Dunes and the lighthouse in Florence
Two of the best-known places near Florence are public lands, so the details below come from the agencies that run them. Rules, hours and fees change, so check the agency page before you go.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Forest Service describes the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area as about 40 miles of coast from Florence to Coos Bay, with 31,500 acres in the Siuslaw National Forest. Congress designated it in 1972. The Forest Service lists off-highway vehicle riding, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, birding, camping, picnicking and sand play among the activities.
From March 15 to September 15 the Forest Service works with Oregon State Parks and beachgoers to protect nesting snowy plovers, a threatened bird. Follow the posted rules for off-highway vehicle areas and the beach, which are listed on the Siuslaw National Forest site.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Oregon State Parks describes the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint as a 56-foot tower first lit in 1894, on the coast north of Florence. A trail of about half a mile with a climb of roughly 150 feet leads to the lighthouse. The state park page says the ground floor is open for part of the year, the upper levels are closed to the public, and a day-use parking permit is required. Check the park page for current hours and permit rules.