Florence Travel Guide

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Located on the central Oregon coast, Florence is a charming city that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. With its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich history, Florence is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

One of the main attractions in Florence is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Stretching along the coast for 40 miles, these towering sand dunes are a sight to behold. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking, dune buggy riding, or even horseback riding. The area also offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, and birdwatching, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is a must. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the museum showcases the rich heritage of the region through its exhibits on Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and the timber industry. Visitors can learn about the early settlers of Florence and gain a deeper understanding of the area's history.

Florence is also home to several lighthouses that are worth exploring. The Heceta Head Lighthouse, located just north of Florence, is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the West Coast. Its picturesque setting on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean makes it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Another notable lighthouse is the Umpqua River Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the river mouth and the surrounding coastline.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Florence also boasts a vibrant arts scene. The city is home to numerous galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists, as well as a variety of theaters and music venues. Visitors can catch a live performance, browse through unique artwork, or even participate in a hands-on workshop.

Alternative names: Population: 8.6 thous.Area: 5.88 mi²Elevation: 30 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°58'29"N, 124°6'22"W

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OregonUnited States

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Florence Top Attractions

Florence Attractions - What to See and Explore

Florence offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Light, Darlingtonia State Natural Site, Siuslaw River Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Park • Cave
Sea Lion Caves
Nestled in the rugged coastline of Lane County, Oregon, the Sea Lion Caves offer a unique glimpse into the natural habitat of a bustling sea lion colony. This natural wonder, positioned near the city of Florence, stands as a testament to the untamed beauty of the...
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Heceta Head Light
Heceta Head Light is a lighthouse on the Oregon Coast 13 miles north of Florence, and 13 miles south of Yachats in the United States. It is located at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, a state park, midway up a 205-foot-tall headland.
State park • Park
Darlingtonia State Natural Site
Darlingtonia State Natural Site is a state park and botanical preserve located five miles north of Florence, Oregon, United States on U.S. Route 101, just west of Mercer Lake and south of Sutton Lake that is dedicated to the preservation of a rare plant.

Bridge
Siuslaw River Bridge
The Siuslaw River Bridge is a bascule bridge that spans the Siuslaw River on U.S. Route 101 in Florence, Oregon. It was designed by Conde McCullough, built by the Mercer-Fraser Company of Eureka, California, and funded by the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works.
Park
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, also known simply as Honeyman State Park, is in Lane County of the U.S. state of Oregon. It lies 3 miles south of Florence along Highway 101, the coastal highway. The 27,212-acre Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area adjoins the park to the west.
43°58'1"N • 124°6'18"W
Backstreet Gallery
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
44°0'10"N • 124°6'4"W
Pacific Pines RV Park & Storage
Park

Day trips

Florence – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Florence, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Yaquina Head Light (Newport), Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport), Devils Churn (Yachats).

48 milesN
Historic beacon with ranger-led tours
Yaquina Head Light, Newport
Perched on a scenic headland along the rugged Oregon coast, the Yaquina Head Light stands as an enduring beacon, guiding seafarers since the 19th century. This historic lighthouse, situated in the charming city of Newport, is not only a navigational aid but also a...
44 milesN
Aquarium, Park, Zoo
Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an aquarium in Newport in the U.S. state of Oregon. Opened in 1992, the facility sits on 23 acres along Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean.
21 milesN
Natural attraction, Geologic formation, Park
Devils Churn, Yachats
Devils Churn is a narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Lincoln County, Oregon, United States, south of Yachats. It is located in the Siuslaw National Forest and is accessible via the Restless Waters trail from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area visitor's center or the U.S.
45 milesN
Vernacular architecture, Lighthouse
Yaquina Bay Light, Newport
The Yaquina Bay Light is a lighthouse that was built in 1871, soon after the founding of the city of Newport, Oregon, in the United States. It is located on the north side of Yaquina Bay. In 1871–1874, it was the busiest and most populated of the many coastal ports between Washington and California.
45 milesN
Sailing, History museum, Museum
Port of Toledo, Toledo
The Port of Toledo is the port authority for Toledo, in the U.S. state of Oregon. Its headquarters are 7 miles inland from the Oregon Coast on Depot Slough, near the Yaquina River. The port was founded in 1910 after the passing of a new state law, at a time when many U.S. port authorities were founded.