Location: Florence
Top Things to do in Florence
Countries
10 Free Things to do in Florence That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Strawberry Hill Wayside
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By ZenDark30 - Portland, United States
Most people mistakenly call sea stars star fish. They aren’t fish. Sea stars are one of the many wonders that can be seen at Strawberry Hill. During low tide, Pacific seals use the rocks as a haul out and at other times they can be seen feeding with their cute heads bobbing about. Take your binoculars and dress warm with rain gear.
2. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,231 reviews
Beautiful and remote lighthouse.
Reviewed By ColleenC974
My husband and I were in Oregon in early September, and after a long day of traveling down the coast, this was our last stop for the day. We arrived not too long before sunset. Although we missed all of the tours, etc, we were treated to the most beautiful sunset, followed by watching the lighthouse lamp light up and start its sentry for the night. The lighthouse is so beautifully maintained, and the whole park (the lighthouse, the keeper's house - now a bed and breakfast, the path, the beach, even the big bridge close by) were amazing. This was hands down one of my favorite stops during our time in Oregon. I am a huge history buff, so I was sad to miss the personal history lessons that come with docents and staff members, but the sunset and to see the lighthouse light up so close and personal was absolutely worth it!
3. Darlingtonia State Natural Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By DanW440 - Portland, United States
This small coastal botanical site certainly deserves it’s special designation as a place of wonder. I never realized there were insect eating plants in colder areas like this. They usually seem reserved for the tropics. This park has a boardwalk and some platforms from which you can easily view the pitcher plants Darlingtonia californicus up close, take pictures and enjoy this unique treasure of nature.
4. Backstreet Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 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 Philly413 - Newmarket, Canada
They have an amazing array of artists work on display. A very high quality co-operative artists gallery
5. Hobbit Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
This is probably one of my fave trails I’ve ever hiked! It was magical and whimsical, with rewarding views around every corner! Not to mention it’s a great workout! There are several options...you can just do the Hobbit Beach Trail itself which is about 1/2 mile long...I can’t speak to the parking area or entrance for this one though bc I came from the lighthouse. Which brings me to the other option...you can hike to this beach from the Heceta Head Lighthouse as well (see my review for the lighthouse for more info and pics)...or hike to the lighthouse from here. If you do that, it’s 2 miles (one way - so 4 miles there and back). On the 2 mile hike, you’ll gain just over 1,000 feet in elevation and you’ll traverse steep steps and hills and climb over rocks and roots so be aware! But it’s soooo worth it! It’s incredible! And there’s lots of benches to rest on along the trail. But getting closer to the beach, it turns more ethereal, with moss dripping from giant, crooked and curvy tree trunks and branches and then the ground becomes sandy and the path narrows. You know you’re close when you hear the waves and enter the “crab boneyard”!! Suddenly there are the remains of hundreds of thousands of crabs littered along the walls and floor of the trail! I have NO idea how they got there and couldn’t find anything about it online lol...I dunno if people are putting them there or seals maybe? Or extremely high tides? A true mystery! The beach itself stretches on for miles and miles with cliffs behind it and it’s beautiful...plenty of room for ample social distancing and room to run and frolic!
6. John Dellenback Dunes Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, United States
As I drove up the coast, I could see all the signs pointing to the dunes and dune ride experiences. I loved walking the dunes in bare feet. Soft, silky soft underfood and an amazing experience.
7. Siuslaw River Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Reviewed By PBTravelstheWorld - Woodinville, United States
Beautiful bridge with Gothic arches under the roadbed and an overall Art Deco design. We picked up a take away lunch and ate with the river and bridge in view. One of several Oregon bridges of similar design that still grace the Oregon coast highway.
8. Beachcomber Pub
9. Heceta Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By jacquelinej757 - Kalispell, United States
Absolutely wonderful. We went at Low tide and were amazed at how much we saw. I loved how preserved it is and how nice everyone there was. We loved the views.
10. Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By jennifersT9411YQ - Indianapolis, United States
North Neptune beach is a tide pooler's DREAM! My family spent over an hour discovering what had to be thousands of sea stars amongst the tide pools brimming with other creatures at low tide. After 12 days of vacation, I can still say it was a highlight of our trip! The sea stars are suffering from wasting syndrome, so who knows how much longer they will be along this section of the coast. They ranged in size from small to bigger than 2 adult hands put together! Orange, yellow, purple, brown....the only color we didn't see that we saw 9 years ago was pink. I HIGHLY recommend you adjust your travel according to the tide schedule to hit this beach at low tide. We started at Canon Beach marine garden and were disappointed (especially since it is a long walk out to haystack), but Neptune beach was an other worldly, surreal experience easily accessible for all ages that we will never forget!
TAGS
