Nestled along the Oregon Coast, 23 miles south of Depoe Bay, is the town of Seal Rock, OR. Known for its tide pools, beautiful ancient rock formations, and wildlife, Seal Rock is a true treat for the Oregon Coast road tripper. So, pack your bags and see how you can spend one day in Seal Rock, OR.
Visit barking seals
Maybe the area’s cutest landmark, dozens of seals and sea lions call the rocks at Seal Rock Recreation Site home. Seal Rock is a part of a diverse habitat for seals, sea lions, birds, and other marine life. Low-key beaches and beautiful tide pools make for a fun day in Seal Rock, OR.
With large offshore rock formations, visitors can see sea lions and seals, plus sea birds and other marine life. The area is also home to interesting tidepools, sandy beaches, and beautiful ocean views.
Wade in tidepools
Seal Rock is known for its many unique and intimate tidepools. Seal Rock State Park is one of the best places to see tidepools, anemones, starfish, and sea life. Be sure to check the tide schedule before venturing out
Birdwatching at Elephant Rock
For excellent birdwatching, opportunity check out Elephant Rock at the north end of Seal Rock beach. The center gathering of rocks is known as Castle Rock (to locals) because it looks like the walls and roofs of a castle. During low tide, you can actually walk out to Castle Rock on a bed of pebbles.
View ancient rock formations
Seal Rock is not only named for the barking seals that congregate in the area but also for the rock formations that stand guard at this particular spot along the Oregon Coast. Elephant Rock and others date back as far as 14 million years ago when the coastline was about 100 miles inland. The large rock formations are a result of a massive eruption of lava that made its way out to sea. Visitors can still see this fault line at Seal Rock State Park.
Visit Driftwood Beach
The Driftwood Beach State Park is the perfect add-on for your one day in Seal Rock, OR. A little over 2 miles south from the village of Seal Rock, visitors are able to see large logs, limbs, and tree stumps washed up ashore during heavy surf. This unique collection of debris? Makes for a unique photo-op and almost guaranteed a different scene each day.
Shop local galleries
Established in 1890, the village of Seal Rock is home to many local galleries, shops, and restaurants. From glass blowing galleries and art galleries to local bakeries and cafes, walking along Seal Rock’s boardwalk is a great way to kill time and find a souvenir of your time along the coast.
Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium
On your way into Seal Rock or on your way back to Whale Cove Inn, be sure to stop in at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Located in Newport, this aquarium acts as a living-learning center offering educational programs and plentiful exhibits including seabirds, marine mammals, fishes, and native plants of the Oregon Coast. This icon of the Oregon Coast is a must-see on your vacation!
Stay at Whale Cove Inn
To complete your one day in Seal Rock, OR, be sure to book your stay at Whale Cove Inn. Nestled in the quiet, somewhat secluded whale cove, our boutique hotel offers a luxurious atmosphere along the Oregon Coast. Each of our signature suites and our three-bedroom premier suite offer incredible views from their private decks, all complete with an outdoor soaking tub. Make Whale Cove Inn your home base for exploring all the beauty of the Oregon Coast and book your stay with us today!