PREVIOUS PAGE, MELANIE GRIFFIN. THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: MELANIE GRIFFIN; JACOB PACE Florence Area Chamber of Commerce 290 Highway 101, Florence 541.997.3128 florencefun.com City of Florence 250 Highway 101, Florence 541.997.3437 ci.florence.or.us VISITOR INFORMATION Dunes City 82877 Spruce St, Westlake 541.997.3338 dunescityhall.com C&M Stables horseback riding FLORENCE & DUNES CITY Welcome to Florence, Oregon’s Coastal Playground. This dramatic stretch of coastline, prized by adventurers and road-trippers, resides along Highway 101 and is a gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This coastal community draws visitors for its small-town charm and outdoor access. In the shadow of the elegant, art deco-style Siuslaw River Bridge, Historic Old Town Florence is home to inviting shops and restaurants, more than 20 art galleries, and a waterfront marina. Savor fresh seafood and fine wine at The Waterfront Depot inside a historic train station, or warm up with a piping-hot bowl of crab chowder at Novelli’s Crab and Seafood. Learn the stories of the Siuslaw people, other Native American tribes and European American settlers at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum. The Florence Events Center hosts exciting performances and is one of the hubs for the Rhododendron Festival — held every May — as well as other community events. Golfers should check out Sandpines Golf Links, set on rolling dunes with mountain views and newly renovated with turf improvements. North of Florence, the coastline shifts from graceful dunes to rocky cliffs and sandy coves. Heceta Head Lighthouse, built in 1894, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and sits surrounded by miles of hiking trails. The nearby Sea Lion Caves — the largest such sea cave in the United States — is home to hundreds of raucous Steller sea lions. South of Florence is the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area — the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America. Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park is the ideal base camp for ATV or on-foot exploration of the dunes around Cleawox Lake. Rent a sandboard at Sand Master Park for an extra thrill. Freshwater Woahink and Cleawox lakes are popular for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. At Siltcoos Lake Recreation Area, you’ll find tranquil trails filled with birdsong. Novelli’s Crab and Seafood Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 550 Pearl St, Eugene 60
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