Top 10 Things to Do in Florence, Oregon, This Spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit Florence, Oregon, and discover why this place is known as Oregon’s Coastal Playground. The weather begins to warm, wildflowers appear along trails and headlands, and visitors can enjoy beaches, dunes, golf, and coastal attractions before the busy summer season arrives.
Located on Oregon’s Central Coast, a gorgeous one-hour drive west of Eugene, Florence offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, art, history, and small-town charm. And the food scene is truly remarkable with fresh ocean- and farm-to-table favorites, satisfying breakfasts, excellent pub grub, outstanding coffee, tea, and baked goods, and international menus. Book a room and start your adventure today!
Travel experts agree: If you’re planning a spring getaway to the Oregon Coast, Florence makes an ideal home base. It’s right in the middle of all 363 miles of Highway 101. From historic waterfront strolls to sandboarding, hiking, whale watching, and scenic coastal drives, there’s something here for every traveler. Check these sample itineraries.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Florence, Oregon, this spring.
1. Explore Historic Old Town Florence
No visit to Florence is complete without time spent in Historic Old Town Florence. Stretching along the scenic Siuslaw River waterfront, Old Town blends shopping, dining, galleries, public art, and coastal charm into one walkable district.
Spring is especially enjoyable in Old Town because visitors can explore without peak-season crowds. Browse locally owned boutiques, discover handmade gifts and coastal décor, enjoy fresh seafood restaurants, or simply sit near the marina with a custom coffee and watch boats move along the river.
Historic Old Town also serves as the heart of Florence’s arts and culture scene. Public murals, riverfront benches, and seasonal events create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and explore.
While you’re in the district, take time to visit the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum. Located in a restored schoolhouse, the museum shares the history of Florence and the Siuslaw region through exhibits, photographs, logging artifacts, maritime stories, and pioneer collections. It’s a worthwhile stop for visitors who want to better understand the area’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re shopping, dining, or strolling beneath the iconic Siuslaw River Bridge, Old Town Florence is definitely one of the most popular attractions on the Oregon Coast.
2. Ride, Hike, and Play in the Oregon Dunes
Florence is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest thanks to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Stretching for miles along the coast, these towering sand dunes offer adventure opportunities that are difficult to find anywhere else.
Spring is one of the best times to experience the dunes. Temperatures are cooler, trails are comfortable, and visitors can explore before the heavier summer traffic arrives.
Popular ways to experience the dunes include:
- Riding ATVs or UTVs across designated riding areas
- Taking a guided dune buggy tour
- Hiking sandy trails and overlooks, or uncrowded beaches.
- Photography among ever-changing dune formations
- Wildlife viewing near wetlands and forest edges
Families, couples, and adventure seekers all find something to enjoy here. Florence serves as one of the best access points to the Oregon Dunes, making it a natural choice for travelers seeking outdoor recreation.
3. Golf Coastal Fairways at Sandpines or Ocean Dunes
Spring is golf season in Florence. Mild temperatures, lush green fairways, and lighter crowds make this one of the best times of year to book a coastal tee time.
Two standout Florence golf courses attract visitors from across Oregon and beyond.
Sandpines Golf Links is known for its scenic dune-lined fairways and challenging layout. Designed to blend naturally into the coastal environment, the course offers a memorable Oregon golf experience with rolling greens, water features, and views of native vegetation.
Ocean Dunes Golf Links provides a unique mix of coastal forest, open dunes, and links-style play. Several holes feature dramatic elevation changes and dune scenery that make each round feel distinctive.
For golf travelers exploring the Oregon Coast, Florence is often considered a hidden gem. Spring conditions provide excellent playability before peak tourism season begins.
4. Try Sandboarding at Sand Master Park
For one of Florence’s most unique experiences, head to Sand Master Park. Known as the world’s first sandboard park, this family-friendly attraction gives visitors the opportunity to surf down dunes using specially designed boards.
Spring weather is ideal for sandboarding because temperatures remain comfortable and the sand is often easier to navigate than during hot summer afternoons.
Visitors can:
- Rent sandboards and sleds
- Take beginner lessons
- Practice on smaller slopes
- Progress to steeper runs
- Enjoy a fun activity suitable for families, teens, and groups
Sandboarding combines the excitement of snowboarding with the laid-back atmosphere of the Oregon Coast. Even first-time riders often discover it’s easier—and more addictive—than expected.
5. Hike Sweet Creek Falls
Spring is waterfall season, and Sweet Creek Falls is one of the best hikes near Florence, Oregon.
Located just inland from the coast, Sweet Creek Trail follows a lush forest stream lined with moss-covered rocks, ferns, and multiple waterfalls. Spring runoff creates especially dramatic water flow, making this hike one of the area’s top seasonal attractions.
The trail is approachable for many visitors because portions are relatively gentle and easy to navigate. Along the route, hikers encounter a series of cascades and scenic viewpoints that make frequent stops worthwhile.
Sweet Creek Falls offers a peaceful contrast to Florence’s beaches and dunes. For visitors seeking quiet forest beauty, this trail consistently ranks among the best hikes on the Central Oregon Coast.
6. Walk Florence’s Uncrowded Beaches
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy Florence’s beaches before summer crowds arrive. Wide stretches of sand, fresh ocean air, and open space create an ideal setting for relaxation and family fun.
Popular beach activities in Florence include:
- Flying kites in steady coastal breezes
- Building sandcastles with kids
- Beachcombing for shells and driftwood
- Visiting the wildlife in colorful tide pools
- Watching sunsets over the Pacific Ocean
- Enjoying a beach picnic
- Making s’mores around a permitted recreational fire
Spring evenings often bring calm skies and unforgettable coastal sunsets. When building a beach fire, always keep it small, bring water for extinguishing, and ensure coals are completely cool before leaving.
Florence beaches offer a quieter, more peaceful coastal experience than many larger beach towns, making them ideal for visitors seeking room to roam.
7. Visit Sea Lion Caves and Heceta Head Lighthouse
Two of Oregon’s most iconic coastal attractions sit just minutes north of Florence and make an easy paired outing.
Sea Lion Caves is America’s largest sea cave and one of the Oregon Coast’s most recognizable stops. Visitors descend into the cave system to observe wild sea lions in their natural habitat while enjoying dramatic ocean views from surrounding overlooks.
Just one mile away, Heceta Head Lighthouse rises above the coastline on one of the most photographed viewpoints in Oregon. Visitors can walk the trail to the lighthouse, admire rugged cliffs, and capture spectacular panoramic photos.
Spring conditions often create especially beautiful scenery, with greener landscapes, active surf, and fewer visitors than summer months.
Combining Sea Lion Caves and Heceta Head Lighthouse makes for a memorable half-day coastal adventure.
8. Explore Darlingtonia Wayside
Darlingtonia State Natural Site—often called Darlingtonia Wayside—is one of Florence’s most unusual natural attractions.
This protected bog is home to the rare bug-eating cobra lily plant, a carnivorous species native to select wetland environments in Oregon. A short boardwalk trail allows visitors to safely explore the habitat while learning about these fascinating plants.
Spring is a particularly good time to visit because the bog becomes greener and more active as temperatures rise.
Darlingtonia Wayside offers a quick but memorable stop for travelers interested in nature, botany, or unique ecosystems.
9. Take Scenic Drives North and South Along the Oregon Coast
Florence’s location makes it one of the best home bases for exploring the Oregon Coast.
Positioned nearly in the center of Oregon’s 363-mile coastline, Florence allows visitors to branch out for easy day trips both north and south. And check out these Quests, Art Trails, and Geocaching Adventures.
Drive north to discover:
- Coastal viewpoints near Yachats
- Cape Perpetua scenic overlooks
- Rocky tide pools and dramatic headlands
- Forested trails and hidden beaches
Drive south to experience:
- Additional dune landscapes
- Dozens of lakes for kayaking, canoeing, or SUP
- Quiet fishing towns
- Scenic river crossings
- Open coastal stretches with lighter traffic
Few Oregon Coast towns provide such balanced access in both directions. Visitors staying in Florence can explore a wide variety of landscapes without spending hours behind the wheel.
10. Go Whale Watching Along the Central Coast
While peak whale migration occurs earlier in spring, Florence remains a rewarding place for whale watching throughout the season.
Gray whales continue moving north along the coast, and patient visitors may still spot them from elevated viewpoints.
Popular whale watching locations near Florence include:
- Heceta Head viewpoints
- Coastal pullouts north of town
- Scenic overlooks along Highway 101
- Beach viewpoints during calm ocean conditions
Bring binoculars, dress in layers, and look for telltale whale spouts offshore.
Whale watching offers a peaceful way to experience Florence’s coastline and connect with the seasonal rhythms of the Pacific Ocean.
Plan Your Spring Getaway to Florence, Oregon
Spring in Florence offers visitors the chance to experience the Oregon Coast at a relaxed pace. Beaches are quieter, trails are greener, golf courses are in prime condition, and outdoor adventures feel more accessible.
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Whether you’re exploring Historic Old Town, hiking to waterfalls, riding through the dunes, or discovering hidden coastal viewpoints, Florence delivers memorable spring experiences for couples, families, golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and weekend travelers.
If you’re searching for the best things to do on the Oregon Coast this spring, Florence belongs at the top of your travel list.
All the links:
Discover why Florence is known as Oregon’s Coastal Playground.
Florence is more than a destination—it’s an experience.
Golfing along scenic coastal courses
Sandboarding the famous Oregon Dunes
Sand rail and ATV rides across miles of open sand
Fishing and crabbing on the Siuslaw River and Pacific Ocean
Hiking, kayaking, clamming, and wildlife watching
Learn about our stewardship and accessibility improvement efforts
Check these links for more helpful information for planning your visit! Check our blog page for other topics like sandboarding, horseback riding, golf, and kayaking!
