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Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint, Florence, OR

Photo: Finetooth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sightseeing

Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint

Coastal day-use viewpoint near Florence with beach access, picnic spots, and whale watching.

Florence, OR

About Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint

A state-managed coastal spot near Florence where visitors can picnic, comb the shoreline, and watch for whales. The sandy beach stretches roughly five miles, with China Creek marking its southern edge. J.C. Ponsler gave the land to the state in 1938 to honor his wife, and early day-use facilities were built during the Depression by a federal work program.

  • #coast
  • #beach
  • #whale watching
  • #picnicking
  • #beachcombing

What's around here?

The closest stops to Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

    Check prices

    Creekside coastal campground and beach park north of Florence, with forest trails leading to sandy shore and Heceta Head Lighthouse.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Heceta Head Lighthouse

    Under $25

    Climb a half-mile trail from a sheltered beach to an 1894 lighthouse perched 206 feet above the Pacific.

    2.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Tokatee Klootchman State Natural Site

    Check prices

    Oregon coastal state natural site with ocean-edge views and a reputation for whale watching.

    2.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Sea Lion Caves

    Under $25

    An elevator descends into a coastal cave where visitors can view wild Steller sea lions on the Oregon coast.

    3.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing

    Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint

    Check prices

    Four roadside stops along Highway 101 on the Oregon coast, with cliff benches, tide pools, and agate hunting.

    6.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing

    Florence Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center

    No admission fee

    The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce visitor center on Highway 101, with trip help for the Oregon Coast town and the dunes.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    13 mi awayMore like this

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