Shore Acres State Park
Perched on a scenic bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Shore Acres State Park began as a private estate with luxurious gardens featuring trees, shrubs, and flowering plants brought from around the world aboard the sailing ships of pioneer lumberman and shipbuilder Louis J. Simpson.
Shore Acres’ Mansion History
Simpson developed the summer home into a showplace three-story mansion complete with a heated, indoor swimming pool and a large ballroom. The grounds contained five acres of formal gardens, including a Japanese-style garden built around a 100-foot lily pond. When fire destroyed the mansion in 1921, Simpson began to build an even larger replacement – two stories high and 224 feet long. However, financial losses in the 1930s caused both house and grounds to fall into disrepair. In 1942, Simpson’s beloved Shore Acres was purchased by the state of Oregon for use as a public park
Floral Displays and Holiday Lights
While structural deterioration eventually forced the mansion to be razed, the restored formal gardens continue to attract thousands of visitors. The garden features year-round displays of floral and scenic beauty and the annual “Holiday Lights at Shore Acres” from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Shore Acres Observation Building
A fully enclosed observation building now occupies the site of Simpson’s mansions, offering spectacular view of rugged seascapes, towering storm waves, and glimpses of migrating whales from December through June.
Seasonal Peak Bloom Periods
Fall
250 dahlias: August – October
Winter
300,000 or more holiday lights (almost all L.E.D.): November 24 – December 31
Spring
Hundreds of spring bulbs and daffodils: February – March
8,000 tulips: March – April
Hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas: April – May
Summer
5,000 flowering annuals/perennials: May – September
800 rose bushes: June – September
King Tides
King tides are the highest tides of the year that happen every winter on the Oregon Coast. The king tides are an awe-inspiring sight and Shore Acres is always a safe bet if you want to see the massive waves crash into the cliffs. Please do not stand on the sandstone terrace and take extra caution when enjoying the show.
Shore Acres State Park
For more information and directions, please visit the State Park’s Website
Local Attractions
Cruise through world-renowned sand dunes on an ATV, go deep-sea charter fishing, golf at top-rated courses, or even hike amongst waterfalls. Experience the thrills of the Southern Oregon Coast at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay.