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Visiting Florence and the Central Oregon Coast

The Central Oregon Coast abounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation, and Florence is at the heart of it all. Numerous trails zigzag through the fog drenched coastal range, leading to waterfalls, scenic vistas, and miles of beaches. This is your chance to take in some of the freshest air on the planet!

Golfers are in heaven here and courses dot the entire Highway 101 corridor. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area attracts off-road riders from all over the Pacific Northwest. Crabbing, clamming, and fishing is a huge draw to the area as well, and people come from all over to experience the beauty and excitement of a day on the water. It is not uncommon to see seals, sea lions, whales, and aquatic bird life here as well.

While in the area there are a few places that are a must see. On the edge of the sand dunes, old growth trees loom over Honeyman Campground and day use area. Cleawox Lake, also located in Honeyman State Park, lets the visitor take in the unique sight of a lake surrounded by forest and sand dunes. This provides a picnic area unlike any other and is popular for kayakers and canoers.

Just north of Florence, Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque on the entire Oregon Coast, with beautiful wildlife, trails, and a B&B on site. Farther north are the “hobbit trails” and Cape Perpetua Recreation Area. In this area you can find mountain trails leading to tide pools and cliffs falling into the sea. Windswept trees shelter hikers as they traverse the mossy ground in search of exercise and beautiful nature.

The list goes on and on. You could spend a lifetime exploring and recreating on the Oregon Coast and never see it all. This is a truly special place, and after a visit we are sure you will agree!

Captain Chad's Local Recommendations

Dining

I am often asked where I like to eat in Florence, Oregon, so here is where I, and the locals, like to eat. In addition to these options, “Old Town” is the epicenter of activity along the bay front and there are a bunch of options for dining and shopping.

  • The Waterfront Depot is one of the more upscale options in town. With outstanding food and a casual vibe, reservations are almost an absolute necessity. Expect both surf and turf options and a local favorite is the crab encrusted halibut with sweet chili cream sauce.
  • The Little Brown Hen Café is a must for breakfast. Their corned beef hash is the real deal, with house made corned beef. Their delicious Bloody Marys are served with candied bacon. Another winner on the menu is the Hangtown Fry. Look out for their specials, some are out of this world. Made from scratch and with love! Go see the owner Mike and tell him I sent you.
  • Huki Lau is your place for sushi and Hawaiian Fusion. They started as a food truck and now have a thriving brick and mortar restaurant. The burger is off the hook! The taste and presentation of every dish is perfect and it is not unusual to see the placed jammed with people. I love the spam and egg musubi to go so I can have it on the boat in the morning!
  • The Beachcomber, is your local sports bar and clam chowder house. When the Oregon Ducks play the house is packed, as well as on Tuesday and Thursday for steak night.
  • The Dunes Café is your spot for the early morning fisherman’s breakfast. They serve classic eggs and bacon, but look out for prime rib and eggs or their giant ham steaks. This is the fuel for the day and will leave you ready to fight fish and stay full for hours.

Lodging and Recreation

I’ve spent a whole lot of time up and down the Oregon coast, and know Florence like the back of my hand. Here are some of my favorite places to stay and play.

  • Best Western Pier Point Inn is a dog friendly hotel with beautiful views of the Siuslaw River with the town of Florence and the Siuslaw River Bridge as well. They also have an excellent bar and restaurant with river views. My boat is also dog friendly for any canine friends!
  • Driftwood Shores is the only oceanfront hotel in Lane County. Each room has large windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as well as an indoor pool and full service bar and restaurant. They aren’t pet friendly yet but they have plans to make some rooms available in the future.
  • Darlings Resort is an excellent option for RVers. They have a great café and are situated right on Siltcoos Lake. They also have a boat launch and boat rentals to get access to one of the Oregon Coasts best freshwater fisheries. The even have a run of Coho Salmon that enter the lake in October!
  • Sandland Adventures is a great place for an adrenaline fueled sandrail ride across the dunes. If going slower is your thing they also have dune buggy rides. Kids can play miniature golf, bumper cars, and ride go-karts as well.
  • Aero Legends is your place to hop aboard an open bi-plane and take to the skies above Florence. This is probably the best way to get the lay of the land and see the diversity of landscapes in the area. You might even see him flying over while we are out fishing. His yellow and blue plane is unmistakable!
  • Three Rivers Casino is a popular spot to kill some time and money, hear some live music, or watch sports at Blue Bills Sports Bar. They also have lodging and allow RVs to spend the night in the parking lot.