Florence
Sunset at North Jetty in Florence, Oregon
Photo by Einahpets32 (Stephanie)
Located on Highway 101 on the central Oregon Coast (in fact, almost at the exact center) is Florence—Oregon’s Coastal Playground. Big sand dune adventures (dune buggies, ATVs, sandboarding, camping) are near the top of the list of things to do. But with miles and miles of uncrowded beaches there is horseback riding, beachcombing, tide pooling, kite flying, boogie boarding, surfing, kiteboarding, and romantic sunset beach walks. Oh, and there are ancient forests for hiking, foraging, biking, and finding waterfalls. In between there are more than a dozen pristine lakes within a dozen miles, the Siuslaw River, and all kinds of fishing, crabbing, and clamming. If in-town adventure is more your style, there is a vibrant Old Town district with lodging, a marina, quaint shops, fascinating galleries, and incredible food and drink. World-class golf, museums, an antique district, casino gaming, and a public events center with international caliber shows round out the offerings.
Featured activities
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Wildcat Creek Covered Bridge
The Wildcat Bridge is located on a small winding road a short distance from Highway 126. From the bridge site where Wildcat Creek flows into the Siuslaw River, Stagecoach Road hugs the hillside until it drops into the narrow plain at Swisshome. Stagecoach Road was the original road to the coast, but was bypassed after the Linslaw Tunnel and Mapleton Bridge were built in the 1930s. The nearby Austa boat ramp provides access to the river for fishermen on the Siuslaw River. The bridge was closed for repairs several times in the 1980s and in the autumn of 2000, when the structure was strengthened. HOW TO GET THERE: Travel 33 miles west of Eugene on Oregon Highway 126 to Whitaker Creek /Clay Creek Recreation Area turnoff. Exit the highway on the south side and follow the road back under the highway and railroad tracks (north) a short distance to the bridge.
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Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
Washburne is located on the east side of Highway 101 with a buffer of native plants between you and the highway. The campsites are spacious. There are several trails of varying difficulty leading from the campsites to the beach, wildlife viewing areas and second-growth forests. A walking trail leads you under the highway to a five mile sandy beach and a day-use area, where you\'ll find space to watch whales, hunt agates, beachcombing and picnic.
Featured accommodations
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Vacasa - Florence
There's no better way to truly experience Florence, Oregon than by living like a local in a private vacation home! Vacasa has dozens to choose from, including cozy cottages right downtown, waterfront retreats on the Siuslaw River and Siltcoos Lake, and oceanfront homes steps from the sandy beach. Every Vacasa home in Florence is unique, but many offer private hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, WiFi, and pet-friendly policies. Find your ideal retreat today—visit Vacasa.com for detailed descriptions and photos of each property, along with customizable search and easy online booking.
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Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center
Driftwood Shores is the ultimate place to call home for your vacation, being the only oceanfront lodging property for mile. You will be merely steps away from ten miles of uninterrupted beautiful beaches. Whether you’re here with family, planning a trip with your closest friends, or looking for a place to spend a little quality time with a loved one, you’re sure to discover something truly special on the shores of the Oregon coast. Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean are just the beginning of this exceptional destination; the refreshing coastal air and bright sunshine is sure to help you rejuvenate on your stay, no matter how long. We are conveniently located close to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Sand Master Park, Sea Lion Caves and Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Featured Events
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Copa Cabana Beach Soccer Tournament
Copa Cabana Sports hosts their first annual beach soccer tournament, held right outside the beautiful Driftwood Shores Resort. Food and beverage vendors will be available for a whole day of soccer on the lovely Oregon Coast. Youth and adult teams are welcome to register to play or to simply watch the games and cheer from the sidelines.
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Florence Independence Day Celebration
Florence’s annual Independence Day Celebration is back for another year of explosive fun watching fireworks erupt over the Siuslaw River. The 30 minute pyrotechnic extravaganza will be launched from a barge in the river and can be viewed along the waterfront in Historic Old Town Florence. Banner Bank is sponsoring for the first time fully-synchronized patriotic music that will play in the Old Town area and be broadcast on KCST/Coast Radio. Fireworks start around 10 p.m.
Also enjoy old-fashioned family fun and games during the day with pie and watermelon eating contests, food and music.
The Chamber and the City of Florence remind everyone that private fireworks are no longer allowed on publicly-owned property within the vicinity of Old Town as well as the Port of Siuslaw. This also applies to public streets and right of ways throughout the community, including beaches, dunes and forests.
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Wings and Wheels in Florence
The Mike Groshong Memorial Wings and Wheels is an outstanding family event featuring antique and custom airplanes and cars, lots of action, demonstrations, displays and good food. See historical WWII aircraft aerial demonstrations including from a Hellcat, AT-6 Fighter/Trainer and Stearman Bi-Plane. Enter a drawing to win a chance to fly for free in the AT-6. Listen to live music, grab food from multiple food booths, and take a ride in military vehicles.
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For more info
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Chamber of Commerce
290 Highway 101
Florence, Oregon 97439
Phone: 541-997-3128
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.florencechamber.com -
Florence Visitor Information – Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Phone: 541-484-5307 or 1-800-547-5445
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.travellanecounty.org/florence
