Florence is a hub for adventure-seekers. Located right in the center of the Oregon Coast, it’s a short trip to big sand dune expeditions, miles of beach for kiteboarding and surfing, and ancient forests for biking.
Visitors and residents alike often head out into the wild to ride dune buggies and ATVs, or sand-boards, on the nearby dunes. But the dunes are just the beginning, with the Siuslaw River flowing right through the middle of town and a dozen pristine lakes within a dozen miles. Florence itself has a vibrant Old Town district with lodging, a marina, quaint shops, fascinating galleries, and incredible food and drink. Voyage into the great unknown, and then wind down the day with a local craft beer and some fresh seafood.
Featured Spots
Central Coast
Heceta Head Lighthouse
There are few more dramatic vistas along the Oregon Coast than Heceta Head, a 200-foot bluff that juts out into the sea and is crowned with a 56-foot-tall lighthouse that has steered ships from danger since 1894. The view is...
Summer StreetFlorence, OR
(541)547-3416
Central Coast
Florence Events Center
A full-service convention and performing arts facility on the central Oregon coast capable of hosting groups up to 500. There is a 457-seat proscenium theater for general sessions and fine art performances such as concerts, plays, ballet and opera.
715 Quince StFlorence, OR
(541) 997-1994
Email us (lis[at]eventcenter[dot]org)
Central Coast
Sea Lion Caves
America’s largest sea cave, Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary that is the year-round home of the Steller sea lion. Sea Lion Caves is not a zoo, so the protected marine animals come and...
91560 Hwy 101Florence, OR
(541)547-3111
Email us (info[at]sealioncaves[dot]com)
Central Coast
Exploding Whale Memorial Park
This riverfront park provides access to the Siuslaw River in Historic Old Town Florence. Named by residents to memorialize the notorious “exploding whale” incident that took place on the Oregon Coast in the 70s, this beautiful wayside park offers sandy...
Florence, OR541-997-4106
Central Coast
Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint
Picnicking with whale watching, beachcombing and a view of the beach. There are approximately five miles of sandy beach with China Creek to the south of the park. J.C Ponsler donated the land in 1938 in memory of his wife,...
Florence, OR541-547-3416
Central Coast
Ocean Dunes Golf Links
A true golf links is defined as a golf course built on sand left by the sea, and is influenced by the natural forces such as wind and rain. Ocean Dunes fits this definition to a tee. Built on top...
3345 Munsel RoadFlorence, OR
541-997-3232
Central Coast
Stillwagon Distillery Tasting Room – Florence
Enjoy a tasting experience at Stillwagon Tasting Room located in Old Town Florence. The distillery is located in Charleston, Oregon where the production of Stillwagon Distillery’s craft spirits is very hands on. None of the process is automated – Mashing...
1341 Bay StreetFlorence, OR
253-732-8458
Email us (stillwagondistillery[at]yahoo[dot]com)
Central Coast
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
A sense of abundance and gratitude defines the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, a cultural identity that springs from the richness of their ancestral homeland. Since long before written records, the miluk (Coos), hanis (Coos), shayuushtl’a...
Florence, ORCentral Coast
Florence Area Chamber of Commerce
Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is right on Highway 101 in Florence on the Oregon Coast. Services include a staffed visitors information center, driving guides, maps, lodging, restaurant and attraction brochures, and other travel-related information provided by friendly, knowledgeable greeters.
290 Hwy 101Florence, OR
541-997-3128
Email us (info[at]florencechamber[dot]com)
Central Coast
Oregon Coast Military Museum
The Oregon Coast Military Museum was incorporated on December 31, 2008 as an Oregon Domestic Non-Profit corporation. With a stated mission of “Honoring Our Veterans by Educating Our Public”, we have completed a military museum which opened on July 4,...
2145 Kingwood StreetFlorence, OR
541-902-5160
Email us (ocmmflorence[at]gmail[dot]com)
Central Coast
Venomous Sandboards
Since 1991, Venomous sandboards and sandsleds have been the number one choice of pros and recreational dune boarders around the world. Now located in Florence, Oregon along with the Sand Master Park store.
4981 Hwy 101Florence, OR
541-997-6006
Email us (info[at]venomousboards[dot]com)
Central Coast
Florence Dune Exploration
Used to be, the only option for “riding the dunes” along the Oregon Coast was loud, fast and fairly expensive – a dune buggy or other motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV). But now, thanks to fat tires and strong legs, you...
Florence, OR