Florence, OR Road Trips

Many of the ideas in Frank Herbert's Dune series came to him during a 1957 trip to Florence to write a magazine article for Simon & Schuster about a US Department of Agriculture project there to plant a species of European beach grass near the Siuslaw River. The project, it was hoped, would moderate the widespread intrusion of the dunes upon the local ecology, where the wind and sand interfered with railroads and highways, hindering the growth of local forests and it was feared, the spread would threaten the local water supply. Interestingly, Herbert never finished the article. Florence is also known as the site of the exploding whale, an incident when the Oregon State Highway Division tried to remove a beached whale by dynamite - with unintended results.

1 Sea Lion Caves, 91560 Hwy. 101 N (11 miles North of Florence on the Oregon Coast), ☏ +1 541 547-3111. 9AM - 5PM. The world's largest sea cave is home to many wild sea lions and bird species, all struggling with the sea for a spot on their favorite rock. Here you can take an elevator down to sea level to catch a glimpse inside the cave. Adults $14, Seniors $13, Children $8. (updated May 2019) 2 Old Town. Florence's historic waterfront. 3 Darlingtonia State Natural Site, ☏ +1 541-997-3851. Free. (updated May 2020) 4 Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, ☏ +1 541-997-3851. Day use parking $5. (updated Jul 2020) 5 Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, 278 Maple St, ☏ +1 541-997-7884, librarẙ̊@spmuseum.org. Adults $7, Children (15 and under) free. (updated Jun 2021)

Go sandboarding on the Oregon Dunes, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Sandboards can be rented in town or along the 101. The closest dunes are behind Fred Meyer. Play golf at Florence Golf Links. A Rees Jones design and a true links course, Sandpines was voted "Best New Golf Course" by Golf Digest in 1993 and "4-1/2 Star Rated 'Places to Play in USA'," by Golf Digest for 2006 and 2007. A truly unique course in Oregon. Rhododendron Festival. Florence's annual festival every May, popular with bikers. Three Rivers Casino Resort, 5647 Highway 126, toll-free: +1-877-374-8377. Slots, live and electronic table games, poker room, bingo and keno. Also has a sportsbook near restaurants and a cocktail bar. (updated Sep 2016)

Restaurants are clustered in the old town, especially in Bay Street; those on the river side of the street usually have decks over the river. The Waterfront Depot in Bay Street, with a river deck, is the restaurant most strongly recommended by locals, and reservation is advised. It is housed in the former railroad depot from Maplethorpe, a few miles up the Suislaw River. The Italian restaurant (1285 Resto Bar) opposite the Waterfront Depot is under the same ownership and is also strongly recommended by locals. Old Town Florence packs many more great restaurants, many with river views and a great atmosphere. 1 Mo's, 1436 Bay St. (Old Town), ☏ +1 541-997-2185. Fish & Clamchowder restaurant in Florence's old town. Great view of the Siuslaw river and one of the best clam chowders to be found on the Oregon coast. This local chain of restaurant's was started in Newport, Oregon. (updated Feb 2017)

Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters, 1240 Bay St. With a river deck, almost underneath the bridge, has friendly staff, excellent pastries, and a wide-ranging selection of coffee.

Best Western Pier Point Inn, ☏ +1 541 997-7191, toll-free: +1-800-435-6736, fax: +1 541 997-3828. 85625 Highway 101. Quality Inn, ☏ +1 541 997-7797, fax: +1 541 997-7895. 2475 Hwy 101. 1 Landmark Inn, 1551 4th St, ☏ +1 541 997-9030. Stylish Bed and Breakfast with an outstanding (literally) site just above the old town but also handy for the newer business district and local facilities such as the hospital Harbor Vista County Campground and Park, 87658 Harbor Vista Rd, ☏ +1 541-682-2000. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Jun 2021) Port of Siuslaw Campground, 1st St and Harbor St, ☏ +1 541-997-3040. Check-out: noon. (updated Jun 2021)

1 Florence Municipal Airport (FMU IATA). Has general aviation services but no scheduled flights. (updated Nov 2019) Porter Stage Lines run a twice-daily service from Ontario (Oregon) to Coos Bay, which calls at Florence. It connects in Eugene with Greyhound bus and Amtrak train services. Through ticketing is available. The scenic Oregon coast route, US Highway 101, passes through Florence. The Eugene-Florence Highway, Oregon route 126, follows the Suislaw River valley to dead-end on 101 at Florence.