A Scenic Day Trip Itinerary from Eugene to Florence

In Oregon, many destinations aren’t defined by what’s in them as much as what surrounds them. Towns often act as gateways — places to pause, refuel, and wander briefly — while the real experience unfolds on the roads, beaches, trails, and landscapes just beyond their borders.

Florence fits that pattern well. While it has a walkable Old Town and a handful of great places to eat, the reason most people make the trip is what lies around it: open dunes, long stretches of Highway 101, wide beaches, and coastal scenery that rewards exploration.

This itinerary is built with that perspective in mind — a day spent mostly outside of Florence, using the town as a natural place to end the day with a relaxed walk and a good dinner.

"Just North of Florence, Oregon" by DavidK-Oregon is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Morning: Inland Start or Straight to the Coast

The drive from Eugene to Florence is straightforward and scenic without demanding much attention. Forested stretches and river views ease you west before the landscape opens up near the coast.

If you’re starting early and want to add something active before reaching the ocean, there’s are worthwhile detours along the way.

Optional Morning Waterfall Detours:

For early risers, Kentucky Falls makes for a rewarding inland hike before continuing on to the coast. The forested trail leads to multiple waterfall viewpoints and offers a completely different environment from the dunes and shoreline you’ll see later in the day. If you’re deciding between waterfall hikes, Sweet Creek Falls is another excellent option nearby, offering a shorter, more accessible trail with multiple waterfalls in a compact area — a good alternative if you want something scenic without committing as much time.

This option works best if you leave Eugene early and don’t mind adding a few hours before reaching Florence. Best Oregon Tour’s Guide to Waterfall Hikes Near Eugene features more details about Kentucky Falls and other great waterfall hikes in the Eugene area!

"Sweet Creek Falls" by Only in Oregon is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Late Morning: Oregon Dunes & Honeyman State Park

Just outside Florence, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is one of the most distinctive landscapes on the Oregon Coast and worth more than a quick roadside stop.

One of the best ways to experience the dunes on foot is to start from trail access near Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, where forest paths gradually open into wide stretches of sand. That transition — trees giving way to rolling dunes — really highlights the scale of the area.

The dunes are also a hub for recreation. Depending on the day, you’ll see people sandboarding down steeper slopes, ATVs moving through designated riding areas, and visitors simply exploring on foot.

Honeyman State Park is especially appealing for families. The park’s main lake is stocked for fishing, and the nearby open sand makes it one of the easiest places to try sandboarding with kids without committing to anything extreme. Even if you’re not participating, watching the activity unfold gives a good sense of how varied the dunes experience can be.

"Tahkenitch Creek (Oregon Dunes)" by Martin Bravenboer is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Midday & Afternoon: Highway 101, Beaches, and Marina Stops

From the dunes, spend the middle of the day driving Highway 101 rather than heading straight into town. This stretch of coast rewards slow driving, scenic pullouts, and spontaneous stops far more than any fixed checklist.

Heading north brings dramatic viewpoints near Heceta Head, with big coastal scenery that requires very little effort to access. Driving south offers a quieter feel, longer stretches of shoreline, and fewer crowds.

As the afternoon unfolds, gradually circle back toward Florence. A beach walk near the South Jetty works well when the light softens and the wind picks up — classic Oregon Coast conditions that are part of the experience rather than something to avoid.

If you prefer something calmer, a short marina walk near town offers a slower counterpoint to the open coast. Fishing boats, docks, and river views make it an easy place to stretch your legs. If you’re near the docks and want a casual bite, Novelli’s Seafood sits right on the marina and is known locally for its crab chowder. It’s quick, unfussy, and ideal as a mid-afternoon stop that won’t compete with dinner plans.

Evening: Old Town Florence & Dinner on the River

"Siuslaw River Bridge - Florence, Oregon (28933220512)" by Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Plan to make Old Town Florence your final stop of the day. Ending here — rather than bouncing in and out of town — keeps the evening simple and relaxed.

Bay Street runs along the Siuslaw River and is easy to explore in a short walk. A stroll along the waterfront, a look through a few shops, and dinner by the river is usually all you need before heading back inland.

Florence’s most popular dinner spots tend to fill up, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons, so reservations are a smart move.

Waterfront Depot is a classic choice, set directly on the river and especially popular around sunset when tables with views are in high demand.

For something more destination-driven, The Pono Hukilau offers Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and bold flavors that stand out on the Oregon Coast. It’s a favorite for good reason and another spot where planning ahead can make the evening much smoother.

Return to Eugene

After dinner, begin the drive back to Eugene while the day is still winding down. The shift from coastal air to forested roads makes the return feel calm rather than rushed — a fitting end to a day spent mostly outdoors. 

If you’d rather spend the day taking it all in instead of planning every turn, Best Oregon Tours offers guided Oregon Coast trips led by local experts who know where to linger, what to skip, and which hidden spots are easy to miss on your own. It’s a great option if you want the same scenic focus — with the added ease of having timing, routing, and details handled for you. Click here to book a tour!