Sea Lion Caves
Explore America's largest sea cave, a 25-million-year-old natural wonder teeming with hundreds of Stellar sea lions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak sea lion season
Sea Lion Caves
Best Time
Peak sea lion season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore America's largest sea cave, a 25-million-year-old natural wonder teeming with hundreds of Stellar sea lions.
"One of the coolest places I’ve been! Absolutely worth it even without the sea lions."
Call Ahead for Sea Lions
Check if sea lions are present before buying tickets; they offer return visits if they're absent . :telephone:
Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop is highly recommended by visitors for its friendly staff and unique finds . :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
America's Largest Sea Cave
Main Cavern
Explore a massive cave formed 25 million years ago, stretching the length of a football field and 12 stories high.
Stellar Sea Lion Colony
Cave and surrounding waters
Witness hundreds of Stellar and California sea lions in their natural mainland rookery and hauling area.
Panoramic Oregon Coast Views
Cave entrance and surrounding cliffs
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the rugged Oregon coastline from the cave's dramatic cliffside location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sea Lion Sightings
Ticket Tips & What to Expect
Consider calling ahead for the most up-to-date information on sea lion presence and hours.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Call Ahead for Sea Lions
Check if sea lions are present before buying tickets; they offer return visits if they're absent. :telephone:
Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop is highly recommended by visitors for its friendly staff and unique finds. :gift:
Winter & Spring Peak
Hundreds of sea lions and playing pups are most abundant during winter and spring months.
Binoculars for Wildlife
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the sea lions and other coastal wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
Call Ahead for Sea Lions
Check if sea lions are present before buying tickets; they offer return visits if they're absent. :telephone:
Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop is highly recommended by visitors for its friendly staff and unique finds. :gift:
Winter & Spring Peak
Hundreds of sea lions and playing pups are most abundant during winter and spring months.
Binoculars for Wildlife
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the sea lions and other coastal wildlife.
Avoid Peak Hours
The viewing area can get crowded, so try to visit during off-peak times for a better experience. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sea Lion Caves for its unique geological formations and the incredible opportunity to see sea lions in their natural habitat. The stunning coastal views are a major draw, and many find the experience well worth the admission fee, even if sea lions are not present. The friendly staff and the historical significance of the site also receive positive mentions.
"A very cool stop! We were here in mid October and the sea lions weren't there. They let us know before we purchased the tickets and then gave us a ticket to come back within 12 months of our visit to try seeing them again, which was so nice. Still, the views were worth the stop! But!! If you want to see the sea lions, take a left out of the property (or a right if you parked across the street) and drive maybe 2-3 minutes of the road. There will be a pull off on the left hand side, same side as the water, where you can see (and hear) where the sea lions are hanging out! (Pictures attached)"
Mercedes Tumbleson
"10/10 highly recommend!!
You may call in advance to get more information. The best time to visit is late November through April, when the seals are abundant. It is still a great place to visit during the off season. I highly recommend spending time (and money) in the gift shop. The staff are so friendly and so helpful! We appreciate them the most 🥰"
Sherry Kanda
"Very beautiful views but you have to be aware that the sea lions come whenever they want so there is a chance they won't be in the caves. I've been twice during winter and have never seen the lions."
Emily Houter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sea Lion Caves are located about 11 miles north of Florence, Oregon, directly on U.S. Highway 101.
While Sea Lion Caves is a popular stop on the Oregon Coast, it's located north of Florence. Newport is further north, so it's a separate destination, though often visited on the same coastal road trip.
Yes, Sea Lion Caves is a great pit stop on that route! It's located between the Oregon Dunes and Thor's Well, making it a convenient and worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
The main access involves a short elevator ride down into the cave.
Yes, parking is available and is free of charge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary. As of recent information, it costs around $18 per person for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.
The caves are generally open year-round, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, especially during holidays or off-season.
Tickets are typically purchased in person at the gift shop upon arrival.
If you visit during the off-season and the sea lions are absent, they may offer a voucher for a return visit within 12 months. This shows their commitment to visitor satisfaction.
No, there is generally no limit to how much time you can spend inside the cave once you've paid the admission fee.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the caves. Many visitors capture the impressive cave formations and the sea lions.+1
While specific lighting conditions can vary, visiting during daylight hours will provide the best natural light for your photos. Consider the time of year for sea lion activity.
You can capture dramatic shots of the cave's interior, the sea lions in their habitat, and stunning panoramic views of the Oregon Coast.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at the sea lions, as it can disturb them.
A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the vastness of the cave and the expansive coastal views. However, a standard lens will also work well for general shots.
🎫 🦭 Wildlife & Nature
The caves are home to Stellar sea lions, which are the primary species, and to a lesser extent, California sea lions.
The most abundant time to see sea lions is from late November through April. During summer, they may leave to mate.
Sea Lion Caves is also a bird sanctuary, so you might spot various seabirds in the area. The focus, however, is on the sea lion population.
No, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance and never attempt to touch or feed the sea lions. They are wild animals in their natural habitat.
A rookery is a breeding ground for sea lions, while a hauling area is where they rest and bask. Sea Lion Caves serves as both for these marine mammals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Seeing hundreds of sea lions in their natural habitat is a memorable experience that can spark curiosity about marine life.🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
many visitors find it worthwhile for the unique experience and views. which is a significant plus. If you're looking to save money, consider visiting during the off-season when crowds are smaller, and you might even get a return voucher if sea lions are absent.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and History of Sea Lion Caves
This privately owned attraction boasts a cavern that is the length of a football field and soars up to 12 stories high. Discovered in 1880 by a local fisherman, The caves are unique as they are the only mainland rookery and hauling area for Stellar sea lions on the Oregon Coast.This geological marvel is a testament to the powerful forces of the Pacific Ocean. The constant erosion and shaping by waves have created this vast sea cave system that opens directly to the ocean.
Visitors can descend via an elevator to explore the main cavern, marveling at the sheer scale and the echoes of the sea. The history of its discovery and preservation adds another layer of intrigue to the visit, making it more than just a wildlife viewing spot but a journey through time and natural artistry.Maximizing Your Sea Lion Viewing Experience
If you visit outside of this prime season, don't be discouraged. The cave's impressive geological features and the stunning Oregon Coast views are still well worth the admission fee.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit