Spring & Summer Blooms - A Seasonal Spectacle at Shore Acres State Park!
“There are some places you just need to see to believe, and Shore Acres Park is one of them -” The Travel
Just 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay sits one of the most beloved destinations in the Oregon State Park System, on top of ancient sandstone cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Once the luxurious private estate of timber and shipping tycoon, Louis J. Simpson , Shore Acres State Park has evolved into a treasured destination among locals and visitors to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. Willamette Week says a visit to Shore Acres is “like stepping into a magical Disney movie, or maybe a Monet painting - truly an escape.”
The 745-acre park features incredible vistas of the ocean making it a primo destination for Whale Watching each winter and spring, as well as a secret beach (Simpson Beach ), a winter storm watching hut, hiking trails, an Information and Gift Center , a famous 95-foot tall Monterey Pine dating back to the historic Louis J. Simpson estate (the oldest in Oregon) and an annual holiday lights display that brings in visitors from all over the world. However, it is perhaps the immaculate 7-acre botanical garden and Japanese-style zen garden surrounding a lily pond that Shore Acres State Park is best known for.
Many of the plants and flowers on display today were inspired by the original garden Simpson created to complement his grand estate. 100 years later, thousands of carefully curated flowering annuals and perennials from all over the world, including roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, dahlias, lily pads, and many unique plant varieties, continue to dazzle Oregon Coast visitors.
Spring blooms begin in February with daffodils and other spring bulbs, leading into April with the vibrant display of rhododendrons and azaleas . May through September boasts lush summer foliage with over 5,000 flowering annuals and perennials from all over the world. June through September features more than 800 rose bushes with gorgeous blooming All American varieties. In late summer, visitors are treated to colorful Dahlias that bloom readily in the Pacific Northwest through September and into the middle of October.
For a schedule of what’s in bloom, download this Garden Map – Best Times at Shore Acres .
Visitors can now enjoy an incredible array of succulents, bromeliads, begonias, ferns and a variety of other plants in the greenhouse at Shore Acres (now open daily from 8 am to dusk daily).
In addition to the spring and summer blooms, the warmer weather brings a number of events open to the public. Here’s a list of what we have so far this season.
- May 12, 2024 - Rhododendron Sunday/Mother’s Day at Shore Acres State Park
- June 16, 2024 - Rose Sunday/Father’s Day at Shore Acres State Park
- July 20, 2024 (12 p.m.) - Oregon Coast Music Festival Garden Concert . This summer, OCMA will feature live music from Bahuru and Baduku Marimba Bands. Admission is free (there is still a $5 parking fee). Be sure to bring a picnic lunch, a chair and your dancing shoes!
- September 4-5, 2024 - IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild with Pianist Hunter Noack. Get your tickets before it sells out!
- September 21, 2024 - Dahlia Day at Shore Acres State Park
More Info
- Shore Acres State Park is located on the Cape Arago Highway, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay/North Bend and U. S. Highway 101.
- Shore Acres State Park is open every day from 8 a.m. to dusk. Please check posted times at the park entrance for exact closing times.
- The park charges a $5 parking fee. There are no additional fees to visit the garden, beach or hiking trails. You can also purchase your day pass online in advance. Entrance to Shore Acres State Park is also covered by the annual Oregon State Parks Pass and the Oregon Coast Passport . Your camping receipt from Sunset Bay State Park or any other state park campground is accepted as a daily permit for those days registered. Display the receipt on the driver’s side of your dashboard when visiting Shore Acres State Park.
- There are clean restrooms available near the gardens.
- Pets are not permitted anywhere in Shore Acres State Park, but service animals are welcome in the park and formal gardens. All other animals must remain in vehicles or, better yet, do not bring them with you when visiting Shore Acres. Even in our temperate climate, it can get too hot inside a vehicle for your pets.
Additional Reading
10 Reasons Why Shore Acres State Park is the “Jewel of the South Coast”
10 Best Things to do in Shore Acres State Park, Oregon
Your Guide to Shore Acres State Park
Simpson Beach - a Hidden Gem of Shore Acres Park!
Visit 3 Stunning Parks on the Cape Arago Scenic Highway
Friends of Shore Acres Facebook Page
Oregon State Parks - Shore Acres
Shore Acres State Park Brochure
Holiday Lights Sculpture Displays
Be sure to add a visit to Shore Acres State Park to your bucket list to experience this jewel of a park for yourself! Whether you are on the hunt for awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, prime shopping, fine dining, special events, or an evening of entertainment, you will find it here.
Visit our Adventures page and ourTrip Ideas page to see all there is to do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Book your accommodations in Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston early. For more information, please contact the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau .
