If your memories of the Oregon Coast are dreary days, wind-torn kites, and sticky saltwater taffy, then this is the trip for you. Rediscover the Oregon Coast this summer with a trip to Florence, where the waves don’t stop at the shoreline, they roll across the land as endless miles of sand dunes. Florence is the perfect choice for a weekend road trip (just 3 hours or172 miles from Portland), to escape a sweltering day in the city or to enjoy the warmth of an Oregon Coast summer. Daredevils, hikers, foodies, art lovers, shopaholics, and every other type of traveler will find something to love in Florence.

The Drive: The route to Florence from the Portland metro area follows Interstate 5 south as far as Eugene, passing through the wide open farmland and wine growing region of the Willamette Valley before turning west for the coast. Taking US-126, the Florence-Eugene Highway, the remaining 1 hour and 20 minutes to Florence, you’ll enjoy views of forested hills in the Cascade Range, farmland, and the Siuslaw River. Along the way westward you’ll also pass roads leading to lakes, other rivers, and hiking trailheads, many of which lead to waterfalls.

Destinations

Florence

This bustling beach town of about 8,500 citizens is the perfect destination for a summer weekend getaway with outdoor fun for every type of traveler. Florence is located at the mouth of Siuslaw River, tucked between evergreen forests on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The city’s 10 miles of beaches provide ample space for recreation including fishing, crabbing, clamming, hiking, beachcombing, and water sports, but what really makes Florence special is 40 miles of sand dunes just waiting to be explored.

After some fun in the sun, there is plenty of afternoon and evening entertainment in the city from dining and shopping, to gambling and golfing. Accommodations in and around Florence come in every shape and size from budget motel to boutique hotel, camping on the beach to rooming next to a historic lighthouse. Florence is also a great base for day-trips north and south of town to state recreation areas or smaller coastal villages.

Highlights in and around Florence:

• Oregon Dunes: 40 miles of shifting sand dunes create an ever-changing outdoor playground in the Florence area. Dune buggies, dirt bikes, horses, and all sorts of all-terrain vehicles are perfectly suited for exploring the dunes and are available for rent in town. For a one-of-a-kind Florence experience, head to Sand Master Park, the world’s first sandboard park where you can carve, ride, and slide down 40 acres of dunes sculpted for every level from beginner to advanced. The park offers rentals, sandboarding lessons, and dune buggy tours. When you get the hang of riding the dunes, you can test your skills on their rail slides and jump ramps. Camping is also available at Sand Master Park’s RV park.
• Sea Lion Caves: The largest sea caves in America are just 11 miles north of Florence. The main cavern is the height of a 12-story building and as big as a football field in length. The caves are named for their famous inhabitants, wild sea lions which can be seen sunbathing out front or inside the cave. Guided tours of the cavern are provided and although there is some walking and steps to climb, the cavern is easily accessed by elevator.
• Old Town Florence: Stroll through this historic part of town overlooking the Siuslaw River for an afternoon of window shopping and dining. The old town is home to a park and marina, many nautical-themed shops, the River Gallery displaying the work of local artists, and an excellent selection of restaurants including Mo’s Restaurant, an Oregon Coast favorite.
• Cape Perpetua: Head to this scenic area for postcard views from the highest point on the Oregon Coast. A visit to the cape will give you a taste of every type of coastal scenery with hiking trails through old growth forests, views from rocky overlooks, and a long sandy beach where tidal pools can be explored during low tides. Cape Perpetua’s visitor center provides naturalist programs and guided walks. There is also an observation area for whale watching and campgrounds located within the park.
• Heceta Head Lighthouse: Near the Sea Lion Caves, 12 miles North of Florence, you’ll find Heceta Head Lighthouse. This 1893 lighthouse is one of the coast’s most famous lighthouses, giving off light that can be seen for 20 miles out to sea making it the brightest on the Oregon Coast It’s often rumored to be the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Freshly restored and reopened to the public in June of 2013, the lighthouse is a must-see for any visitor to Florence. To learn about this historical lighthouse visit the interpretive center located in the lightkeeper’s house. If you’re looking for unforgettable accommodations, book a room in the assistant lightkeeper’s house, now a Bed and Breakfast. In the surrounding area there is a network of trails totaling 7-miles.

Extend your trip:

Florence is smack dab in the middle of the route between two of the coast’s largest cities, Coos Bay and Newport, making it an ideal stop for a longer road trip. If you’re looking to enjoy the warm days of summer on the Oregon Coast and surrounding area, here are a few more stops to add to your itinerary:

• Coos Bay: Located 1 hour and 15 minutes (49 miles) to the south, Coos Bay is a great choice for more sand dunes and outdoor activities. This is the largest city on the coast and brimms with shopping, entertainment, and recreation options including botanical gardens and sea lion and whale watching tours.
• Newport: Head 1 hour and 15 minutes (49 miles) north and you’ll run into the exciting city of Newport where you can enjoy visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and several other marine life themed museums. Newport is also home to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon’s tallest and second oldest lighthouse, and Otter Rock, where the churning cauldron of waves in a collapsed sea cave known as Devil’s Punchbowl is located.
• Reedsport: Only 35 minutes (22 miles) south of Florence you’ll find the headquarters of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and more sand dune fun in this city about half the size of Florence, where the 40 miles of sand dunes begin in Flornce end.
• Eugene: On your way back from the coast, about 1 hour and 20 minute from Florence (60 miles) to the east, stop for an afternoon or a night in Tracktown USA where there’s less sand, but still plenty of outdoor recreation options including hiking and biking. Eugene is also home to a growing craft brewery industry and one of Oregon’s most popular wine growing regions.