Oregon Coast - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 615

POP 8500
Much of Florence consists of a long, mind-numbing commercial strip that serves the
needs of tourists and passing dune-buggy enthusiasts buzzing a path to the Oregon Dunes
National Recreation Area just further south. Find your way to the Old Town neighbor-
hood, however, and you'll see another, more charming side of the town: a quaint water-
front district nestled along the scenic Siuslaw River next to the Oregon Coast's prettiest
harbor.
Sights & Activities
Old Town NEIGHBORHOOD
Boardwalks, fun shops, good restaurants and great views of the Siuslaw Bridge make
Old Town a top place to explore. The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum ( 541-997-7884; cnr
Maple & 2nd Sts; admission $3; noon-4pm) is located in a 1905 schoolhouse and displays
exceptional farming, fishing and logging artifacts, along with pioneer items and Native
American relics.
Darlingtonia Wayside PARK
Three miles north of downtown Florence on US 101 is Darlingtonia Wayside, where a
short boardwalk overlooks a surreal bog of insect-eating pitcher plants ( Darlingtonia
californica, also known as cobra lilies).
Sand Master Park SANDBOARDING
( 541-997-6006; www.sandmasterpark.com ; 5351 US 101; 9am-6:30pm) Yes, sandboard-
ing. Like snowboarding, but on sand. Try it on the dunes at the northern edge of
Florence. Sandboard rentals and lessons are on offer, and on Saturdays (in summer) free
sand sculpture classes are given for those not keen on sand rashes.
Sandland Adventures DUNE BUGGYING
( 541-997-8087; www.sandland.com ; 85366 US 101 S; 9am-6pm; ) This place offers fun
for the entire family, from dune-buggy tours to mini-golf to go-karts to bumper boats.
There's even a 12-minute train ride and water-balloon fights. In summer, reserve ahead
for the dune buggy tours.
C&M Stables HORSEBACK RIDING
( 541-997-7540; www.oregonhorsebackriding.com ; 90241 N US 101; rides per person from $50)
There's horseback riding on beaches and trails 8 miles north of Florence at these stables.