Oregon Aquarium - Oregon CoastFun Day Trip From Portland, Salem, Corvallis or EugeneThe Oregon Aquarium is a great place to go for fun and learning. It's just off Highway 101 in Newport, Oregon mid-coast, so you could make it a day-trip from Portland, Salem, Corvallis or Eugene. If you're driving the coastline then it's a must-see stop. For residents or visitors with a bit of extra time, I'd say it's one of the Oregon attractions that shouldn't be missed!
Indoor exhibits feature fish, invertebrates and plants native to the Oregon coast, including a kelp forest and jellyfish. In the exhibit called "Passages of the Deep" visitors walk through a clear acrylic tunnel and come face-to-face with many varieties of fish, rays and sharks. You'll almost feel as if you're under the ocean, as waves surge against the clear walls and fish swim overhead.
The outdoor exhibits showcase sea otters, sea lions and seals. The sea otters live in a pool designed to keep them active and healthy. It's fun to watch them swimming and diving, as they explore the tunnels, nooks, crannies and other built-in features. The sea lions and seals share a larger pool and like to interact with their human visitors through the underwater viewing windows.
Also outside is the aviary, where shore and sea birds live in an open-air, walk-through environment that lets visitors see them up close. The birds can swim in two pools, one with a high cliff that is perfect for them to practice their diving.
The changing exhibit at the Oregon Aquarium becomes something different every year or two, so even if you've been to the aquarium before you might see something new on a return visit. If you want to really get close to the animals, you can sign up for the behind-the-scenes tour. For an extra fee you can work with a staff member in feeding, playing with and caring for the sea otters, sea lions, or even an octopus! There are also special programs for school visits and students who are looking for information on marine biology.
FAQYou might know the aquarium as the place where Keiko, the orca from the movie "Free Willy" lived after retiring from performing at amusement parks. The Oregon Coast Aquarium spent over $7 million to build him a place to live while he was rehabilitated. About 3 years later he was flown to Iceland where he was released into the wild.Days/Hours: It's open every day except Christmas, from mid-morning to early evening. Weather: The Oregon coast can be chilly even in summer, so you might pack a jacket. Food: They have a casual cafe for a light lunch and a childrens' menu. Getting There: The Oregon Aquarium is on the coast, pretty much due west of Corvallis. You can get to the coast a number of ways and then look for Hwy 101, or the simplest way is to take I-5 to Corvallis then Hwy 20 west until it meets up with Hwy 101. The aquarium is actually south of Newport, across the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Free parking onsite. Phone 541-867-3474. Nice to Know: They have strollers and wheelchairs for rent. The average visit is about 2 hours but some people spend the whole day. Bring a camera! |
