Sea Lion Caves are the top attraction of the Florence region, located approximately halfway through Oregon's 400-mile Pacific Ocean coastline. The caves, which have been in operation as a tourist attraction since the late 19th century, are one of the world's most prominent sea grottos, housing significant populations of Steller sea lions. The private wildlife refuge has been compared to the Mediterranean's famed Blue Grotto region for its natural beauty, spanning over two acres of sea floor and showcasing beautiful basalt rock cave walls covered in algae, lichen, and mineral stains. Though sea lions are not present at all times in the area, they frequently inhabit the caves in large numbers throughout the spring and summer. Visitors can ride more than 200 feet down the cave's cliffs on an Otis elevator and observe sea lions, sea birds, and gray whales throughout the year.
91560 U.S. 101, Florence, OR 97439, Phone: 541-547-3111