One of the great places on the coast to visit is Cape Arago south of Coos Bay.  There are multiple sites to visit on this cape.  There are three coves that you can visit.  The north and south coves both have trails down to them.  The middle cove can only be reached by walking from either of the other two coves.  The south cove trail leads down to a sandy beach and some of the best tide pools on the Oregon coast where you can see inter-tidal plants and animals. My favorite is all the sea urchins.  Spiney little purple balls. The north cove trail provides access for fishing, beach combing  and great viewing of  colonies of seals and sea lions at Shell Island — a designated National Wildlife Refuge.  The trail is closed March 1- June 30 to protect seal pups. But there is an overlook that you can view the island from.  On occasion you can see Elephant seals on the island.  These seal dwarf the Steller sea lions that you commonly see up and down the coast. If you are a rock hound the south cove is a great place to find moss agate.

Also on the cape is Shore Acres botanical garden that once belonged to local timber Baron Louis Simpson.  During the holiday season the gardens are lite up with lights and make a wonderful walk in the evenings.   On the site of Simpson’s vanished mansion, a fully enclosed observation building will allow you to view the ocean and protect you from the weather. The observation building has interpretive panels describing the history of the Simpson estate.