Whale skeletons on display

 Anyone visiting the South Oregon Coast should try to pay a visit to the gem of Charleston. Both an aquarium and museum, the Charleston Marine Life Center exhibits some the most fascinating creatures of the Oregon coast, from the rocky shores to the deep underwater volcanos.Something that makes the center special is its ability to appeal to and accommodate a wide range of ages. They have a wide range of exhibits including touch tanks, fossils, and live animals. While younger children may enjoy the touching creatures and listening to whale sounds, adults can marvel at fact sheets and fossils from a variety of marine mammals, including a sperm whale skull and preserved giant squid. The center also has many helpful and informative volunteers, whohave gone through trainings to find the best ways to communicate information to their audience. It is set right on the water, so visitors can look out the windows and watch boats pass through the marina or observe seafood being sorted into crates at Pacific Seafood.

One of the best features of the marine life center is its connection to the OIMB research facility, located right across the street. They are able to work with scientists and students first hand to collaborate for programs. This keeps the information, exhibits and programing happening in the center current and relevant.

Display of various crabs in the center

After learning about the marine mammals and playing in the touch tank, visitors can drive to the local state parks in the area to see sea lions, sea stars and anemones in the wild. It can be difficult to find a place that balances education, discovery and fun, and the Charleston Marine Life Center is a perfect example of just that.