The beautiful coastal town of Florence is located at the mouth of the Siuslaw River. You can explore its historic Old Town district, home to shops, galleries, and cafes. Across the river, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is also a popular destination. During your visit to Florence, be sure to check out the Steller sea lion caves, or you can take a boat tour to see the dunes. The Siuslaw River is also an excellent place to go whale watching.
During your stay in Florence, don’t miss the Siuslaw people’s cultural heritage. The Siuslaws occupied this region for thousands of years and have remained in the same locations for generations. The river served as an important part of the local economy, providing abundant supplies of fish and serving as an important route into the Coast Range. During this time, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area was also the perfect location to enjoy sandboarding.
To make your vacation a memorable one, you should take in Florence’s rich history and natural surroundings. The town is also known as the Coastal Playground, because nearly every direction along its coastline caters to ocean-related activities. One of the largest expanses of sand near Florence is the Heceta Beach, not to be confused with the Heceta Head further north. The area offers classic sand-related activities such as swimming and boogie-boarding, as well as birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
The city has a rich history and is home to many tourist attractions. For the thrill-seekers, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends south from Florence to Coos Bay and is the largest tract of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. The park is a favorite among off-road vehicle operators from across the country. The town is also home to a private sandboarding park called the Sand Master Park. There you can buy sandboards or rent them at the local store.
To explore the area, you can choose to stay in a hotel or a camp in the area. A few of the top hotels in the area are situated on a hillside, but you can also find rooms in a downtown condominium. The Florence city center is a popular spot for tourists, and it is a popular place for families and honeymooners. There are also a few campgrounds in the Florence metropolis, and you can camp here.
If you are looking for a hiking trail in Florence, Oregon, you can visit the William M. Tugman State Park to explore the local sand dunes. This 5.5-mile loop is easy for people of all fitness levels, and is dog-friendly. You can hike on this trail for half a day, or take a scenic drive to see the beautiful scenery. If you prefer a beach walk, you can head to the town of Kingwood.