25 Best Things to Do in Medford, Oregon

By VacationIdea Staff on June 22, 2022 - Updated

Jesse/stock.adobe.com

Nestled in the heart of the Rogue Valley, the southern Oregon city of Medford is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and offers an array of things to see and do for the whole family. The Rogue River is ideal for water-based activities such as kayaking, canoeing, jet boating, and swimming, while the prominent Upper and Lower Table Rock trailheads offer excellent hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching against a backdrop of spectacular valley views. Other family fun attractions in Medford include the Kid Time Children's Museum, the Craterian Theater, Medford Railroad Park, Prescott Park, and the Don Jones Memorial Park, which honors generations of fallen soldiers. Main Street in downtown Medford is packed with local restaurants, cafés and bars, boutiques and shops, and interesting antique stores. Here are some other things to see and do while visiting Medford.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Rogue River

Carving its way through the surrounding valley, the Rogue River is a 215-mile long river that begins on the western slopes of Mt. Mazama in the Crater Lake National Park and flows into the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. The world-famous river is divided into the Upper, Middle, Lower sections and provides a wealth of exhilarating water-based activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, lodge-to-lodge floating, and salmon fishing. The river is world-renowned for being home to King Salmon, champion-size Chinook, and steelhead, and there are several parks and camping spots along the banks of the river. Other activities also include hiking, mountain biking, and visiting charming turn-of-the-century towns in the surrounding area.

Medford, Oregon

2.Upper and Lower Table Rock, Medford, Oregon

Protruding from the banks of the Rogue River, Upper and Lower Table Rock are two prominent volcanic plateaus, also known as monolithic mesas that rise 800 feet above the river. The unusual rock formations were formed by an andesitic lava flow from a volcanic eruption more than seven million years ago and have been shaped over time by erosion. These fascinating rocks played an essential role in the history of the region's indigenous culture, and today are a popular hiking destination with a two-mile hike to the top of either of the Table Rocks where spectacular views of the surrounding valley can be enjoyed.

Medford, Oregon

3.2Hawk Vineyard & Winery, Medford, Oregon

Established in 2009, 2Hawk Vineyard and Winery is a 25-acre locally-owned and operated winery that produces 12 award-winning luxury-class estate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, and Grenache. Owners Ross and Jen Allen bring over 50 years of experience in agriculture and winemaking to the table and produce handcrafted, award-winning wines that can be tasted in the contemporary tasting room with a traditional wine tasting by the glass or bottle. The 14,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility also serves gourmet cuisine to pair with the wine, which can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with ample seating, fire pits, and a bocce court.

2335 N Phoenix Rd, Medford, OR 97504, Phone: 541-779-9463

4.Medford Railroad Park, Medford, Oregon

Located on a 49-acre plot on Berrydale Avenue, the Medford Railroad Park is a seven-acre park and outdoor train museum that celebrates the history of railroading in the state. The family-friendly museum features open-air model railroad tracks with full-size locomotives and cabooses and offers miniature train rides around the park. Built on revitalized land that was once a sewer plant, the park features a large round concrete settling tank known as the Railroad Park Pavilion in which several railroad clubs operate. The Railroad Park Pavilion can be rented for private events and functions and annual shows.

799 Berrydale Ave, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-774-2400

5.Diamond Lake, Medford, Oregon

Diamond Lake is a large natural body of water just north of the Crater Lake National Park in the southern part of Oregon. Nestled between Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen, the lake was named for John Diamond, who was a pioneer settler of Coburg and who spotted the lake on his summit of Diamond Peak in 1852, which is also named after him. Diamond Lake provides a wealth of recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing by boat near Silent Creek in the south, along with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hunting. Winter sports include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, Alpine and Nordic skiing, and sled dog racing, and there is plenty of lodging, boat rentals, restaurants, horse rentals, and stores on the eastern side of the lake.

Douglas County, Oregon

6.Applegate Lake, Medford, Oregon

Surrounded by the magnificent Rogue River National Forest in southwestern Oregon's Jackson County, Applegate Lake has long been hailed as an angler's paradise with an average depth of 85 feet of cold water which is home to a wide variety of fish, including coho salmon, chinook, rainbow trout, and steelhead trout. Situated 23 miles southwest of Medford, Applegate Lake is named after pioneers Lindsay and Jesse Applegate, who bravely crossed the mouth of the Applegate River while paving the Southern Emigrant Trail of the 1840s. Applegate Lake's hiking trails boast breathtaking views of the hauntingly beautiful Collings Mountain, Kinney Mountain, and Stein Butte, which surround the lake.

Rogue River National Forest, Jackson County

7.EdenVale Winery, Medford, Oregon

Located in the heart of southern Oregon, EdenVale Winery is one of the Rogue Valley's premier wineries that produces highly acclaimed handcrafted wines that reflect the rich earthiness of the region. The winery produces a range of wines that reflect the diverse micro-climates of Southern Oregon, including Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and excellent red and white table wine blends. The contemporary tasting room features comfortable décor and a lovely terrace with outdoor tables and chairs, and beautiful historic gardens and picnic grounds where families can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

2310 Voorhies Rd, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-512-2955 ext. 2

8.JCLS Medford Library, Medford, Oregon

The JCLS Medford Library is the Medford Branch of Jackson County Library Services, which has 15 branch libraries and serves over 200,000 residents and visitors with a wealth of literary materials from traditional books, magazines, and periodicals to multimedia, newspapers, and more. The library features several study rooms and community meeting spaces and provides a range of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages, including book talks, symposiums, book signings, outreach programs, along with art exhibits, classes, book groups, and storytelling.

205 S Central Ave, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-774-8689

9.DANCIN Vineyards, Medford, OR

Nestled in the forested foothills overlooking the Rogue Valley, DANCIN Vineyards is a contemporary winery and tasting room that produces award-winning wines in a spectacular setting. Located just minutes from Medford, the elegant winery transports visitors to the rolling vineyards Burgundy as they sip world-renowned Burgundian-style Pinot noirs, Chardonnay, and Italian-inspired varietals such as Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel against a backdrop of grand valley views. The winery also serves a wide variety of delicious farm-to-table cuisine prepared using the freshest seasonally available ingredients from local artisans and farms.

4477 S Stage Rd, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-245-1133

10.Howard Prairie Lake

Resting at 4,526 feet above sea level, Howard Prairie Lake is a tranquil body of water formed by the 100-foot tall Howard Prairie Dam that boasts spectacular natural scenery and an array of outdoor activities. Located 18 miles east of Ashland, the lake teems with bass and trout and offers some of the best fishing in the region, as well as other watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, and swimming. The Howard Prairie Resort boasts 1.63 miles of lake frontage and offers comfortable accommodations and a wealth of amenities, while other recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding, birdwatching, and camping.

Jackson County Parks Office, 7520 Table Rock Road, Central Point, OR 97502, Phone: 541-774-8183

11.RoxyAnn Winery Tasting Room

RoxyAnn Winery, also known as the Hillcrest Orchard, is a long-standing, family-owned and operated winery that produces a range of varietals including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, among others from the 250-acre vineyards. The farm features several historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s, and a beautifully renovated barn which houses the tasting room where visitors can sample some of the winery’s award-winning wines and enjoy delicious tapas in a laid, back, rural country setting. The property also boasts 50 acres of fruit orchards and field crops and sells fresh farm produce out of the Honor Barn on the estate.

3283 Hillcrest Rd, Medford, OR 97504, Phone: 541-776-2315

12.Collaborative Theatre Project

Located in the Village at Medford Center, the Collaborative Theatre Project is a performing arts center that presents top-notch theatrical productions along with community outreach and educational programs for all ages. Established to support local artists and provide a platform for them to showcase their talent, as well as enhance performing arts in the community, the Collaborative Theatre Project presents full theatrical productions to the community with a troupe of professional actors, dancers, musicians, and artists. They also host community-building events in public spaces and offer an array of educational programs, workshops, classes, camps, and outreach programs for the community.

555 Medford Center, Medford, OR 97504, Phone: 541-779-1055

13.Bear Creek Park, Medford, Oregon

Bear Creek Park is a public recreation park and reserve centered around Bear Creek, which forms part of the Skunk River Greenbelt. The park features an array of amenities, including a skate park, a BMX track, several hiking and mountain biking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, and a covered pavilion for hosting concerts and other community events, and several sporting facilities. Three acres of the park are a dedicated wildlife refuge and are home to a wealth of small animals and birds, and seasonal, controlled hunting with non-toxic ammunition is allowed on 113 acres of the park. The park is open year-round, however does not have picnic tables or grills.

1520 Siskiyou Blvd, Medford, OR 97504, Phone: 541-774-2400

14.Craterian Theater, Medford, Oregon

Based at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts, the Craterian Theater is a state-of-the-art performing arts center that frequently hosts national concerts, dance shows, and theatrical tours throughout the year. Opened in 1924, the theater was lovingly restored to its former glory after falling into disrepair in the late 1970s and was reopened to the public in 1997, boasting a seating capacity of 750 with every seat in the house offers a great view of the stage. The family-friendly theater presents a wide range of theatrical shows across all genres, ranging from children's musicals to Russian ballet, as well as acoustic music shows, symphony concerts, and comedy shows.

23 S Central Ave, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-779-3000

15.Jackson County Genealogy Library

Located in the Rogue River Valley, the Jackson County Genealogy Library (JCGL) features one of the largest genealogical collections in the region. Operated by the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society, the library was established to preserve and enhance genealogy and genealogical research and make all genealogical records available to the public. The library also aims to promote the exchange of genealogical knowledge, publish material of genealogical interest, and assist with the study and preservation of family history and encourage family trees.

3405 S Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-512-2340

16.Pebblestone Cellars, Medford, Oregon

Pebblestone Cellars is a 27-acre family-owned and operated winery and winemaking business that has been producing delicious wines for the past 30 years. Nestled in the middle of an ancient riverbed at the base of the foothills southwest of Medford, the winery rests at 1600 feet above sea level and is named for the sandy, gravelly, and well-drained soils of the vineyard, which, together with the warm sunny climate of Southern Oregon, contribute to the intense aromatics and flavors of the estate’s wines. The winery uses grapes sourced exclusively from Ellis Vineyards and produces award-winning wines from varietals originating from Central France and Northern Spain and regions such as Albarino, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Viognier. The spacious tasting room boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding valley from a lovely deck where visitors can sample some of the winery’s top wines.

1670 Pioneer Rd, Talent, OR 97540, Phone: 541-512-1655

17.Prescott Park, Medford, Oregon

Lying in the eastern part of Medford, Prescott Park is a 1,700-acre public park that offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking and mountain biking on both paved and unpaved trails, and there are plenty of lovely spots for picnicking and relaxing. Also known as Roxy Ann Peak, the park is home to one of the most prominent peaks in the region – the 3,576-foot Roxy Ann Peak, after which the park takes its moniker. Visitors can hike to the top and soak up some spectacular picturesque views from the summit. The park is only open seasonally and is closed in rainy season and dry season.

3030 Roxy Ann Rd, Medford, OR 97504, Phone: 541-774-2400

18.Kid Time Children's Museum

Based in the Southern Oregon History Center in downtown Medford, the Kid Time Children's Museum provides a safe and innovative environment that offers a space in which children can learn through play. Focusing on exploring, discovering, imagining, and creating through play, the museum has a team of exceptional instructors that facilitate hands-on and interactive activities and freestyle learning through an array of educational and immersive exhibits. Designed for children up to the age of ten years, the family-friendly center features several themed play areas, including a Discovery Farm, an Art Alley where kids can paint and draw a Treasure Cove, and a Treehouse. The Kid Time Children's Museum is open seven days a week.

413 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-772-9922

19.The Village at Medford Center

Formerly known as The Medford Center, the Village at Medford Center is a 420,000-square-foot regional shopping center in east Medford and one of the oldest and one of the largest in the county. Anchored by Sears, the mall is home to Cinemark Tinseltown USA, the largest movie theater in southern Oregon, along with other stores and businesses such Ashley Furniture, Red Robin, Ralph's, Rite Aid and International Fitness. There are several restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops that serve a variety of casual cuisine, and local food trucks and musicians can be found at the center over the weekends, providing a laid-back relaxed atmosphere.

711 Medford Ctr, Medford, OR 97504-6772

20.US Cellular Community Park

The U.S. Cellular Community Park is a 132-acre state-of-the-art athletic facility that several world-class sports fields, including a professional-sized baseball field and two youth-sized ones, a professional-sized championship soccer field, four softball fields, and two generic sports fields for other sports like field hockey. The park is home to the Southern Oregon Fuego of the National Premier Soccer League and has hosted over 47,000 youth and adult games. The park features over 1.5 million square-feet of synthetic grass and is the largest municipal installation of FieldTurf in the United States.

300 Lowry Ln, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-774-2400

21.Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub, Medford, OR

Kaleidoscope Pizzeria is a bright, spacious restaurant and bar adorned with Grateful Dead-themed art and vibrant décor that serves handcrafted, wood-fired pizza, local craft beers, and casual wines in a warm and welcoming setting. The locally-owned and distinctly-Northwest restaurant has a large dining room with soaring wooden ceilings, stained glass windows and plenty of comfortable seating and a charming covered patio and showcases an array of local, eclectic artwork. The menu offers a selection of gourmet pizzas with various toppings, as well as homemade soups, salads, calzones, and small plates of starters; all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The full-service bar serves a variety of craft beers on tap and by the bottle, casual wines, and classic cocktails. Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

3084 Crater Lake Hwy, Medford, OR 97504, Phone: 541-779-7787

22.Pomodori Bistro & Wine Bar, Medford, Oregon

Pomodori Bistro & Wine Bar is a family-friendly restaurant that serves both classic and contemporary Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting. Loved by locals and visitors alike, the casual eatery specializes in authentic Northern and Southern Italian cuisine with starters of antipasti, bruschetta, fresh Caprese salads, and focaccia. Entrées include fresh seafood, prime steaks and veal, chicken dishes, handmade pasta and sauces, fresh salads and vegetarian dishes, and decadent desserts with cream and homemade gelato. The cuisine is paired with a variety of casual wines from Italy and other wine-growing regions, along with craft beers by the bottle, and made-to-order cocktails. Pomodori Bistro & Wine Bar is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

410 E Main St, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-779-4162

23.Rogue Karting

If you have a need for speed, Rogue Karting in Medford invites you to come and do some real high-speed racing without worrying about breaking the rules of the road. The facility offers top-of-the-range technology and fabulous SODI RT8 karts that will totally make you feel as though you are on a real racetrack. Forget the go-karting of bye-gone days; Rogue Karting is unlike anything you have tried before. You can gather together a group of friends or family and come and spend some quality time driving, dining and playing some arcade games. There are also specially-designed SODI LR5 karts for younger racers.

Rogue Karting, 2065 Lars Way, Medford, OR 97501, 541 944 3333

24.Porters - Dining at the Depot, Medford, Oregon

Set in a beautifully restored 1910 former train station, Porters is an elegant, arts-and-crafts-style restaurant and bar that serves contemporary American cuisine and fine wines in a luxe setting. The restaurant boasts beautiful décor with intimate dark-wood dining booths and a charming patio next to the train tracks with flowering wisteria, cool misters in the summer, and warm blankets in the winter months. The menu features a range of fresh, seasonal, locally sourced cuisine such as fresh seafood, prime meats, handmade pasta and sauces, and organic salads and vegetables, and the bar serves a selection of fine wines from around the world, craft and draft beers and classic cocktails made with high-end spirits. Enjoy an after-dinner cigar in the cigar-friendly patio beneath a craftsman-style gazebo. Porters - Dining at the Depot is open for dinner, seven nights a week.

147 N Front St, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-857-1910

25.Rosario's Italian Restaurant, Medford, Oregon

Rosario's Italian Restaurant is a rustic trattoria-style restaurant in the heart of Medford, where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Owners Laura and Mike Hogan focus on classic Roman cuisine which is prepared using only the freshest locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The standard menu offers an array of traditional Italian cuisine such as linguine and clams, spaghetti primavera, and veal melanzane and a variety of classic and gourmet wood-fired pizzas and calzones. The lunch menu features hearty deli-style sandwiches and light pasta dishes, and the family-friendly restaurant offers catering services for private functions and events. Rosario's Italian Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday.

2221 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501, Phone: 541-773-2230