coast.

Marine Discovery Whale-Watching Tour: Thar she blows! Newport is a great departure point for gray whale–watching tours.

Cape Perpetua: One of the most dramatic natural areas along the Oregon Coast, Cape Perpetua features mountains that edge out to front the Pacific directly. This is a top spot for hiking and exploring tide pools.

Sea Lion Caves: Every so often, it pays to visit a roadside attraction. Here you’ll take an elevator ride down to the caves at cliff’s bottom to get a close look at the Steller sea lion rookery. During the spring and summer, the animals are outside, and you can get a good look from the roadside.

Heceta Head Lighthouse and Devil’s Elbow: Climb to the top of this whitewashed lighthouse for wonderful views, or stay in the lighthouse-keeper’s house, now a B&B.

John Dellenback Trail: Explore 400-foot dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on this hiking trail that’s like trekking the Sahara to reach Pacific beaches.