Looking for a charming, artsy escape in Southern Oregon? Head to Ashland! Nestled in the Rogue Valley, Ashland blends Shakespearean flair, beautiful parks, wineries, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're here for theater, hiking, or fine dining, Ashland offers small-town sophistication with nature right outside your door.
Ashland, OR Highlights:
- For Theater Fans: Experience the Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Catch world-class productions in indoor and outdoor theaters from spring through fall.
- For Nature Lovers: Stroll or hike through Lithia Park – Explore 100 acres of wooded trails, duck ponds, and tranquil gardens right in town.
- For Wine Enthusiasts: Tour the Rogue Valley Wine Country – Sip bold reds and crisp whites at scenic wineries near Ashland.
- For Families: Visit ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum – Interactive exhibits and STEM fun for kids and curious adults.
- For Art Lovers: Explore the galleries on Main Street – Discover local art, sculpture, and handcrafted goods in a walkable downtown.
Best Time to Visit Ashland, OR
The best time to visit Ashland is in the spring through fall (March to October). These months offer the full Oregon Shakespeare Festival season, warm weather for outdoor exploration, and beautiful fall foliage in the valley and foothills.
How to Get to Ashland, OR
- If you are traveling by car: Ashland is located along I-5 in Southern Oregon, about 15 minutes from Medford and 5 hours from Portland or San Francisco.
- By Air: Fly into Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport (MFR), then drive or shuttle 20 minutes to Ashland.
- By Bus: Greyhound and regional buses serve Ashland and nearby Medford with connections across Oregon and California.
Where to Stay in Ashland, OR
- Recommended for Families: Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites – Spacious, retro-modern hotel with a pool, tennis courts, and onsite restaurant.
- For Couples: Winchester Inn – Romantic boutique inn downtown with gourmet breakfast and elegant rooms.
- For a Historic Stay: Ashland Springs Hotel – Restored 1925 hotel with vintage charm and walking distance to theaters and restaurants.
Best Things to Do in Ashland, OR
1. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: 15 S. Pioneer St., Ashland, OR 97520
Recommended For: Theater lovers, Shakespeare enthusiasts, families, cultural travelers, and performing arts students
What I Love: ♥ “An immersive theatrical experience nestled in the pine-covered mountains of southern Oregon.”
- Attend world-class productions from February through October in a renowned repertory theater setting.
- Watch up to eleven rotating plays performed across multiple stages six days a week.
- Learn through interactive workshops, lectures, and classes designed to deepen audience engagement.
- Explore Ashland’s scenic mountain surroundings and charming town between performances.
- Join the crowd of 400,000+ annual attendees at one of the world’s most celebrated Shakespeare festivals.
Cost: Varies by performance and seating; discounts available for students and groups
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for the full performance season and pleasant weather
Local tips: Book tickets early—some shows sell out fast! Don’t miss behind-the-scenes tours and discussions.
Hours: Box office open daily; performances scheduled throughout the week
Contact: Phone: 800-219-8161
2. Lithia Park
Location: Ashland, OR 97520
Recommended For: Families, nature lovers, history enthusiasts, photographers, and outdoor recreation seekers
What I Love: ♥ “A lush retreat with century-old trees, duck ponds, rose gardens, and canyon views.”
- Stroll through 100 acres of scenic greenspace, recognized as one of America’s Great Spaces.
- Play on tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball sand courts, and playgrounds for all ages.
- Relax beside duck ponds, bubbling fountains, and Ashland Creek winding through the park.
- Explore the Japanese garden, rose garden, and shady sycamore groves.
- Follow the Lithia Park Trail Guide for a self-guided historical tour of key natural and cultural features.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for peak foliage and blooming gardens
Local tips: Bring a picnic and binoculars—there’s great birdwatching along Ashland Creek!
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Contact: Phone: 541-488-5340
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum
Location: 1500 E. Main St, Ashland, OR 97520
Recommended For: Families with kids, educators, science lovers, and curious minds of all ages
What I Love: ♥ “Interactive exhibits spark curiosity in every age—from toddlers to teens and adults!”
- Explore 26,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits covering physics, anatomy, space, and more.
- Play in Discovery Island, a colorful zone just for kids under 5 with Crawlers Cove and a Reading Nook.
- Engage with science-themed activities that encourage creativity, experimentation, and critical thinking.
- Participate in year-round STEM camps, classes, and educational programs perfect for school groups.
- Enjoy outdoor exhibits and seasonal events that make science fun beyond the walls of the museum.
Cost: General admission fee applies (check website for current rates)
Best time to visit: Weekdays for smaller crowds; summer for camps and special programs
Local tips: Don’t miss the gift shop—it’s full of science kits and cool souvenirs!
Hours: Typically open Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (check for seasonal changes)
Contact: Phone: 541-482-6767
4. Belle Fiore Estate & Winery
Location: 100 Belle Fiore Lane, Ashland, OR 97520
Recommended For: Wine lovers, foodies, couples, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a luxurious escape
What I Love: ♥ “Elegant wines, gourmet bites, mountain views, and nightly music in a Tuscan-style dream.”
- Visit the Italianate Pavilion Tasting Room for panoramic mountain views and relaxing ambiance.
- Step inside the French-inspired Chateau Tasting Room for a sophisticated wine experience amidst lush landscapes.
- Enjoy nightly live music that complements every sip of Belle Fiore’s acclaimed wines.
- Dine on elegant gourmet cuisine crafted to pair perfectly with estate-grown wines.
- Admire rotating exhibits in the on-site art gallery, featuring a new local artist each month.
Cost: Tasting fees apply; dining and special event pricing may vary
Best time to visit: Evenings for live music, sunsets, and romantic ambience
Local tips: Reservations are recommended for the Chateau dining experience. Check the website for upcoming music and art events!
Hours: Typically open Wednesday–Sunday; check website for current hours and events
Contact: Phone: 541-552-4900
5. Irvine & Roberts Vineyards
Location: 1614 Emigrant Creek Road, Ashland, OR 97520
Recommended For: Wine connoisseurs, nature lovers, couples, and sustainability-minded travelers
What I Love: ♥ “Elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown on high-altitude slopes with a sustainable soul.”
- Tour the 80-acre highland vineyard nestled in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains.
- Savor ultra-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay crafted with meticulous care.
- Admire the east-facing slopes and breathtaking vineyard views as you sip.
- Learn about the family’s journey in founding this sustainably run winery in 2007.
- Experience eco-conscious farming techniques that protect the land and elevate flavor.
Cost: Tasting fees vary; reservations recommended for full experiences
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for vineyard views and ideal tasting weather
Local tips: Try the estate flight and ask about the seasonal food pairings for an elevated tasting.
Hours: Typically open Wednesday–Sunday; check website for tasting room schedule
Contact: Phone: 541-482-9383
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
6. Emigrant Lake
Location: 5505 Highway 66, Ashland, OR 97520
Recommended For: Campers, boaters, swimmers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “Sunbathe, swim, and camp beneath Ashland’s southern skies at this scenic reservoir retreat.”
- Camp lakeside at 32 RV hook-ups and 40 rustic campsites available year-round.
- Gather with friends at the Group Campground complete with fire ring and horseshoe pit.
- Swim and sunbathe along sandy beaches under warm Oregon skies.
- Launch a boat for fishing, kayaking, or jet-skiing from the lake’s ramps.
- Escape to this 1924 reservoir nestled in the southern Rogue Valley.
Cost: Campsite and day-use fees apply; reservations encouraged in peak season
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for warm-weather water recreation and camping
Local tips: Arrive early to secure shaded spots on hot summer weekends, and check water levels before planning watercraft activities.
Hours: Open year-round; check county website for gate and campground schedules
Contact: Phone: 541-774-8183
7. Dana Campbell Vineyards
Location: 1320 N Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520
Recommended For: Wine lovers, couples, scenic sippers, and vineyard enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “Sip artisan wines while soaking in panoramic views of the Cascade foothills.”
- Unwind in the inviting tasting room, open since 2013, designed for relaxed enjoyment.
- Admire sweeping views of Ashland and the surrounding mountain landscape.
- Sample small-batch wines grown on-site in the fertile Cascade foothills.
- Experience a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for leisurely afternoons and casual celebrations.
- Appreciate the vineyard's meticulous land preparation and care-driven winemaking process.
Cost: Wine tasting fees vary; bottles and glasses available for purchase
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for mild weather and vineyard views
Local tips: Try their award-winning blends and bring a picnic to enjoy on the patio. Leashed dogs welcome!
Hours: Check website for seasonal tasting room hours and special event schedules
Contact: Phone: 541-482-3798
Plan Your Trip