Here are fun activities to do around Florence and Yachats!

Florence

• Sea Lion Caves is a must see this time of year before the Sea Lions head out for the season. Make sure to call ahead to check to if the Sea Lion’s are indeed still actively in the cave, but even if they are not, there are excellent interpretive displays and a view of Heceta Head Lighthouse!
• There is a variety of points of interest including the Darlingtonia State Natural Site, which is one of the very few places that Darlingtonia Californica, a carnivorous species of flower, exists naturally. In addition, there are architectural wonders like the Siuslaw River Bridge and Cape Creek Bridge for you to enjoy.
• Florence offers many activities including dune buggy rides from Sandland Adventures and Sand Dunes Frontier, horseback rides from C&M Stables, even a private plane tour of the coast with Aero Legends.

Yachats

• Gerdemann Public Trail in Yachats is now open again! Take a walk through this beautiful Botanic Preserve just in time to see the Rhododendrons in bloom!
• Yachats has many stunning natural geological formations such as Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. Other points of interest include the Little Log Church, the North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge and Bazalgette the Whale at Whale Park!
• Don’t forget to treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Ona Restaurant and Lounge!
• Smelt Sands State Recreation Site is approximately halfway along the 804 Trail. It offers an excellent place for tide pooling and photography. The 804 Trail continues as the Oregon Coast Trail on the northern seven miles of sandy beach leading to Waldport. To the south, the 804 connects to Amanda's Trail and ascends to Cape Perpetua.
• Including the coastal 804 Trail, walking routes line the village of Yachats. Amanda's Trail is one such trail that connects the town with Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. The route begins on the south side of town near Windy Way Street. The trail starts by going through private land with an easement in place. Users are asked to stay on the designated path.  The trail navigates the dense coastal forest surrounding Yachats. Users encounter the unique Amanda Statue within approximately the first mile of hiking. The statue and adjacent interpretive information share the history endured by the native cultures during a devastating relocation in the 1860s.

If you visit the area, be sure to stop by the Interpretive Center in the Keeper's Home for a tour and see what's new in the Heceta Lighthouse Gift Shop along the trail to the lighthouse tower!