Heceta Hideout Guidebook
City/town information
Florence is our favorite seaside community located along the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean.
Conveniently located along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 101), and only one hour west of Eugene, Florence is an easy and beautiful coastal destination.
Florence offers everything in one visit. From freshwater lakes and miles of coastal sand dunes to world-class landmarks like Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Sea Lion Caves, Florence is a favorite destination for foodies, adventurers, and people who love to live what we like to call 'the good life.'
75 locals recommend
Florence
Florence is our favorite seaside community located along the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean.
Conveniently located along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 101), and only one hour west of Eugene, Florence is an easy and beautiful coastal destination.
Florence offers everything in one visit. From freshwater lakes and miles of coastal sand dunes to world-class landmarks like Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Sea Lion Caves, Florence is a favorite destination for foodies, adventurers, and people who love to live what we like to call 'the good life.'
Neighborhoods
This beautiful, long sandy beach is located an easy 3-min walk from our home Heceta Hideout.
Staying at our property gives you private beach access to this location for families and leisurely beach strolls.
While on the beach look for whales, sand dollars, and don't miss the Heceta Head Lighthouse shining its light in the distance.
14 locals recommend
Heceta Beach
This beautiful, long sandy beach is located an easy 3-min walk from our home Heceta Hideout.
Staying at our property gives you private beach access to this location for families and leisurely beach strolls.
While on the beach look for whales, sand dollars, and don't miss the Heceta Head Lighthouse shining its light in the distance.
Sightseeing
Regardless of the time of year, Bay Street is worth the time to stroll. Local coffee, local food, gift shops, views of the Siuslaw bridge, and docked fishing boats. There is plenty to see and do in the Historic Old Town.
Bay Street
Bay StreetRegardless of the time of year, Bay Street is worth the time to stroll. Local coffee, local food, gift shops, views of the Siuslaw bridge, and docked fishing boats. There is plenty to see and do in the Historic Old Town.
Sea Lion Caves: Is always a crowd pleaser! Very famous and a little touristy but getting to see the barking sea lions is pretty cool.
83 locals recommend
Sea Lion Caves
91560 US-101Sea Lion Caves: Is always a crowd pleaser! Very famous and a little touristy but getting to see the barking sea lions is pretty cool.
Siltcoos Lake offers kayaking rentals and you can end your day at one of our favorite outdoor restaurant's Darlings.
Siltcoos Lake
Siltcoos Lake offers kayaking rentals and you can end your day at one of our favorite outdoor restaurant's Darlings.
Great for exploring tidepools, with a gentle river that younger kids can also play in. Families can hike up to the lighthouse (a good hike for all ages). This spot is perfect to spend time outdoors as a family and get a lot of coastal vibes.
10 locals recommend
Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
97439 US-101Great for exploring tidepools, with a gentle river that younger kids can also play in. Families can hike up to the lighthouse (a good hike for all ages). This spot is perfect to spend time outdoors as a family and get a lot of coastal vibes.
This is an excellent way to see the vast and beautiful Oregon sand dunes with the whole family. This experience is less expensive than an ATV rental per person and has a group tour with a professional guide. After your dune ride, you can have fun bumping and splashing on their Bumper Boats, race on the Grand Prix style Go-Kart track, play their Miniature Golf Course or take a ride on the Cloverline Railroad.
25 locals recommend
Sandland Adventures
85366 US-101This is an excellent way to see the vast and beautiful Oregon sand dunes with the whole family. This experience is less expensive than an ATV rental per person and has a group tour with a professional guide. After your dune ride, you can have fun bumping and splashing on their Bumper Boats, race on the Grand Prix style Go-Kart track, play their Miniature Golf Course or take a ride on the Cloverline Railroad.
This is a drive to Newport but with kids, it is fun! With a combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits including jellyfish, starfish, otters, seals, the octopus, the shark, and the puffins. It is all so wonderful. The volunteers are a wealth of information and insights about the animals.
155 locals recommend
Oregon Coast Aquarium
2820 SE Ferry Slip RdThis is a drive to Newport but with kids, it is fun! With a combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits including jellyfish, starfish, otters, seals, the octopus, the shark, and the puffins. It is all so wonderful. The volunteers are a wealth of information and insights about the animals.
Three Rivers Casino also has three great on-site restaurants to ensure that you'll never be hungry and a family favorite is the Ocean Dunes Golf Links which provides 18 holes of golf.
16 locals recommend
Three Rivers Casino and Resort
5647 OR-126Three Rivers Casino also has three great on-site restaurants to ensure that you'll never be hungry and a family favorite is the Ocean Dunes Golf Links which provides 18 holes of golf.
Food scene
Quality coffee drinks, beautiful seasonal decorations, local items to purchase, and picture-perfect views of the Siuslaw River from the outdoor deck.
17 locals recommend
River Roasters - formerly Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters
1240 Bay StQuality coffee drinks, beautiful seasonal decorations, local items to purchase, and picture-perfect views of the Siuslaw River from the outdoor deck.
Great restaurant with views of Siuslaw River. This is a smaller intimate setting. The service is outstanding and a wonderful place for special occasions or celebration dinners. Reservations definitely recommended.
35 locals recommend
Waterfront Depot Restaurant
1252 Bay StGreat restaurant with views of Siuslaw River. This is a smaller intimate setting. The service is outstanding and a wonderful place for special occasions or celebration dinners. Reservations definitely recommended.
Jerry's is near our home. Local bar with a cozy and relaxing vibe. It is a nice place for a burger and beer.
16 locals recommend
Jerry's Place Bar and Grill
88274 Rhododendron DrJerry's is near our home. Local bar with a cozy and relaxing vibe. It is a nice place for a burger and beer.
Bridgewater is a great family restaurant right on Bay Street. The menu has something for everyone and the food and service are good. I recommend reservations on the weekend.
21 locals recommend
Bridgewater Fish House and Zebra Bar
1297 Bay StBridgewater is a great family restaurant right on Bay Street. The menu has something for everyone and the food and service are good. I recommend reservations on the weekend.
Fresh Harvest is very close to our home. It has excellent breakfast and brunch food. Kind customer service that is relaxed and not rushed.
6 locals recommend
Fresh Harvest cafe
3056 US-101Fresh Harvest is very close to our home. It has excellent breakfast and brunch food. Kind customer service that is relaxed and not rushed.
Restobar is an amazing place for Italian dishes in a friendly atmosphere. I recommend any of the wood-fired pizzas but especially the 1285 BBQ pizza, chocolate cake, and crab ravioli as something to try.
20 locals recommend
1285 Restobar
1285 Bay StRestobar is an amazing place for Italian dishes in a friendly atmosphere. I recommend any of the wood-fired pizzas but especially the 1285 BBQ pizza, chocolate cake, and crab ravioli as something to try.
We consider darlings to be a “hidden gem” perfect for a daytime burger and beer with clear views of the lake. Darlings are known for their BBQ and I highly recommend anything with brisket.
13 locals recommend
Darlings Marina & RV Resort
4879 Darlings LoopWe consider darlings to be a “hidden gem” perfect for a daytime burger and beer with clear views of the lake. Darlings are known for their BBQ and I highly recommend anything with brisket.