Shore Acres State Park: Oregon’s Drama Queen
Oregon’s coast doesn’t do boring. It’s got forests, rocky cliffs, and moody skies that look like straight out of a fantasy movie. But even in a region full of show-stealers, Shore Acres State Park somehow cranks the drama up to eleven—and then casually throws in a rose garden for good measure. Seriously, this place has everything: crashing waves, secret gardens, barking sea lions, and just enough fog to make you feel like you're wandering through an enchanted dreamscape.
At Shore Acres, the Pacific doesn’t whisper. It roars.
You stand on the cliff’s edge (safely behind railings) and watch massive waves slam into jagged rocks with the force of a medieval battering ram. It’s mesmerizing, almost like the sea is throwing a tantrum—but, you know, beautifully.
Winter? Even better. That’s when wave-watching becomes full-on spectacle. We’re talking 30–50 foot sprays launching into the sky like nature’s own fireworks. Locals literally grab lawn chairs, park it near the viewpoint, and watch storms roll in like it’s Sunday football. Absolute vibe.
But Wait… There’s a Garden?
Yep. Right next to this salt-blasted cliff showdown is a lush, formal garden that looks like it got lost on its way to an English countryside estate. There are roses, dahlias, Japanese maples, lily ponds—it’s almost suspiciously peaceful.
The whole thing started with a shipping magnate named Louis J. Simpson who, in the early 1900s, thought: “Why not build a mansion with a fancy garden on a cliff over the ocean?” (A logical thought if you’re a millionaire with a flair for the dramatic.)
The mansion’s long gone (thanks, fire), but the gardens remain and they are chef’s kiss. Even if you don’t know a hydrangea from a hibiscus, you’ll be impressed. There’s a serenity there that balances the chaotic energy of the coast just a few steps away.
And Yes, There Are Sea Lions. So Many Sea Lions.
A short drive or hike away is Simpson Reef Overlook, and it’s basically a marine mammal party. You’ll hear them before you see them—hundreds of sea lions, elephant seals, and harbor seals, all flopping around on the rocks, barking and squawking like they’re arguing over who gets the best sunbathing spot.
Pro tip: bring binoculars. Or better yet, a snack and a seat. It’s better than reality TV.
What to Know Before You Go
- Dress like an onion: Layers are essential. Oregon coast weather is a little...moody.
- Go during storm season (Oct–March): That’s peak wave drama time.
- Stay for sunset: The cliffs light up in warm golds and pinks, and it’s pure magic.
- Check out the holiday lights if you’re around in December. The garden turns into a full-blown light festival—twinkly, charming, and low-key romantic.
Shore Acres is not your average state park. It’s a place where you can get misted by ocean spray, feel tiny in the best way possible, and then walk through a garden so serene it feels like you time-traveled to another continent. It’s where wild meets refined—and they somehow get along great. So if you’re road-tripping down the Oregon coast and debating whether to stop… stop. Bring your camera, bring a windbreaker, bring someone you like a lot.
You won’t forget it.
