Come discover Florence — the highly acclaimed destination where coastal beauty meets small-town charm—and your best place for outdoor adventure, romantic getaways, family vacations, arts and culture, to connect with nature, or for scouting your next business opportunity. The invigorating air is fresh off the ocean, the beaches uncrowded, the people friendly, the food diversity outstanding, and the adventures memory-making!
Florence is loved worldwide, and with all these glowing reviews, you know you’ll have a great time here! Florence has captured the hearts of travelers and travel writers alike. Over the last few years, Florence has been recognized as Oregon’s Coastal Playground and named to many top vacation destination lists; and now, it’s calling your name! With national recognition and glowing reviews, it's no wonder so many people fall in love with this remarkable destination.
Here's what the experts say:
- TripAdvisor: One of the Top 25 U.S. Family Weekend Getaways
- USA Today: #1 Best Small Town in the Northwest, #2 in America for Adventure
- Expedia.com: #1 Most Beautiful Town in the U.S., #5 Best Place to “Pop the Question”
- Reader’s Digest: Featured in their article “The Best Summer Vacation Ever!”
- MSN.com: #6 Most Scenic River Town in the Northwest
- TheTravel.com:
- #2 Best Small Town in Oregon
- #6 Most Beautiful Town in America
- #3 Most Underrated U.S. Beach Town
- Flights.com: One of the “8 Coolest Cities You Must Experience Yourself”
- FastCompany.com: #2 Most Beautiful Town in America
- Yardbarker.com: One of the 14 Most Beautiful West Coast Beach Towns
- WorldAtlas.com:
- Best Oregon Towns for a Weekend Trip
- Most Relaxing Oregon Towns
- Best Main Streets in the Pacific Northwest
- Most Storybook-Like Towns in Oregon
- Coziest Small Towns in Oregon
- Stacker.com: One of the Best Beach Towns in Oregon
- WeDreamOfTravel.com: Top Oregon Coast Photography Spot
- The Oregonian/OregonLive.com: Readers’ Favorite Coastal Getaway
We couldn’t agree more. Now, experience the area yourself, and make Florence your coastal playground! Whether you’re seeking tranquility, adventure, or a mix of both, Florence, Oregon, is the place to be. Embrace the cool, clean air, relish open beaches, explore scenic trails, indulge in diverse dining options (international and fresh seafood options abound) or Old Town shopping. Stay a few days, or longer, at one of many great lodging options and treat yourself to the ultimate coastal getaway.
Why So Many Accolades?
Located on the breathtaking central Oregon Coast, a beautiful one-hour drive west from Eugene, Florence offers 20 miles of uncrowded beaches, winding forest trails, and endless ways to relax or play. You’ll love the numerous and unique outdoor recreational opportunities, the world-class entertainment at the incredible Florence Events Center, the quaint-but-not-commercial Historic Old Town, the wide variety of cultural foods and delicious restaurants, multiple and varied attractions, and scores of thriving businesses all around town to meet your travel or move-in needs.
Thrill Seekers Always Satisfied…
Adventure-seekers also love the thrilling dune buggy rides, WWII biplane flights, and helicopter tours over the scenic shoreline. For indoor fun, Three Rivers Casino Resort offers top-notch gaming, restaurants, and entertainment. Kayaking and other paddle sports are outstanding in Florence!
…As Are the Tame-hearted
If arts and culture are your thing, spend time in our many galleries, our historic Pioneer or Military history museums, local playhouses, our art-house movie theater, or the spectacular 450-seat Florence Events Center that regularly hosts world-class entertainers. Florence is also home to a vibrant visual arts community and offers year-round events that bring locals and visitors together in celebration.
Beaches, Forests, and Dunes…Oh My!
We’ve got 20 miles of uncrowded beaches for picnics and sandcastles, beachcombing, tidepooling, kite flying, or romantic sunset strolls.
If you’re into hiking ancient forests, mushroom foraging, geocaching, or trail riding on bikes or horses, we’ve got that too. There are miles of well-marked (and unmarked) trails and back roads surrounding Florence among the state and county parks, US Forest Service lands, and the Siuslaw National Forest. Check out horseback riding and the many thrills of the Oregon Dunes info here.
What About Golf?
Tee off in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic destinations—Florence, Oregon, where golfing blends world-class play with breathtaking coastal views. Golfers flock to this charming coastal town to enjoy two top-tier courses: Florence Golf Links and Ocean Dunes Golf Links.
Nearby, the iconic Sea Lion Caves is nothing short of wild! Nothing can prepare you for the grandeur of America’s largest sea cave and its hundreds of resident Stellar sea lions, all part of a privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. Descend more than 200 feet through solid basalt rock via elevator and emerge into the 12-story tall cathedral of these raucous residents. Up top, you can view the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse and miles of spectacular ocean views. You might even spot one of the year-round resident whales or a passing pod of dolphins or orcas.
The highest viewpoint on the Oregon Coast is a gorgeously thrilling 20-mile drive north at Cape Perpetua, where you can spot whales and see all the way back to Florence from the top of the cape (a paved backwoods kind of drive); below you will find trails, tide pools, and an interpretive center. Be sure to see Thor’s Well and the Spouting Horn.
As you can see, this picturesque town has something for everyone, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Plan Your Coastal Escape Today
For more information, to receive a Florence Visitor’s Guide and Business Directory, or to receive a Future Resident Relocation Packet, visit FlorenceFun.com, call 541-997-3128, email us at info@FlorenceChamber.com, follow us on Facebook: Florence Oregon Coast, request our free newsletter with events, travel tips, and moneysaving deals, or visit our visitors’ center and art gallery at 290 Highway 101 in Florence.