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Florence, the undiscovered
jewel of Oregon's central coast, beckons visitors each year with
its breathtaking beauty, historic attractions, and unique way of
life. Rugged coastlines, golden beaches, and towering sand dunes
exist here within sight of a quaint harbor hugging the shores of a
charming pioneer town. 
Take an exhilarating ride
across Pacific beach sand dunes on an ATV. Lose yourself in the
exotic beauty of an old growth forest. Cast a line and wait for
the salmon to bite on the scenic Siuslaw River, or head downstream
for a riverboat ride through the town's Port of Siuslaw.
With so much to see and
do, one might think this gem of a town would be flooded with
throngs of tourists. Yet, amazingly, this "City of
Rhododendrons," with more attractions and activities than
most other destinations, remains quiet, rural, and a pleasure to
visit. In other words, Florence offers more to see and do with
less congestion and more open space, making an ideal vacation spot
for the crowd-wary traveler.
Water is an essential part
of life in and around Florence. The Siuslaw River, crisscrossed by
picturesque bridges that harken to another era, forms the historic
heart of the region. This natural wonder was the focal point
around which Florence evolved, and today sees countless fishing
vessels and pleasure boats traversing its sparkling waters. The
area also boasts 17 lakes, popular for aficionados of
water-skiing, jetskiing, and wind surfing. Cleawox and Lily Lakes
make perfect spots for flyfishing, bottom fishing, and casting for
rainbow trout, bluegill, perch, and crappie. Then, of course,
there's the biggest lake of them all, the mighty Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific seashore
offers some of the most famous attractions in Oregon; most notably
the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, with its enormous sand
dunes, rising to elevations of hundreds of feet. The vast size and
sheer number of these ever-shifting mountains of sand make a
beautiful, almost other-worldly, landscape. They also offer
perfect vantage points to look out across the magnificent Pacific;
on crystal clear winter days, the view can stretch forever.
Another view worth taking
in is the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest old growth
forests; there are quite a few in central Oregon open for hikers
and nature lovers. Take in the beauty of Kentucky Falls and the
green shade of the cool forests along the Pawn Trail. The huge
Siuslaw National Forest runs for 50 miles up and down the Oregon
Coast surrounding Florence and offers plenty of opportunities for
seeing nature at its most pristine.
For visitors looking for
modern conveniences, Florence is the Central Coast's cultural
centerpiece, offering the finest in entertainment and
accommodations. Visit the town's dozens of shopping and dining
establishments. Explore one of the annual civic celebrations, such
as the town's landmark Rhododendron Festival each spring or the
Florence Fall Festival. Stroll along the waterfront of Old Town,
past the numerous boutiques, restaurants, and antique stores. And
enjoy fine accommodations at one of the area's many hotels, and
bed &
breakfast inns, or at one of its 16 campgrounds and RV
facilities. 
Florence and vicinity also
boasts a complimentary pair of magnificent golf courses (or golf "links"),
14 miles of horse trails, seven beach accesses, an
8,000-square-foot events center and art gallery, approximately 30
churches representing a variety of faiths and denominations, and
additional oceanside attractions, such as the Heceta Lighthouse
and the Sea Lion Caves, the largest sea cave in the world.
From its people and
celebrations to its beaches and attractions, from its churches and
community centers to its wildlife and natural wonders, this area
welcomes all who make the trip to see its splendors. Spend some
time in Florence, a unique vacation destination that thrives upon
the beauty and resources of its diverse ecosystem, and the pride
and community of its people. |
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1st Traveler's
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