South Beach is located in Lincoln County, Oregon, right on the Pacific coast. This town is home to many marine and wildlife attractions and is close to the city of Newport. Those visiting the area can take advantage of attractions such as the aquarium, or go on one of the many deep sea fishing or whale-watching tours the area has to offer.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located just over two miles north of South Beach, in Newport. This aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months. As of 2010, an adult admission pass is $15.45 and a child admission pass is $9.95. There many exhibits in the aquarium such as Swampland, Passages of the Deep and Sandy Shores. The Swampland exhibit replicates the swamps of North, Central and South America and features creatures such as 16-foot Anaconda and a school of Piranhas. The Passages of the Deep exhibit features a series of underwater walkways that allow guests to view the creatures of the deep ocean in their natural habitat. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is also famous for having a 600 lb. giant Pacific octopus that is thought to be the largest in captivity.
The Hatifield Marine Science Center is located on the Yaquina Bay in Newport, Oregon. The facility is spread out over 49 acres and was originally established as a research center for Oregon State University marine science students. The Hatifield Marine Science Center is still home to students for the university but also is a popular attraction among visitors of the area. The visitor center is an interactive aquarium that is open daily and is free of charge. The aquarium features touch tanks that allow guests to get up close and personal with marine wildlife from around the area. The Hatifield Marine Science Center also offers guests educational classes on the fisheries of the area, the wildlife of the Yaquina Bay and the earthquakes of the Oregon coast.
Marine Discovery Tours offers narrated tours of the waters along South Beach and Newport, Oregon. Guests climb aboard the 65-foot Discovery and enjoy a tour led by one of the company's naturalist guides. This boat features a large-screen television that allows guests to view microscopic marine life, satellite maps and videos that will help them gain a better understanding of the ocean and its various ecosystems. Depending on the time of year, guests will get to view gray whales, harbor porpoise, seals, sea lions, pelicans, bald eagles and other marine birds. The course of the tour will be dictated by the conditions of the ocean, but all routes allow guests to take in the beautiful scenery of the Oregon Coast.
Ripley's Believe It or Not is located in Newport and is part of the large attraction chain. The museum is open daily and as of 2010; an adult ticket is $11.99 and a child ticket is $6.99. Children under the age of 4 can enter free of charge. The Newport Ripley's is home to various bizarre sights and exhibits that are sure to excite and make guests wonder. There are live stage shows that feature various sideshow-style performances. Guests can also take in the large collection of shrunken heads and attempt to traverse the large hall of mirrors that will leave you guessing what's real and what's not.
