The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting travelers and Oregon residents to discover the charm of the Central Oregon Coast through a new promotional giveaway designed to highlight one of the state’s most celebrated coastal destinations. The Chamber recently announced a drawing that will award one winner a complimentary two-night stay in Florence, pairing lodging, dining, and recreation into a curated coastal experience intended to showcase the region’s tourism offerings.
At the center of the promotion is a two-night stay at the newly opened Florentine Waterfront Hotel, located along the scenic shoreline of Siltcoos Lake. The lakeside property represents one of Florence’s newest hospitality investments and reflects ongoing efforts by local tourism leaders to attract visitors seeking outdoor recreation combined with small-town coastal hospitality.
The prize package extends beyond accommodations. The selected winner will also receive a $100 dining certificate to 1285 Restobar, a popular restaurant located in Historic Old Town Florence, along with a round of golf for two at Sandpines Golf Links, including cart use. Together, the components of the giveaway are designed to introduce visitors to multiple facets of Florence’s tourism economy, from dining and recreation to waterfront lodging.
“This certainly will be a memory-making dream vacation for someone,” said Bettina Hannigan, president and CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. “Imagine a stunning lakeside getaway with free food and drink in Florence, plus free golf at one of Oregon’s best courses.”
The Chamber’s contest is part of a broader strategy to promote Florence as a year-round destination rather than solely a summer stop along Highway 101. Tourism officials continue to emphasize the city’s accessibility, natural scenery, and walkable historic district as key advantages in attracting travelers looking for coastal experiences without the crowds often associated with larger destinations.
Participants can enter the drawing online through the Chamber’s website, with the winner scheduled to be announced April 27, 2026. Contest organizers note that entrants must be at least 18 years old, and the winner will be notified by email following the drawing.
Florence has earned increasing national recognition in recent years from travel publications and tourism ranking organizations. According to Hannigan, the city has been recognized by Expedia.com as the “#1 Most Beautiful Town” and ranked fifth nationally as a destination to “Pop the Question.” Additional accolades cited by the Chamber include recognition by WorldAtlas.com as one of the most captivating small towns on the Pacific Coast and among the best small coastal communities to visit, ranking above several well-known West Coast destinations. TheTravel.com also placed Florence among the country’s most underrated beach towns, highlighting its appeal to travelers seeking scenic coastal experiences without heavy commercialization.
Local leaders believe promotions such as the giveaway help introduce new visitors to Florence’s diverse attractions while encouraging repeat travel. Visitors arriving in Florence often begin their experience in Historic Old Town, where locally owned shops, art galleries, museums, and restaurants line the Siuslaw River waterfront. The marina and iconic Siuslaw River Bridge remain central visual landmarks, connecting downtown Florence with surrounding recreation areas.
Outdoor adventure remains a defining feature of the region. Just south of town, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area offers opportunities for ATV riding, guided sand rail tours, and sandboarding across expansive coastal dunes. North of Florence, visitors encounter rugged shorelines, scenic viewpoints, and tide pools that showcase the ecological diversity of Oregon’s coastline.
By combining lodging, dining, and recreation into a single prize package, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce hopes to provide more than a vacation giveaway. Organizers say the effort reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses while reinforcing Florence’s reputation as one of Oregon’s signature coastal destinations, where natural beauty and community character continue to draw travelers year after year.