Florence, Oregon

Massive sand dunes characterize the area around Florence. Located on the northern edge of the National Dunes Recreation Area (NDRA), Florence is best known for the hiking, bird watching, horse back and dune buggy riding activities available in the dunes. The NDRA contains some of the largest oceanfront dunes in the world, ranging up to 500 feet high and forming banks up to three miles deep. Other popular recreational activities include fishing, swimming and boating in the 17 lakes around Florence and crabbing, clamming, ocean and river fishing. Florence's tastefully restored Old Town offers interesting shops and boutiques, coffee houses and good restaurants. Another fun side trip is the American Museum of Fly Fishing. 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.