Things to Do in Oregon

From rugged beaches to wander barefoot on, lush rainforests to hike (and get a little muddy in!), waterfalls that roar with energy, vibrant small towns bursting with art, and farm-to-table cuisine that rivals anywhere in the country, Oregon has it all! During my time exploring this wildly diverse state over the years, I narrowed it down to the places and experiences that best represented the beauty of this state.

1. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville (1 hour 10 minutes from Portland), was larger than life. As I walked beneath the massive wings of the Spruce Goose with my son, I felt like a kid again.

Planes, rockets, and the stories were abundant here. I remember thinking, “This is where dreams took flight.”

What I Loved Most: Seeing the Spruce Goose, the largest wooden airplane, up close. It’s truly jaw-dropping.

My highlights? I grabbed a burger and shake from Hole in the Wall BBQ nearby. It was hearty, smoky, and exactly what I needed after seeing all that history.

2. Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

We took a detour east and drove to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for nearly five hours (from Portland). Standing on the ridges above Baker City and looking out across the Oregon Trail ruts, I felt history settle in my chest. The exhibits inside the Interpretive Center were vivid, emotional, and beautifully told.

What I Loved Most: The panoramic view from the outdoor trails.

My highlights? A rustic bowl of chili and cornbread at a diner in Baker City afterward felt like a fitting nod to the past.

3. Hatfield Marine Science Center

If you are traveling with kids, the Hatfield Marine Science Center is a fun 2.5-hour day trip from Portland.

The ocean came alive at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. I watched sea stars stretch, anemones pulse, and kids shriek with laughter while touching sea urchins. I remember thinking, “Science really is magic when it’s this close.”

What I Loved Most: The octopus feedings. Watching it move with such intelligence and grace was mesmerizing.

My highlights? Fish tacos from Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport afterward, with a view of Yaquina Bay and the smell of salt air all around me.

4. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Back in Portland, OMSI was buzzing with energy. I saw kids building rockets, adults marveling at the planetarium, couples laughing in the chemistry lab. It had something for every kind of curious mind. I remember thinking, “I could spend all day here and still want more.”

My son and I loved the submarine tour. For me, stepping aboard a real naval sub was unexpectedly thrilling.

My highlights? A burger at Hopworks Urban Brewery just down the street.

5. Green Streets & Easy Energy in Eugene, OR

I drove about 2 hours south of Portland to reach Eugene on a fall morning. Once I arrived, I walked around to get my bearings. The air was crisp and smelled of pine. There were hints of roasted coffee drifting from cafés (yes, Eugene has great cafes too!). On a shaded street near the University of Oregon, I paused and thought, “Fall has to be the best time to visit this lovely city.”

What I Loved Most: I admired the community gardens, murals, and independent bookstores.

My highlights? I stopped for lunch at Cornucopia. It's a laid-back corner spot with patio seating. I was welcomed with the smell of caramelized onions wafting through the door.

6. South Coast Tours & the Wild Calm of the Oregon Shore

“This is the kind of quiet that gets into your bones,” I thought as the kayak cut through the water near Port Orford on a summer day. Paddling with South Coast Tours was a wonderful adventure.

The cliffs rose on either side like guardians of time, their faces carved by centuries of wind and waves. Sea lions barked somewhere in the mist.

What I Loved Most: The hush between the sea caves, moments when we floated still, only the water moving, echoing like breath through ancient stone.

My highlights? After the paddle, we headed to Redfish, a bright coastal bistro just above the harbor. I ordered the Dungeness crab sandwich on brioche with citrus aioli. The crab was sweet and cool, the bread warm and golden.

7. Kiyokawa Family Orchards

If you are planning a fall vacation, you'll not want to miss this one.

I drove up toward Mount Hood as rows of fruit trees stretched beneath glacier-fed slopes. When I arrived at Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Parkdale, the sun was low, the air cool and sweet with fruit blossoms.

I paused to breathe in orchard breeze and thought, “This place grows more than apples...it grows stories.”

I walked through a sea of trees, each branch heavy with apples, pears, cherries, peaches and rare Asian pears. I grabbed a crisp, sun-warm apple off the tree and took a bite: tart, juicy, impossible to forget. Side by side, locals sipped fresh cider and sampled turnovers that smelled of cinnamon and sunshine.

What I Loved Most: How deep legacy and modern variety coexist, over a century of harvests, more than 120 apple types, and a family history that still blooms in the orchard’s rows.

Conclusion

Oregon gave me time...to think, to wander, to reconnect with what inspires me. From apple picking and coastal views to the mossy paths of Portland’s gardens, it’s a state that rewards your attention with depth and beauty. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that fills you up without trying too hard.” I left with wind in my hair, sea salt on my shoes, and a head full of new stories.

Hi, I'm Ema. Ready to plan your next weekend getaway? Let me help. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other outlets. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX with my husband and son. Click for more.

 

Leave a Comment