Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Heceta Head Lighthouse
View of Heceta Head Lighthouse from the Sea Lion Caves
Sea Lion
Florence, Oregon
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Oregon Coastal Tour from Eugene: Florence to Yachats

(3)
Eugene, United States
Bus & Minivan ToursSightseeing ToursNature ToursSafari & Wildlife
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About this activity

Explore the dramatic Oregon Coast in a single day via private Sprinter Van, visiting Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and the charming coastal town of Yachats. This 8.5-hour guided tour from Eugene combines wildlife viewing, coastal hiking, and local dining in one immersive Pacific Northwest experience.

Please note: This tour includes pick up and drop off service from designated points in Eugene, Oregon. Simply select the pick up place of your preference from the list under the availability section and our driver will be on his way!

After pickup from one of three meet-points travel by Sprinter Van to the Sea Lion Caves which is a privately-owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary (since 1932) centrally located just 11 miles north of Florence on the beautiful and rugged Oregon Coast. We will also stop at Heceta Head Lighthouse, a working lighthouse. 

From a height of 205 feet above the ocean, its “first order” Fresnel lens, casts its beams some 21 miles out to sea. It is the brightest light on the Oregon coast. It is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. You will have the option to walk the short 1/2 mile trail (150 feet gain) up to the lighthouse, walk on the beach, walk under the Historic McCullough Cape Creek Bridge, or just sit and listen to the rhythmic waves and take in the sea mist of the Pacific Ocean.  

Next, we will visit Yachats where you will have several dining options to enjoy lunch along with galleries, boutiques and coffee shops or maybe a little ice cream is in order! If seafood is what you came for, it does not get any fresher from several local restaurants purchasing from local fishermen taking pride in the catch of the day. 

With Yachats being our turn around point, you will now be even more impressed with the vistas as we make our way South to Florence. There will be several stopping opportunities for pictures, short walks, beaches and dramatic geologic formations that may include (all weather permitting):

DEVILS CHURN

CAPE PERPETUA

COOKS CHASM

THORS WELL

BOB CREEK or OCEAN BEACH

Finally, we will visit Florence and the Historic Old Town district of this inland coastal village originally built on docks lining the Siuslaw river banks. With Florence’s long time logging and fishing history, it was positioned perfectly between the coastal forest range and the Pacific ocean, taking advantage of the easy river access. 

Florence and the Siuslaw River is the Northern border of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area spanning 40 miles (60 km) south along the Pacific with dunes as high as 500 feet (150 m). The Oregon Dunes are a unique area of windswept sand that is the result of millions of years of wind and rain erosion on the Oregon Coast. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. The dunes provide numerous recreational opportunities including off-road vehicle use, hiking, photography, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping.

Return to Eugene. 

Highlights

  • ✓Sea Lion Caves – America's largest sea cave and private wildlife sanctuary (since 1932)
  • ✓Heceta Head Lighthouse – 205 feet above ocean with historic Fresnel lens; most photographed lighthouse in the US
  • ✓Optional 0.5-mile lighthouse trail with 150 ft elevation gain and coastal vistas
  • ✓McCullough Cape Creek Bridge – walk beneath this historic engineering landmark
  • ✓Yachats village – lunch, galleries, boutiques, and fresh-caught seafood from local fishermen
  • ✓Scenic coastal drive with multiple stops to absorb Pacific Ocean views and sea mist

Insider tips

  • ★Book the lighthouse trail option if visiting in calmer weather – the 0.5-mile walk rewards with unobstructed ocean views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
  • ★Arrive in Yachats hungry; local restaurants source directly from day boats, so the catch-of-the-day specials are genuinely fresh and rotate daily.
  • ★Pick the earliest Eugene pick-up time available to maximize daylight hours at each stop, especially if photographing the lighthouse at golden hour.
  • ★Bring binoculars – sea lions, seals, and seabirds are most active mid-morning at the caves and around the headland.

Good to know

  • •Pick-up and drop-off from three designated Eugene locations; select your preferred meeting point during booking.
  • •Transportation via comfortable Sprinter Van (small-group capacity).
  • •Lighthouse trail is optional; alternative activities include beach walking and bridge viewing for those preferring no strenuous hiking.
  • •Casual footwear acceptable for village exploring; sturdy shoes recommended if doing lighthouse trail.
  • •Tour duration is 8.5 hours total; lunch break in Yachats is self-directed (not included in price).

Who it's for

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts keen on sea caves and coastal ecosystemsPhotographers seeking iconic lighthouse and seascape shotsCouples and small groups wanting a guided coastal escape from EugeneCasual hikers and sightseers with moderate fitness (lighthouse trail is optional)

Best time to visit

Visit April–October for reliably calm weather and maximum daylight; mid-morning departures capture sea lions most active in caves and provide optimal lighthouse photography light. Avoid November–March for unpredictable coastal storms and reduced visibility.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€1,315
per person