ESCAPE TO FLORENCE Oregon’s Coastal Playground is an enchanting destination that caters to diverse interests with heart-pounding adventures just miles from serene natural places. No matter what kind of escape you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. THE THRILL SEEKER Have you ever wanted the excitement of a roller coaster with the beauty of a coastal hike? Let the expert drivers at Sandland Adventures take you for a ride up and over the unique landscape that inspired the writer of the classic sci-fi novel that inspired the movie Dune. For even more thrills and chills, stay the night at the cliffside Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast, which is said to be haunted. If you’re brave, take a flashlight up to the lighthouse at night and listen to the waves crash in the dark below. THE NATURE LOVER Sitka spruce trees bend and twist to create charming tunnels over the mile-long (1.6-km) out-and-back hiking trail to Hobbit Beach from a parking pullout just north of the lighthouse. The beach itself is long and sandy with pockets of tide pools for exploring. After beachcombing, head back to your yurt, tent or RV at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. Go for a swim or a paddle on Cleawox Lake near the campground. Climb one of the large dunes nearby to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. THE CULTURE ENTHUSIAST Enjoy the wheelchair-accessible promenade in Historic Old Town Florence. Explore cute shops and art galleries. Sample coastal staples like fresh Dungeness crab, a bowl of chowder and saltwater taffy. Learn some unbelievable local history with a visit to Exploding Whale Memorial Park. Book a room at Three Rivers Casino Resort for live entertainment and games. THE WILDLIFE OBSERVER Immerse yourself in the natural world by observing wild Steller sea lions at Sea Lion Caves. See them seeking refuge in the cave in winter months or basking on nearby rocks in the summer. This is also an ideal location for whale watching from December to March. Stay beachside at Driftwood Shores, where you can spot a variety of birds from your balcony. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area FROM TOP: TURELL GROUP; MELANIE GRIFFIN Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Travel Lane County | EugeneCascadesCoast.org | 541.484.5307 65 THE OREGON COAST
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