From the Columbia River to the California border, the Oregon coast is an unbeatable destination for spring break. Every March thousands flock to the state’s breathtaking shores to soak in the sights.

One of the must stops, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, boasts over 15,000 reasons for coastal travelers to plan their visit right now, including the largest raft of sea otters in Oregon, playful puffins and the more than 100 sharks which patrol the Open Sea Exhibit.

To accommodate the crowd of coastal visitors, the Aquarium will stay open an extra hour, until 6:00 p.m., from March 25 to April 2.

Spring break visitors are invited to dive into the world of animal play on Enrichment Day at the Aquarium on March 28.

Guests can also get a whiskery kiss with a seal, attend a dive presentation in the Oregon Kelp Forest Exhibit, or tour the behind the scenes areas. These programs usually sell out and some require advance registration, so visit aquarium.org for details.

Families, scout troops and groups of all ages can snooze surrounded by sharks in Passages of the Deep during public sleepover programs offered from March 24 to April 1.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is open every day this winter from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during Oregon’s spring break from March 25 to April 2. Visit aquarium.org or call 541-867-FISH for more information or to purchase advance tickets.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium creates unique and engaging experiences that connect you to the Oregon Coast and inspire ocean conservation. An accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums institution, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. www.aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium, or Twitter.com/OrCoastAquarium for the latest updates.

Information and photos provided by Oregon Coast Aquarium