Oregon Coast city guide
Florence, Oregon
Florence meets the Siuslaw River at the northern edge of the Oregon Dunes, with an appealing Old Town and major sights in every direction.
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Why people love it
Dunes, lakes, lighthouse views, riverfront meals, and a practical base for adventure.
Local history and character
The Siuslaw people lived along this river and coast long before settlers arrived. Florence developed around fishing, timber, and river commerce; its 1936 art-deco bridge and preserved Old Town keep that history visible.
Florence balances an easygoing historic waterfront with adventures on a much larger scale. The dunes begin at the edge of town, freshwater lakes sit behind the shoreline, and celebrated lighthouse and cave stops line Highway 101 to the north.
Get oriented
Find your way around Florence
Use this map to place the town within your Coast route, then open directions for the practical details of the day.
Open Florence directionsSee the place
Florence in pictures
A visual record of the city, its waterfront, its signature places, and clearly labeled nearby outings.
The experiences that define a visit
Things to do
Oregon Dunes
Hike, ride, or take a guided trip through enormous coastal dunes.
Open planning information for Oregon Dunes
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Tour the grounds and walk to a celebrated viewpoint.
Open planning information for Heceta Head LighthouseSea Lion Caves
Descend into a vast sea cave north of town.
Open planning information for Sea Lion CavesOld Town Florence
Browse shops and eat beside the Siuslaw River.
Open planning information for Old Town FlorenceHobbit Trail
Walk through coastal forest to the beach.
Open planning information for Hobbit TrailGet out on the water
On the water and local traditions
Siuslaw River and ocean charters
Arrange a licensed fishing trip for salmon, bottom fish, tuna, or seasonal ocean species.
Open planning information for Siuslaw River and ocean chartersBring home something with a story
Antiques, gifts, and local finds
Purple Pelican Antique Mall
Explore more than 8,000 square feet of antiques, vintage pieces, and collectible surprises.
Open planning information for Purple Pelican Antique MallArtefacts
Browse globally inspired art, jewelry, textiles, fossils, décor, and unusual gifts in Old Town.
Open planning information for ArtefactsWorth planning around
Upcoming events around Florence
A few timely reasons to shape the trip around what is happening locally.
A Florence tradition
Plan ahead for Rhody Days
Florence’s annual Rhododendron Festival brings parades, flowers, local vendors, family activities, and a lively Old Town atmosphere each spring. It is one of Oregon’s longest-running floral celebrations, but dates and individual events change, so use the Chamber’s current listing before building a trip around it.
Check current Rhododendron Festival detailsA simple first-day plan
One memorable day in Florence
Use this as a starting point, then slow it down for weather, tides, and whatever catches your eye.
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Morning
Oregon Dunes
Hike, ride, or take a guided trip through enormous coastal dunes.
Open planning information for Oregon Dunes -
Afternoon
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Tour the grounds and walk to a celebrated viewpoint.
Open planning information for Heceta Head Lighthouse -
Golden hour
Sea Lion Caves
Descend into a vast sea cave north of town.
Open planning information for Sea Lion Caves -
Dinner
Waterfront Depot
Riverfront dining in Old Town.
Open planning information for Waterfront Depot
Only in Florence
The legend of the Exploding Whale
On November 12, 1970, highway officials used dynamite to dispose of a beached sperm whale south of Florence. The blast scattered chunks of whale far beyond expectations, damaged a parked car, and created one of Oregon’s most enduring—and strangest—true stories. Florence now marks November 12 as Exploding Whale Day, and the news footage has become a piece of local folklore known around the world.
Local places to start your dining list
Where to eat
Waterfront Depot
Riverfront dining in Old Town.
Open planning information for Waterfront DepotHomegrown Public House
Creative comfort food and drinks.
Open planning information for Homegrown Public HouseNovelli’s Crab & Seafood
A floating favorite for fresh crab dishes.
Open planning information for Novelli’s Crab & SeafoodRestaurants we’ve written about in Florence
A mix of memorable bases for exploring
Where to stay
River House Inn
Old Town lodging on the river.
Open planning information for River House InnDriftwood Shores
Oceanfront rooms north of town.
Open planning information for Driftwood ShoresHeceta Lighthouse B&B
A distinctive historic stay near the lighthouse.
Open planning information for Heceta Lighthouse B&BGo deeper
More stories about Florence
Keep planning
Connect your Florence trip to the rest of Oregon
Businesses, access, and seasonal conditions change. Confirm current details directly before traveling.