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 four weeks of exploring this wildly diverse state, I narrowed it down to the places and experiences that best represented the beauty of this state.
1. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
I thought Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum was awe-inspiring and one of the of the best things to do in Oregon. Why? With its vast, light-filled hangars, sleek glass walls, and the sheer scale of legendary aircraft on display it was unlike anything I had seen.
The crown jewel and my favorite attraction was the gigantic wooden Spruce Goose which towered over everything with a presence that felt almost otherworldly, while rows of vintage planes, space capsules, and modern jets told a story of innovation and daring across the decades.
A quick 10-minute drive from downtown McMinnville (where I stayed for three days at The Compass McMinnville) brought me to the museum grounds, which felt expansive yet welcoming, set against Oregon’s picturesque wine country. I spent three hours marveling at the engineering genius of historic aircraft, stepping inside a Titan II missile silo replica, and wandering through exhibits about early flight experiments.
Learning about NASA’s space shuttle program was definitely my personal highlight at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
2. Portland Japanese Garden
One of the best things to do in Portland, OR was the Portland Japanese Garden. I found it absolutely enchanting with its unique extremely well kept landscapes, koi ponds, and stone paths leading to hidden corners. Moss-covered lanterns, graceful maples, and carefully placed stones created an atmosphere that made it a true hidden gem, like stepping into a living painting.
Just a scenic 10-minute drive from downtown Portland brought me to the lush Washington Park setting, where we spent two hours at the garden high on a hillside overlooking the city.
Afterward, I lingered at the Umami Café for an hour for a restorative bowl of matcha and a traditional sweet, a personal highlight.
For a truly unique place to stay on your vacation, check out the 4-star Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland that has retained AAA Four Diamond status for over 30 years.
3. Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
I thought the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City was both fascinating and moving, with its sweeping hilltop location offering panoramic views of the rugged Blue Mountains and high desert that once challenged pioneers.
We took a road trip east and drove to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for nearly five hours (from Portland) and it totally won me over. Standing on the ridges above Baker City and looking out across the Oregon Trail ruts, we felt surrounded by history. The exhibits inside the Interpretive Center were vivid, emotional, and totally worth the drive from Portland. We stayed in 4-star Geiser Grand Hotel for one night before returning to Portland.
The panoramic view from the outdoor trails were fantastic and my personal highlight.
4. Hatfield Marine Science Center
If you are traveling with kids, the Hatfield Marine Science Center is a must-do 2.5-hour day trip from Portland. The ocean came alive at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in an impressive way. I watched sea stars stretch, anemones pulse, and kids shriek with laughter while touching sea urchins.
Just a quick 5-minute drive from downtown Newport brought us to the Oregon State University–operated center, tucked alongside the bay where fishing boats and research vessels bob quietly at the docks. My son and I spent a two hours exploring tide pool creatures, learning about tsunami science, and marveling at the resident Pacific giant octopus.
What I Loved Most: The octopus feedings. Watching it move with such intelligence and grace was mesmerizing and completely won me over.
5. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
I thought the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) was electrifying with its vast interactive halls, buzzing with families and curious minds, and the dramatic Willamette River views from its industrial-chic setting.
The museum combined hands-on science with big, awe-inspiring exhibits—one moment I was experimenting with static electricity and physics puzzles, and the next I was standing beneath a towering dinosaur skeleton. Just across the river from downtown Portland, a 5-minute drive (or a scenic walk over Tilikum Crossing) brought me to the museum’s sprawling riverside campus.
I spent the afternoon exploring the five themed halls, catching a dazzling planetarium show, and boarding the retired USS Blueback submarine docked outside—an unforgettable, immersive step into naval history. A quick stop at the café gave us time to recharge before diving into the temporary exhibition on robotics, which was equal parts playful and thought-provoking. If you are a Portland local with a kid, this attraction is a must visit and one of the best things to do in all of Oregon!
6. Eugene, OR
I thought Eugene was wonderfully alive with its lush setting in the southern Willamette Valley, framed by the rolling Cascade foothills to the east, the Coast Range to the west, and the sparkling Willamette River flowing right through town. The city blends a laid-back, offbeat vibe with a strong connection to the outdoors, and I instantly loved its green spaces, local markets, and vibrant arts scene.
From Portland, I took a quick two-hour drive down I-5 and immediately felt how Eugene balances small-city intimacy with a backdrop of wild nature. We stayed three nights at the four-star EVEN Hotel Eugene where we walked along the scenic Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System, explored the indie shops and cafés in the Whitaker neighborhood, and hiked up Spencer Butte for gorgeous panoramic views over the valley. I also wandered through the University of Oregon campus, with its striking architecture and museums, and spent time at the colorful Saturday Market, which felt like the heart of the community and was one of the best things to do in Eugene, OR.
My personal highlight were the Floral Gardens at Hendricks Park, a true local gem.
7. South Coast Tours & the Wild Calm of the Oregon Shore
If you aren an outdoor lover like me, this is for you! Enjoy guided kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), fishing, surfing lessons, river boat tours, mountain biking shuttles, whales & wildlife boat tours, snorkeling, scuba, scenic flatwater paddles, and more. South Coast Tours operates along the southern Oregon coast, roughly from Coos Bay down to the Oregon-California border (Crescent City, CA).
8. 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 thought Kiyokawa Family Orchards was deeply charming, a place where the land seems to quietly tell its history, where blossom scents mix with mountain air, and where fruit trees stand like old friends. Set at the base of Mt. Hood, the orchard has a hush about it, punctuated by bees, birds, orchards in bloom, and the busy hum of harvest. It’s not remote like an island, but there is a certain “stepping out of daily life” feel when you arrive, my personal highlight.
You can trust that this place is amazing and special because it was once named “best apple orchard in America” by USA Today.
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.
More to explore...
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
