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Best places to visit in oregon.

Oregon offers some of the West Coast's most captivating scenery. Moody coastline, lush mountains and mesmerizing waterfalls are abundant, and lucky for travelers, many are easily accessible from nearby towns and cities. U.S. News took into account dining – another one of the state's standout attributes – as well as affordability, sights, traveler sentiment and expert opinion to come up with the best places to visit in Oregon. Want to put in your two cents? Be sure to vote below to influence next year's list.

Crater Lake National Park

Cannon beach, willamette valley, silver falls state park, newport, or, portland, or, john day fossil beds national monument, seaside, or, florence, or, mount bachelor, oregon dunes national recreation area, newberry national volcanic monument.

Formed 7,700 years ago after Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed, Crater Lake is America's deepest lake and makes for a superb lake vacation . Today, you can admire Crater Lake National Park's rich blue water and towering mountains during a boat or trolley tour, a scenic drive along the rim or a hike on one of its many trails. In winter, some roads are closed and visibility may be poor due to clouds and snowstorms. But if you don't mind these potential drawbacks, you can enjoy fun winter activities like sledding, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

A top destination on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach features a nearly 4-mile-long shoreline with tide pools and sand dunes in addition to its most well-known attribute, the 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock. Once you've gotten your fill of this breathtaking beach, hop in the car and visit nearby Oswald West State Park, which offers great hiking, surfing and fishing opportunities. Or, stay in town to check out Cannon Beach's art galleries and watch experts make glass art at Icefire Glassworks.

Powder hounds and nature lovers take note – Mount Hood is one of Oregon's best places to enjoy outdoor activities. The state's tallest mountain towers more than 11,000 feet above sea level and is reputed to be the second-most climbed peak in the world. Its perpetually snow-covered peaks are home to six ski areas that offer the longest ski season in North America, with Timberline Lodge open 10 months of the year. You can also ski after dark at Mount Hood Skibowl, which boasts the nation's largest terrain for night skiing. In the warmer months, take a scenic hike or drive through the mountain's forest.

Willamette Valley is to Oregon what Napa Valley is to California. This destination is home to two-thirds of Oregon's wineries and vineyards, totaling more than 700 wineries for the entire region. Come here to wine and fine dine for days, and be sure to sample as much pinot noir as you can, since it is Willamette Valley's specialty. When you're not wine tasting, enjoy a relaxing soak in one of Willamette Valley's hot springs.

Oregon's largest state park is one of the state's most unique and scenic natural attractions because of its jaw-dropping waterfalls. The Trail of Ten Falls hiking path loops through the park and takes you above, below and even behind its 10 waterfalls, including the 177-foot-tall South Falls. What's more, Silver Falls State Park offers 35-plus miles of backcountry trails that can be used for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. When you've worked up an appetite, venture to the park's South Falls Day-use area to enjoy a picnic or barbecue lunch.

Hood River's location in the Columbia River Gorge makes it a prime place for outdoor pursuits. The 80-mile-long valley is known for its stunning collection of waterfalls (think: Multnomah Falls and Starvation Creek Falls) accessible via various hiking trails. It's also considered the windsurfing capital of the world and an excellent destination for other water sports like kiteboarding and sailing. After a long day of adventuring, travelers can unwind with a beer or two at one of the town's microbreweries.

If you're after hearty hikes and delectable eats, Bend is the place for you. This small city has a dining scene that foodies fawn over, complete with food carts, breweries and even cider houses. Bend is also a jumping-off point for numerous natural attractions, including the Deschutes National Forest, which features multiple rivers, mountains and scenic byways. Ample opportunities for outdoor recreation like skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking in summer and rock climbing in spring and fall make Bend appealing year-round.

Of all of the cute coastal towns Oregon has to offer, families will probably appreciate Newport the most. The town, located on Oregon's central coast, features kid-friendly attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center and several beaches. Newport also provides numerous outdoor attractions suited for adults, including scenic Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and the equally picturesque Ocean to Bay Trail.

Located on the southern Oregon Coast just 6 miles north of the California border, Brookings offers outdoorsy travelers the perfect Pacific Northwest welcome, with rugged coastline views and natural splendor to explore. Head to Harris Beach State Park for its sandy beach, tide pools, tufted puffins and views of sea stacks on the shoreline. Then, drive up the coast on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor for 12 miles of breathtaking ocean vistas. While the town itself is small, you can catch a movie at the local cinema, grab a beer at Chetco Brewing Company or stroll through Azalea Park.

Portland has one of the most dynamic (and affordable) food scenes in the USA, so you'll likely spend the bulk of your time enjoying the city's many culinary offerings, from Voodoo Doughnut to Eastern European fare at Kachka. In between meals and snacks, visit one of Portland's many parks or cultural sights, such as Forest Park (one of the largest urban parks in the country),  the Portland Art Museum (the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest) or Powell's City of Books (the largest independent bookstore in the world).

Fans may recognize Astoria as the setting of "The Goonies," and you'll find several iconic film sites in town, such as the original Goonies house and the Oregon Film Museum, which was featured in the opening scene. But beyond its film history (more than a dozen movies have been filmed here), Astoria holds rich heritage. Its location on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean made it a prime fur trading post in the 1800's, and many of Astoria's attractions are dedicated to maritime history. Today, visitors can take in the town's Victorian houses, climb the 125-foot Astoria Column or dine at local breweries and bistros.

As its name suggests, this protected area is famed for having one of the most complete fossil records in the world, spanning more than 40 million years. Visitors can hike through and explore fossils and rock layers in the park's three separate units. Sheep Rock Unit, home to the monument's visitor center which features exhibits and a working lab, is the best starting point. But you won't want to miss the Painted Hills Unit, which woos visitors with distinguishing layered rocks, and the Clarno Unit, which boasts jutting Palisades (rock towers formed from volcanic mudslides).

Seaside is an exceptional vacation destination because it's a gateway to some of the most notable attractions on the Oregon Coast. From this small town of less than 8,000 residents, visitors can reach Tillamook Head, Ecola State Park and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. All can be found within 15 miles of Seaside, presenting plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Seaside also offers several can't-miss attractions, such as a beachfront promenade, the Seaside Aquarium and Captain Kid Amusement Park.

Florence appeals to travelers keen on spending their next vacation outdoors. One of this coastal town's best assets is its proximity to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, but Florence is worth a visit in and of itself. Visitors can explore Sea Lion Caves, the largest sea cave in the country, ride horses on the beach, fish on the area's many lakes and play golf on a coastal course. Don't forget to save time for visiting the Heceta Head Lighthouse and Historic Old Town Florence, where you'll find shops, art galleries and the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum.

With 4,300-plus skiable acres and the highest skiable elevation in the state, Mount Bachelor is one of the country's top ski destinations . While there are plenty of trails for experienced skiers, Mount Bachelor also offers runs designed for beginners, as well as free and discounted ski lift tickets for first-timers. The mountain, which is a dormant volcano about 20 miles southwest of Bend, receives an average of 462 inches of snowfall annually from late November to May. The fun doesn't stop after ski season, though, when visitors can trade their ski poles and snowboards for mountain bikes and hiking shoes.

This endless sea of sand is best described as otherworldly. In fact, this locale inspired Frank Herbert to write his sci fi book, "Dune." To catch an eyeful of the park's tallest dunes, hike the John Dellenback Dunes Trail. Once you've exhausted yourself from walking on dry sand (trust us, it won't take long), opt for a high-speed ATV or dune buggy ride, or hop on a sandboard. Then, enjoy some shade in the coastal forest at Tahkenitch, or look for wildlife at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area.   

Foodies and outdoor lovers will love visiting Tillamook. This small town in northwestern Oregon is an outdoor recreation hub where you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, crabbing, clamming and fishing, among other activities. After an active day, you'll find no shortage of places to satisfy your appetite. Tillamook is perhaps most famous for its dairy industry, so no trip here would be complete without touring the Tillamook Creamery and sampling its cheese and ice cream. Also save time for trying local brews at one of downtown Tillamook's breweries.

Situated roughly 12 miles south of Bend in the Deschutes National Forest, Newberry National Volcanic Monument features one of Oregon's most unique landscapes. The monument's nearly 55,000 acres are filled with lava flows and other fascinating geological features, including a lava river cave and a lava field where NASA astronauts trained to walk on the moon in the '60s. There's also Paulina Peak, which you can climb to the top of for incredible views. When you're not hiking, go biking, boating or fishing.

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Visit Oregon

Plan your trip to Oregon Wine Country.

Explore True Character

There are the stories of Oregon you know. That picture in your head when you hear the word “Pacific” and think not sun but rain, Douglas fir trees dripping in dappled light—steamy cafes, fly fishing for salmon, and piney IPAs.

Then there are the stories of Oregon you don’t know yet. The ones you discover in the vast expanse of Oregon wine country. To help you discover those stories in this big place, we’ve broken the state into seven regions and compiled wine and tourism resources for each. Explore one, or all.

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Wine Events From educational to downright fun, there are no shortage of wine events happening around the state.

2023-24 Oregon Wine Touring Guide Now Available!

With all new stories, gorgeous photos, itineraries, and more than 500 tasting room listings, the 2023-24 Oregon Wine Touring Guide is ready for your coffee table, carry-on bag, seat-back pocket, and your backpack as you explore Oregon. Let the Guide be your assistant and inspiration. It also comes just in time to start planning our Oregon Wine Month adventures in May! To help plan your trip, request your complimentary printed guide or view the digital edition now.

Where is Oregon, anyway?

Oregon is on the West Coast, right between Washington and California. Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between.

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Welcome to Cannon Beach!

Walk our sandy beach crowned by  Haystack Rock , an Oregon icon, and you will begin to see why we love this stretch of the Oregon Coast. Named one of the world's 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic, this remarkable landscape will take your breath away.

The stunning coastline views and remarkable natural areas blend magically with our charming village by the sea, where you can savor the culinary bounty of the Pacific Northwest, enjoy luxurious oceanfront lodging , and explore one of the top art towns in America. It's just 90 minutes from Portland but light years from ordinary.

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363 miles of possibilities

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Lighthouses, coastal towns, and roads that hug the ocean. From the beach community of Lincoln City to the adventure-seeker’s dream at Florence, the Central Coast is defined by its relationship with the sea. This is the heart of the Oregon Coast.

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Further out from large population centers, the Southern Coast revels in being off the beaten path. Set out into the wild, where coastal forest trails, stunning sand dunes, and secluded beaches await, anchored by the artistic and animated port of Coos Bay.

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Welcome to Eugene, Cascades & Coast

We’re glad you’re here..

Stretching from the central Oregon Coast to the towering Cascade Mountains, anchored by Eugene and Springfield in the South Willamette Valley, this region is a place of happy contrasts. Here a spirited athletic culture is thriving alongside the laid-back pace of river recreation. You’ll find artists, innovators and nature seekers enjoying iconic and hidden places to sip a beer, explore history, bike the riverfront or hike to epic views. Get to know the many towns that call this place home, each rooted in their own distinct sense of place.

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The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is a year-round playground. Whichever season you visit, you'll find a new crop of adventures waiting for you.

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TrackTown USA

Welcome to the running capital of the world! For anyone who has experienced the electrifying atmosphere of Hayward Field at the University of Oregon or jogged along the same running…

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wonderfully willamette valley

The Willamette Valley is celebrated for its more than 700 wineries, yet Oregon Wine Country is home to so much more. Here, magical experiences cultivated by intentional hands dot our sweeping vistas and beg to be explored. Come along for a journey you won’t soon forget.

Notable Cities: Canby, McMinnville, Newberg, Wilsonville, Yamhill

Notable Cities: Salem, Grand Ronde, Albany, Brownsville, Corvallis, Monroe, Lebanon

Notable Cities: Cottage Grove, Eugene, Springfield, Creswell

Notable Cities: Blue River, Detroit, Idanha, McKenzie Bridge, Molalla, Oakridge, Silverton, West Fir

Explore the Willamette Valley’s hundreds of world-class wineries, where every taste is refined and lovingly crafted with respectful and intentional hands.

Your adventure begins with the official Willamette Valley Travel Guide. Request your complimentary printed guide or download a digital guide today.

9 things you need to know before you go to Oregon

Apr 11, 2024 • 6 min read

From polite drivers to getting your camping and hiking permits early, follow these tips in Oregon © iStock Editorial / Getty Images

When I tell people I grew up in Oregon , I can almost see the stereotypes going through their heads. Depending on how familiar with the state they are, people seem to think I grew up camping and hiking (I didn’t), that I love beer (I don’t) or that I drive way too slowly (my parents would tell you quite the opposite).

What they don't guess is that that I’m utterly confused when I have to pay sales tax in other states; that I abhor pumping my own gas; and that although I grew up in Oregon there are parts of the state I’ve yet to see.

One thing I can say for sure, however, is: we do things a bit differently in Oregon. Here are the key things you need to know before you come for a visit. 

1. Give yourself plenty of time to explore Oregon – the state is bigger than it seems

Covering an area of just under 100,000 square miles, Oregon is really big (bigger-than-the-entire-UK big) and many of the state’s roads­ – particularly in the national forests, the Columbia River Gorge and along the Oregon Coast – are ridiculously scenic. It’s wise to give yourself extra time to stop at viewpoints and take it all in.

2. Don’t assume you can pump your own gas

While you’re expected to pump your own gas in most of the US, that is not the case in Oregon. From 1951 up until 2023, it was actually illegal to pump your own gas in most of the state (with a few exceptions). While some gas stations are now allowed to let you take control at the pump, many still have attendants on staff to do the fueling for you. Others allow customers to pump diesel, but nothing else. If you prefer a DIY experience at the gas station look for signs that read “self-serve” ­before you rush out of the car.

3. Reserve campsites and hiking permits in advance

Most of Oregon’s biggest cities are cool and rainy throughout most of the year, which means we only have a few months in the summer to make up for lost time outdoors. Camping, hiking, and backpacking are all wildly popular among Oregonians and visitors alike, and many people set alarms in order to book campsites as soon as they become available (that is: first thing in the morning, six months in advance for both state parks and national forest campgrounds). You'll need a permit to hike or camp in parts of the Central Cascades Wilderness between mid-June and mid-October too. Typically, 40% of permits become available in early spring while the remainder go live for online booking one week in advance.

Plan your outdoor adventures in Oregon with this guide to the best state parks. 

4. Don’t put cans and bottles in the trash

Spend much time in urban Oregon and you’ll likely see someone leave an empty pop-can on top (rather than inside) a public garbage can. Plastic, glass and aluminium beverage containers (but, oddly, not wine bottles) all have a bottle deposit in Oregon. Buy most bevies at an Oregon store and a 10-cent deposit per bottle will be tacked onto your bill. You can later bring your bottle back in return for your dime. However, most people either save their bottles up and do a big redemption drive once they have collected a good amount, or simply leave their valuable recyclables out for someone else to pick them up.

5. Don’t worry about sales tax

Oregon is one of only a handful of states in the nation that doesn’t have sales tax. Bottle deposit aside, when it comes to pricing, what you see typically is what you get. This makes Oregon a great state for shopping and if you’re in the market for an expensive electronic device or a high-end handbag, it’s often worth waiting until you reach Oregon to buy. The only major exceptions to this rule is cannabis dispensaries and hotels, where industry-specific taxes are typically tacked on.

6. Keep it casual on the road

Oregon is an incredibly causal place, both when it comes to how you dress and how you interact with others. People tend to stand out when they dress too formally and while it’s fine to dress however you feel want, overt displays of wealth are typically viewed as vulgarly ostentatious. By the same token, referring to someone who looks under 80 by Mr or Ms, instead of just by their first name, might raise a few eyebrows. Also note: people in Oregon tend to be a little less direct than in other parts of the US (and yes, passive-aggression is a thing here). While it’s fine to be straight with people, make sure to pad any "real talk" with extra niceties in Oregon.

Have car, will travel: here are the best road trips in Oregon. 

7. Slow your roll – and know Oregon’s rules of the road

Oregonians are often stereotyped as overly polite drivers, sometimes to the point where it’s almost dangerous. I’ll be the first to admit that I think many of us could learn to be a bit more assertive on the road, especially when it comes to zipper merging. There is a big difference between driving with confidence and driving like a jerk.

In Oregon, people will typically let a car out of a parking lot and onto a road or for you to merge onto the freeway, even if it means having to move over one lane or slow down. If you plan to drive in Oregon, remember to be polite, even if it costs you a few more minutes on the road. On that note, speed limits are slower than other destinations in the Western US – you’ll rarely see a speed limit above 65. Oh, and U-turns are illegal except when “U-Turn Allowed” is explicitly posted.

8. Snow can (and does) shut down much of the state

We have somewhat regular “Snowmageddons” in Oregon, particularly in the western regions where most people aren’t accustomed to much snow. What this means is that if it snows even more than a few inches, schools close down, restaurants shut, cars get abandoned and all but the bravest souls (and transplants from states where snow driving is a normal part of life) hide away in their homes. If you come to Oregon in January or February, you too may get to experience the end of days, particularly if you come to Portland, where salting the roads has only been a thing since 2017.

9. Don’t leave valuables in your car, especially in Portland

While Oregon’s big cities are far from the most dangerous in the nation, one thing that we do get a lot of – especially in Portland – is car break-ins. While thieves in the city are unlikely to do a smash-and-grab for your library books or a pile of old CDs, your gym bag, lunch bag and power bank are all enticing objects. Catalytic converters used to be a hot-ticket item, too, so much so – in fact – that the state senate passed a bill in 2021 making it illegal for scrap metal sellers to buy them. To avoid becoming a target – try to park in brightly lit, public areas when possible and don't leave valuables on show.

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Welcome Explorers

Tucked between Oregon’s Coast Range on the west and the Cascade Range to the east, Roseburg and the greater Umpqua Valley offer an abundance of outdoor recreation. Visitors can sip world-class wine at the birthplace of Oregon pinot noir, mountain bike through the evergreens along the North Umpqua Trail, catch whitewater thrills on the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River, and meander the Highway of Waterfalls for a peek at endless cascades. And the best part of all... this can be experienced without the large crowds that other Pacific Northwest destinations see.

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S e a s i d e is for fun

Some places are just for relaxation. You can do that perfectly well in Seaside but we also promise you'll have tons of fun. We are the kite flying , sand castle making , boogie boarding , ancient forest hiking , grand promenade strolling , Skee-Balling , kayaking , tandem biking , swan boating , sunset picnicking and bumper car-bumping capital of the Oregon Coast! Which is to say, Seaside is for remembering what an amazing vacation feels like.

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Help solve the crime of who stole the Big Orange Chair.

Earn $$$ rewards for doing a little good while having a lot of fun.

You can stay indoors and have an excellent time in Seaside.

Revel in the ride on two wheels, surreys or tandem bikes.

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Your Home Base for Saddle Mountain Hikes

Seaside is your dog’s best friend, whales and more, seaside history.

Three Broadway Spots that Span Generations

Iconic seaside in stereo, the amazing and colorful history of seaside, travel industry, grants and branding info, civic & convention center.

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*The Oregon Garden is closed in observation of the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day

Group Admission:  Groups of 15 or more that book and pay in advance can take advantage of discounted admission rates. Please click here for more information.

Military:  Retired and active duty military receive $3 off adult admission with their military I.D. daily, and receive a $5 discount on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day.

AAA: AAA Members receive $1 off admission.

Visitor Center

Our Visitor Center is your first stop when visiting The Oregon Garden. Our knowledgeable staff will help you purchase admission and provide you with a Garden map to help you plan your visit. While here, you can also purchase an  annual membership and gather information about upcoming special events.  For more information about the Visitor Center’s seasonal hours, please refer to the table above!

Our Gift Shop is located in the Visitor Center and features something for everyone, including unique, locally-crafted gifts and souvenirs, home decor, house plants and gardening tools. Children will also enjoy the variety of garden and nature-themed toys available.           

The Visitor Center offers guests drip coffee, tea and grab-and-go beverages and snacks from our cooler.

Retail Nursery

The Retail Nursery is located at the entrance to the Visitor Center, and features a selection of beautiful plants, all grown by our knowledgeable horticulture staff and volunteers , as well as seasonal items such as fall annuals, wreaths and garland. Take a little piece of the Garden home with you!    

The Oregon Garden’s seasonal tram tour is a unique experience that provides an approximately 20-minute narrated tour of the Garden grounds, providing an overview of some of the property’s most special highlights and offering an accessible way to see our expansive acreage. For more details, please click here .

At The Oregon Garden, we wish to promote a safe and enjoyable environment for our guests. When visiting the Garden, please adhere to the following rules:

• Pets must be on leash at all times, leash not to exceed 8′. Please pick up after your pet.
• Please lock bikes in racks. Bikes are not allowed on garden paths.
• No skateboards, roller skates, frisbees, scooters or similar objects in the Garden.
• No jogging or running in the Garden.
• No outside alcohol or BBQ equipment. Please picnic in designated areas only.
• The Oregon Garden is a smoke-free property, which includes the use of marijuana. Public marijuana consumption is illegal in the state of Oregon.
• No fireworks or weapons.
• Amateur photographers welcome. Professional and commercial photography by appointment only.
• All visitors are required to wear shirts and shoes.
• For your own safety, please stay on garden paths and out of water features.

Thank you so much, and we hope to see you soon!

About Us Hours and Admission Volunteer Membership Weddings Careers

879 W Main St Silverton, Oregon 97381 (503) 874-4294 [email protected]

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With everything from colorful kite festivals to fresh catch feasts to hand-blown glass floats, Lincoln City is one place, endless adventure. Learn More

Discover the places, activities and experiences you weren’t expecting to find.

With over seven miles to explore, you'll find soft, sandy beaches , hidden treasures, and memories not soon forgotten. Unearth every inch of Lincoln City and see why so many folks come for a weekend and keep coming back for a lifetime.

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Upcoming Events See all

Community Events

Lincoln City Community Days 2024 Apr 12

Holiday & Seasonal

Finders Keepers Spring Break Special Drop Apr 12

2024 Bird Walk: The Knoll Open Space Apr 12

Food & Drink

Acoustic Fridays: Andrew Hussey Apr 12

Bret Lucich Apr 12

90s Night - DJ Lilah & DJ Sweet Love Apr 12

Finders Keepers Spring Break Special Drop Apr 13

Lincoln City Community Days 2024 Apr 13

Lincoln City Half Marathon 2024 Apr 13

Arts & Theater

Saturday Artisan Market - April Apr 13

Mudflat Golf Apr 13

Volta Artisan Market Apr 13

Nature Scavenger Hunt Apr 13

Kathy Redwine & Steve Goodie Apr 13

Reb & the Good News Apr 13

Music & Concerts

Loverboy Apr 13

Andrew Matthews Band Apr 13

Finders Keepers Spring Break Special Drop Apr 14

Volta Artisan Market Apr 14

Hot Club of Beachtown Apr 14

Lincoln City Community Days 2024 Apr 16

Lincoln City Community Days 2024 Apr 17

WED. Music @ Salishan: Dylan Crawford Apr 17

Lincoln City Community Days 2024 Apr 18

Día del Niño Festival Apr 18

Celtic Music Series: Breabach Apr 18

Great Oregon Coast Garage Sale Apr 19

Lincoln City Community Days 2024 Apr 19

Silent Auction & Social Hour - Park Fundraiser Apr 19

Acoustic Fridays: Kevin Coloso Apr 19

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