Florence Coast Vacation Activities
Sand Dunes, Shops, Good Eats & Horseback Riding Along Oregon's Beach
Jun 24, 2008
1. Sandboarding
Adventurous tourists head north of town to Sand Master Park, located along Highway 101. Considered the “World's First Sandboard Park”, Sand Master Park consists of 40 acres of sand fun on jumps, rails and fun boxes. Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, wakeboarding or skateboarding but it takes place on sand. Sandboarders say landing on sand is preferred over hard surfaces or water.
Sandboarding lessons are offered at the park, by 4 time world champion, Josh Tenge. The park is closed from January 15 through March 1st, but open the rest of the year. Several sandboarding events are held at the park, such as the Sand Master Jam.
2. Florence Old Town Shopping
Visit Florence’s Old Town for a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries. Shop for kitchen gadgets, specialized toys, shoes, Oregon Coast trinkets, clothing, books and more.
3. Eat at Mo’s
Located near the end of Old Town on Bay Street, Mo’s Restaurant serves its guests fresh seafood in a comfortable atmosphere. Stop in for a cup of its famous clam chowder or fish n’ chips, with views of the Siuslaw River.
4. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Take a tour among the dunes, in a super-sized buggy or smaller ATV. Tours entertain guests with lively commentary along the route through the dunes. A popular destination for ATV owners, the dunes can be crowded during summer months and fair weather days.
5. Jesse M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
Just three miles south of Florence is Honeyman State Park, in the midst of sand dunes. To the right, visitors find sand dunes and Clearwox Lake, a popular swimming lake. To the left, visitors find Woahink Lake, a favorite fishing spot for native cutthroat trout and largemouth bass. Visitors enjoy day-use areas for picnicking and hiking or stay overnight at one of Oregon’s largest campgrounds.
6. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Perhaps the most photographed site along the Oregon Coast, the Heceta Head Lighthouse is located north of Florence. From the south, visitors pass Sea Lion Caves only to find a magnificent view of the lighthouse and light keeper’s house. For a closer look, visitors access Devils Elbow State Park just below the lighthouse. Tours of the lighthouse are offered daily, most times of the year. Day-use fees cost $3.
7. Golf at Sand Pines and Ocean Dunes
Florence offers golfers a variety of golfing experiences and difficulty. Sand Pines Golf Links, considered one of the premier courses, offers a par 72, 7190-yard course, filled with rolling dunes, forest pines and blue lakes. Greens fees for 18 holes begin at $60 in the off season and $110 peak season. Ocean Dunes Golf Links, a challenging course with pot bunkers, wind and hills, incorporates a Scottish style. Greens fees, for 18 holes, range from $32-42, depending on the season.
8. Beachcombing
Florence offers miles of sandy beaches. In Florence, visitors find beach access at the North and South Jetties, Heceta Beach, and Sutton Creek. Many other parks and waysides are located just outside of Florence along Highway 101.
9. C&M Stables Horseback Riding
C&M stables is located 8 miles north of Florence, open year round. Riding adventures include horseback riding on the beach. Visitors can choose between a guided beach tour, morning adventure ride, sunset beach ride, or dune trail ride. Riding skills range from beginning, moderate and advanced skills. Prices vary with difficulty and time length, beginning at $45.00 per person for a 1 hour ride along the beach. Contact the stables for pre-ride instructions and to make reservations.
10. Darlingtonia State Natural Site
Located just off Highway 101 north of Florence, is Oregon’s only rare plant sanctuary – Darlingtonia Wayside. Visitors follow the tidy boardwalk to the habitat of the “Pitcher Plant”, or Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia Californica). The no-fee park also includes 18-acres of rhododendron, towering spruce, cedar and shore pine.
For information on where to stay at the Oregon Coast and Florence, read the article - Best Places to Stay Along the Oregon Coast.
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