We are heading to Florence, Oregon tomorrow for 5 days to go to the sand dunes on our quads. Some of us girls don't want to drive for 10 hours just to spend 5 days playing in the sand and want to find a day trip for one of the days. We did the Sea Lion Caves last year, and don't want to do that again. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks for any suggestions.

We spent 12 days in Oregon last September-had a great time. If I recall, when we went to the Dunes-(had a fantastic time-what a blast), we were staying in Yachats. The ride up Route 101 was great-several places to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Sea Lion Caves...Ooooh did that, hated it. P U .. bad smell.

There is a park on the very outside of Florence (or there was) that raises rare white tigers. I have pictures of a white tiger playing with my nieces shoe (MANY years ago) that we've always treasured. It's hidden behind a big tall fence, but I believe it's still there. It's worth a visit.

You're within a quick drive to the Umpqua Valley. Some fantastic pinots are made there. I'd do a day tasting wine but that's not a suprise huh?

Only a day, Dawn?? That IS a surprise!!!

Glad we decided to skip that part.

Well a day in the Umpqua Valley...you then go on to the Columbia Valley, Chelan Valley, Eastern Oregon, Eastern Washington, etc

I traveled through Oregon from LA up to Seattle a few weeks ago. I stopped in Southern Oregon at a place called "The Vortex". It's right off of I-5 in Gold Hill.

On the list of top ten strange places to visit (as seen on the Travel Channel), it is number 6.

Oh I forgot that place. It's really cool

What about Whitwater Rafting? My daughter works as a guide on the McKenzie and Umpkwa (?) rivers. They are already doing several trips. I also understand there are a lot of hot springs in the area.

If it's not too late for you to see this, you might consider the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. It's pretty cool.

Here's a link to their website: Aquarium