Florence, Oregon - Sea Lion Caves

We have traveled extensively throughout North America and Europe, been to many tourist attractions, and can honestly say this place was worth the price of admission. In fact, we were a little skeptical about visiting because in our experience, what do you get for $11? Well, what a pleasant surprise. Wildlife in its natural setting abounds! We saw Sea Lions, 6 different types of birds, and even saw what we were told were Grey Whales feeding off the ocean bottom. The views were incredible, lighthouse to the north along the rugged coast. The cave, which is gigantic, is the reason the wildlife is there and continues to stay unbothered by humans. We applaud the owners and staff for protecting this natural setting and keeping prices to a minimum. Two-Thumbs-Way-Up! [Rodger Milner, 06/18/2009]

I couldn't believe the negative comments re: Sea Lion Caves. How many sea lion caves are there where you can view up close these sea lions lounging and resting? Definitely worth the money and seeing. [h broer, 08/10/2007]

It's just not worth the money. My tip: Park along the road and look... you can see the sea lions for free in Spring and Summer! The cave is too dark for photos and your too far away to see much anyhow. Not to mention they don't allow photos inside the cave as it may "scare the animals." [Molly, 07/09/2007]

Sea Lion Caves is a genuine natural area; it is not really of the hokey variety that many hope to see for fun. Still, for the amateur naturalist, it probably provides the best opportunity to see the threatened Steller Sea Lion (the bigest kind) in the wild. Views from cliffs and in the cave, especially with minimal optical magnification such as binoculars, are quite good, and the occasional great whale or orca sighting spices up the proceedings. Fair gift shop. A good stop along the Oregon Coast. Self-guided, worth our family's time and $$. [Bruce Jensen, 02/26/2005]

Along the coast line in Florence there's a gift shop and info center. After digging through all the cheezy gifts and funny bumper stickers, you are led to an elevator that lowers you into a GIANT cave full of Sea Lions. It's a bit noisy, but worth the trip. Hundreds of Sea Lions venture into this cave to rest after feeding. Very cool. [Tara Potter, 11/10/2001]

[RA: We were personally disappointed -- it's just a big sea cave hollowed into a cliffside where sea lions like to sleep. The tourguide never let us close enough to the sea lions to get a decent photo. It's always cold and miserable. Still, Sea Lion Caves is popular among young nature-minded families, and the Pacific Coast is notoriously short on commercial caves...]