Heceta Head Lighthouse, by Stuart May

The charming town of Florence is a wonderful blend of old and new, peaceful and exciting, small town and big town.

The historic Old Town stretches out along the Siuslaw River. The relaxed pace and airy space will encourage you to take a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk and to browse the many galleries, antique stores, gift and specialty shops. When you get hungry you have your choice of food and many restaurants and shops – from chowder to encrusted halibut, to gourmet pizza, to a green donkey burrito. Sip a steaming cup of espresso or indulge in some ice cream to get you to the next shop or the next delicious meal.

Before you leave Old Town, stop in at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, located in an old schoolhouse built in 1905. Browse the old photographs and artifacts to learn about the Siuslaw River and the history of the area’s pioneers.  If you need ideas for your next activities, stop in next door at the Florence Chamber for some guidance on how to enjoy this exceptional area.

Florence also has a newer district along Highway 101 with lots more shopping and eating options. On the west side of the highway, you will find the world’s first sandboard park with jumps, rail slides and a terrain park. This commercial park has 40 acres of private-sculpted dunes, a game room, store, rentals and lessons. They are closed January 15-March 1.

Florence’s surrounding area dishes up a full menu of activities. There are 17 lakes and rivers in and around Florence, offering fishing, kayaking, birding, hiking and other water fun.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is home to 42 miles of towering sand dunes that have been sculpted by sea winds and winter storms. These dunes rise to 500 feet above sea level, composing the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Besides being beautiful to behold, they create all kinds of adventures for visitors. You can take guided sand rail or sand buggy tours, rent a dune buggy or ATV, learn to sand board, go horseback riding, or simply trek across these dunes to reach the mighty sea.

You can also reach the ocean in a unique and magical way in a kayak down the Siltcoos River. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park provides access to two freshwater lakes, Cleawox and Woahink, where you can also kayak or enjoy other water sports like swimming, fishing and boating.

The popular Sea Lion Caves are a little farther up the road, 11 miles north of Florence, but worth the stop. This large cave is home to wild stellar sea lions during the fall and winter months. You descend more than 200 feet in an elevator to reach the cavern, where the roar of the lions and the cry of the sea birds will greet you.

Be sure to consider including Cape Perpetua (north of Florence) in your outings for spectacular views of Devil’s Churn, Cook’s Chasm and Spouting Horn. Cape Perpetua Overlook is the highest point on the Oregon Coast that can be reached by car. The visitor center has an outstanding view of the ocean, a variety of short informational movies, and staff to answer questions and help you plan your vacation outings.

Golfers will have their choice of two public courses in the Florence area. Ocean Dunes Golf Links and Sandpines Golf Links both have 18 holes. No luck on the course? Maybe you want to try your luck at Three Rivers Casino. The large facility, located off Highway 126 amidst the dunes, has slots, table games and three restaurants.

Florence has its share of festivities and events throughout the year. They start out the new year with the Winter Folk Festival in January, with performances by top folk performers throughout the U.S. The weekend also includes craft demonstrations, art and craft booths, workshops, jam sessions and food.

The Annual Rhododendron Festival held in May is Oregon’s second oldest festival. The festivities begin on Friday night with the crowning of the Rhody Pageant Queen. Events throughout the weekend include a parade, flower show, car show, arts and crafts fair, 5-K run, carnival and more.

The Florence Events Center hosts a variety of events, including conventions and performances, the Florence Antique Show, and Chowder, Blues & Brews Festival.

For more information about the lovely town of Florence and its outstanding area you can visit www.florencechamber.com or www.travellanecounty.org/Florence.