There are certain things in life that absolutely need to be experienced in person; photographs, videos, and social media simply cannot compare. Seeing a 60,000-pound gray whale breach the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean? It’s definitely one of those things. Coastal Oregon is full of spectacular places to go whale watching, offering close-up views of these magnificent mammals. There’s one particular Oregon town where you’ll find best whale watching in the state. Come along with us as we explore Florence:

Florence is an unassuming little beach town located on the Central Oregon Coast.
John Elk/The Image Bank via Getty Images
While not as well-known as some of its more popular coastal neighbors, Florence is extraordinary in many ways.
Rick Obst/Flickr
Most notably, Florence has some of the very best whale watching in the state.
Moosealope/Flickr
These massive mammals venture out on a 12,000-mile migration twice a year, passing by all 363 miles of the Oregon coastline.
OCVA/Flickr
Whale watching is huge in Oregon ,and the state holds an annual Whale Watching Week in Depoe Bay, about an hour north of Florence.

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With some of the best beaches and scenic vistas in the state, Florence is the ideal place to go whale watching.
thorson_family_minnesota/Flickr
You’re most likely to see the greatest number of whales from mid-December through mid-January, when they make their southward migration; and once again in March through June, on their return trip north. There are also smaller populations that pass by in the other summer months and into early fall.
One of the prime places in Florence for whale watching is the historic Hecta Head Lighthouse.
Jim Bauer/Flickr
It's one of the most photographed places on the Oregon coast -- and not just because of its eponymous lighthouse. The whale watching here is extraordinary.
Sea Lion Caves is another place whales seem to gravitate toward.
U.S. Department of the Interior/Flickr
And if you’re stopping at Sea Lion Caves in spring or summer, you may spot orcas swimming in the surf, too.
Cape Perpetua is the highest point on the Oregon Coast, making it ideal for whale watching.
Jeff Hollett/Flickr
Cape Perpetua is also one of the most scenic places in the state.
Whale watching in Oregon is an experience everyone needs to put on their bucket list.
gchapel/iStock via Getty Images Plus
And Florence, Oregon, is the perfect place to see these breathtaking beings.

 

Have you gone whale watching in Oregon before? Did you know Florence had the best whale watching in the state? Share your experience (and photos!) with us in the comments below!

Florence isn’t only a place for epic whale watching—this coastal town in Oregon truly has a little bit of everything.

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Florence, OR 97439, USA