Heceta Head Lighthouse Tours and Activities

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.

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

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Cottage by the Sea ~ Ocean Front
Adobe Resort

Adobe Resort

3 out of 5
1555 Highway 101, Yachats, OR
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Beautiful Dog-Friendly Home on the Lake - Great Views & Private Dock

Beautiful Dog-Friendly Home on the Lake - Great Views & Private Dock

Florence
Beautiful Dog-Friendly Home on the Lake - Great Views & Private Dock
Beach Front Any Closer to the Ocean and You'd Need a Wetsuit - Whales Watch

Beach Front Any Closer to the Ocean and You'd Need a Wetsuit - Whales Watch

Florence
Beach Front Any Closer to the Ocean and You'd Need a Wetsuit - Whales Watch
Florence Oregon, Enjoy Walks on the Beach or Relax by the Fire

Florence Oregon, Enjoy Walks on the Beach or Relax by the Fire

Florence
Florence Oregon, Enjoy Walks on the Beach or Relax by the Fire
Lakeside cabin on the Central Oregon Coast

Lakeside cabin on the Central Oregon Coast

Florence
Lakeside cabin on the Central Oregon Coast
Florence oceanfront escape, where cozy meets coastal charm

Florence oceanfront escape, where cozy meets coastal charm

Florence
Florence oceanfront escape, where cozy meets coastal charm
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, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, walking, and fishing. Popular options include guided lighthouse tours, scenic walks to the lighthouse, and evening hikes that offer stunning views. Additionally, exploring the historic lighthouse keeper's house adds to the adventure, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both natural beauty and enriching experiences.

Recreation

At Ocean Dunes Golf Links, enjoy a challenging round of golf amidst stunning coastal views, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, South Jetty County Park offers peaceful trails and scenic picnic spots, while Sandpines Golf Course combines sport and nature, ensuring a rejuvenating experience close to Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Hobbit Trailhead, a hiking trail located 1.1km from Heceta Head Lighthouse, offering stunning outdoor scenery. For thrill-seekers, Sand Master Park, 14.5km away, presents exciting skiing opportunities, while John Dellenback Dunes Trail, 6.4km distant, invites adventurous hikers to explore its beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the lively atmosphere at Three Rivers Casino, located 17.7km from Heceta Head Lighthouse. Enjoy a night filled with romance, gaming excitement, and vibrant city vibes while trying your luck at the tables or relaxing with a drink in a captivating setting.

Find the best attractions near Heceta Head Lighthouse

At Heceta Head Lighthouse in Florence, Oregon, visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views and explore nearby attractions such as the beach and caves. Adventurous travellers will find plenty of outdoor experiences, including hiking along scenic trails. Don’t miss the iconic Heceta Lighthouse, which is a must-see landmark, and discover the historic Heceta Head Lightstation, perfect for those seeking a mix of history and nature.

  • Sea Lion Caves: Located a mile from Heceta Head Lighthouse, Sea Lion Caves is a thrilling natural wonder where you can observe majestic sea lions in their natural habitat. The impressive cave system offers stunning ocean views and the chance to witness these playful creatures up close, making for a unique outdoor adventure.
  • Baker Beach: A historical nudist beach situated 4.8km from Heceta Head Lighthouse, Baker Beach provides a liberating atmosphere amidst stunning coastal scenery. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf while embracing the rich history of this iconic location.
  • Stonefield Beach: About 9.7km from Heceta Head Lighthouse, Stonefield Beach is a serene spot perfect for relaxation. With its beautiful coastline and inviting beach vibes, it’s an ideal place to unwind and soak up the sun.

Best time to go to Heceta Head Lighthouse

Visitor numbers around Heceta Head Lighthouse is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Heceta Head Lighthouse is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July60.6°F (15.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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

Visiting Heceta Head Lighthouse can be budget-friendly with free entry and nearby attractions like Baker Beach and Cape Perpetua. To save on accommodation, plan your trip between December and February for lower rates, especially on Wednesdays. Avoid Saturdays, which are pricier. Use Expedia to find the best deals by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider booking a package that combines flights and hotels for additional savings. Keep an eye out for promotional offers to secure the best rates and lowest nightly prices for your stay.

  • 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 refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Heceta Head Lighthouse hotel accommodations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.