I am pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Kerry, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Kerry is from the United States and submitted the following report about her solo trip to Florence, Oregon. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo Travel Rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages Spoken: English
Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events, and attractions)
Enjoying a Long Weekend on the Oregon Coast
One of the things I love most about solo travel is the thrill of discovery. When you take a chance on a new destination, you really don’t know for sure whether you’ll enjoy it. But when it turns out to be even better than you expected, that’s travel magic! That’s what happened this summer when I went to little-known Florence, a small town on the central coast of Oregon.
I've traveled abroad across Europe as well as to many destinations in North and Central America, but sometimes I just need a simple getaway to relax and unwind. And because I live in Arizona, I try to stay on or near the water wherever I travel. So, when I had an opportunity to visit Florence ahead of a 4-day workshop, I quickly made arrangements for a long weekend there. At a minimum, I was hoping for a walk on the beach and a satisfying sunset. A bonus would mean it wasn't too hot or overcrowded with tourists in mid-June.
But I found much more—a delightfully unspoiled, uncrowded beach with lovely sunsets, a lighthouse with gorgeous views of the Pacific coast, exceptional seafood, and cool, sunny weather. In fact, the average high in June is only 64! Coming from the Arizona heat, it was very refreshing to walk along the beach and feel the wind in my hair.
I flew to Eugene and rented a car, easily making the 60-mile drive to Florence and checking in at the Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center. Although my room wasn’t lavish, the oceanfront views certainly were! I love listening to the ocean, so I’d crack my balcony door open to hear the waves roll in. With access to the beach, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a small restaurant right on the property—serving some of the best hand-breaded fried cod I’ve ever had—you could easily stay at the Driftwood for a week.
Whether you’re there for a day or a longer stay, though, there are some must-see highlights that all exceeded my expectations:
- Just 12 miles from Florence is the Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the most iconic lighthouses on the Oregon coast. Drive north on Highway 101—the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway—and you’ll come to this historic landmark, where you can hike up the short trail and experience its amazing views. Beyond Heceta, you could take the highway all the way to Yachats and beyond to visit several other coastal overlooks and attractions.
- The city’s historic Old Town district, situated on the Siuslaw River, is a fun way to spend an afternoon shopping, and it’s where you will find some of the best seafood restaurants. I recommend the Waterfront Depot on Bay Street, with outdoor seating overlooking the river. I had the Salmon Piccata, a delectable dish accompanied by Yukon mashed potatoes, warm field greens, sauteed onions, and lemon caper beurre blanc sauce.
- On the southern edge of Florence, I was surprised to find the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, home to the largest sand dunes in the world. I signed up for a dune buggy ride with Sandland Adventures, which offers a one-hour adventurous tour through the dune lands, including a ride along the remote windswept beach.
Solo Travel Rating for Florence, Oregon
- Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
- Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
- Navigation – 2 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
- Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
- Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
