Whales Watch Vacation Rentals Blog

119th Rhododendron Festival

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Florence's biggest event of the year! Join us May 14–17, 2026 in Florence, Oregon for four days of celebration in Oregon's Coastal Playground, guided by this year's meaningful theme, "temuu hiisəch hai – A Gathering with a Good Heart."

Heceta Head Lightstation Birthday Celebration - March 30

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🌟 Heceta Head Lightstation Birthday Celebration 🎂 Celebrate the birthday of the Heceta Head Lightstation on March 30 from 12–3 PM at the Keeper's Home and West Lawn. This free, family-friendly event includes live music, food, scenic coastal views, and opportunities to learn about the area's natural features from local agencies and volunteers. Parking is available at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint for $10.

🏜️ Save the Oregon Dunes Annual Meeting March 16

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🌊 Learn how you can support the future of the Oregon Dunes at the Save the Oregon Dunes Annual Meeting on March 16 from 12–3 PM at the Siuslaw Public Library. Community members and civic organizations are invited to hear updates on restoration work, volunteer efforts, educational collaborations, and plans for the year ahead. More information is available at SaveOregonDunes.org .

🎨 2nd Saturday at FRAA - March 14

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🎶 Enjoy an afternoon of art, music, and community at 2nd Saturday at FRAA on March 14 from 3–5 PM at the FRAA Art Center in Old Town Florence. This month features artwork by Sally Ott, along with hors d'oeuvres, wine, and live music by Jeff Lovejoy. It's a great opportunity to meet the artist and connect with fellow art lovers. Learn more at fraaoregon.org or call 541-997-4435.

Home & Garden Show March 6th & &th

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🌿 Florence Home & Garden Show 🌷 Discover fresh ideas for your home and garden at the Florence Home & Garden Show, happening March 6–7 at the Florence Events Center. Presented by Coast Radio KCST & KCFM, this two-day event features contractors, landscapers, home improvement experts, plants, décor, demonstrations, and giveaways. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for kids, and free for children under 12, with free admission Saturday from 4–6 PM. Sponsored by Oregon Pacific Bank, the Florence Area...

Oregon's coastal playground: discover Florence

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Florence is shining on TV! We're excited to be featured on Good Day Oregon, sharing why Florence, Oregon is the place to shop, eat, stay, and play this season. From the Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail to live music, community events, and coastal experiences, there's always something happening in Oregon's Coastal Playground. 🍷🥣✨ Watch the segment to learn more about this signature Florence weekend—and get inspired to plan your next visit or weekend out. 👉 Watch the video and see what's com...

Wine, Ch9owder & Glass Float Trail 2/13/26 - 2/15/26

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Winter on the Coast Hits Different Winter is better on the coast, and Florence, Oregon proves it. Mild coastal weather means you can golf, walk the beach, shop Old Town, and dine out—all in the same day. And coming up soon is one of our favorite winter weekends: Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail. Make plans now, gather your crew, and purchase your passports, wine glasses, and tasting tickets to be part of the fun. Learn more and get yours at WineAndChowderTrail.com #WineAndChowder #WineCho...

National Plan for Vacation Day - 1/27/2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Happy National #PlanForVacation Day! This year, we hope you plan to visit Florence, Oregon! Enjoy miles of sandy beach at Heceta Beach and visit Cape Perpetua & Heceta Head Lighthouse while you're here, but most importantly, take advantage of the benefits—from reducing stress to preventing burn out—of planning for an unforgettable adventure.

Winter Music Festival Schedule

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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The Winter 2025 Whale Watch Event will be from December 27th through 31st.

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

We are excited to announce our dates for the upcoming Oregon Whale Watch program. The Winter 2025 Whale Watch Event will be from December 27th through 31st. During the Whale Watch Events we will have volunteers and rangers stationed at 15 locations stretched along the Oregon coast. Come join us to catch the gray whale migrations as they pass by! History In 1978 Don Giles of the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport headed out to Yaquina Head Lighthouse with his binoculars and a grea...

December 6th - Annual Holiday Festival

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This family-friendly event includes Santa's official arrival, our traditional Mayor's Tree Lighting, hayrides, cocoa, cookies and cider, and community carol singing at the beautifully-decorated Gazebo Park and Siuslaw River Interpretive Center park on Bay Street. Stay tuned for details. You may even find a gnome and score a deal at participating retailers! You'll also be able to sign up for a chance to win some awesome prizes from participating retailers.

🛍️ Shop Local Saturday - November 29, 2025

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for Shop Local Saturday on Saturday, November 29, and show your love for our amazing small businesses along the Oregon Coast. 📍 Location: Chamber Tent on Bay Street🕘 Time: 11-3 Stop by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce tent to pick up: * Florence Chamber directories & walking maps * Shop Local sales flyers and business info * Stickers and Sami & Ollie Treasure Hunt maps * FREE Shop Local tote bags for the first 100 shoppers!

BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT Instruction: * WHAT...Sneaker waves possible. * WHERE...North and Central Coast of Oregon, and South Washington Coast. * WHEN...From late tonight through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Waves can run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to seriou...

🐳 Exploding Whale 55th Anniversary Memorial Celebration

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

🐳 Exploding Whale 55th Anniversary Memorial Celebration 📅 Sunday, November 16, 2025 | Noon – 4:00+ PM📍 Homegrown Public House & Brewery • Old Town Florence, Oregon It's that time of year again when Florence, Oregon and whale-watchers worldwide come together to honor the legendary moment that made coastal history — the Exploding Whale! This family-friendly, open-house-style celebration is filled with quirky fun, local pride, and a healthy dose of Oregon Coast humor. Enjoy live entertainm...

🎨 Celebrate creativity this fall at “Odd-umn,” -October 7th to November 25th

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

🎨 Celebrate creativity this fall at "Odd-umn," the annual FACE Gallery exhibit at the Florence Events Center, Oct. 7–Nov. 25! This playful mix of "Odd" and "Autumn" features local artists showcasing whimsical, eerie, and thought-provoking works inspired by the season. 🍁🖼️ Admission is free, and all art is for sale. Visit during FEC hours to explore and support Florence's vibrant arts scene.

🎸Winter Music Festival January 23rd - 25th 2026

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This eclectic, all-ages event pulls in music fans of Americana, bluegrass, folk, and a bit o' blues from all over the Pacific Northwest for three days of good times, wonderful jams and workshops, great food, and fantastic music. Every year, this Festival creates a magical music community for 72 hours, and the memories last ... forever. Join us during the last and BEST weekend in January. For more information visit the Winter Music Festival Site.

November 11 - Veteran's Day in Florence!

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Join the Florence community as the annual Veteran's Day Parade returns to the streets of Florence, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Florence Christian Church, 2nd and Ivy Streets. The route winds through Historic Old Town Florence and ends on 1st Street by the Port of Siuslaw Parking lot. Then, tour the Oregon Coast Military Museum and the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum for special tribute exhibits and fascinating history (small admission fees).

🍂Fall Fest – All Things Oregon 2025

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

🍂📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📅 Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM📍 Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center, Florence Oregon Kick off the holiday season and get your shopping started at the second annual Fall Fest – All Things Oregon! Back by popular demand, this fun-filled festival brings together the best of Oregon artisans, food, drink, and creativity—right on the stunning Florence Oregon coast. What to Expect ✨ Over 60 Oregon artisans and craf...

🌊 Oregon Central Coast King Tides 2025/26

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

🌊Central Oregon Coast King Tides🌊 The raw, untamed power of the Pacific Ocean will be on full display this winter as the Oregon King Tides return to the Central Coast. These dramatic high tides occur only a few times each year, creating massive waves, elevated sea levels, and unforgettable views. For storm watchers, photographers, and coastal adventurers, it's one of the most awe-inspiring natural events you can witness in Florence, Oregon. Mark your calendars for this year's peak King Tid...

Crabbing in Florence Oregon by the Florence Chamber

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Catching and preparing Dungeness crab is a quintessential coastal activity in Florence, Oregon, offering a mix of excitement, family fun, and delicious rewards. Whether you're a seasoned crabber or a first-timer, Florence offers prime crabbing spots along the Siuslaw River and the Oregon Coast that make it an unforgettable adventure. Here's your complete guide to getting started.