Florence
Things to Do
Florence, Oregon is a top retirement choice located on the central Oregon coast along U.S. Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, providing convenient access to a host of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking scenery. The Florence, Oregon area is popular as a diverse and rich "playground" destination, where lush green forests meet the ocean's edge along one of America's most beautiful and dramatic coastlines. We are fortunate to be situated amid the Oregon Dunes and Siltcoos Recreation Areas, providing a host of outdoor activities. Florence is surrounded by some of the world’s largest dunes, 15 freshwater lakes, and the Siuslaw River. In addition, we are conveniently located to major Oregon Coast attractions such as the Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Lighthouse, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Three Rivers Casino.
Heceta Beach starts at the North Jetty of the Siuslaw River and goes North for 3 miles of sandy beach, where it crosses Sutton Creek and turns into Baker Beach - which is wildlife preserve continuing on for another 5 miles of sandy walking. See our video tour of all the things you might see while walking the beach.
Events
- Florence Winter Music Festival - Third weekend in January
- Wine. Chowder & Glass Float Trail - Presidents Day Weekend
- Rhododendron Festival - Third weekend in May
- Independence Day - July 4th
- Holiday Festival – Saturday after Thanksgiving
- Florence Chamber - Monthly Calendar
| FRAA’s mission is to unify and support all the arts, enrich cultural life, and stimulate economic vitality in the region. They have a wonderful gallery in old town Florence. | |
| Sea Lion Caves |
 |
| Ocean Dunes Golf Links |
 |
| C and M Stables |
 |
| Sandland Adventures |
 |
| Sandpines Golf Links |
 |
| Sand Board Park located 1 mile from us. |
|
| Helicopter Rides | |
|
Tomeny Aero Inc. - See the Coast from a bi-plane. My photos from August 24, 2005 as it soared by Whales Watch |
 |
| Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area |
 |
 |
|
|
Florence now has a track chair that can be reserved so that people with limited mobility can go on the beach. Learn more about the program here. David's Chair |
|
| Find out more about windsurfing in Florence and get Real Time Wind Reports |
 |
| Heceta Head Lighthouse |
 |
| SaltwaterTides.com - | Tides are important - especially in the winter Choose the Siuslaw River Entrance for Tides on the beach - They also have an app you can install for Android phones |
| Darlingtonia State Natural Site | This 18-acre botanical park provides parking and a boardwalk trail out into a fen that is home to Darlingtonia californica. Also called a cobra lily, the rare, strangely shaped plant is the only member of the pitcher plant family (Sarraceniaceae) in Oregon. |
| Siuslaw River Bridge | Florence Chamber |
| Florence Walking Map | Siuslaw Water Trail - Paddling opportunities |
| Save the Oregon Dunes | |
Shopping |
|
| Blue Heron Gallery | Books & Bears - a wonderful bookstore on Bay Street. |
| Stich & Sole - clothing and shoes | US Bead Warehouse |
Dining |
|
| Waterfront Depot - Old town | Nosh Eatery - Old Town |
| Beachcomber - Old Town | Surf Side Bistro at Driftwood Shores |
| Restobar 1285 - Old Town | Mari's Kitchen - Old Town |
| Homegrown - Old Town | La Pomodori - near 101 & 126 |
| Birdies & Bogeys at Sandpines Golf Course | |
