Florence vacation rentals

Isn't it time your vacation went off with a bang?

Cute as a button, this pocket-rocket of a coastal city is legendary for a disastrous episode in 1970 involving the Oregon Highway Division, a dead whale, and 2 tons of dynamite. Fortunately, while sea life is still a big draw round here, the marine mammals you'll encounter on your Florence vacation rental are of the less explosive variety. Folks come for the whale watching and the local sea lion colony, but they're also drawn in by the promise of high-speed days out on the sand dunes, and chilled evenings soaking up the laid-back charm of Florence's Old Town.

In Florence, see sea lions lyin' in the sea

A good way to get acquainted with Florence itself is a visit to the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, coupled with a self-guided walking tour of the Old Town. The big attraction of the area, though, is the Sea Lion Caves. This sprawling system of sea caverns is home to a permanent population of sea lions, plus various other winged and scaled critters. Just 2 miles away, the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse sits atop one of the most gorgeous viewpoints on the Pacific Coast. It's a great place to try and spy out migratory whales on their way past.

With a Florence vacation, it's Mad Max in moderation

For anyone who's ever watched Mad Max and thought that it all seemed like good fun apart from the brutality and body count, a Florence vacation rental might just be the one for you. The sprawling sandy playground of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is just outside town, with sandboarding and dune buggy rides for would-be road warriors. Then, of course, there are boat trips out onto the ocean to get up close and personal with the whales. Back in town, you can chance your luck at the casino, or just take a turn along the boardwalk.

Fantastic Florence is reasonably seasonable

Summers round here are to die for. Dry and warm, it's the perfect season to get out on the dunes. Winter, on the other hand, is a lot cooler, and can get pretty damp, so make sure you come prepared. There are also some other seasonal quirks to take into account when you're planning your Florence vacation rental. There are resident whales year-round, but if you're looking to catch the gray whales migrating, they head south in December_January, and back north in March_June. Then there's the city's famous rhododendron festival, which takes place in May time.

Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Florence

Travelers enjoy Florence for its riverfront and seaside. Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Florence. These are some of the area's noteworthy sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Jessie M. Honeyman State Park (3.6 mi / 5.9 km)
• Siltcoos Lake (7.4 mi / 11.9 km)
• Sea Lion Caves (9.7 mi / 15.6 km)
• Hobbit Trailhead (11.2 mi / 17.9 km)
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (19.3 mi / 31 km)
• Thor's Well (20.4 mi / 32.9 km)

Traveling to and around Florence

The nearest airport is in Mahlon Sweet Field Airport (EUG), located 45.1 mi (72.6 km) from the city center.