Coast Explorer Magazine - The Explorer's Guide to the Oregon Coast and Washington Coast

Regional Highlights

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    Carnivorous, Rare & Wild
    Visit the Darlingtonia Wayside near Florence and discover the strange and mysterious, carnivorous Cobra Lily.
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    Sea Lion Caves
    For over 130 years, the Sea Lion Caves, 11 miles north of Florence have attracted visitors to see Steller Sea...
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    A Pelican Puzzle
    A few decades ago, Brown Pelicans were on the cusp of extinction. Today the species abounds, but some curious behavior...
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    Rocky Residents
    A variety of limpets can be found in rocky intertidal areas.
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    Life in the Tidepool: Sunflower Sea Stars
    The Sunflower Sea Star may have a flowery name but its reputation is fierce.
Image Depicting Florence

Florence

Surrounded by monumental sand dunes and featuring 15 lakes, the Siuslaw River and a dramatic coastline, Florence provides outstanding recreational opportunities. The historic Old Town offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Florence lies on the Central Oregon Coast at the northern edge of the 42-mile-long Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Dunes hundreds of feet high provide numerous recreation opportunities, including sand boarding and dune buggy rides. With ocean, river and lakes at hand, fishing, clamming, crabbing and camping are popular pursuits. To the north, there are 25 miles of clean sand, crashing surf and high promontories. Play golf surrounded by 60-foot sand dunes at the Oregon Dunes Golf Links, or visit the sea lion caves 10 miles north. If you like Vegas-style gaming, visit Three Rivers Casino and try your luck.

Florence Area
Attractions and Recreation:

  • Three Rivers Casino

    Casino offers slots, table games and live entertainment, hotel, four restaurants and an espresso bar.

  • Sand Dunes Frontier

    Scenic dunes tours, ATV rentals and miniature golf.

  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

    For over 40 miles from Florence to Coos Bay, sand dunes stretch along the coast, providing recreation of all kinds. Six large lakes and over 20 smaller ones offer water sports, boating and fishing. Wetlands and forests with hiking trails throughout.

  • Sand Pines

    A Rees Jones Links Design golf course.

  • Sandland Adventures

    Family fun center with dunes tours, miniature golf, bumper boats and train ride.

  • Jesse M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

    Offers access to two miles of sand dunes between the park and the ocean. Two lakes within the park offer swimming, boating and water sports. Second largest campground in Oregon, open year-round.

  • Sea Lion Caves

    The world's largest natural sea cave, home to wild Stellar sea lions. There are 37 steps to outside trail and 400 yards of uphill/downhill to elevator. Admission charged.

  • Sand Master Park

    Park is especially designed for sand boarding. Rental boards and lessons available.

  • Heceta Head Lighthouse State Park

    A short trail leads to the Heceta Head Lighthouse and a new trail provides a spectacular view of the coast north to Cape Perpetua. Offshore wildlife refuge islands offer views of seabirds nesting areas.