Massive sand dunes characterize the area around Florence. Florence is best known for the hiking, bird watching, horse back and dune buggy riding activities available in the dunes. The Oregon dunes are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in the U.S., and stretch for 50 miles between Florence and Coos Bay.

Other popular recreational activities include fishing, swimming and boating in the 17 lakes around Florence and crabbing, clamming, ocean and river fishing. For a more leisurely pace, the Westward Ho!, an old fashioned sternwheeler, takes visitors on excursions and dinner cruises on the Siuslaw River.

Florence's tastefully restored Old Town offers interesting shops and boutiques, coffee houses and good restaurants.

Ten miles north of Florence, the enormous sea grotto of the Sea Lion Caves contains the only mainland rookery of Stellar's sea lion in the lower 48 states. The sea lions occupy the cave in fall and winter, with up to 200 sea lions living there. Views of the coastline include Heceta Head Lighthouse and nearby cliffs that are home to guillemots, cormorants and other sea birds.

Golfers will enjoy the 18 hole Ocean Dunes Golf Links public course, which is surrounded by sixty foot high sand dunes. The course has a driving range, cart and equipment rentals and a pro shop. It was voted best new public course in America (1993) by Golf Digest. Reservations are recommended.