The forecast may be cloudy, but this is the time of year to relish the extremes, enjoy the uncrowded attractions and reward yourself with the sights and sounds of Oregon's coastline. Whether you have out of-town-visitors, kids home from school or just taking some time off, you will find plenty of post-holiday fun up and down the Oregon Coast. We have rounded up some of our favorite things to do.

Spend an Evening Surrounded by Lights
Through December 31
Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay
Brilliant displays of holiday lights attract visitors of all ages to the park. With paved and lighted paths throughout, the formal seven-acre garden is accessible by all and admission is free. Walk through on New Year's Eve for a special evening. Read more about this holiday hot spot at Shore Acres Holiday Lights

Look for Migrating Whales
December 27 – January 1
From 10am-1pm trained volunteers are on staff at 24 watch sites to help visitors spot migrating Gray Whales. Traveling farther than any mammal on Earth, migrating whales can be observed off Oregon's Coast, if you know when and where to look. More information is available online at Winter Whale Watching.

See a Sea of Lights
Every Friday and Saturday in December
Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport
The Aquarium illuminates the Central Oregon Coast with its 25th Annual Sea of Lights Celebration from 5-8pm. Admission is $10 or free with same day paid admission. For more information, visit Oregon Coast Aquarium or call (541) 867-3474.

Find a Float in Lincoln City
Go beach combing along a seven-mile stretch of beach from Roads End to Siletz Bay. Treasure hunters can now search Lincoln City's beach all year-round for 3000 signature hand-made glass floats. Learn more at Explore Lincoln City

Visit a Maritime Museum
For those looking for indoor activities, nautical museums are packed to the gunwales with maritime artifacts, historical journals and architectural character in towns all along the Oregon Coast. Read more at History on Deck