Recharge away from it all on the central coast of Oregon. Florence has all the best attributes of a coastal town, with a walkable historic district, plenty of seafood restaurants, and views of dunes, rivers, and miles of public coastline. With fewer crowds and less traveled gems, Florence is full of adventure at any speed.

Pick up the Pace

Thrill seekers will find plenty of ways to get their adrenaline going in Oregon's coastal playground. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America and there are plenty of ways to explore them. Visit Sand Dunes Frontier to book a guided buggy tour or rent an ATV for a thrilling dunes adventure. Bring it down to earth and learn to sandboard down the ever-changing dunes. Or, cool off and hit the water by paddling the Siuslaw River or one of the gorgeous coastal lakes. If you want excitement after the sun sets, head to Three Rivers Casino for live performances and more.

Take it Easy

If stopping and smelling the roses is more your speed, there are plenty of mellow sights that will still thrill. The Heceta Head Lighthouse was completed in 1894 and is accessible through a short path up an incline. Take in the view and read about the history of the lighthouse, and even stay at the bed & breakfast for a chance to see the lighthouse at night.

Take macro views to a micro level and check out the tidepools along the coast where you can get to know the smaller inhabitants of the sprawling coast - but be sure to respect their space and watch where you step. Cruise up to the Cape Perpetua outlook, the highest point accessible by car on the Oregon coast, where you can see up to 70 miles on a clear day. On your way back into town, take a few flights of stairs and an elevator down into the largest sea cave in America where sea lions hang out all year at Sea Lion Caves.

Be Indoorsy

If outdoor adventures aren’t on the itinerary, stay indoors and storm watch from a seaside room at Driftwood Shores. Head to Historic Old Town Florence for a picture-perfect seaside town view, where small local shops have the perfect souvenirs and treasures to take home. On the edge of Old Town, you’ll find the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, which covers the area's history and tells the tale of the infamous exploding whale. Be sure to grab fresh seafood at one of the delicious restaurants and saltwater taffy or ice cream for dessert. For more food adventures, check out the Central Coast Food Trail where you’ll find delicious eats at their source.