My love affair with the Oregon coast actually began in California

January 1st, 2020, I drove to Crescent City to meet up with a friend from Monterey CA. Close to the halfway mark for each of us, only 26 miles south of Brookings, OR, the southern most city on the Oregon coast. Even though I did drive I=5 over the mountains to get there, I did do the coast drive back home. Best of both worlds.

HOTEL STAY

Ocean Front Inn was where we stayed, it was ok. Room was very big, but the couch was so uncomfortable. The view, which is my thing, was amazing. We could see the lighthouse, and the beach. The beach is somewhat rocky so the waves hitting the rocks is so spectacular to watch.

ACTIVITIES

Battery point lighthouse is absolutely the highlight of the trip. The tides determine when you can access the island, and open hours are also affected by the month. You can get there only at low tide, so check the tide charts. Along the walk to the lighthouse there are tide pools, always an experience. Tours are only available on weekends until April. The schedule is also posted in the parking lot, so plan ahead and prevent any disappointment caused by the tides. You should definitely take the tour if you can get in. It offers a unique glimpse into the life of a lighthouse keeper and has history spanning back to the mid-1800s which you get to learn (and see!) all about. Plus, if you take the tour you get to climb up to the light and look out at the view from the tower. I do mean climb; a ladder gets you to the top. If you’re physically able to make the climb, it’s worth it

My favorite things on the coast are lighthouses, and aquariums. While I do love the big aquariums, I always make a point of visiting, and supporting the small ones. Every aquarium has some program supporting sustainably of our oceans and animal rescue. Ocean World Aquarium is one of the smaller ones, but I enjoyed it and it was entertaining.

In the gift shop, you will sign up for the next available tour, conducted by an experienced aquarium employee. It is small groups of no more than 10. This was pre-covid, so I am not sure if it is changed. There was a touch pool, and then an opportunity to pet a shark! They have a large aquarium display, full of many Pacific species of fish. Then we were treated to a show with seals and sea lions. (I learned the difference, it is the ears) It had us laughing, enjoying the antics of these rescued animals. The gift shop was full of interesting and fun souvenirs. Defiantly a must see when visiting Crescent City.

Very close to the hotel was the B street pier and Crescent Beach. Enjoyed a few walks along both. The weather was good for January and the scenery was spectacular. We saw quite a few sea lions swimming in the bay. Both were easy access and enjoyable.

RESTAURANTS

We did eat at the Chart Room one evening and it was perfect. The restaurant was comfortably furnished, and had flags from all over the USA displayed from the ceiling. Service was amazing, prompt, and fast. I, of course, had the seafood platter, steamed and it was cooked perfectly. I have often found seafood in restaurants tend to be over cooked, so was very impressed. My companion, NOT a seafood lover, did order fish and chips and actually enjoyed it. Clam chowder was good, not a 10, but did enjoy.

MY TAKEAWAY

I did enjoy my stay. I am not sure, though, I would choose it as a future destination. An overnight stay on a longer road trip, it is a must.

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