Discover Hidden Treasures:
If you and your loved ones crave exploration, imagination, and a little friendly competition, Florence, Oregon, offers the perfect blend of adventure and discovery along the beautiful Central Oregon Coast. It’s yet another reason we’re known as Oregon’s Coastal Playground! Be sure to check our last recommendation at the end of the article!
Nestled between the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean, Florence isn’t just a beach-and-river town—it’s a destination for modern-day treasure hunters, art lovers, puzzle-solvers, and curious wanderers of all ages.
Embark on the Florence Charm Trail
Looking for a delightful activity to do with your partner or the kids? Start your journey on the Florence Charm Trail, a unique retail scavenger hunt that guides you to participating local businesses where you collect hand-picked charms. Pick up your $5 starter bracelet and a map at the Chamber’s Visitor’s Center and Art Gallery, 290 Highway 101 in Florence.
Each stop introduces you to friendly shop owners, local artists, and Florence’s one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and eateries. Each business offers a $3 charm representing something special about Florence. Collect them all for a one-of-a-kind keepsake! It's an affordable experience that turns a simple stroll through Old Town into a fun and meaningful quest.
Type: Retail scavenger hunt/charm collection
Perfect for: Families with kids, couples, collectors
Where to Start: Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (290 Highway 101)
How it Works: Pick up a free charm bracelet starter kit and map. Then visit participating businesses throughout Old Town and the greater Florence area.
Insider Tip: Some locations are seasonal or rotate their charms—repeat visits can yield surprises!
Follow the Florence Public Art Trail
Art lovers and explorers unite! The Florence Public Art Trail winds through our historic Old Town and beyond, showcasing murals, sculptures, and creative installations that reflect the area's coastal heritage, Native American roots, and artistic flair. It’s a self-guided walking tour filled with photo-worthy moments and a great way to explore Florence’s charming Historic Old Town area. Whether you're a couple out for a romantic stroll or a family making memories, this colorful trail will have you looking at Florence with fresh eyes.
Type: Self-guided art discovery quest
Perfect for: Couples, photographers, families with teens
What You'll See: Stunning murals, sculptures, art benches, mosaics, and kinetic art pieces by local and regional artists
Where to Go: Trail maps are available at the Florence Events Center and Chamber Visitor Center. You can also find guides on FlorenceArtsAlive.org (check for updates).
Why It’s Great: It’s Instagram-worthy, walkable, and free! Pair it with local cafes and restaurants for a perfect day out.
Try a Self-Guided Quest or Scavenger Hunt
Florence is brimming with DIY scavenger hunts and themed quests designed for adventurous families and couples. You can download printable scavenger hunt maps from local visitor sites or pick up brochures at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. From finding quirky public art to spotting hidden symbols in shop windows, these quests add a fun twist to sightseeing. Some even come with prizes or discounts from participating businesses!
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum Discovery Quest
Type: Indoor interactive scavenger hunt
Perfect for: History lovers, school-age kids, multigenerational families
Location: 278 Maple Street, Florence
What to Expect: Museum staff and volunteers often offer printed scavenger hunt sheets for children and families to explore the exhibits. Solve clues to unlock stories of Florence’s early settlers, riverboats, Native American tribes, and coastal traditions.
Bonus: Some local teachers use this as a fun educational field trip—perfect for homeschoolers too!
Insider Tip: The museum hours vary throughout the year. Call 541-997-7884 or visit their website.
Exploration Quests at Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
Type: Nature-based scavenger hunt and GPS quest
Perfect for: Adventurous families, nature lovers, campers
Where to Begin: Check in at the Honeyman State Park ranger station
Activities Include:
- Nature scavenger hunts for native plants and wildlife
- StoryWalks® with interactive children’s books posted along short trails
- Occasional ranger-led quests during summer months
Don't Miss: The giant sand dunes nearby make a great spot for “photo quests” or geocache discoveries!
Dive into Geocaching on the Coast
Want to add a digital twist to your coastal adventure? Geocaching in Florence is a thrilling way to explore the area's natural beauty while searching for hidden caches using your GPS or smartphone. The region boasts a variety of geocache locations—from the Heceta Head Lighthouse to local parks and forest trails. It’s like modern-day treasure hunting—ideal for families with teens or couples who love solving clues together in the great outdoors. You'll experience places even locals haven't discovered yet.
Geocaching Adventures in Florence & Surrounding Areas
Type: GPS-based treasure hunting game
Perfect for: Tech-savvy families, adventurous couples
Tools Needed: A smartphone or GPS device + a free account on Geocaching.com
Where to Look: Start by using Google and searching “Geocaching Florence Oregon.” Look for adventures near:
- Heceta Head Lighthouse area
- Hobbit Trail
- Darlingtonia State Natural Site
- Old Town Waterfront
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
What to Expect: Small hidden containers with logbooks, sometimes filled with tiny tradeable trinkets. Many caches are themed or puzzle-based.
Pro Tip: Combine geocaching with a romantic hike or family picnic for a full day of fun!
And Finally…Travel February’s Annual Great Glass Float Giveaway Trail
Embark on a coastal adventure like no other with Florence, Oregon's, Annual Wine, Chowder, and Glass Float Trail. Held annually on Presidents' Weekend in February, this distinctive event combines the finest regional wines, local chowders, and a family-fun glass float treasure hunt, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Oregon coast. These handmade objects d'art average in value between $35 and $85 in value!
Hidden in Plain Sight: A Quest for Coastal Gems
Discover the thrill of finding gorgeous hand-blown glass floats, artfully placed “in plain sight” in more than 30 stores and businesses throughout Florence. Get your map from the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, tell the proprietor where you spotted the glass float, and get a ticket for the prize drawing. These one-of-a-kind treasures await discovery, adding an exhilarating dimension to your coastal adventure.
Type: Annual self-guided treasure hunt with free map from the Chamber of Commerce
Perfect for: Families with kids, couples, collectors
Where to Start: Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (290 Highway 101)
How it Works: Pick up a free map when you register, then visit participating businesses throughout Historic Old Town and the greater Florence area.
Insider Tip: Make it a true three-day weekend, book a room, and get out to taste regional wines and local chowders (and vote for your favorite chowder to help crown each year’s champion)!
Learn more at WineandChowderTrail.com or, as February draws near, at this Facebook page.
Why Florence is Perfect for Quest Seekers
Florence offers a unique mix of interactive fun, natural beauty, and small-town charm that makes it an ideal getaway for travelers who like a little adventure. Whether you’re:
- A family looking for kid-friendly activities
- A couple seeking fun and connection
- A solo traveler looking for like-minded adventurers or hunting for something different
…there’s always a trail to follow, art to discover, or treasure to find in Florence.
So grab your map, lace up your walking shoes, and find maximum fun in Oregon’s Coastal Playground!
Start your quest today at www.FlorenceFun.com or stop by the Visitor Center, 290 Highway 101, for free brochures, maps, and insider tips. Your adventure is wait
