Oregon is full of tiny little towns that will completely surprise you. And Florence is one of Oregon's most wonderful surprises. This coastal town has it all: incredible outdoor recreation: gorgeous beaches and state parks, must-visit attractions, a charming and historic downtown, and some of the best regional cuisine. The tiny town of Florence in Oregon has a little bit of everything, and it's truly one of the state's best-kept secrets.

Florence, Oregon, is a charming little beach town located on the Central Oregon Coast.

But unlike its nearby neighbors (Seaside and Astoria, for example) Florence is an under-the-radar gem that offers a less crowded, more relaxing experience.

Florence sits at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, just miles away from the Pacific Ocean.

The Historic Siuslaw River Bridge is the town's most defining landmark; it's an architectural masterpiece, with gorgeous archways and ornate stonework. It's also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Florence's prime location offers access to some of the best outdoor attractions in the state.

Case in point: the Hecta Head Lighthouse, located mere minutes from Florence, is one of the most photographed on the coast and a must-visit.

Florence has a thriving downtown, full of charming shops and restaurants.

Known as "Historic Old Town Florence," this downtown area is straight from a Hallmark movie.

In the Historic District, you'll find some of the very best restaurants in Oregon.

Mo's is an Oregon institution; and its Florence location on the banks of the Siuslaw River boasts some of the best views in town.

Mo's is a delightful Oregon diner, and its chowder is rumored to be the best on the West Coast.

(Order Mo's chowder in a sourdough bowl; you won't be disappointed.)

Also in Old Town, you'll find Mari's Kitchen, a quaint little brunch spot.

It's a relatively new addition to the historic district (it opened in 2019), but feels like it's always been part of the scene.

This cozy little cafe dishes up the best breakfast in town.

The waffles at Mari's Kitchen are a must-try—they're PNW comfort food at its best.

And when in Old Town, a stay at the historic Lighthouse Inn is the way to go.

The 75-year-old Lighthouse Inn is located right in town, and is a charming place to stay!

Of course, Historic Old Town Florence also has some charming antique shops.

The Purple Pelican Antique Mall is the perfect place to wander around.

Here you'll find some truly one-of-a-kind treasures, which make for fun souvenirs of your trip to Florence.

Rounding out must-visit places in Old Town is Waterfront Depot.

This unassuming little restaurant is perhaps Florence's best hidden treasure.

For starters, the food is stellar.

Waterfront Depot burgers are the best in town, and maybe even the state. Their All-American Burger features local, grass-fed beef and a luscious aioli that will have you licking your fingers.

And the views from this restaurant will take your breath away.

Dine out on the patio and take in million-dollar panoramas of the Siuslaw River and the Historic Siuslaw River Bridge.

Florence has views for days, really. Especially when it comes to the area parks.

The parks along Oregon’s 363 miles of coastline are outstanding, and Florence has some of the very best trails out of them all.

The shady "Hobbit Trail" near Florence takes you through an enchanted forest to a beautiful, secluded beach.

This accessible little hike will make you feel as though you’re in a J.R.R. Tolkien novel.

Nearby, Sea Lion Caves is one of the area's most acclaimed attractions.

Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary located just north of Florence. It's America's largest sea cave, and the year-round home of the Steller sea lion.

But what's so wonderful about Sea Lion Caves is that it's a preserve—not a zoo—so the sea lions come and go as they please.

But typically, in the winter months, you'll find hundreds of sea lions inside the Cave; then when spring arrives, the sea lions will move from the Cave to the rock ledges out in front of the Cave, where they'll remain through summer.

Camping is big in the state, especially along the Central Oregon Coast.

In terms of superlatives, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park is home to the second largest state park campground in Oregon. There are over 350 campsites in the park, all of which offer tons of scenic beauty. But for the coziest camping experience, you'll definitely want to reserve one of the park's adorable little yurts!

The coastal sand dunes near Florence are absolutely phenomenal.

The Oregon sand dunes are world-renowned—they're basically recycled beach terrain, swept inland along the state's rolling coastline.

While there are miles of sand dunes along the coast, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are really the heart and soul of this natural phenomenon.

One of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, the Oregon Dunes are 40,000 acres of sloping, seemingly endless, natural mystery. They're otherworldly.

With breathtaking natural splendor and a charming, small town vibe, Florence is one of Oregon's most wonderful treasures.

There's just so much to love about this extraordinary little Oregon town.

Best chowder in Oregon? Epic sand dunes? State parks with yurts and hobbit trails? A postcard-perfect coast? Charming and vibrant little downtown? Does it get any better? Florence is basically peak Oregon living.

If Florence has incited a major case of Oregon wanderlust, we have the solution: we put together a year of epic Oregon day trips that will have you exploring a different part of the state each month. Happy exploring!