Shore Acres State Park
Coos Bay, OR
Former estate gardens on sandstone cliffs where winter storms throw spray high into the air. The formal garden is open all year and lit with lights in December; a day-use parking permit is required.
Shore Acres State Park on Oregon's south coast lies about 21 kilometers (13 miles) south of Coos Bay on the Cape Arago Highway, between Sunset Bay and Cape Arago. It occupies the estate that timber baron Louis J. Simpson built on the sandstone cliffs in 1910. In 1942 the land passed to the State of Oregon; during World War II it served as a radar station until 1948. Restoration of the garden began in 1970.
Today the park holds about 2 hectares (5 acres) of formal garden with rose gardens and a Japanese lily pond. In the cooler months many visitors come for storm watching and the passing whales from the sandstone cliffs; an enclosed observation building on the site of the former mansion offers shelter from the weather. From Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve the garden is decorated with lights and glowing sculptures. The Simpson Reef Viewpoint, with views of sea lions and seals, is part of the park too.
A day-use parking permit is required. If you continue on to Cape Arago, you pass right by anyway.
- Nearest town
- Coos Bay, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.3219, -124.3826
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Sun Outdoors Coos BayMotorhome stopover2 mi from Shore Acres State ParkMotorhomes
- Charleston Marina RV ParkMotorhome stopover3 mi from Shore Acres State ParkMotorhomes
- Bay Point LandingMotorhome stopover6 mi from Shore Acres State ParkMotorhomes
- Hiker / Biker CampCampsite12 mi from Shore Acres State ParkTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Bullards Beach State Park CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Shore Acres State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Eel Creek CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Shore Acres State ParkTentsCaravans
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Shore Acres State Park?
Shore Acres State Park is in Coos Bay, OR, at GPS 43.3219, -124.3826. It is about 14 mi from Bandon.
Can you camp near Shore Acres State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sunset Bay Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Shore Acres State Park?
Shore Acres State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern Oregon coast: Cape Arago to the Boardman corridor.
What is there to see near Shore Acres State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sunset Bay State Park (1 mi), Cape Arago State Park (1 mi), Face Rock (15 mi) and Cape Blanco Lighthouse (35 mi).
When is the best time to visit Shore Acres State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)