Location: Florence
Top Things to do in Florence
What to do and see in Florence, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Florence is a coastal city in Lane County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It lies at the mouth of the Siuslaw River on the Pacific Ocean and about midway between Newport and Coos Bay along U.S. Route 101. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 8,466.
Restaurants in Florence
1. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 972 reviews
Beautiful and remote lighthouse.
Reviewed By Richard J - Kapolei, Hawaii
Coming from the south you will pass through a tunnel, then over an inspiring bridge,before you make the quick right off the 101 for the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Passing under the bridge gives you wonderful views of the beach and Oregon's rocky costal cliffs. From the beachfront parking area it is a short hike up to the keeper's cottage area and then on to the wind swept head where this wonderful light is positioned. While not a hugely tall lighthouse, the large windowed top provides the quintessential lighthouse look for photographs. Be sure to have something warm to wear. While the parking lot is protected from the wind, even on the fairly warm 50 degree day we were there, the wind and the damp of the ocean can cut right through you.
2. Hobbit Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By teenasan3 - Eugene, Oregon
Took this hike near sunset and was not disappointed. The trail is moderately strenuous since you slope down to the beach, then climb back up again. Going down was somewhat a strain on bad knees, but all the scenery is definitely worth the trip. The beach at the bottom is lovely.
3. Siuslaw River Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By J N - Florence, Oregon
The Siuslaw bridge is one of several coastal bridges spanning Highway 101 or Pacific Coast Highway. Conde McCullough designed many of the coastal bridges including the Siuslaw bridge.
There is a pedestrian walk on both sides and stairs to the bridge from the street below otherwise known as "Old Town".
4. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By rh2340 - Deer Island, Oregon
The Lake, The trails and the Dunes are a great place to visit and recreate. They have every size of space for RV's and tents imaginable and a few Yurts. The Bathrooms and showers are very clean. The Prices are reasonable. Cell Service (T Mobile) is terrible and the Park has no WIFI. The Park Hosts were friendly
5. Darlingtonia State Natural Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By Doris M - Central Point
The shape of these particular plants is interesting as they look like a cobra. The only place where they grow. It is not large but a ideal leg stretching stopover. You could take a picnic luch as there are a couple of tables there.
6. Heceta Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By navyjim58 - Europe
Have visited many beaches along the Washington State, Oregon and California coast.....this one was less than I expected given the write ups on Florence Oregon. First parking was a problem as there was very little available where we were at and most of the spots you had to have a county sticker or pay by envelope. Unfortunately you had to have cash $4 and no place around to get change. Ok live and learn. We finally found a parking spot near a hotel and was glad we did not get a ticket. The beach was long and wide and had nice sand. Lot of drift wood and sea shells. The beach is not near Florence....not walking distance for sure and there are no restaurants or bars on or near the beach. No bathrooms nearby. A sign states dogs must be on a leash and most of the people on the beach with dogs (quite a few) obeyed the law but a couple of people had their big dogs running loose....one of which ran up to my wife in a friendly but aggressive manner and scared her.....the owner seemed to think it was no big deal.......even when I pointed out they were breaking the law. Not everyone likes your big pet they way you do.
7. Sea Lion Caves
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Considered the largest sea cave in the United States, this site is where Steller sea lions and their cubs take shelter each year. Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. The Caves has been in operation since 1932 preserving and protecting the wildlife under our care. We are open 363 days a year only closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving day. Our normal hours of operation are 9 am until dusk year round. We are not a zoo and the animals are free to come and go as they please. The sea lions can usually be found at either of four locations on the property; in the Cave, in the water, at the Lookout/rockery, and on other nearby rock ledges. HOWEVER, THE SEA LIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS IN THE CAVE OR MAY BE MIGRATING OUT OF AREA - THEY ARE WILD ANIMALS AND COME AND GO AS THE PLEASE. CALL AHEAD FOR INFORMATION. Self-guided are the rule, but guided tours are available.
Reviewed By FresnoTravelers - Fresno, California
We had never heard of the Sea Lion Cave, even though we had been to the Oregon Coast several times, so when we were traveling to this area of the coast, and learned of the caves and seal lions, we had to stop. So very...MoreThank you for visiting Sea Lion Caves! We are delighted to hear from happy customers and so happy that you discovered us! We couldn’t have written a better review ourselves! Thank you for sharing this! Sea Lion Caves. We’re nothing short of wild!
8. South Jetty County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Shirley G - Springfield, Oregon
This beach located a short distance from Florence has become one of my favorites. The parking is great and trails to the beach easy to access.
The beach is one of the longest stretches of beach line in the state of Oregon. I visited in November and the beach had very few people enjoying this piece of great public access beach.
The beach parking areas have great signs posting the rules. Bathrooms and garbage cans located for public use. A paved road that has recently been maintained or paved.
This is a great beach that demands time for picture taking.
9. Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Linda C - Moorpark, California
Housed in a 1905 schoolhouse, this is a small but worthwhile museum. Locals have donated family memorabilia, which makes it all feel more personal and relatable. Household goods, tools, furniture, farm equipment, and mariner memorabilia are lovingly displayed. Lots of books for purchase, plenty of free parking, and a knowledgable docent to answer any questions.
10. Backstreet Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
A fabulous and unique gallery and artist co-op of 25+ local Florence artists. This co-op/gallery is so great... so many different kinds of media, all art is display and hung with such class and professionalism. This co-op is a vibrant art movement on the Oregon coast. You won't want to miss this place. Great souvenirs, gifts, cards, and terrific & affordable art creations by such a friendly bunch of people.
Reviewed By OregonJV - Oregon
My husband always stop in to Backstreet Gallery (starting when it used to actually be on a back street - much more convenient now!) whenever we visit Florence. And we've bought some wonderful things there - earrings made from vintage Ukrainian watches, hand bound books filled with Zentangle art and more. Sometimes we find things we want, sometimes we don't, but we always enjoy seeing what the talented artists of the Florence area are up to.
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