Best Places to Visit in Oregon

Oregon is an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Boasting over 360 miles of scenic coastline plus mountains, forests, rivers, and even fossil-filled desert landscapes, Oregon is a place I keep coming back to. If you're anything like me and love being outdoors, you’ll find something to inspire you here...whether it’s a quiet hike in the woods or a dramatic ocean overlook.

And when you’re ready to slow down, I’ve found plenty of ways to switch gears. You can take long romantic beach walks (I’ve done a few unforgettable ones), dig into fresh seafood at a coastal café, visit a local winery, or explore one of Oregon’s vibrant cities. There’s a rhythm to this state that lets you adventure and unwind all in the same trip. If you’re planning your visit, here are the best places in Oregon I think you should definitely check out.

Best Places to Visit in Oregon:

Corvallis Stillness & Science

We drove about 1 hr 30 min southwest from Portland (85 miles) to Corvallis (population 60,000), home to Oregon State University. Downtown, I strolled Monroe Avenue with its brick storefronts and historic 19th-century buildings, then visited the Benton County Historical Museum ($5 admission) to learn about pioneer life in the Willamette Valley.

On campus, the OSU Memorial Union (built 1928) felt more like a grand civic building than a student hub. We stayed at Hotel Corvallis ($149), a boutique inn in a restored 1920s brick building right downtown.

“I love the stillness of this place,” I thought, standing beneath the leafy hush of Oregon State University’s campus.

I saw students on bikes, and in cafes through windows filled with open laptops. Corvallis had a calm kind of energy.

We wandered through Avery Park first. The rose garden was perfect first thing in the morning.

My highlights? We stopped for lunch at WiseCracks Café, a local favorite with a warm feel and long history. I ordered the garden veggie scramble with sharp cheddar and a side of rosemary potatoes.

I found the Willamette River Trail at dusk very romantic.

We spent the night at Econo Lodge Corvallis for $95. There are many affordable options.

Plan your Corvallis trip:

• Drive Time from Lincoln City: ~1.5 hours east
• Vibe: Brainy, green, quietly charming
• Highlights: OSU campus, Willamette Riverfront Park, Avery Park & Natural Area, local bookstores
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for mild weather and campus life
• Cost: Most outdoor spots are free; breakfast or lunch ~$10–$18
• Hours: Parks open daily; WiseCracks Café open 7am–2pm

Astoria Fog & River Light - 2 hours by car from Portland

“This town remembers everything,” I thought, standing on the Astoria Riverwalk while cargo ships glided by like slow, floating ghosts.

We drove about 2 hours northwest from Portland (95 miles on US-30) to Astoria (population ~10,000), the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies (founded 1811).

The scent of salt and fir was everywhere. Fog clung to the rooftops and blurred the hills where old cannery buildings leaned into the wind. Astoria felt like a place built on stories, maritime, working-class, strange in the best way. Every step felt steeped in something older than the pavement beneath my feet.

I climbed the Astoria Column ($5 parking, 164 steps, 600-foot hilltop) for sweeping views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. The Columbia River Maritime Museum ($16 admission) told shipwreck and Coast Guard rescue stories, while the Flavel House (1885 Queen Anne mansion, $7) offered a peek into Victorian life. We stayed at Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa ($229), a restored salmon cannery built over the river with balconies above the water.

What I Loved Most: The way the Columbia River didn’t rush, just moved with the patience of a place that knows where it’s going.

My highlights? We ducked into Blue Scorcher Bakery & Café, warm with the smell of fresh bread and cardamom. I ordered the savory hand pie: flaky whole grain crust stuffed with potatoes, sharp cheddar, and seasonal vegetables. It came with a side of garlicky kale, sautéed just enough to soften but not wilt. The pie was hot, hearty, and smelled like roasted earth, perfect after a damp morning on the water’s edge.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Portland: ~2 hours northwest
• Vibe: Maritime, historic, misty
• Highlights: Astoria Column, Riverwalk, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Blue Scorcher Bakery, downtown antique shops
• Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early fall for clearer skies and fewer crowds
• Cost: Most attractions ~$5–$10; café meal ~$12–$18
• Hours: Riverwalk open daily; Blue Scorcher open 7am–3pm

Hood River Wind & Orchard Light - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland

We drove just over an hour east from Portland (60 miles along I-84) to Hood River (population ~8,300), perched on the Columbia River. I toured the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum ($19, over 300 vintage planes and cars) and strolled Oak Street downtown with its historic brick buildings and galleries. A short drive brought us to the Hood River History Museum ($7) right along the waterfront, which traces the town’s roots as a timber and fruit hub. We stayed at the Hood River Hotel ($169), a 1912 boutique inn with mountain views and a vintage vibe.

“This whole town leans into the wind,” I thought, watching kiteboarders slice across the Columbia River while their sails snapped like wild banners. Hood River felt alive, rushing, moving, always pulling you toward the next bend in the trail or road. But it also knew how to slow down. After the riverside energy, we drove the Fruit Loop, winding through hills speckled with orchards and barns. Every turn smelled like sun-warmed apples and distant rain.

What I Loved Most: Standing on a ridge with Mt. Hood in the distance, the air sweet with pear blossoms and pine, the silence wide and full of promise.

My highlights? We had lunch at Bette’s Place, a homey diner that’s been serving comfort since before I was born. I ordered the apple cinnamon pancakes, thick, golden-edged, and dusted with powdered sugar. The apples were sautéed soft, almost caramel-like, and the cinnamon hit warm and fragrant. It was the kind of breakfast that hugs you back.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Portland: ~1 hour 15 minutes east
• Vibe: Rugged, fruity, river-rushed
• Highlights: Columbia River waterfront, Hood River Fruit Loop (seasonal), Mt. Hood views, hiking, wind sports
• Best Time to Visit: Late summer to early fall for orchard season and clear mountain views
• Cost: Most outdoor spots free; fruit stand stops ~$5–$10; breakfast ~$12–$18
• Hours: Riverfront open daily; Bette’s Place open 7am–2pm

Lincoln City Driftwood & Glass

We drove just over an hour west from Salem (58 miles on OR-22/OR-18) to Lincoln City (population ~10,500), stretched along 7 miles of sandy beach. I learned the town’s modern history at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum (free admission, exhibits on fishing, logging, and Japanese glass floats) before walking the wide sands at the D River Wayside, once listed as the “shortest river in the world” at only 120 feet. We stayed at the Shearwater Inn ($179), a boutique spot with fireplaces and ocean views.

The wind picked up as we stepped onto the beach, and I tightened my jacket against the salty chill. “This is what the edge of the world feels like,” I thought, watching waves flatten against the shore in rhythmic crashes. Lincoln City wasn’t glossy or loud, it was wide, wild, and quietly full of surprises. We were there for the glass floats, the ones artists hide along the beach. Even though we didn’t find one, the search was part of the charm, like being let into a local secret you’re not quite meant to solve.

What I Loved Most: Walking the beach at low tide, sea foam clinging to my boots, sky reflecting off tidepools. Each gust of wind felt like it had a message in it.

My highlights? After the long walk, we stopped at Wildflower Grill, tucked into the woods with a view of a marshy creek. I ordered the smoked salmon hash: crispy potatoes, flaky bits of fish, and soft onions, all topped with two poached eggs. The yolk broke like sunrise over everything. The whole place smelled like cedar and coffee and sea air sneaking in through the door.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Salem: ~1.5 hours west
• Vibe: Coastal, earthy, quietly artistic
• Highlights: Finders Keepers glass floats, Lincoln City Glass Center, Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, beachcombing
• Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring for glass float season and fewer crowds
• Cost: Beach is free; glassblowing experiences ~$85; brunch ~$15–$22
• Hours: Beaches open daily; Wildflower Grill open 8am–2pm

Cannon Beach Mist & Memory - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland

We drove just over an hour west from Hillsboro (65 miles on US-26) to Cannon Beach (population 1,500). I toured the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum (free admission, exhibits on early settlers and shipwrecks). Of course, we spent time at Haystack Rock (235 feet tall, formed by ancient lava flows), where puffins nest in spring and summer.

“This is the postcard I’ve always wanted to walk into,” I thought as Haystack Rock came into view through the coastal fog. Soft sand stretched for miles under cloud-filtered light, and the town itself felt like a lived-in painting. Between gallery windows and weathered porches, it carried that mix of elegance and salt that only the Oregon Coast seems to know how to hold.

What I Loved Most: Early morning beach walks when hardly anyone was out, just me, the gulls, and the hush of waves wrapping around Haystack like a lullaby.

My highlights? After a damp stroll down Hemlock Street, we stepped into Lazy Susan Café, warm with the smell of baking muffins and strong coffee. I ordered the crab quiche: light, fluffy, and laced with herbs. It tasted of brine and butter, with just enough sharp cheddar to give it depth. Paired with rosemary potatoes and their house-made muffin, still warm, tart with berries, it was a meal that settled into me like comfort on a cold day.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Portland: ~1.5 hours northwest
• Vibe: Coastal, artsy, dreamy
• Highlights: Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, downtown galleries, Cannon Beach History Center, tidepooling
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for clearest weather and best tidepooling
• Cost: Beach access is free; café breakfast ~$14–$20; state park pass ~$5
• Hours: Beach open daily; Lazy Susan Café open 8am–2pm (seasonal)

Eugene Green & Unrushed Afternoons - 2 hours and 15 from Portland

We drove about an hour south from Corvallis (45 miles on OR-99W) to Eugene (population 177,000), a city anchored by the University of Oregon.

I toured the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art ($6 admission, with Asian and contemporary collections), then wandered the historic 5th Street Public Market (est. 1976 in old warehouses, now boutiques and cafés). On campus, I strolled past Hayward Field, birthplace of Nike and UO track legends. We stayed at the Graduate Eugene ($159), a playful, collegiate-themed hotel with vintage décor.

“This town moves like a river,” I thought while strolling the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path, watching the Willamette slide by in long, smooth stretches. Eugene had that university-town ease, part ideas, part tie-dye, part birdsong. We wandered through Saturday Market, past booths of honey and hand-thrown pottery, the scent of tamales and lavender soap drifting together in the air. It felt like a place where creativity and comfort walk side by side.

What I Loved Most: Sitting under tall trees on the University of Oregon campus, hearing snippets of conversation, philosophy, poetry, bike repairs, and feeling like everyone belonged.

My highlights? We had breakfast at Off the Waffle, where the smell of caramelized sugar hit me the second we opened the door. I ordered the Goat in Headlights: a liege waffle topped with chèvre, fresh avocado, and two sunny-side eggs. The waffle was crisp outside, tender inside, and carried this deep, golden sweetness that played perfectly against the creamy tang of the cheese. It was the kind of meal that lingers, both in taste and memory.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Bend: ~2.5 hours northwest
• Vibe: Artsy, easygoing, green
• Highlights: University of Oregon, Saturday Market (seasonal), Riverbank Trail System, Hendricks Park, Off the Waffle
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for lush trails and local events
• Cost: Most outdoor spaces free; breakfast ~$10–$18
• Hours: Parks open dawn to dusk; Off the Waffle open 7am–2pm

Newberg Notes & Hillside Quiet

We drove about 45 minutes southwest from Portland (25 miles on OR-99W) to Newberg (population 26,000), a gateway to the Willamette Valley wine region. In town, I toured the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum ($5 admission), where President Herbert Hoover lived as a boy in the 1880s, and strolled downtown’s century-old brick storefronts. We capped the afternoon with a stop at Champoeg State Heritage Area (622 acres, $5 entry), site of Oregon’s first provisional government in 1843.

“This is what a pause sounds like,” I thought, standing at the edge of the vineyard at Bells Up Winery. The air smelled like sun-warmed cedar and wildflowers, and the rows of vines stretched across the slope like musical staves. Everything felt intentional here, small-batch, handcrafted, quiet. The kind of place where time doesn’t rush you, just leans in gently and waits.

What I Loved Most: The way the breeze carried the scent of lavender and soil, and how the hills wrapped around the valley like a held note.

My highlights? We had a private tasting on the patio at Bells Up, where the winemaker himself explained the story behind the name, how music and craft and land all came together here. While I don’t drink, I watched my husband savor the flight while I nibbled from the local cheese board: goat cheese dusted with herbs, sharp white cheddar, fig jam, and toasted nuts. The cheese was creamy and tangy, and the fruit spread brought a soft, sweet contrast. I tasted Oregon in each bite, bright, layered, and unexpected.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Portland: ~45 minutes southwest
• Vibe: Intimate, elegant, slow
• Highlights: Bells Up Winery (appointment only), Downtown Newberg, Herbert Hoover Park, Lavender Trail (seasonal)
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for vineyard views and clear skies
• Cost: Tastings ~$30/person at Bells Up (by reservation); cheese boards ~$15–$25
• Hours: Bells Up open by appointment only; downtown shops open 10am–5pm

Beaverton Balance & Backyard Trails

We drove about 20 minutes west from Portland (10 miles) to Beaverton (population 97,000), a city that grew from a Tualatin Valley farming hub into a high-tech suburb. I stopped at the Five Oaks Museum at Portland Community College ($5 suggested donation), which highlights Indigenous Kalapuya heritage and pioneer life. Downtown Beaverton, I wandered past historic storefronts and the 1914 Beaverton City Library building. For the night, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Beaverton ($149), a comfortable base close to trails and transit.

“This is the kind of town that knows how to exhale,” I thought while walking the soft gravel paths of Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Forest edged up against neighborhoods. The air smelled like damp cedar and crushed leaves. Beaverton offered just enough: quiet trails, good coffee, and shops tucked into tree-lined streets.

What I Loved Most: Watching my son crouch near a mossy log, completely absorbed by a line of ants.

My highlights? We stopped for brunch at La Provence, where the scent of fresh-baked bread and caramelized onions drifted out before we even opened the door.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Portland: ~20 minutes west
• Vibe: Suburban, relaxed, nature-accessible
• Highlights: Tualatin Hills Nature Park, BG’s Food Cartel, La Provence, local parks and trails
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and trail walking
• Cost: Most parks free; brunch ~$14–$22
• Hours: Parks open dawn to dusk; La Provence open 7am–3pm daily

Portland Warmth & Rainy Charm

We flew just over 4 hours from Austin (1,750 miles) into Portland (population 635,000), Oregon’s largest city. This is where we usually start our road trip.

It was drizzling when I stepped out into Portland’s Pearl District, the streets slick with recent rain. I walked past old brick buildings and quiet bookstores until I found the welcoming light of Nossa Familia Coffee. As I wrapped my hands around a warm mug, I thought, “This city doesn’t rush, it invites you to linger.”

What I Loved Most: The balance between cozy and creative, mossy sidewalks, street murals, and the smell of fresh espresso drifting from corner cafés.

My highlights? At Nossa Familia, I ordered a velvety latte and a guava-cheese pastry. The coffee had a nutty aroma with a mellow depth, and the pastry’s buttery crust gave way to a warm, tropical sweetness. Later, I settled into a corner booth at Mother’s Bistro and savored a plate of fluffy biscuits and slow-cooked pork hash, peppery, tender, and the kind of meal that made me want to call home. And before I left, dinner at The Country Cat brought it full circle: crispy fried chicken, charred on the edges, juicy inside, served with pickled vegetables that cut through the richness just right.

Plan your Portland day trip:

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~3 hours south
• Vibe: Quirky, rain-soaked, soulful
• Highlights: Pearl District, Powell’s Books, Washington Park, local food spots
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for mild temps and lush scenery
• Cost: Free to explore neighborhoods; cafés and meals ~$15–$30
• Hours: Cafés open early; most shops and museums 10am–6pm

Salem Whimsy & the Woods of Childhood - 1 hour from Portland

We drove about 35 minutes north from Albany (25 miles on I-5) to Salem (population 178,000), Oregon’s capital. I toured the Oregon State Capitol (built 1938, free tours, 166-foot dome with a golden pioneer statue on top) and strolled the surrounding Capitol Mall gardens. The Willamette Heritage Center ($12 admission) gave a hands-on look at pioneer woolen mills and 19th-century life. Downtown, brick buildings and murals added charm. We stayed at The Grand Hotel in Salem ($189), with direct access to the convention center.

“I didn’t expect to feel like this,” I thought, walking beneath crooked trees and pastel castles at the Enchanted Forest. It was kitschy, yes, but tender, too. There’s something sacred about a place that’s stayed defiantly odd for decades, untouched by sleek trends. As I wandered through crooked little houses and dark slides tucked into faux mountainsides, it felt like I’d wandered into the pages of a well-worn storybook.

What I Loved Most: The gentle weirdness of it all, nothing too polished, everything handcrafted and slightly askew, like a dream drawn by a child and never edited.

My highlights? After chasing my son through the crooked Old Woman’s Shoe and watching my husband vanish into the rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland, we stopped at French Press in South Salem. I ordered the cinnamon swirl French toast, thick-cut and griddled to a crisp edge, with vanilla-scented syrup that smelled like warm sugar and clove. The whipped cream melted into the toast like snowfall.

Plan your day trip:

• Drive Time from Portland: ~1 hour south
• Vibe: Nostalgic, offbeat, forested fun
• Highlights: Enchanted Forest (open seasonally), Riverfront Carousel, Deepwood Museum & Gardens
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for Enchanted Forest’s full schedule
• Cost: Enchanted Forest ~$15–$20/person; breakfast ~$12–$18
• Hours: Enchanted Forest typically open Thurs–Mon, 10am–5pm (seasonal); café daily 7am–4pm

Oregon in the Rearview

Leaving Oregon didn’t feel like leaving one place, it felt like parting with many. The taste of huckleberries, the hush of mist around Haystack Rock, the gravel crunch beneath our shoes in a quiet Corvallis park. Each place folded into the next, stitched together by winding roads and small joys. There was always something worth pulling over for.

What I found again and again was this: Oregon doesn’t ask you to be dazzled, it just invites you to notice. To look a little closer. To breathe a little slower. To eat something warm and handmade. And to remember the feeling of standing still in a place that’s always quietly moving.

Howdy!

Let me help you plan your next authentic and truly unique getaway. I've been a travel professional for nearly 30 years. I've been featured on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other media outlets, government and educational institutions. Click for more.