We love the Oregon Coast in the winter: all the big-wave beach drama without the crowds and traffic. It’s perfect for a holiday-themed change of scenery! Wander among larger-than-life, lit-up sea lions, jellyfish, sharks and more at the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Sea of Lights($10/person; free with same-day aquarium admission). The aquarium’s Passage of the Deep is open during this evening event, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December.