Seven protected marine gardens are nestled along Oregon’s rugged and picturesque coastline to safeguard the diverse marine ecosystems. Each of these marine gardens offers a distinct and captivating experience for visitors to connect with the beauty and wonder of the Pacific Ocean coastline in its most unspoiled state. Also nestled on the ruggedly beautiful Oregon Coast, The Inn at Otter Crest is a timeless sanctuary for those seeking a retreat from the stress of everyday life.
The Inn at Otter Crest has long been one of the best oceanfront Oregon Coast hotels for those looking to immerse themselves in the serenity of the Pacific Northwest. Our Otter Rock hotel is perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean, offering guests a front-row seat to the dramatic dance between land and sea. Accommodations are thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and inviting space, featuring premium amenities and private balconies that afford panoramic views.
The 7 Protected Marine Gardens on the Oregon Coast
- Otter Crest Marine Gardens: Otter Crest is one of the most wonderful protected marine gardens on the Oregon Coast and can be accessed from the Inn at Otter Crest. This spot teems with wildlife such as microorganisms, sea lions, octopuses, and harbor seals.
- Cape Perpetua Rocky Shore: The Cape Perpetua Marine Garden has abundant intertidal wildlife viewing opportunities. The USDA Forest Service visitor’s center offers seasonal tidepool ranger-guided walks in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Reach out to them at 541-547-3289 for more information.
- Yaquina Head Marine Gardens Rocky Shore: Explore 1.8 miles of coastline featuring vibrant wildlife such as whales, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and more. It is one of Oregon’s largest seabird nesting sites, so we recommend reading our blog about birdwatching on the Oregon Coast before heading out.
- Cape Kiwanda Rocky Shore: The Cape Kiwanda Marine Garden offers magnificent ocean views when climbing the dunes. Explore a sandstone headland with cliffs over 100 feet high.
- Yachats State Park Rocky Shore: The Yachats State Park Marine Garden spans the entire shoreline of Yachats State Park. There are abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, such as tidepools and harbor seal haul-out areas.
- Haystack Rock at the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge: From December to March, you can often spot gray whales, humpback whales, orcas, and sperm whales at the Haystack Rock Marine Garden. During a low tide, you can access a giant monolithic rock.
- Harris Beach State Park Marine Gardens: Explore interpretive walks and incredible wildlife viewing. The park also has a National Wildlife Sanctuary and is an important breeding site for rare birds. This is the farthest of the seven protected marine gardens on the Oregon Coast from The Inn at Otter Crest, but it might be worth the stop if it’s on your way.