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I have been lucky enough to see the holiday lights here at least 5-6 times during the winter holidays and I have visited here about 2-3 times in the summer. This place is extremely magical and beautiful especially with all the lights. It's definitely a favorite spot. You have to get reservations online now for the event and parking. This eliminated traffic lines and about a 15 minute wait time, but it makes it more difficult to actually see the road in and out without the additional traffic. The actual road to get in is extremely dark and the turn to get in is barely lit up. The parking lot is extremely dark too. The light show is phenomenal and has peaked to prime, but they haven't done anything additional in about 5 years when it would be nice to get solar lights or additional lighting around the entrance and parking lot. It's safer for everyone to help get more lights placed around the parking lot and entrance. It's just too dark and sketchy otherwise. Driving in and out I felt a little uncomfortable without any light or support. Still one of the most magical places in Oregon to see lights, but I do hope additional lighting can be improved for safety reasons.
The views are amazing, the flowers are unique and vibrant. I enjoyed the walk along the beach line and watching the large waves splash against the rocks.
The Christmas lights are absolutely stunning! 300,000 lights what!!?? Absolutely worth a winter visit. A warmer visit is also very special to see all the plants in bloom.
Visitor center as a great stop for some unique Oregon gifts, picked up a few postcards and other things. Grounds are gorgeous, especially if you can get there during the holiday lights display. It's also the place to watch the King Tides as well.
Once again the Mrs & I visited this beautiful State Park. The $5 entrance fee is worth every penny. Browse through the gift shop, stroll through the gardens, admire the views of the ocean, see the colony of Sea Lions sunning themselves on a crowded, small island, & take the path down to the secluded cove beach. This time we were lucky enough to be able to go into the former caretakers home & learn about the original owners, Louis J. Simpson & family. A volunteer spoke about the life & history of the property & the homes that were once there.
The gardens here were a bit of a disappointment, but the short walk to the beach through the forest was lovely. My family enjoyed this secluded little beach.
We finally made it down to Shore Acres the other night for their annual Christmas light show ! The lights were ok the logistics and lack of directions, lights, etc was terrible at best ! There is 1 unlit sign telling you that your going into the direction of the holiday lights. It says it's 1.5 miles away. Then you'd think there'd have been street lights ever so often on your way ( nope ) and perhaps an arrow pointing the turn ( nope) . We drove up and down the pitch black road and finally found where to go. Then once you find parking , there's no lights on the uneven footpaths up to the walk in entrance of the holiday lights. As we were walking up , an ambulance was there stabilizing a 70 yr old women who fell on the uneven ground and broke her hip! Lights lighting the way would have helped.... Then saw the entrance of the lights to see and the rest was marginally ok! It's just the ineptness of that park that couldn't include a few lights, cones and directions to find your way in the dark to see these " famous" lights ... Oh and one and done for us another mediocre exhibit in Oregon....
I stopped here while driving down the Oregon coast. The views were absolutely incredible. I walked through the botanical garden and along the coastal overlook, but it looked like it was possible to go down to the beach, too. It was $5 to get in-- cash only. There was also a gift shop. The staff were friendly and very knowledgeable about the park and it's history.
Awesome views of ocean and sleeping seals (have to hike a bit on the loop trail to see from a vantage point). Clean amenities. Lots of parking spaces. Open space for picnic. Yes, there is a $5 cash only fee. So make sure to bring $5 or $1 bills.
A beautifully maintained state park. The state of Oregon really takes the cake for public parks. We hiked into the park from Sunset Bay. The trail was poorly marked and we dead ended a couple times. However ending at Shore Acres was worth it. Be sure to walk down to the beach at the south end of the park. The well kept public gardens are the reason for visiting.
What a beautiful surprise, this is a gem of a garden and well-maintained. Just a short distance from Sunset Bay State Park, worth the stop if you're looking for an easy stroll. In addition to the manicured garden there is a wonderful trail that has ocean views. The cliffs and unusual rock formations are amazing!
Stunning views! Very peaceful and serene. I could definitely spend the day here just reading a good book and enjoying the beauty. The Botanical Gardens are worth a visit as well. Continuing south another 5 minutes up the road brings you to the end of the road at Cape Arago State Park, which has the same vibe. There are a multitude of hiking trails available throughout the Parks. I will definitely visit again the next time I visit family in Coos Bay.
Beautiful garden to walk through and amazing flowers that change with the seasons. The end of the year light show is also a must see!
1 month ago
One of my favorite parks in Oregon, it's absolutely beautiful, and I had the privilege of staying in the cabin inside the park during their holiday lights as I had won the raffle about a decade ago. I absolutely love this park, tis beautiful, peaceful, and great. They do get really high waves, so you have to be careful and stay away from the edge and follow the safety guidelines. They do have an entrance fee which used to be $5, and its cash only read more
4 months ago
What a beautiful garden!! So much care and attention put in. It's so peaceful and with the seals and seal lions barking on the beach you feel as if your in an exotic location. One of my favorite places to view nature. We will be back in November for the lights! read more
2 months ago
9 months ago
I have been lucky enough to see the holiday lights here at least 5-6 times during the winter holidays and I have visited here about 2-3 times in the summer. This place is extremely magical and beautiful especially with all the lights. It's definitely a favorite spot. You have to get reservations online now for the event and parking. This eliminated traffic lines and about a 15 minute wait time, but it makes it more difficult to actually see the road in and out without the additional traffic. The actual road to get in is extremely dark and the turn to get in is barely lit up. The parking lot is extremely dark too. The light show is phenomenal and has peaked to prime, but they haven't done anything additional in about 5 years when it would be nice to get solar lights or additional lighting around the entrance and parking lot. It's safer for everyone to help get more lights placed around the parking lot and entrance. It's just too dark and sketchy otherwise. Driving in and out I felt a little uncomfortable without any light or support. Still one of the most magical places in Oregon to see lights, but I do hope additional lighting can be improved for safety reasons. read more
9 months ago
The Christmas lights are absolutely stunning! 300,000 lights what!!?? Absolutely worth a winter visit. A warmer visit is also very special to see all the plants in bloom. read more
Visitor center as a great stop for some unique Oregon gifts, picked up a few postcards and other things. Grounds are gorgeous, especially if you can get there during the holiday lights display. It's also the place to watch the King Tides as well. read more
Once again the Mrs & I visited this beautiful State Park. The $5 entrance fee is worth every penny. Browse through the gift shop, stroll through the gardens, admire the views of the ocean, see the colony of Sea Lions sunning themselves on a crowded, small island, & take the path down to the secluded cove beach. This time we were lucky enough to be able to go into the former caretakers home & learn about the original owners, Louis J. Simpson & family. A volunteer spoke about the life & history of the property & the homes that were once there. read more
2 years ago
We finally made it down to Shore Acres the other night for their annual Christmas light show ! The lights were ok the logistics and lack of directions, lights, etc was terrible at best ! There is 1 unlit sign telling you that your going into the direction of the holiday lights. It says it's 1.5 miles away. Then you'd think there'd have been street lights ever so often on your way ( nope ) and perhaps an arrow pointing the turn ( nope) . We drove up and down the pitch black road and finally found where to go. Then once you find parking , there's no lights on the uneven footpaths up to the walk in entrance of the holiday lights. As we were walking up , an ambulance was there stabilizing a 70 yr old women who fell on the uneven ground and broke her hip! Lights lighting the way would have helped.... Then saw the entrance of the lights to see and the rest was marginally ok! It's just the ineptness of that park that couldn't include a few lights, cones and directions to find your way in the dark to see these " famous" lights ... Oh and one and done for us another mediocre exhibit in Oregon.... read more
I stopped here while driving down the Oregon coast. The views were absolutely incredible. I walked through the botanical garden and along the coastal overlook, but it looked like it was possible to go down to the beach, too. It was $5 to get in-- cash only. There was also a gift shop. The staff were friendly and very knowledgeable about the park and it's history. read more
3 years ago
Awesome views of ocean and sleeping seals (have to hike a bit on the loop trail to see from a vantage point). Clean amenities. Lots of parking spaces. Open space for picnic. Yes, there is a $5 cash only fee. So make sure to bring $5 or $1 bills. read more
A beautifully maintained state park. The state of Oregon really takes the cake for public parks. We hiked into the park from Sunset Bay. The trail was poorly marked and we dead ended a couple times. However ending at Shore Acres was worth it. Be sure to walk down to the beach at the south end of the park. The well kept public gardens are the reason for visiting. read more
3 years ago
What a beautiful surprise, this is a gem of a garden and well-maintained. Just a short distance from Sunset Bay State Park, worth the stop if you're looking for an easy stroll. In addition to the manicured garden there is a wonderful trail that has ocean views. The cliffs and unusual rock formations are amazing! read more
3 years ago
Stunning views! Very peaceful and serene. I could definitely spend the day here just reading a good book and enjoying the beauty. The Botanical Gardens are worth a visit as well. Continuing south another 5 minutes up the road brings you to the end of the road at Cape Arago State Park, which has the same vibe. There are a multitude of hiking trails available throughout the Parks. I will definitely visit again the next time I visit family in Coos Bay. read more
4 years ago
Beautiful garden to walk through and amazing flowers that change with the seasons. The end of the year light show is also a must see! read more
This is a beautiful state park garden, lots of variety. Volunteers staff the gift shop which unfortunately is closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Groundskeepers were out and gave us advice on sea lion viewing as well as optimal tidepooling. Nice areas of shade, a rose garden (our party left before heading there due to hunger), and a small greenhouse. There seemed to be paths there as well, outside of the garden, to explore the area closer to shore. I would love to come back and spend more time in the garden. read more
3 years ago
All of the times we've been to coast an never found this place? What a beautiful spot to visit!!! I would love to see it during different seasons and especially Christmas time. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
6 years ago
You walk through the entrance and are transported to a beautiful peaceful place. This is worth a stop. It's full of different plants trees and flowers. Such a serine place to be! There are also bathrooms with flushing toilets running water and soap. The little shop was open due to covid. read more
8 years ago
Nice, smaller State Park. If you are into botanical gardens - this is your kind of place. Dogs must be kept in your car - that is a bonus for me. There is a great small beach (Simpson Beach?) which you can walk down to... Plus a short trail along cliff's edge overlooking the ocean. Lots of picnic tables around. Not very crowded on Monday around 11 a.m. read more
9 years ago
This review is also about our whole stay in Coos Bay, OR., so be fore warned. I'm not the gardener in the family, Her Ladyship is out working in our gardens at day break every morning. I use to garden, so I do appreciate the beauty and work that goes into it. We went to Coos Bay, to visit some friends, one of whom, turned out to be a professional kayaker. Certified for training, so Her Ladyship, was able to fulfill, one thing in her bucket list. She did very well, and we only had to use one crowbar to get the kayak off her butt. LOL HAHA, I make a funny . . . . Okay, no nightlife here, and definitely bring your own spirits, like bourbon. Had to look forever for a liquor store, practically non-existent. Coos Bay very picturesque, do visit the Botanical gardens and other attractions. Get down to where they sell fresh fish, try the oysters. Not cheap, but worth the bucks. read more
6 years ago
We were recommended to this beautiful garden by a local. So very glad we made the road trip from Lincoln City. Beautiful drive both ways and the gardens were in full bloom. Went in late August around 5pm. Such a treat with so many large, beautiful flowers bursting with color. read more
This is the second and most beautiful of the 3 state parks that may be accessed after a short drive from Rte. 101 in Coos Bay. The park is the former estate of a timber baron who's formal gardens have been maintained and probably expanded. The many views from the park are stunning and I only wish we had the time (and energy) to hike some or all of the trail connecting the 3 parks. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
I LOVE Shore Acres! If you are in the area, you must visit this place, no matter the season. Shore Acres features a beautiful view of the coastline on the Oregon Coast, with waves crashing in amazing ways. In inclement weather, you can watch from an observation room which features a self-guided historical exhibit on the Simpson family, who first "owned" shore acres back when Oregon was still the wild west. After visiting the observation room, go check out the botanical garden, rose garden, trails, or Simpson Beach, which can be reached via a gate in the garden. There are really neat flowers year round, wildlife, a pond, and a wishing well. You can visit the gift shop and check out the outside of one of the original homes as well. There are bathroom facilities between the observation room and the gift shop, and they are definitely park facilities but some of the cleaner ones I have seen. In the winter, Shore Acres is decked out in thousands and thousands of Christmas lights, engineered to create neat displays like a whale jumping into the ocean, frogs going from lily pad to lily pad, etc. It is a community project with volunteers decking out the trees and creating the displays. Southwestern Oregon Community College students and staff put in a lot of time in particular on this event. This attracts large numbers of people, and is a local favorite, so expect to see crowds most evenings. During this time you can also tour one of the old homes and even get some hot cocoa. The Shore Acres light show has even been featured on Good Morning America! Cars pay a $5 fee per vehicle for entry to Shore Acres, which is definitely a steal. If you are feeling up to it, you can park down Sunset Bay State Park or Simpson Reef Overlook (Simpson Reef is a lot closer) and hike into Shore Acres for free. I would definitely recommend this mode of entry, because aside from being free, it also gives you the chance to check out more of the coastline, and even the original front gates of the Simpson estate (now just two pillars). read more
This is a unique State Park on the Oregon coast as it offers a botanical garden in addition to the natural beauty of the Pacific coast line. The botanical garden is level, and while not a large collection, it is well organized. The rose garden is fragrant and offers some great photo opportunities. There is a large wooden gate along the west end of the gardens that provides access to the trail down to Simpson's Beach. The beach area is in a cove and is worth the short hike down to see its natural beauty. Unfortunately while I was there I observed a family (mom, dad and the kids) using rocks to break apart the cliff near the trail head at the entry to the beach area. They were knocking big chunks of rock off for souvenirs as I saw the dad head up the trail with his large rock in hand once he had dislodged it from the cliff. It's so disappointing to see such a sad display of ignorance. At the upper level near the botanical gardens there is also a "cliff house" which offers sheltered viewing of the waves crashing onto the rocks below...this would be a fantastic place for storm watching during a storm! If you have an opportunity, pack a picnic and check out Shore Acres State Park. It's the perfect spot to experience the beauty of the Oregon Coast. read more
11 years ago
Shore Acres Botanical Gardens are worth a stop. We happened to be camping at Sunset Bay State Park and this was a destination within walking distance. A short hike along the coastline brought us to this amazing garden. Dahlias and roses abound. These gardens are the homesite of the Simpson family who sold the property to the state parks. Lucky for us! Amazing to have access to such a beautiful location. Funny enough when we were walking to the gardens along the coast we came across a cement pad. Overgrown and too be honest, a bit of a mystery as to what this could be? Came to the gardens and read up on the Simpson family, this was a tennis court! Hard to believe and what a stunning locale to play tennis back in the day. Bottom-line, if you are in the neighborhood this is a must see. Beautifully manicured gardens, great view, a perfect stop with the kids. read more
8 years ago
We planned our visit to see the Xmas lights and the huge storm-generated surf. Unfortunately, the storm not only caused the road to be closed for a while but caused the garden with its lights to close. However, we saw the waves from the storm's end crashing into the rocks and cliffs across from the gardens. read more
4 years ago
I always enjoy a chance to visit the ocean. Having seldom lived that close to it makes it special to me. This park was excellent. The views, the view, the views, oh the views. This is a pretty place indeed. After soaking in the sights of sand and surf, you can venture slightly inland to check out the gardens. They were busy putting up all the holiday lights in the garden on the day we visited. The hike down to the cove was nice walk. There are other trails for those wishing to get more cardio in. Sadly, there was a dying sea lion on the beach on the day we visited. read more
What a gem! We stumbled onto this state park just because it was the closest drive from where we stayed. We we're surprise how beautiful this park is!! The view of the shore was breathless. The garden... Rose, Japanese & the main one was beautifully kept. There is a trail the kids can enjoy for a short stroll. The park has a great field to play football and tables and chairs for quick picnic. It's a must visit when your discovering Oregon coast!!! read more
Came down here for the Christmas lights! We wanted to come a little early to see the rest of the park and we were SO glad that we did! It was beautiful, especially at sunset, and since we were here during a king tide the waves were crashing really high on the rocks. Got some amazing photos before the sun went down and then had an awesome time in the Christmas lights/garden area. This is the best state park in the area by a long shot, definitely come check it out and make sure to give yourself at least a few hours here! read more
5 years ago
6 years ago
12 years ago
One of my favorite places to go along the coast! The gardens alone are stunning. The real gem is to stroll through the collection of roses in the back behind the Japanese Garden. There are collections of flowers I have never even heard of but are beautiful to behold. You can also spot wales migrating north from the observation center. Tip: Buy an annual state park pass for $30. Pays for itself, you'll want to keep coming back! read more
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More info about Shore Acres State Park
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Directions
(800) 551-6949
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_97.php
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
Ask the Community - Shore Acres State Park
Is the park dog friendly?
Only service animals in the botanical gardens. But, there are a number of trails around this area where dogs are allowed.
