Florence Travel Guide
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50 miles S of Newport, 50 miles N of Coos Bay, 60 miles W of Eugene
Florence and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which stretches south of town for almost 50 miles, have long been a popular summer vacation spot for Oregon families. The national recreation area is the longest unbroken, publicly owned stretch of coastline on the Oregon coast, and within its boundaries are 14,000 acres of dunes, some of which stand more than 500 feet tall.
Within this vast area of shifting sands, which is the largest area of sand dunes on the West Coast, there are numerous lakes both large and small, living forests, and skeletal forests of trees that were long ago "drowned" beneath drifting sands. Many area lakes are ringed with summer homes and campgrounds, and it is these lakes that are the primary destination of many vacationers. Consequently, water-skiing and fishing are among the most popular activities, followed by riding off-road vehicles (ORVs) through the sand dunes.
The Umpqua River divides the national recreation area roughly at its midway point, and on its banks you'll find the towns of Gardiner, Reedsport, and Winchester Bay, each of which has a very distinct character. Gardiner was founded in 1841 when a Boston merchant's fur-trading ship wrecked near here. An important mill town in the 19th century, Gardiner has several stately Victorian homes. Reedsport is the largest of these three communities and is the site of the Umpqua Discovery Center, a museum focusing on the history and natural history of this region. The town of Winchester Bay is almost at the mouth of the Umpqua River and is known for its large fleet of charter-fishing boats.
Florence is one of the few towns on the Oregon coast with historic character. Set on the banks of the Siuslaw River, it is filled with restored wooden commercial buildings that house restaurants and interesting shops. The charm of this neighborhood is all the more appealing when compared to the unsightly sprawl of U.S. 101.
