Shore Acres State Park

Shore Acres State Park located at, 89039 Cape Arago Hwy Coos Bay, Oregon US is a popular coastal attraction rich with history and beauty. Shore Acres began as a private estate built around 1906 by pioneer lumberman and shipbuilder Louis J. Simpson as a summer home for his wife. Cassandra Simpson. The original estate held an enormous three story mansion and a combined five acres of large luxurious gardens full of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants from all around the world. One of the centerpieces of the estate was a Japanese inspired garden built around a 100 foot/ 30.48 meters lily pond.

In 1921 a fire destroyed the mansion on the estate so shortly after Simpson began building an even larger replacement, however due to financial losses both the house and grounds fell into disrepair. In 1942, Simpson sold his estate to the state of Oregon who turned it into a state park for public use. While structural problems the mansion was deemed unsafe and had to be demolished but a small cottage and gift shop took it’s place. The restored formal gardens continue to attract thousands of visitors including inspired brides and grooms who use the Shore Acres gardens as their wedding venue.

Shore Acres state park is right next door to Sunset Bay Park that offers overnight camping facilities and a decently sized public beach. As well as Cape Arago State Park has multiple nature hiking trails, picnic spots, and excellent opportunities to see different marine life from tide pools to whales, seals, and sea lions. Just please be aware to not bother the seal pups that you may find on the beach. They are not lost or waiting for their mother to return, so please let the wildlife be just that, Wild. Thank You for your time and have a wonderful time finding nature’s beauty.