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• - Tours & Sample Itineraries
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  • Golf and the Graduate
  • Three Days in Lane County
  • - A Day in Florence
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  • Golf in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast
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A Day in Florence

The coastal town of Florence, and the section of scenic Highway 101 from Dunes City to Cape Perpetua, is a "must see" on any Oregon itinerary. Ideally you will have several days to stay along the Oregon Coast, but if you have only one day, here is our suggesttion for a Florence Day Trip. Florence, Oregon is approximately one hour west of Eugene.

Early Morning Options

Siltcoos Trail Hikes
Greet the day exploring the awakening coastal mountain ecosystem around Oregon's largest coastal lake. Observe nature close up with some unforgettable wildlife viewing. Several easy hikes feature a river estuary, freshwater lagoon, quiet ocean beach, wetland ponds, coastal forest and diverse plant and animal communities. Located seven miles (11.27 km) south of Florence in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, exit Siltcoos Beach. Estuary, lagoon and beach trails are to the west, Siltcoos Lake Trail is to the east. (Allow 1-2 hours)

Play Golf
Book an early morning tee time at a Florence golf course. Play 18 holes in a unique setting of majestic pines and rolling sand dunes. (Allow 2-3 hours)

Mid-Morning Options 

Dune Buggy Tour
Ride across North America's largest coastal sand dunes on a "mild" or "wild" tour through the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The majestic dunes tower as high as 500 feet (152 m) and are home to unexpected flora and fauna. Dune buggy rides are both thrilling and educational. Several professional operators in Dunes City offer short tours or longer excursions. (Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours)

Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
Learn about the Siuslaw River and its influence on early industry. Pioneer home life, farming, fishing, lumbering and transportation are illustrated by displays, pictures and treasured relics. Located in Historic Old Town Florence. (Allow 1 hour)

Lunch

Historic Old Town Florence
Dine along the beautiful Siuslaw River in Historic Old Town Florence, where fishing and crabbing boats dock. Restaurants range from chowder shacks to gourmet dining. Shop the historic boardwalk galleries, boutiques and candy stores. Florence's Historic Old Town is one of the most popular destinations on the Oregon Coast. (Allow 1+ hours)

  

Afternoon Options - North of Florence

Darlingtonia Wayside
Walk off lunch at Oregon's only rare plant sanctuary, a delightful wooded park dedicated to the Darlingtonia Californica, better known as the Pitcher Plant or Cobra Lily. The park is located six miles (9.66 km) north of Florence on Highway 101. (Allow 30 minutes)

Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Located at Devil's Elbow State Park, the lighthouse has been in continuous service since 1894. A short hike on a gravel path leads up to the lighthouse. View the keeper's house (now Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast and interpretive center) and imagine what life was like for a solitary lighthouse keeper and his family. (Allow 1+ hours)

Upgrade your Heceta Head Lighthouse view by taking to the sky with an air tour of the Oregon coastline! (Allow 2-3 hours from the Florence Airport, advance reservations required.)

Sea Lion Caves
See the largest sea cave in America, home to both wild Steller and California sea lions. The caves are a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Purchase a ticket to take an elevator ride 200 feet (61 m) feet down into the cave's interior. The privately-owned grounds include cliffside paths with viewing platforms, a gift store and snack shop. (Allow 1 hour)

Dinner

Dine Oceanfront
Head south again, this time stopping at The Driftwood Shores Beach Resort for spectacular seafood and contemporary dining in their oceanfront restaurant, the Surfside Restaurant & Lounge. Relax, enjoy your dinner, and soak up the colorful dance between sky and sea as the sun sinks into the Pacific Ocean. This is also a great place for seasonal storm or whale watching. (Allow 1+ hours)

If your Oregon Coast adventure is ending all too soon, inquire at The Driftwood Shores Beach Resort for room availability. When you wake up to another beautiful day on the Oregon Coast, you'll be glad you did!

Evening Entertainment

Gaming & Shows
For the perfect conclusion to a fun-filled day, or for another overnight option, stop by the Three Rivers Casino on Highway 126 on your way east to Eugene. With plenty of gaming, progressive slots, five restaurants and a robust entertainment schedule, it's easy to make the magic last! Open 24 hours.