All maritime museums to visit in Oregon

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 14 maritime museums in Oregon. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Oregon

  1. Oregon Coast Aquarium1

    Oregon Coast Aquarium

     Newport, OR
    The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in Newport, Oregon, is a renowned facility that opened its doors to the public in 1992. It is situated on a 23-acre property along Yaquina Bay, near the Pacific Ocean. The aquarium has been recognized as a world-class facility by USA Today and is ranked among the top ten aquariums in North America by Coastal Living magazine.
  2. Yaquina Head Light2

    Yaquina Head Light

     Newport, OR
    The Yaquina Head Light, also known in its early days as the Cape Foulweather Lighthouse, is a historic lighthouse located on the Oregon Coast of the United States. Established in 1873, it is situated in Lincoln County, near the city of Newport at Yaquina Head. This lighthouse is a significant part of the region's history and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  3. Yaquina Bay Light3

    Yaquina Bay Light

     Newport, OR
    The Yaquina Bay Light is a historical lighthouse located in Newport, Oregon, United States. It was constructed in 1871, shortly after the city's establishment. This lighthouse holds a significant place in the history of Newport and is a testament to the city's maritime past.
  4. Heceta Head Lighthouse4

    Heceta Head Lighthouse

     Florence, OR
    Heceta Head Light is a prominent lighthouse located on the Oregon Coast, precisely 13 miles north of Florence and 13 miles south of Yachats. This strategic location makes it a notable landmark for tourists exploring the Oregon Coast.
  5. Cape Blanco Lighthouse5

    Cape Blanco Lighthouse

     Port Orford, OR
    The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is a significant landmark located in Curry County, Oregon, United States. Managed by the American Coast Guard, this lighthouse stands as a beacon of history and maritime significance. It is situated within the Cape Blanco State Park, offering visitors a chance to explore both the lighthouse and the surrounding natural beauty.
  6. Umpqua River Lighthouse6

    Umpqua River Lighthouse

     Winchester Bay, OR
    The Umpqua River Light is a significant lighthouse situated at the mouth of the Umpqua River on Winchester Bay, in Douglas County, Oregon. This location offers a unique view of the Oregon Coast and serves as a beacon for ships navigating the river. The lighthouse's strategic position makes it a point of interest for tourists who are interested in maritime history and coastal landscapes.
  7. Columbia River Maritime Museum7

    Columbia River Maritime Museum

     Astoria, OR
    The Columbia River Maritime Museum is a significant institution of maritime history located in Astoria, Oregon. It is situated approximately ten miles southeast of the mouth of the Columbia River. The museum is renowned for its quality exhibits and extensive collections, making it a notable destination for those interested in maritime history.
  8. United States Lightship Columbia8

    United States Lightship Columbia

     Astoria, OR
    The United States lightship Columbia (WLV-604) is a significant part of maritime history. It was put into service in 1951 for the United States Coast Guard at the mouth of the Columbia River. This lightship played a crucial role in guiding ships through the Columbia River's sandbank and an area known as the Pacific Graveyard.
  9. Coquille River Lighthouse9

    Coquille River Lighthouse

     Bandon, OR
    The Coquille River Lighthouse, also known as Bandon Lighthouse, is a historic landmark located in Charleston, on the Coquille River, in Coos County, Oregon, United States. It was deactivated in 1939 and is now maintained by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as part of the Bullards Beach State Park. The lighthouse was first put into service on February 29, 1896, to guide sailors through the dangerous sandbanks of the Coquille River to the port of Bandon.
  10. Astoria City Hall10

    Astoria City Hall

     Astoria, OR
    The Old Astoria City Hall, which is now recognized as the Clatsop County Historical Society Heritage Museum, is a historic building situated in Astoria, Oregon, United States. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a significant landmark. It served as the city hall of Astoria from 1905 until 1939 and has been the Heritage Museum since 1985.
  11. Oregon Maritime Museum11

    Oregon Maritime Museum

     Portland, OR
    The Portland is currently home to the Oregon Maritime Museum, which owns the ship. The museum acquired the ship in 1991, nearly ten years after its retirement. Restoration work began with the intention of turning it into a stationary museum ship. The interest and fundraising for the project exceeded expectations, and $700,000 in donations allowed the Portland to be restored to a working and navigable state. The restoration work was completed in 1993, with occasional passenger trips until the Coast Guard inspected the ship in 2001 and halted passenger operations until the ship could pass inspection. The museum raised an additional $480,000, volunteers put in an additional million dollars in labor over seven years, and the ship was allowed to serve passengers again in 2008.
  12. Port Orford Lifeboat Station12

    Port Orford Lifeboat Station

     Port Orford, OR
    Port Orford Heads State Park is open from April 1 to October 31, making it an ideal destination for spring, summer, and fall visits. The park is renowned for its hiking trails, which attract approximately 120,000 visitors annually. These trails offer a chance to experience the park's natural beauty firsthand.
  13. 13

    Garibaldi Museum

     Garibaldi, OR
    If you're interested in the maritime heritage, this is the right place for you. Features exhibits related to captain Robert Gray.
  14. 14

    Coos History Museum

     North Bend, OR
    This museum presents the rich and colorful history and culture of the region. Everything from Indian art to shipwrecks.