• Natural rock formations are popular along the Oregon coast.oregon coast image by Mike & Valerie Miller from Fotolia.com
  
  Waldport, Oregon is located on the central coast of the Pacific Ocean. In the central coastal area alone, there are 37 parks, beaches, and natural sites to visit and tour. If you are in or near Waldport, Oregon, there are numerous attractions to entertain you and your family.
  
  

Waldport Heritage Museum

• Beachcombers love exploring the beaches near Waldport.beachcomber image by Carol Hyman from Fotolia.com
  
  The city of Waldport, Oregon was chartered in 1890, is located on an Indian burial ground and has just over 2000 people living there. Just three hours south of Portland, Oregon, Waldport was once a busy and thriving city, but now is a more obscure and peaceful place to live. Beachcombers enjoy the moderate year round temperatures and the miles of beaches to explore at Waldport. The Waldport Heritage Museum is filled with local history, artifacts and genealogy. You are welcome to drop by and tour the museum on Wednesdays through Sunday or you may call for an appointment. The local Historical and Genealogical Society manages the museum.
  
  Waldport Heritage Museum
  320 NE Grant St.
  Waldport, OR 97394
  541-563-7092
  waldport.org
  
  

Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center

• You can observe the octopus at the Hatfield Marine Science Center.octopus image by Matthias Kr??ttgen from Fotolia.com
  
  If you head north of Waldport along the coastal highway, in a few minutes you'll reach Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center. It is a place for adults as well as children to learn about and explore marine science and to discover how fascinating it can be. Open since 1965, the center received a remodel in 1997 and shares with the public the value of marine research through its many exhibits. The center holds the distinction of being one of only 22 Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers in the nation. There are hands-on exhibits, monthly talks, demonstrations and films to enjoy at the center. Each month, the center features feeding of wolf eel or the octopus for visitors to enjoy. Other features are the four Tide Pool Touch Tanks that allow you to touch fish, sea stars, and urchins.
  
  HMSC Visitor Center
  2030 SE Marine Science Drive
  Newport, Oregon, 97365
  541-867-0226
  hmsc.oregonstate.edu
  
  

Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area

• The Devil's Punchbowl Park is a popular place for whale watching.whale tail splash image by Xavier MARCHANT from Fotolia.com
  
  Traveling just eight miles farther down the road from Waldport and north along the Oregon coast lays the Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area. The bowl-shaped formation that gives the park its name is in the midst of rock on the shore and is likely the result of collapsing roofs over two sea caves. Frothing and foaming ocean water collects in the bowl and sends up lots of impressive spray for everyone to enjoy. Natural rock formations all along the shore also cause massive white sprays from the ocean waves crashing into them, which are fun to watch. Situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean, the park consists of two acres of land to explore. A trail runs along the bluff where you can observe many of the local animals and creatures going about their daily routines. Picnic tables dot the area for summer picnics. Devil's Punchbowl is a popular area for whale watching so bring your binoculars, as they may be quite a way off shore. Surfers also love this area of the beach for the mighty wave action.
  
  Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area
  800-551-6949
  oregonstateparks.org