Beaches, Food, Dunes & Unforgettable Coastal Adventures
When summer arrives on the Oregon Coast, few places offer as much variety and natural beauty as Florence.
Nestled where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean, Florence combines wide sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, fresh seafood, outdoor adventures, and a charming waterfront district filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, golf trip, or outdoor adventure, Florence delivers some of the best summer activities on the Oregon Coast.
From exploring Historic Old Town Florence to sandboarding in the towering dunes and watching the sunset from South Jetty Beach, here are the top summer travel ideas in Florence, Oregon.
Explore Historic Old Town Florence
The heart of Florence is Historic Old Town Florence, a picturesque waterfront district lined with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and scenic views of the Siuslaw River.
Visitors love to stroll the boardwalk, browse local shops, and relax on benches while watching fishing boats, seals, and seabirds. The district is anchored by Gazebo Park and the Siuslaw Bridge Interpretive Park, where interpretive signs explain the history and engineering of the iconic Siuslaw River Bridge.
People-watching here is a summer pastime all its own.
Savor Florence’s Incredible Food Scene
Summer travel in Florence is as much about flavor as it is about scenery.
Fresh Oregon Seafood
Enjoy locally caught Dungeness crab, clam chowder, fish and chips, oysters, and wild salmon served with riverfront views.
International Cuisine
Florence offers a surprisingly diverse culinary scene with Mexican, Asian, Italian, and other globally inspired menus.
Pacific Northwest Fare
Regional chefs showcase fresh ingredients from the coast, nearby farms, and Oregon vineyards.
Sweet Treats
Reward your beach day with handmade chocolates, saltwater taffy, ice cream, pastries, and bakery delights.
Cozy Coffeehouses
Start your morning with expertly brewed coffee and pastries before heading to the beach or dunes.
Shop for Art, Antiques, and Coastal Treasures
Florence is a shopper’s paradise for visitors seeking unique souvenirs and gifts.
Discover paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted works inspired by the Oregon Coast.
Fun Specialty Shops
Browse kite stores, toy shops, bookstores, and quirky boutiques filled with coastal charm.
Antique Stores
Treasure hunters will enjoy vintage furniture, collectibles, maritime memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Play on the Oregon Dunes
One of Florence’s greatest attractions is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America.
Race down steep dunes for one of the most memorable adventures on the coast.
Guided dune buggy tours deliver thrilling climbs, drops, and sweeping views.
Bring your own OHV or rent one locally to explore miles of designated riding areas.
Hiking in the Dunes
Walk among sculpted sand landscapes and discover breathtaking overlooks.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures Around Florence
Play exceptional coastal courses like Sandpines Golf Links and Ocean Dunes Golf Links.
Explore forest trails, coastal viewpoints, and stretches of the Oregon Coast Trail.
Paddle peaceful lakes, rivers, and estuaries rich with wildlife.
Catch salmon, trout, and Dungeness crab in one of Oregon’s premier coastal fishing destinations.
Beach Activities Everyone Will Love
Florence’s beaches are made for long summer days and unforgettable memories.
Beachcombing
Search for shells, sand dollars, agates, and the occasional glass float.
Sandcastle Building
Oregon’s broad beaches provide endless room for creativity.
Kite Flying
Reliable coastal breezes make Florence one of the best kite-flying destinations in Oregon.
Discover sea stars, anemones, and crabs among rocky shorelines.
Enjoy permitted campfires in designated areas and end the day with toasted marshmallows.
Romantic Sunset Walks
Few experiences rival walking hand-in-hand along miles of uncrowded shoreline.
Best Beaches Near Florence, Oregon
South Jetty Beach offers access to both the beach and the Oregon Dunes, with separate motorized and non-motorized areas.
North Jetty sits at the mouth of the Siuslaw River and connects to the expansive sands of Heceta Beach.
Heceta Beach is a favorite for easy access, scenic walks, and family beach days.
Baker Beach is a quieter stretch ideal for long walks and photography.
Devil's Elbow Beach offers dramatic coastal scenery near the jetty and lighthouse area.
Ocean Beach Wayside is popular for agate hunting and beachcombing.
Bob Creek Wayside is a hidden gem for rockhounds and shell collectors.
Strawberry Hill features some of the most impressive tide pools on the central coast.
Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint provides easy beach access and excellent picnic spots.
Don’t Miss Heceta Head Lighthouse
Just north of Florence, Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. The 56-foot lighthouse, first illuminated in 1894, sits 206 feet above the Pacific, and its beam can be seen 21 miles offshore.
The half-mile trail to the lighthouse offers spectacular ocean views and outstanding whale-watching opportunities.
Why Florence, Oregon, Is One of the Best Summer Destinations on the Oregon Coast
Few destinations offer such a rich combination of beaches, dunes, outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining in one convenient location. In a single day, you can sip artisan coffee, browse waterfront galleries, ride across towering dunes, feast on fresh seafood, and watch the sun sink into the Pacific.
Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or that special someone, Florence offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
This summer, make Florence your base camp for discovering the very best of the Oregon Coast.
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!
Get the FREE Visitor Guide
We promise not to spam you. Get our occasional newsletter with insider tips on what there is to do in Florence.
Visit our live Webcam Page to take a peek at various locations and perspectives from in and around Florence
