Florence, Oregon

This nonprofit organization honors American Military Veterans, both past and present, by providing education, artifacts, and a commitment to serving the community and Veteran organizations throughout the Oregon coastline. Oregon Coast Military Museum visitors can find memorabilia, actual war items from local Veterans who donated to the museum, plus another 3,000 sq. ft. of space that tells the stories of America’s wars and conflicts from the past as well as what the American Military currently faces. The museum is growing all the time, so visiting twice isn’t the same experience. The museum holds events throughout the year that support Veteran’s organizations both nationally and locally.

2145 Kingwood St Florence OR United States 97439, Phone: 541-902-5160

In Florence, Oregon, the Siuslaw River runs straight through the city, allowing for the development of an entire economy as well as the famous bridge that spans the water next to the heart of downtown Florence. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy its unique architecture and beauty as it spans the width of the river. The Siuslaw River Bridge was built in 1936 and spans over 1,500 feet. It has a double-bascule style construction so as to allow barges and other ships and boats to move freely past the bridge at any time. This bridge is officially a historical landmark that is maintained as such by the State of Oregon.

This park is one of Oregon’s many State Parks that offer so much for visitors and locals wishing to enjoy the famous environment of the land. Specifically, this park is made to protect just one species of plant named the Darlingtonia Californica, which is a carnivorous plant you can only find within the area of the park. While the plants are the main act, there are plenty of other sources of entertainment like boardwalks through the amazing flora, special events, the beach, biking trails, and more. The ocean just off the coast also has frequent whale migration, which can be seen most of the year.

Darlingtonia State Natural Site, 5400 Mercer Lake Rd, Florence, OR 97439, Phone: 800-551-6949

In a few blocks that are blocked off for the market right on a bay of the Siuslaw River, you can find many different vendors selling anything from jewelry, handmade items, and artifacts to food, fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts, and more. Chances are, when you stroll the boardwalk shopping at all the tents, live music will fill the air, making the experience always a truly enjoyable one for the whole family. A lot of the vendors are regulars with unique items found nowhere else, but the market is ever growing, so finding something new is easy every time you visit.

Florence, Oregon Boardwalk Market, Port of Siuslaw, Bay and Nopal Streets, Florence, Oregon 97439

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint located just a few steps from the Pacific Ocean is open all year round for visitors to explore, attend programs to learn about the history of the park and the lighthouse, enjoy the landscape and scenery, and explore the Heceta Head Trail. The lighthouse is the strongest beacon along the Oregon coast, and it can be seen from as far as 21 miles away. The Heceta House, which is the keeper’s house, is a bed and breakfast ran by the park service and facilities that are available for group events. The park also has caves, beaches, viewpoints, and tidepools.

The Hobbit Trail is connected to the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail, which is located right on the beach within a State Park that has caves, a lighthouse with viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean and whale migrations, sandy beaches, and tidepools. The trail continues on as The Hobbit Trail, which resembles the trail leading to the Shire in the famous books and movies. Sitka Spruce trees make the ancient forest that the trail cuts through, and at the end, you’ll find a very secluded, sandy beach that is truly something out of a movie. On the beach, you’ll discover the wonder of the ocean meeting the land with the Heceta Head shooting up over 1,000 feet in the background.

Halfway up the Oregon coast, visitors often find themselves drawn to this state park to fulfill their needs of the forested outdoors, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, biking, picnicking, and more. You’ll always be able to find a spot among the park’s 47 full hookup sites, 187 regular camping sites, 121 sites with electricity and water, ten yurt sites (five of which are pet-friendly), six group tent areas, biker camps, and an RV dump station. While the park is near the ocean, there are two freshwater lakes within the boundaries that are perfect for boating and swimming. Most campsites and amenities are available for people with disabilities as well.

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, 84505 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, Phone: 541-997-3851

Located near Reedsport, Oregon, this trail provides miles of unique landscape for you and your family, including Rover, to enjoy hiking, playing, and picnicking all year round. The ancient forests of Oregon provide an amazing habitat for animals, insects, birds, and other critters that are specific to the region and are in full view for people to educate themselves on. The Siuslaw National Forest Service also has material both online and at their many offices located around the State Parks and towns for people to reference. The John Dellenback Dunes Trail runs from the Eel Creek Campground, going through the landscape and ending at the beach on the Pacific Ocean.

Oregon Coast Hwy Lakeside, OR 97449 near MM 222

The Neptune State Park has several viewpoints and point of interest that have been bundled into what they call the Scenic Viewpoint. In the first of four points along Hwy 101 is one without a name. It is located near Gwynn Creek, which offers views of local wildlife, a small and sandy beach, and plenty of areas for families to picnic and play. The second is Neptune, which is a place on top of a cliff overlooking the beach and the ocean where whales and sea lions are spotted frequently. The third is Strawberry Hill, where a small trail with stairs lead people down to a sandy beach where harbor seals like to hang out. The last spot is Bob Creek, which offers access to the beach and some hunting.

NW Adventures Quest specializes in giving tours of the most beautiful areas of Oregon’s coastline, including the famous Heceta Lighthouse, Thor’s Well, the Sea Lion Caves, as well as hiking trails and sandy beaches. You may also attend their brewery and winery tours that travel to and from the best and most famous breweries and wineries Oregon has to offer with exclusive discounts and amenities available within the tour. You are welcome to take the family on an educational adventure where experts will take you to some of the most fascinating geographical locations, tidepools, and other places to explore the land and its wildlife. The company also offers private event rentals for group events, parties, and other wilderness adventures. Phone: 541-590-0571