Nestled on the stunning Oregon Coast, Florence offers a picturesque backdrop for a memorable date.
Start your romantic adventure with a thrilling sand dune ride. For the adventurous couple, rent ATVs at Torex ATV Rentals. Or, consider hiring a professional driver at Sand Land Adventures or Sand Dunes Frontier to take you out on a high-powered dune buggy called a sand rail. We recommend the one-hour tour for the fullest experience that includes big dune thrills, beach ride, and racing along the flats all interspersed with a bit of an informative eco-tour. Either way, you will always remember the thrill of the adventure and the breathtaking views of forests and the ocean from the top of the towering dunes. From late Spring to early Fall, Sand Land Adventures also offers go-carts, bumper boats, and mini golf.
Next, slow it down a little, with a relaxing-yet-challenging round of golf. The surprising news is that couples can play golf all year long in Florence. When the courses of Central Oregon are snowed or iced-over and the courses of the Willamette Valley are flooded, Florence Golf Links and Ocean Dunes Golf Links at Three Rivers Casino Resort, are open and ready to play. The secret? The gorgeous tree-lined fairways and greens of Florence’s golf courses are built on sand. And they dry fast after a rain, making them playable within minutes.
By now, you’re probably a little hungry, or at least thirsty. No worries. Florence has about three dozen places to choose from. Choose between casual breakfast/lunch places to relaxing lunch/dinner places, to “Florence-fancy” dinner spots. In a town built by loggers and fishermen, “Florence-fancy” means most places exude a friendly rustic vibe. No jacket and tie requirements, just a familiar Northwest flavor to it all. Denim and plaids are welcome. In between are awesome coffeehouses, coffee kiosks, local bars friendly to visitors, even national-name fast-food, and a chowder joint right on the docks where the fare goes directly from boat to kitchen.
Between visits to the sumptuous fare of Florence’s food scene, be sure to make a visit to either of our fascinating museums. The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is in the heart of Historic Old Town and gives visitors a taste of life as it was 150 years ago, or more. Authentic first-nations relics and pioneer lifestyle are presented to delight and inform. The Oregon Coast Military Museum displays gear and memorabilia from the US Civil War up through the more contemporary conflicts in the Middle East and uses several dioramas to honor and remember the brave individuals who served in the American military to defend our freedoms.
A couple of other unique things to do in Florence include sandboarding at Sand Master Park, a visit to the world famous Sea Lion Caves, or a quick stop at the Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside to meet the native meat-eating plants.
Most of all, Florence features uncrowded beaches where you and your date can perch yourself on a driftwood log or rocky outcropping, or take that most memorable hand-in-hand romantic sunset walk as sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a romantic glow over the water.
Top it off with a dinner at Waterfront Depot or Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House and Zebra Bar back in Historic Old Town. Either way you’ll get a dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with a charming atmosphere. Waterfront Depot is housed in a historic converted rural train station and The Bridgewater is inside a large historic mercantile building. Both offer a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in delectable seafood or savor a perfectly cooked steak while enjoying the intimate ambiance.
Conclude your date night with a cozy bonfire on Heceta Beach. Bundle up in blankets and enjoy the warmth of the fire as you listen to the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It's the perfect setting for intimate conversations and stargazing.
One your way home, satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the two convenient BJ's Ice Cream Parlor locations. Choose from a variety of delicious ice cream flavors and toppings to create the perfect dessert to end your evening on a sweet note.
Florence, Oregon, offers a diverse range of romantic experiences. Whether you prefer a quiet stroll along the river or an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the sand dunes, this coastal town has something for every couple seeking a memorable date. Florence's natural beauty combined with its charming atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic escapade along the Oregon Coast.
