We did a couple day stay in Florence, hotel was right on the Siuslaw River. Beach access is a little complicated on both the north and south jetty's. The north jetty has a pay to park area with easy beach access and about a block south another free spot, just south of the hotel (Driftwood Shores Resort). The south jetty has multiple beach access parking lots with vaulted facilities. What complicates the south jetty is the climb over the dunes to get to the beach - which we did not try. Mo's Seafood is a popular stop in Florence. The Firehouse Restaurant is where we ate lunch. One of the many options in the area. This is also the shopping area and there are more food stops in this little area if seafood isn't your choice. The other thing Florence is known for, is a far less glamorous feature. In 1970 a whale was removed from the beach. The article link isn't for the feint of heart. So yeah, eat in the old towne area and walk the beaches. Oh, throw a crab pot in at Mo's too.