Heceta Head Lighthouse Tours

Heceta Head Lighthouse


Tour a whitewashed wonder by the sea that has been providing warning signals to ocean-going vessels for more than 100 years.

Heceta Head Lighthouse is a 19th-century maritime landmark perched 206 feet (63 meters) above the Pacific Ocean. The tall whitewashed tower first went into service in 1894. Today see its powerful automated beacon still keeping constant vigil over the waters off Oregon's coastline.

After more than a century of service, the lighthouse closed in 2011 for restoration work. Storm damage, disuse and years of sea spray threatened to consign it to history. Nearly 2 years later the building reopened, looking much as it would have when it first went into operation. Compare today’s appearance to photos from its past.

Learn more about the lighthouse’s history when you go on one of the free guided tours. Admire the architectural beauty inside and out, and note the smart interior brickwork, which is original to the building. Other original features include the wood floor of the workroom. Go up to the watchroom and see the gears that drive the lens. The lighthouse's beam can be seen 21 miles (34 kilometers) from land.

Heceta Head Lighthouse is located at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. Following your tour, investigate more of this state park via the trails that run from the lighthouse. If you feel like a challenging hike, take the 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) section of the Oregon Coast Trail on the north side of the tower. The path is steep and winding and leads to viewing points before dropping down to a small beach.

Look for coastal wildlife, including seals and sea lions that occasionally rest on the rocks. The best time to see migrating gray whales and migratory birds here is during the spring and early summer.

Heceta Head Lighthouse is 12 miles (19 kilometers) north of the coastal city of Florence. Tours are conducted year-round, subject to weather conditions and staff availability. Purchase a day-use parking permit from a machine at the park and join a tour for free.

Plan a trip to see Heceta Head Lighthouse

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Valley River Inn
Graduate by Hilton Eugene
Hayward Inn

Reviews of Heceta Head Lighthouse

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
130
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
70
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Bring your own coffee maker if you want coffee before getting dressed. Don’t expect a really nice room. I had to buy a room freshener because I didn’t like the odor.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The lighthouse can be seen from numerous pull outs.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Also: Devil’s Churn

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Heceta Head Lighthouse

Heceta Lighthouse B&B

Heceta Lighthouse B&B

2 out of 5
92072 U.S. 101, Florence, OR
Heceta Lighthouse B&B
Driftwood Shores Resort And Conference Center

Driftwood Shores Resort And Conference Center

3 out of 5
88416 1st Ave, Florence, OR
Driftwood Shores Resort And Conference Center
Cottage by the Sea - Ocean Front

Cottage by the Sea - Ocean Front

Yachats
Cottage by the Sea - Ocean Front
Adobe Resort

Adobe Resort

3 out of 5
1555 Highway 101, Yachats, OR
Adobe Resort
Little Beach Bungalow - just two blocks to beach! WIFI. Partial ocean views

Little Beach Bungalow - just two blocks to beach! WIFI. Partial ocean views

Florence
Little Beach Bungalow - just two blocks to beach! WIFI. Partial ocean views
Cozy & Well-Decorated Cabin with Close Beach Access - Dog Friendly

Cozy & Well-Decorated Cabin with Close Beach Access - Dog Friendly

Florence
Cozy & Well-Decorated Cabin with Close Beach Access - Dog Friendly
Lakeside cabin on the Central Oregon Coast

Lakeside cabin on the Central Oregon Coast

Florence
Lakeside cabin on the Central Oregon Coast
Economy Inn

Economy Inn

2 out of 5
3829 Highway 101, Florence, OR
Economy Inn
Quality Inn Florence

Quality Inn Florence

2.5 out of 5
2475 Highway 101, Florence, OR
Quality Inn Florence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Heceta Head Lighthouse

At Heceta Head Lighthouse, enjoy a variety of activities including hiking the scenic trails, walking along the coastline, and fishing in the nearby waters. Don’t miss the unforgettable bucket list experiences like an evening hike and guided house tours. Additionally, explore local events and the charming Hobbit Trailhead for a unique adventure in this picturesque area of Florence, Oregon.

Shopping

At Heceta Head Lighthouse, enjoy quaint local shops offering unique souvenirs and gifts. For more extensive options, if you're up for a drive, visit the Florence Old Town, about 13 miles away, featuring charming boutiques, art galleries, and local artisan shops.

Recreation

At South Jetty County Park, immerse yourself in nature with serene walking trails and breathtaking views that promote relaxation. For golf enthusiasts, Sandpines Golf Course and Ocean Dunes Golf Links offer scenic outdoor settings, perfect for enjoying a round of golf while embracing the refreshing coastal air.

Adventure

The Hobbit Trailhead, located 0.7 miles from Heceta Head Lighthouse, offers a scenic hiking experience through coastal forests and stunning ocean views. For thrill-seekers, Sand Master Park, 9 miles away, features exhilarating sandboarding. Additionally, the John Dellenback Dunes Trail, 4 miles from the lighthouse, showcases breathtaking landscapes for adventurous hikes.

Nightlife

Experience a cozy evening at the Heceta Lighthouse gift shop, where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts. For a scenic night, stroll along the beach to enjoy the sound of the waves under the stars, creating a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and relaxation.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Heceta Head Lighthouse

Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Heceta Head Lighthouse and its surrounding areas offer a variety of attractions. Explore the stunning beach, venture into nearby caves, or enjoy the natural beauty of the national and state parks. Highlights include visiting the historic Heceta Head Lightstation and the iconic lighthouse, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to soak in the coastal scenery.

  • Sea Lion Caves: Located only 1 mile from Heceta Head Lighthouse, Sea Lion Caves is a captivating natural wonder. Explore the world’s largest sea cave, home to a vibrant colony of sea lions. Experience outdoor adventure vibes while enjoying breathtaking coastal views and the chance to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Baker Beach: About 3 miles away, Baker Beach offers a unique historical twist as a nudist beach. Embrace the liberating atmosphere while sunbathing or strolling along the sand, surrounded by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic coastal cliffs.
  • Roosevelt Beach: Also 3 miles from the lighthouse, Roosevelt Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Enjoy the quintessential beach vibes with soft sands, gentle waves, and opportunities for beachcombing or picnicking against a picturesque backdrop.

Best time to go to Heceta Head Lighthouse

The best time to visit Heceta Head Lighthouse can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Heceta Head Lighthouse falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Heceta Head Lighthouse falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.3°F (7.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July60.6°F (15.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November48.6°F (9.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Heceta Head Lighthouse

To save money during your visit to Heceta Head Lighthouse, consider traveling between December and February when hotel prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Wednesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare accommodations and filter by price to find budget-friendly options. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive deals and help you earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Look out for last-minute deals to snag even better prices.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Heceta Head Lighthouse are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Heceta Head Lighthouse is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Heceta Head Lighthouse is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you're looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Heceta Head Lighthouse with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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