Florence, Oregon – The Town of Exploding Whale!

Florence is a small coastal town in Central Oregon at the mouth of the Siuslaw River. Do not let its small size fool you, though. Florence and its surrounding area can be an all-in-one destination for the entire family.

Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of the mighty Pacific Ocean, see unique landmarks like Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Sea Lion Caves, enjoy fine dining, play in the dunes, walk miles of picturesque hiking trails, and much more!

History of Florence

The Siuslaw people inhabited this territory long before the first pioneers arrived. New settlers chose this area for easy access to both the ocean and the river. The community grew and was eventually incorporated as the City of Florence in 1893.

The origins of the town's name remain a mystery to the present day, with multiple versions existing and equally valid.

One version names the town in honor of A.B. Florence, Lane County representative from 1858 to 1860. Another version suggests that the town was named after the Florence, a French vessel wrecked at the mouth of the Siuslaw River on February 17, 1875.

Toponymic ambiguity aside, Florence is a coastal city that is definitely worth exploring.

Things to See and Do in Florence

Florence Old Town

The historic Old Town is a charming district located at the bend of the Siuslaw River. Originally home to Florence's fishing industry, this area now houses the town's best eateries, inns, and a variety of fancy shops and galleries.

Many of those places are in buildings dating back to the early 1900s. If you forget the surrounding modernity for a minute or two, you can almost imagine how Florence was back then.

Florence Boardwalk

The Florence Boardwalk runs along the Siuslaw River with the view of the magnificent Siuslaw River Bridge over it. The Boardwalk has plenty of amazing spots enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

You can stop by the many boutiques, dine at waterfront restaurants, and explore the local arts and crafts. The Boardwalk often hosts local events, such as farmers' markets, live music performances, and festivals. Make sure to visit Florence Marina when you are there.

Siuslaw River Marina Port and Docks

The Siuslaw River Port and Docks are a hub of maritime activity and a major gateway to outdoor adventures. This well-maintained port is a popular destination for fishing, crabbing, and boating.

You can either rent a boat or bring your own. You can either stay within the Siuslaw River or venture into the Pacific Ocean. Or you can stay on land and fish or crab from the pier. The choices are many, and they are all yours!

If you want guidance in your explorations, charter services at Siuslaw River Marina provide guided fishing trips and scenic river tours.

Siuslaw River Bridge

The Siuslaw River Bridge was built in the Art Deco style in 1936. It spans 1,568 feet (478 m) across the Siuslaw River. Conde McCullough, a civil engineer and a master bridge builder, designed the Siuslaw River Bridge and styled it with Egyptian obelisks, creating a mysterious pharaonic vibe.

The central bascule span, which can be raised to allow river traffic to pass, is flanked by two 154-foot (47 m) reinforced concrete tied arches. Such a combination of a bascule drawbridge and reinforced concrete arches was very innovative when the bridge was built.

The Siuslaw River Bridge was part of the Oregon Coast Highway project. It improved connectivity along the rugged coastline and helped the region's economic development.

Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is located in the renovated school building constructed back in 1905. Make sure you stop by if you are interested in the history of Florence, the Siuslaw River Valley, early pioneers, and the native people before them.

The museum houses exhibits of day-to-day life and historical events, such as a story of the U.S. federal government buying the land from the Siuslaw people but failing to pay for it.

Darlingtonia Botanical Gardens

Darlingtonia Botanical Gardens are best known for being home to a carnivore plant called Darlingtonia californica, aka cobra lily, aka cobra orchid, aka pitcher plant.

The plant preys on insects. It attracts them into a hollow chamber by producing a sweet smell. Transparent "windows" inside the plant confuse the insect, and downward-pointing hairs prevent it from crawling out.

Eventually, an exhausted prey falls to the bottom of the stem, where it gets digested for nutrients.

See Unique Cobra Orchid

Sea Lion Caves

One of the biggest attractions near Florence is the Sea Lion Caves. The best time to visit the pinniped folk would be winter or fall. Several hundreds of the cave "residents" may be lounging at the place during this time. In summer and spring, sea lions tend to hang out on the rock ledges outside.

Steller sea lions are more common here, but from late fall to early spring, you can see California sea lions, too.

Visit America's Largest Sea Cave

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Heceta Head Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse built at the mouth of Cape Creek in 1894. It was restored in 2013 and is still in service. Among all Oregon lighthouses, Heceta Head has the brightest beam.

The lighthouse is open for visitors with free admission and tours; you only have to pay a day-use fee. The Heceta House is right below the lighthouse -- it used to be the lighthouse keeper's living quarters. Today, it is an interpretive center and a Bed & Breakfast.

Visit The Strongest Lighthouse In Oregon

Devil's Elbow State Park

Devil's Elbow State Park is just a short hike from Heceta Head Lighthouse. This picturesque Pacific Northwest beach has scenic ocean views and picnic tables sheltered from the wind. The park is also a starting point for the Heceta Head hiking trail, part of a 7-mile trail network.

Hobbit Beach

Hobbit Beach is a mesmerizing spot near Florence with a distinct Middle-Earth atmosphere. The thick Pacific Northwest forest full of Sitka spruce abruptly ends with a sandy beach, rocky formations, and Heceta Head at its southern end.

Discover Unique Piece Of Middle-Earth In Oregon

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park has everything you need to spend a day (or two) in the relative wilderness. It has an expansive and lush forested area, a serene beach, a developed campground, and a day-use area. The park is fantastic for hiking, picnicking, camping, beach combing, and rockhounding.

Visit Peaceful Oceanside Park

Dunes

Dunes in the Florence area attract thousands of visitors every year. They are especially famous among ATV enthusiasts. You can either drive an ATV yourself (rents are available) or sign up for a buggy ride with a driver.

If you are more into sandboarding or horse riding, that can be arranged too. Check out the Sand Master Park for sandboarding and the C&M Stables for horse riding.

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park and South Jetty are both in the Dunes area, so they can easily become part of your Dunes trip.

Hiking

Oregon Coast is home to miles and miles of hiking trails, and the Florence area is no exception. Hiking trails here include:

• Hobbit Trail
• Pawn Old-Growth Trail
• China Creek Trail
• Overlook Beach Trail
• Tahkenitch Creek Loop
• Taylor Dunes Trail.

Fishing

Siltcoos Lake is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat in late summer and fall.

You can also fish for warm-water species like crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, brown bullhead, and largemouth bass.

Golf

Ocean Dunes Golf Links and Sandpines Golf Course are two prime golf locations in the area.

Water Activities

The Pacific Ocean, Cleawox Lake, Woahink Lake, Siltcoos River, and Siltcoos Lake give the entire family plenty of opportunities to enjoy almost any form of water activity -- swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking, just to name a few.