Perched on a scenic bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Shore Acres began as a private estate with luxurious gardens featuring trees, shrubs, and flowering plants brought from around the world aboard the sailing ships of pioneer lumberman and shipbuilder Louis J. Simpson.
Thousands of people visit at Christmas time for the ‘Holiday of Lights’ when 200.000 lights turn this park into a holiday fantasy.
A fully enclosed observation building on the site offers magnificent views of towering waves, rugged cliffs and glimpses of migrating whales from December through June. One mile to the south, Cape Arago State Park has hiking trails, picnic tables, and excellent opportunities for viewing tidepools life and marine mammals (whales, seals, and sea lions).