Florence, Oregon
Town photography courtesy of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

Central Coast

Florence, Oregon

Florence meets the Siuslaw River at the northern edge of the Oregon Dunes, with an appealing Old Town and major sights in every direction.

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Florence

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Why people love it

Dunes, lakes, lighthouse views, riverfront meals, and a practical base for adventure.

Local history and character

The Siuslaw people lived along this river and coast long before settlers arrived. Florence developed around fishing, timber, and river commerce; its 1936 art-deco bridge and preserved Old Town keep that history visible.

Florence balances an easygoing historic waterfront with adventures on a much larger scale. The dunes begin at the edge of town, freshwater lakes sit behind the shoreline, and celebrated lighthouse and cave stops line Highway 101 to the north.

Best forDunes, lighthouses, family adventures, and road trips
Give itTwo or three days
Local rhythmRiver town with big landscapes nearby

The experiences that define a visit

Things to do

Get out on the water

Whale watching, charters, and local traditions

Bring home something with a story

Antiques, gifts, and local finds

Worth planning around

Upcoming events around Florence

A few timely reasons to shape the trip around what is happening locally.

Explore the full Oregon events calendar

A simple first-day plan

One memorable day in Florence

Use this as a starting point, then slow it down for weather, tides, and whatever catches your eye.

  1. Morning Oregon Dunes

    Hike, ride, or take a guided trip through enormous coastal dunes.

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  2. Afternoon Heceta Head Lighthouse

    Tour the grounds and walk to a celebrated viewpoint.

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  3. Golden hour Sea Lion Caves

    Descend into a vast sea cave north of town.

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  4. Dinner Waterfront Depot

    Riverfront dining in Old Town.

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Only in Florence

The legend of the Exploding Whale

On November 12, 1970, highway officials used dynamite to dispose of a beached sperm whale south of Florence. The blast scattered chunks of whale far beyond expectations, damaged a parked car, and created one of Oregon’s most enduring—and strangest—true stories. Florence now marks November 12 as Exploding Whale Day, and the news footage has become a piece of local folklore known around the world.

Read our true Exploding Whale storyShop the Exploding Whale Tee
Historic news footage from the 1970 Florence exploding whale event
The 1970 blast as preserved in historic television footage.
That Oregon Life Exploding Whale T-shirt
That Oregon Life’s popular Exploding Whale Tee.

Local places to start your dining list

Where to eat

Restaurants we’ve written about in Florence

A mix of memorable bases for exploring

Where to stay

Go deeper

Businesses, access, and seasonal conditions change. Confirm current details directly before traveling.

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