Frequently Asked Questions

Click/tap the question to reveal the answer.

Is Sea Lion Caves Open Now?

Winter Hours – 9am to 5pm
We are open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, weather permitting. We do close at noon Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. However, there are rare occasions when weather conditions may cause us to close entry to the Caves. We are nothing short of wild!

If you think that the weather is “iffy”, please call ahead to confirm we are open. 541-547-3111

What are the Hours?

We are open from 9am to 5pm.
We do close at noon the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. We are closed all day Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

What is the Cost of Admission?

Adults: $16 each
Seniors: $15 each
Ages 5 to 12 $10 each
Ages 4 and younger: FREE
Parking: FREE

What about Accessibility...How far do I have to walk?

In order to make the trip, you must go down as well as come back up 37 steps in our building to reach the outside trails. There are about 400 yards of uphill and downhill walking at a grade that ranges from 10% to 20%. You then reach the elevator that takes you down to the cave. There are also 63 steps in the cave in order to access the lighthouse viewpoint.

Is there room to park my RV?

Yes! We have plenty of free parking. Room for RVs too!

What should I wear/bring?

We recommend that you dress in layers, so you can take things on and off as the weather changes. You’ll also want sturdy shoes or sneakers for walking on rocks. It is never extremely hot or extremely cold on the Oregon Coast but the weather can change rapidly. There is usually a good wind so a windbreaker is nice. The caves stay cool all year long. Bring your binoculars if you have them.

Are the Sea Lions always in the Cave?

We are not a zoo. The sea lions come and go as they please, so they are not always in the Cave. They may be in the ocean, at the rookery, or on rock ledges near the Heceta Lighthouse. Please call ahead for information about the status of sea lions and other marine animals currently in or near the Cave.

Where will I see the Sea Lions?

Generally in the summer the Sea Lions are on the rocky ledges just outside the cave. This is their rookery where breeding, birthing, and congregating goes on. During the winter and spring months they are usually inside their cave. The sea lions are not held in captivity like a zoo, they are wild animals doing what they want to do.

What other wildlife might I see?

Many other species make their home in and around the caves. You may see bats, harbor seals, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, and many types of seabirds. You might spot orcas, gray whales or humpback whales passing during their northern migrations. Exactly which species you’ll see depends on the time of year.

How far is it to Sea Lion Caves?

Estimated Drive Time
1 hour, 50 min from Eugene, OR
22 min from Florence, OR
3 hours, 24 min from Portland, OR
10 hours, 42 min from San Francisco, CA
7 hours, 14 min from Seattle, WA

View our map to find out more →