Discover the Unique Charms of Florence, Oregon
Established in the year 1893, Florence, Oregon, is a relatively young city with a rich history shaped by its location on Oregon's Central Coast. Founded as a center for the timber and commercial fishing industries, Florence has evolved into a vibrant small city of slightly less than 10,000 citizens that is popular with artists, retirees, nature lovers, and those seeking a tranquil coastal lifestyle.
If you're contemplating a visit or a move to Florence, here's a list of 15 things to do and see to get you started.
01 Florence Rhododendron Festival
Visitors from all over the world converge on Florence during the third weekend in May to enjoy Oregon's second oldest floral festival — Florence Rhododendron Festival, fondly referred to by locals as Rhody Fest. Festivities include a carnival on the riverfront, classic car and motorcycle shows, a floral parade down Highway 101, and the Rhododendron Court coronation of Queen Rhododendra and The King of the Coast.
You can see thousands of Rhododendrons on display at Florence Rhododendron Society's yearly show, enjoy a street fair atmosphere in Old Town with live music, vendors, and children's activities, and participate in the 5K Rhody Run and Walk.
02 Heceta Head Lighthouse
Perched on a steep cliff 206 feet above the Pacific Ocean, Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Oregon. Tours of the 56-foot tower are available all year round, although weather and staff issues may occasionally result in delays or cancellations. A small, scenic beach is easily accessible from the parking lot, while a half-mile trail in the other direction leads to the lighthouse. The assistant lighthouse keeper's house, which was built in 1893, is currently in use as a bed-and-breakfast where you can book a room with seascape views and imagine life as a 19th-century lighthouse keeper.
03 Sea Lion Caves
Situated several miles north of Florence on scenic Highway 101, the Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned nature preserve featuring a 25 million-year-old cave where you can see hundreds of these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Sea Lion Caves is open year-round, with autumn and winter being particularly fascinating times to visit because these seasons have a higher number of sea lions seeking refuge from the rougher seas and cooler temperatures. The caves also host a variety of bird species, including cormorants, seagulls, and pigeon guillemots.
04 Old Town Florence
Situated just a few blocks east of Highway 101, Florence's historic Old Town District is a completely walkable blend of unique dining, retail, and entertainment options set in beautifully preserved architecture. Ornamental lampposts adorned with large baskets of blooming flowers line the streets, along with inviting benches where you can relax and soak up the scenic beauty and charming ambiance. Gazebo Park overlooks the Suislaw River, offering a serene spot where you can enjoy a coffee drink or picnic while watching boats pass by on the river and immersing yourself in the surrounding natural beauty.
05 Siuslaw River Bridge
Designed by well-known architect Conde McCullough and completed in 1936, the Siuslaw River Bridge features graceful arches, ornate spires, and decorative reliefs in Art Deco design. The bridge is a favorite subject of photographers and painters as well as a beloved community symbol. The Siuslaw Interpretive Center features signage offering information about the history of the bridge, a winding walking trail through tidal wetlands, and picnic tables where you can relax and enjoy the view of the bridge.
06 Florence Farmers Market
If you're lucky enough to visit Florence during late spring, summer, or early autumn, be sure to check out the Florence Farmers Market. You'll find a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with baked goods, artisanal cheese and honey, and handcrafted products produced by talented artisans. The market also features live music, cooking demonstrations, and a range of family-friendly activities. The Florence Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and runs from the third week in May through the middle of October.
07 Winter Music Festival
It's generally agreed that Florence's Winter Music Festival is the Oregon Coast's most popular music event. Featuring local, regional, and nationally acclaimed solo artists and groups, the festival highlights folk, bluegrass, jazz, and American roots music. The festival lasts for three days, and along with enjoying live performances, visitors can participate in interactive workshops and join in jam sessions. Plenty of good food and drink will be on hand, and the festival's venue in the Florence Events Center offers convenient proximity to Old Town so you can explore its charming and eclectic eateries, coffee shops, galleries, and retail shops.
08 Darlingtonia State Natural Site
Located just north of Florence, just off Highway 101, Darlingtonia State Natural Site is a botanical reserve dedicated to the protection and preservation of Darlingtonia californica, more commonly known as the cobra lily. Cobra lilies are a carnivorous plant species native to bogs, fens, and other wetland areas along the Pacific coast.
As its name implies, cobra lilies bear a strong resemblance to the hooded head of a cobra, complete with the snake's trademark forked tongue. The plant lures insects with sweet nectar, while the translucent patches on its hood cast confusing light patterns that disorient the insects. Trapped insects are then broken down by digestive enzymes and bacteria within the plant.
09 Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
Housed in a historic 1905 school building, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the area's rich and diverse heritage. Artifacts, exhibits, and photographs chronicle the lives of Florence's early settlers, maritime history, and Native American tribes. Displays showcase pioneer tools, memorabilia, household items, dugout canoes used by Native Americans, and one of the first telephone switchboards. You can even see a small collection of mastodon teeth. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
10 The Oregon Coast Military Museum
The Oregon Coast Military Museum opened its doors on July 4, 2015, to provide education on the history of our country's military and to honor veterans and their counterparts who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Year-round exhibits include a Civil War exhibit, a Military Aviation exhibit, a World War I exhibit, a Merchant Marine exhibit, and a Pacific War exhibit. The museum also honors the families of military members with its Homefront exhibit that tells the stories of daily life during wartime. Hours are seven days per week with the exception of major holidays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
11 Three Rivers Casino
Idyllically located between the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast Range on Highway 126, Three Rivers Casino is a full-service resort offering lodging, dining, gaming, and entertainment. Gaming enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities, such as playing slot machines, table games, and poker tournaments. The casino offers several dining venues that range from burgers and pizza to fully-fledged fine dining, with room service available as well. The 700-seat concert venue has hosted a variety of big names, including America, The Monkees, and Chubby Checker.
12 Florence Wine, Chowder, and Glass Float Trail
Many people associate the Oregon coast with summer fun, but each February during Presidents Day weekend, residents and visitors alike hit the streets of Florence to seek out the best in local seafood chowder and wine while engaging in a treasure hunt for handcrafted glass floats. February is a great time to visit the Oregon coast because accommodations are more affordable without the summer crowds. The cooler weather provides a cozy atmosphere for enjoying warm, savory chowder, and the community comes alive with festive activities and events.
13 Florence Festival of Books
Florence residents of all ages tend to share a love of reading. After all, the weather on Oregon's Central Coast provides plenty of opportunities for curling up with a good book and getting lost in a captivating story. The Florence Festival of Books typically takes place on the last Saturday in September and features a huge book sale, book signings by local authors, drawings for valuable prizes, and chef-prepared fare on the refreshment table. Writing workshops have recently been added to the event, providing aspiring writers with insight and advice from seasoned authors.
14 Heceta Beach
Although Florence isn't an oceanfront city, Heceta Beach is less than a mile to the west. Framed by dramatic dunes and rugged cliffs, Heceta Beach offers a large expanse of white sand that's ideal for beachcombing, enjoying a picnic, flying a kite, and exploring tide pools. Easily accessible from the parking lot, Heceta Beach is a popular spot for enjoying the Oregon Coast's spectacular sunsets and whale watching. A beach-going wheelchair is available at this location for those with mobility challenges and can be reserved in advance on the David's Chair website.
15 Mercer Lake
Surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation and rolling hills, Mercer Lake is a pristine freshwater lake spanning 359 acres that provides a serene respite for birdwatchers, kayakers, anglers, and nature lovers of all types. Large-mouth bass, yellow perch, trout, and other fish species inhabit Mercer Lake's depth. However, boats are necessary because the shoreline is rough, rocky, and brushy, making angling from the shore uncomfortable and difficult. Fortunately, boat rentals are available from local outfitters. Other freshwater lakes within five miles of Florence include Clearwox Lake, Siltcoos Lake, and Woahink Lake.
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