Florence, Oregon has it all. From a 21,000-square-foot events center to conference space with ocean views, Florence is the ideal place to meet. Attendees will appreciate the abundant adventure opportunities along with great local food and tax-free shopping. Consider this coastal paradise for your next meeting or event.
Distinct Venues and Lodging
The Florence Events Center (FEC) is the premier meeting location in Florence. This 21,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility has professional audio and visual equipment, customizable floor plans, and a 450-seat theater. Your attendees will have ample space to interact and make connections in the 7,500 square feet of convention space. FEC has free parking, free WiFi, and a dedicated support staff ready to help with customized needs and accommodations. Located just minutes from Historic Old Town Florence and pristine sand dunes, FEC is a must for your next meeting.
For oceanside views and coastal breezes, Driftwood Shores and Conference Center checks the boxes. The beachside hotel’s conference center can accommodate up to 100 people and is equipped with free high-speed WiFi. Audio/Visual services are available as well as free parking and onsite catering.
The Best Western Pier Point Inn offers incredible views of the Siuslaw River and Old Town Florence. Located just minutes away from Oregon’s famous sand dunes and the Florence Events Center, this hotel has over 1,600 square feet of meeting space with a scenic view of Florence. The Pier Point Inn also has several ADA features including accessible parking spaces and signage, bathrooms, room controls, clear floor space and more.
Just one block away from Historic Old Town, the Lighthouse Inn offers incredible dining, sightseeing and close proximity to coastal adventures. The Inn has been family owned since 1938 and that charming feel is still present each time someone walks in the doors. The large lobby is decorated with original furniture, antiques and a fireplace.
Just steps away from culinary delights and tax-free shopping in Old Town lies the River House Inn. This award-winning hotel is in a prime location to discover Oregon’s spectacular ocean beaches, two championship golf courses, freshwater lakes and rivers (with some of the best fishing in the world!) and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Unique Coastal Experiences
Your group should consider taking a dune buggy ride on the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Sand Dunes Frontier offers guided sand rail tours, buggy tours and ATV rentals. The interpretive scenic tour is a great way to learn more about the coastal landscape and shifting rolling sand dunes. Traversing through this ever-changing landscape is an unforgettable way to spend a day on the coast. Their big buggy is available for large reserving parties and there must be a minimum of 20 people to reserve.
Sandland Adventures is another tour operator that offers tours of the dunes on their sandrails and giant buggies, providing passengers with an exhilarating ride through miles of towering sand dunes. They have multiple giant buggies that can each fit up to 30 people on board. After the ride, their mini-golf course and go-kart track offer some light competitive fun.
Looking to try something you won't find anywhere else? Head over to Sand Master Park for some sandboarding. Renting sandboards and taking lessons at the world’s first sandboarding park is a one-of-a-kind experience that will be remembered forever. All attendees regardless of age or experience will enjoy gliding down lofty sand sheets surrounded by natural scenic beauty. Rentals are rented on a first come first served basis, however, lessons can be reserved for up to 24 hours with free wax, parking and dunes access.
A great team bonding activity on the coast is a scenic horseback ride with C&M Stables. Your group will ride through coastal forest and smooth sandy hills before reaching the Pacific Ocean coastline. With the sand dunes constantly being sculpted by rain and wind, you never know what you might see out there, but guaranteed it will be remarkably gorgeous.
There aren’t many other places in the world to kayak the full length of a river in just a few hours before reaching ancient sand dunes and the mighty Pacific Ocean. Paddling the Siltcoos River Trail is a unique experience to Florence and can be enjoyed by all. This special activity is suitable for groups of varying levels of kayaking experience.
Key Attractions
Heceta Head Lighthouse is an iconic lighthouse built in 1892 that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This 56-foot-tall lighthouse that towers over 200 feet above a bluff on the Pacific Ocean is the most photographed lighthouse on the West Coast. Attendees will enjoy taking the short hike from the beach cove up to the lighthouse for a truly memorable experience.
The world-famous Sea Lion Caves are just a few minutes south of the lighthouse. At the largest sea cave in North America, attendees can expect adorable sea lions, stunning views and a charming gift shop with souvenirs to take back home.
The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum presents and preserves the local history of Florence and the Siuslaw region. This is a great place for attendees to learn about the native history and life of the people who inhabited this region long ago. Explore ancient relics like an authentic dug-out canoe, early logging and fishing equipment, tools and more.
Local Food and Drink
Historic Old Town Florence is filled with unique shopping experiences, unmatched scenery and a delicious local food and drink scene. Some of the freshest seafood can be found at restaurants in Old Town. Bridgewater Fish House and Zebra Bar serves up eclectic seafood dishes in a historic building dating back to 1901. Elegant drinks and delicious seafood, steak and pasta will surely impress.
Another great after-hours spot is 1285 Restobar. Their menu features fresh, locally-grown, organic produce and free-range organic meats and handmade sausages. Their Southern Italian-style options will trick attendees’ tastebuds into thinking they’re in Naples, Italy.
Organic wines, imports and locally made wines are all available at Bodega Wine Parlour. Attendees can expect a cozy atmosphere with tasty tapas and small plate options. They also offer custom catering and event space for meetings and tastings.
Nosh Eatery offers locally sourced dishes, small plates, wine, beer and a full bar. Perfect for lunch and dinner, Nosh offers outdoor seating just a minute’s walk from the Siuslaw River. All menu items are made from scratch and dietary needs such as vegetarian and gluten-free can be accommodated.
Consider Florence!
The coastal town of Florence is the ideal place to host your next meeting. Take advantage of the ample meeting space, stunning views, delectable local food and unique tax-free shopping. For a pre or post-meeting adventure, attendees will love exploring the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America or going for a relaxing paddle along the river. Your group will want to come early and stay afterward to explore the beautiful coastal town of Florence. Make your next meeting one to remember on the Oregon coast.