Old Town Florence
Smack-dab in the middle of the Oregon coast, the Florence area offers a variety of activities that draw people from all around. Lakes, beaches, rivers, dunes, and the friendly community are all reasons folks choose to live or vacation in Florence. Inevitably though, when you’ve stomped the sand from your shoes, reeled in your fishing lines, trailered your OHV, or hung your swim suit (or rain gear) to dry, your next stop is Old Town Florence.
Old Town’s main drag was built along the banks of the Siuslaw River during a time when rivers were the lifeblood of a town rather than primarily a flowing stream of beauty. Today, Bay Street and perpendicular fingers of tree-named roads hold shops and restaurants, as well as the caretaker of Florence history, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum.
A visit to Old Town Florence need not exclusively involve eating and shopping though. Interspersed with galleries, memorabilia, and treat stores are gratis attractions worthy of a stop all on their own. The venues shown below span the length of Bay Street. Each allows easy walking in an enjoyable setting and seated views of the river. All are “wheel friendly”; that is, suitable for rolling mobility devices.
Industry
Port of Siuslaw
boardwalk and marina, event hub
Stroll
Mostly level sidewalk, brick, and decking
Four benches
History
Florence Ferry Landing Overlook
retired ferry landing and the Siuslaw River
150 Steps
Level sidewalk and brick, slight descent to deck
Two benches
Education
Siuslaw Interpretive Center
at the foot of the Siuslaw River Bridge
Stroll
Level sidewalk and decking
Several benches and tables
Remembrance
Florence Veterans Memorial Park
memorial wall next to the Siuslaw River
100 Steps
Level pavement, sidewalk, and brickLong, wide bench
