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Driving out to Florence for a springtime getaway is an Oregon tradition. As the days get longer, it’s a chance to take in fresh ocean air, feel the cold sand on your feet and relax with only the sound of the ocean waves to keep you company. While you’ll want to be sure to pack plenty of layers (there’s a reason why we call our beaches the coast, after all), this is a quintessential Oregon trip not to be missed.

Note: make sure to plan ahead and check current guidelines before you head out on your getaway.

Florence Drone Photo Florence 3 Hamilton 2020

From Eugene – Springfield, drive west on Highway 126. The drive is approximately 60 miles and you can take your time, stopping at wayside hikes to discover waterfalls, a historic covered bridge and roadside farm stands while you pass through the tiny towns of Noti, Walton and Mapleton.

When you arrive in Florence, head to Historic Old Town Florence. Bay Street will be waiting for you with rows of shops and restaurants on the Siuslaw riverfront. Check out the local movie theater for independent films, Hollywood hits and performing arts features — limited seating available, or you can stream movies and pick up “curbside concessions” popcorn to go. There are also many art galleries and antique stores to explore.  

Enjoy the local vibe in front of the Beachcomber Pub & Grill, order a fancy seafood cocktail from the Bridgewater Zebra Bar or nab one of the three tables on the “Margarita Deck” at the Traveler’s Cove Restaurant. Your best bet for outdoor seating with seasonal entertainment is the International C-Food Market with its spacious good-weather deck overlooking the docks.

Strolling on Bay Street

Here are a few springtime highlights to put on your Florence “must-do” list:

  • Three Rivers Casino Resort. For gaming, open restaurants and entertainment; Three Rivers dishes up an exciting atmosphere. Play at new slot machines, Keno, Bingo and some table games. Not all games are offered and capacity is limited, so plan ahead.
  • Florence golf courses. Golfing on the Oregon Coast is legendary with destinations such as Bandon Dunes. Florence is also central to several excellent golf courses including Florence Golf Links, a Rees-Jones designed course and a spacious clubhouse that was recently updated. Ocean Dunes Golf Links built by William Robinson is adjacent to Three Rivers Casino. Both offer beautiful natural settings among the dunes and pine forests.
  • Dune buggy rides. Cruise 500 ft mountains of shifting sand and roar across wide-open beaches on either “wild or mild” (your choice) dune buggy tours. Adventuring out into this other-worldly landscape is a thrill all by its self.
  • Local beer. Jerry’s Place brews their own beer under the name “What’cha Brewing” and serves up pub food to go alongside lottery machines.
  • Explore Historic Old Town Florence. Between taking selfies in front of the historic Siuslaw River Bridge and down on the docks, you’ll want to also grab a hot chocolate or coffee at River Roasters or saltwater taffy from a candy vendor. Then wander down the street to the local barbershop, where Stillwagon Distillery pours tastes of over a dozen small-batch rums with flavors from mocha to pineapple. Head to Novelli’s crab shack down on the docks for warm bowls of crab chowder or pick one of the many restaurants with some of the best clam chowders on the Oregon Coast.

Central and affordable places to stay in Florence include The Lighthouse Inn, which was ranked as the “Best Budget Hotel” by TripAdvisor. Its comfortable, family approach has extras including complimentary breakfast, board games and books; they’ll also set you up with bike rentals. Travelers may also appreciate the Florence 101 Hostel with its laundry facilities and game room. Private rooms available.

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Cape Perpetua just North of Florence on Highway 101

You can extend your road trip experience by driving either direction along Highway 101, either south to the Oregon Dunes or north to the Sea Lion Caves and Heceta Head Lighthouse. During the spring, be on the lookout for Gray whales spouting and breaching along the shoreline.