"I've never seen the beach as packed as it's been the last two weekends, " said Judy Kuhl, general manager of the Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn, whose ocean-facing suites offer a clear view of the hulk.

WSJ: Pilgrims Flock to Tsunami Relic at Agate Beach in Oregon

The 61 villas are either perched on the beach or built directly out over the blue lagoon, including the spa suites that overlook the Indian Ocean.

BBC: Openings: Maldives, New York, Edinburgh, Boston