Senast uppdaterad i juli 15, 2023

Florence is a small town located on the central Oregon coast known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, particurarly extreme sports paracticed on sand dunes.

Florence has a rich history, from its early days as a logging and fishing town to becoming a popular tourist destination. It is sometimes referred to as the “The City of Rhododendrons", and the “Sandboard Capital of the World".

View of the City of Florence, ELLER
Florens, Oregon.

Travel Information

Florence is located in the county of Lane, at the mouth of the Siuslaw River and along the Pacific coast, which makes it the perfect destination for beach lovers, adventure seekers, och naturentusiaster. It is easily reachable from both Portland and Eugene.

The area experiences a moderate climate, med mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in the summer months is around 70 grader Fahrenheit, while in the winter, it ranges from 40 till 50 grader Fahrenheit.

The city receives a good amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest rain falling in the winter months.

The best time to visit Florence is between May and September, but outdoor activities like sandboarding can be enjoyed year-round, and the town is less crowded in Spring and Fall.

Visiting in May is also a good idea if you are interested in witnessing the annual celebrations of Rhododendron Festival

The weather in Florence is known for being rather unpredictable, so it’s always best to carry a jacka eller tröja.

The Oregon Sand Dunes

De Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is one of the main attractions near Florence, it consists of a vast area of massive sand hills stretching for over 40 mil längs kusten.

Sanddynerna, som kan nå höjder på upp till 500 fötter, erbjuda ett brett utbud av aktiviteter, från vandring och camping till ATV och RV-turer, och naturligtvis sandsurfing.

The dunes are the largest coastal sand dunes in North America, and they are so impressive they inspired Herbert’s epic science fiction novel Dune, which has recently received major film adaptation.


Sandboard på Sand Master Park. Florens, Oregon.
Sandboarding at Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon

Sandboarding i Florens

Sandboarding is an exciting and thrilling activity that combines the adrenaline rush of surfing and snowboarding, men på sanddyner.

The Oregon coast is home to some of the best sand boarding locations in the United States, and it’s an experience that you don’t want to miss.

You can sandboard pretty much anywhere within the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area, as well as on coastal beach dunes away from vegetation.

Sandboards and other equipment can be rented at Sand Master Park and other sporting equipment stores around town.

Nedan, a few locations which are especially popular near Florence.

Sand Master Park

Located just minutes away from Florence, Sand Master Park is the premier destination for sandboarding in Oregon.

The park offers over 40 tunnland sanddyner, with beginner and advanced slopes that are perfect for riders of all skill levels.

Sand Master Park offers sandboard and sand sled rentals, as well as lessons for those who are new to the sport. They also feature a 40-foot ramp that allows experienced sandboarders to soar through the air.


Honeyman State Park

Located about 5 miles south of Florence, Honeyman State Park offers a large main dune that is big, brant, and fun. This location is perfect for experienced sandboarders looking for a challenge.

Honeyman State Park is a popular spot, so you may find more people there compared to other dune locations. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip from Florence, ELLER.


Södra bryggan

The South Jetty is a popular spot among locals and is known for its challenging dunes and beautiful views. This location is located about 5 miles south of Florence and is known for its fast and steep dunes.

It’s a great spot for those who are looking for a more exhilarating experience. If you are looking for a quieter spot, it can be best to avoid weekends and holiday season.


Siltcoos Beach

Located about 10 miles south of Florence, Siltcoos Beach is a great spot for those who are looking for a more relaxed sandboarding experience.

The beach has a beautiful landscape and is less crowded than other locations.

This makes it perfect for those who are looking to combine sand surfing with other beach activities such as beachcombing and rockhounding.


Läs också: Sandboarding i Oregon


Florence is situated at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, on the Oregon coast.
Florence is situated at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, on the Oregon coast.

Things to do in Florence Oregon

Besides sandboarding, there are a range of recreational activities you can enjoy in Florence, which appeal to both outdoor lovers and those seeking more a more relaxed experience.

Camping and Off-Roading

One of the most popular activities in Florence is camping and exploring the surrounding wilderness on an RV or ATV.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which stretches for over 40 mil längs kusten, offers an abundance of camping sites and RV parks, as well as miles of off-roading trails for ATV and dune buggy enthusiasts.

For those looking to experience the thrill of off-roading, the Oregon Dunes offer some of the best dune buggy and ATV riding in the country.

Sanddynerna, som kan nå höjder på upp till 500 fötter, provide a challenging and exciting terrain for both beginner and experienced riders.

Rentals are available for dune buggies and ATVs, allowing visitors the opportunity to explore the dunes without the need to own and transport their own off-road vehicle.

Exploring Downtown Florence

While outdoor activities are a major draw to Florence, the town itself is also worth exploring. Downtown Florence is a great place to wander around, with a variety of shops, gallerier, and restaurants.

The Old Town area, which dates back to the late 1800s, is home to a number of historic buildings and offers a glimpse into the town’s past. Visitors can take a stroll along the scenic Bay Street, which runs parallel to the Siuslaw River and offers beautiful views of the water.

Florence’s food culture is also something not to be missed, you can find seafood specialties and other delicious options that are sure to please your palate with locally grown products and craft beer. Try some clam chowder, crab cakes or grilled fish at one of the many seafood restaurants, or stop by one of the cozy bistros, cafes or bars to grab a drink and enjoy some local flavors.

Discover the Oregon Coast and its Beaches

Florence is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of the Oregon Coast. The town is located just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, such as Heceta Beach, Baker Beach, and Cleawox Beach.

These beaches offer a variety of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to beachcombing and surf fishing.

Dessutom, the nearby Cape Perpetua Visitor Center offers stunning views of the coast, as well as several hiking trails that wind through the lush forest, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the region’s diverse and unique ecosystems.

Beachcombing and Rockhounding

One of the most popular activities on the Oregon Coast is beachcombing for agates and other mineral treasures. These colorful gemstones can be found almost everywhere along the coast, but they are often buried under layers of sand.

Winter storms are the best time to hunt for agates, as they expose the rock beds and make the gems easier to spot. Look for loose gravel on top of the sand, or for brightly colored agates and jaspers that sparkle in the sunlight.

While beachcombing for agates is a popular pastime, it is important to note that there are restrictions in place to protect these resources. According to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the daily limit for agates and jaspers is one gallon per day, and three gallons per year.

Fossil hunting is also a popular activity on the Oregon Coast, with a variety of marine fossils such as shells and the bones of sea lions and whales to be found. i alla fall, it’s important to note that there are permit requirements to remove and collect fossils on Oregon state lands.

These permits are issued by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and can be obtained through their website or by contacting the agency.

Oregon Sand Dunes Near Florence
The Florence Sand Dunes Were a Source of Inspiration for Fank Herbert’s Dune.

Discover What Inspired the Book “Dune”

Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 science fiction novel Dune tells the story of a future civilization fighting to control precious resources on a harsh desert planet.

But while the story of the clash of civilizations on the planet Arrakis is set in a time and a place far away, Herbert’s inspiration for the story came from a battle between man and nature in the rolling sand dunes of the Oregon coast.

Herbert visited Florence in 1957 and was mesmerized by the power of the blowing desert sand that was consuming nearby homes, roads and railroad tracks in the area. He was so taken by the dunes, that he decided to not write an article as planned, but instead to dig deeper into desert ecosystems and human interactions with nature. Läs också: Vad är Drum Sand in Dune?

The Siuslaw Public Library in Florence is home to an archive of many of the original materials that Herbert collected while researching Dune, including books on Marxism, poetry, ethics, and hypnosis. Visitors to the library can take a journey back in time and see the real-life inspiration behind the world of Dune.

Join the Rhodondendron Festival

The Rhododendron Festival is an annual event that takes place in Florence in late April or early May. It is a celebration of the colorful rhododendron flowers that bloom in the area during this time of year.

The festival features a variety of activities, including live music, parades, craft fairs, and flower displays.

Visitors can also take guided tours of the rhododendron gardens and enjoy food and drink from local vendors. The festival is a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and experience the unique culture of Florence.

It is a popular event among locals and tourists alike, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and festive atmosphere.



Kommer dit

Florens, OR is situated in the county of Lane, and is easily accessible by car, buss, or train. The nearest airport to Florence is the Eugene Airport (EUG) ligger ca 80 miles from the city. The airport offers daily flights from major cities across the United States. From the airport, you can rent a car or take the bus to Florence.

Med bil

The drive from Portland takes about 2.5 hours and follows Highway 5 through the picturesque Willamette Valley, before joining Highway 126 and following the coast. The drive is scenic and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the Oregon coast along the way.

Florence is also easily accessible from Eugene, which is about a 1.5 hour drive away. The quickest route is to take Highway 126 east, passing through the towns of Veneta, and Mapleton before reaching Florence.

Med buss

For those who prefer not to drive, Florence can also be reached by taking the bus. The Oregon Coast Explorer bus service runs several times a day between Florence and other cities on the Oregon coast, including Newport and Lincoln City. The bus stop is located at the Florence Event Center, just a short walk from the historic downtown area.

Med tåg

The closest Amtrak station to Florence is located in Eugene, about a 1.5 hour drive away. Därifrån, you can take the Coast Starlight train south to Chemult, and then take a connecting bus or drive to Florence. The train ride is a scenic and relaxing option, but keep in mind that the schedule can be infrequent and the trip will take longer overall.


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