Best Places to Visit in Oregon

Searching for the best places to visit in Oregon? Well, you are in the right place! With great cities, beaches, and endless outdoor adventures, The Beaver State is one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations I love exploring in the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re planning a road trip, a family vacation, or a peaceful romantic weekend getaway into nature, here are the places I recommend from my own travels, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.

Best Places to Visit in South Carolina - Lowcountry / Coastal

Stretching more than 360 miles along the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast is an incredible place to visit. Here are my favorite stops along the north, central and south cost of Oregon.

1. Cannon Beach - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland

This has to be one of the absolute best coastal towns I’ve ever visited in Oregon (and one of my favorite beaches on the West Coast!). I love that and it’s only about 90 minutes west of Portland and easy to drive to. The moment I arrived, the sight of the towering Haystack Rock rising out of the surf felt like pure magic and instantly made me fall in love with this place.

First thing after we checked into a vacation rental for seven days, I toured the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum (free admission, exhibits on early settlers and shipwrecks). Later, we spent a lot of time admiring Haystack Rock (235 feet tall, formed by ancient lava flows), where adorable puffins also nest in spring and summer.

We spent hours just walking along the wide, sandy beach, which to me is one of the coolest and most romantic stretches of coast in the Pacific Northwest. Later, watching the tide pools come alive with starfish and anemones at the base of Haystack Rock was such a joyful and unforgettable experience.

My favorite part of Cannon Beach was how vibrant and charming the town itself felt. From hidden art galleries and boutique shops to cozy cafés, it had that perfect small-town vibe mixed with exciting discoveries at every corner.

The food scene here was another gem. I loved sampling fresh seafood at local restaurants, and ending the evening with craft cocktails while listening to the waves crash.

What I loved best:

Exploring Ecola State Park, just minutes away, was a standout.

2. Astoria - 2 hours by car from Portland

Chris and I both absolutely love Astoria (nicknamed "Little San Francisco"), and have been many times. Perched at the mouth of the Columbia River, this is one of the most atmospheric coastal towns I’ve ever visited, and I think it's absolutely one of the best romantic weekend destinations on the West Coast.

We started at the Astoria Column, where the climb up its spiral staircase rewarded us with some of the most spectacular panoramic views. After, what I loved best was simply walking along the waterfront.

When we got hungry, Astoria’s food and drink scene surprised me too. I loved the unique breweries tucked into old canneries and the seafood restaurants with fresh local catches.

In the afternoon, we admired the town’s history which is everywhere, from the Maritime Museum to the Victorian homes that line the hills.

We stayed at Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa for two days, a restored salmon cannery built over the river with balconies above the water which was super cool!

Local Tip:

The Riverwalk made it easy to enjoy it all and was my favorite highlight. In addition, hopping on the old trolley was a fun, affordable way to see the city.

3. Lincoln City

This is easily one of my favorite coastal getaways in Oregon with a beautiful sandy beach. It sits right along Highway 101 about two hours from Portland.

First, we headed to the beach which stretches for 7 miles along the Pacific, giving me endless opportunities to find the best ocean views and sandy spots to relax.

Our next highlight was exploring Siletz Bay, where the calm waters, seals, and birds made for a peaceful experience.

Next, Downtown Lincoln City surprised me with cool antique shops, art galleries, and some of the most affordable seafood restaurants along the coast. We sampled clam chowder, fresh Dungeness crab, and even wood-fired pizza with a view—it was an absolute best foodie moment.

We stayed at the Shearwater Inn, a boutique spot with fireplaces and ocean views.

What I loved best:

Next day, one of the most amazing parts of my visit was Devil’s Lake which felt like a hidden treasure tucked just behind the dunes.

4. South Coast Tours

Just a heads up that Oregon's coast is long! Very long! It stretches for 360 miles so to a first time visitor it's overwhelming. On our first few trips, we found that guided tours with a knowledgeable local guide helped us save time and let us discover hidden gems that we would otherwise have missed.

One of my favorites, South Coast Tours operates along the southern Oregon coast, roughly from Coos Bay down to the Oregon-California border (Crescent City, CA).

So, if you are 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.

Best Day Trips in Oregon - Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is the cultural and agricultural heart of Oregon.

5. Eugene - 2 hours and 15 from Portland

This city is one of the most soulful day-trip (or weekend!) destinations in Oregon because it's laid-back, creative, and quietly romantic.

We started with a slow morning walk along the riverfront path, very calm and unhurried.

Next, my favorite part was visiting Hendricks Park, especially during rhododendron season (late March through May!).

After, we headed to Downtown Eugene for coffee and pastries at Perugino. We also found artsy bookshops that invited us to browse.

After, I loved browsing the Saturday Market, with its handmade jewelry, local art, and street musicians.

A quiet highlight was heading up Skinner Butte just before sunset, where we looked out over the town and surrounding hills.

We stayed at the Graduate Eugene (from $128/night) for two days, a playful, collegiate-themed hotel with vintage décor that completely won me over.

What I loved best:

Alton Baker Park along the Willamette River, where families, cyclists, and kayakers all shared the joyful outdoor vibe was a standout for me.

6. Corvallis

Ready for a history-rich Oregon day trip just an hour south of Portland? Check out Corvallis, a real standout, home to Oregon State University!

First thing we did was walk around downtown, and it felt vibrant but calm, the best mix for a relaxing and affordable experience.

Next, walking along the Willamette River was my favorite way to slow down, the views were peaceful and honestly kind of magic.

After a quick coffee break, we checked out Oregon State University. Lunch came next at a small café we found by accident, called Odd Bird Cafe, one of those underrated spots that end up being great.

After eating, we explored nearby Bald Hill Natural Area, just minutes from town, and it felt like a dream escape into nature. The hike wasn’t hard at all, which made it perfect for bringing our son, and the scenery was spectacular.

As evening rolled in, we grabbed dinner downtown again at The Brass Monkey (the burger and fries were delicious!).

We stayed at Hotel Corvallis for the night, a boutique inn in a restored 1920s brick building right downtown.

What I loved best:

Next morning, Bald Hill Natural Area was my personal highlight - Just a few minutes from downtown, I found myself on a peaceful trail surrounded by wildflowers and views of rolling hills—it felt like a hidden sanctuary right near the city.

7. Salem - 1 hour from Portland

This is one of my favorite places to visit in Oregon for its riverfront parks, a lively arts scene, and beautiful gardens.

First thing, strolling through downtown, we admired the blend of historic buildings, independent boutiques and bookstores.

My favorite stop was Archive Coffee & Bar near the riverfront, where we shared flaky pastries and expertly brewed coffee.

Next, we wandered through small galleries and specialty shops, smiling as we discovered handmade goods and quirky finds that sparked conversation and nostalgia.

A short drive brought us to nearby parks and gardens, where quiet trails and open green spaces gave us a peaceful chance to walk side by side and enjoy the fresh valley air.

In the afternoon, we stopped by the local farmers’ market, with great produce, fresh bread, and handcrafted treats.

We stayed at The Grand Hotel in Salem, with direct access to the convention center.

What I loved best:

Next day, the Willamette Heritage Center was a standout, where I found unusual exhibits and historic mill buildings that gave me a glimpse into the region’s past. It was an affordable and fascinating stop that I hadn’t expected to enjoy as much as I did.

Best Places to Visit in Oregon - Columbia River Gorge / Mt. Hood Area

For me, this is one of Oregon’s most iconic regions.

8. Hood River - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland

Perched along the Columbia River like a breezy outpost between mountains and water, this is one of the most breathtaking small towns I’ve ever explored in Oregon and I think it’s one of the absolute best destinations near Portland. Why? Hood River offers panoramic gorge views, vineyard-dotted hillsides, and a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe far removed from the city.

We drove just over an hour east from Portland to Hood River, perched on the Columbia River. We stayed at the Hood River Hotel, a 1912 boutique inn with mountain views and a vintage vibe.

We loved wandering through the lively main street, packed with cool boutiques, artisan shops, and some of the best coffee spots and breweries I’ve found in the Pacific Northwest. It felt like a dream to sip a craft beer while watching the sun set behind the Gorge.

One of the absolute best parts for me was watching the windsurfers and kiteboarders out on the Columbia River. Hood River is famous for it, and seeing the colorful sails dancing across the water was both exciting and magical.

I also explored the Fruit Loop, a scenic drive dotted with orchards, wineries, and farm stands. Tasting fresh apples, pears, and local wines with snow-capped Mount Hood towering in the distance felt like a joyful and underrated experience that you just can’t miss.

Hiking near Hood River was another highlight.

What I loved best:

Wahclella Falls and Punchbowl Falls gave me spectacular views and that cool, refreshing spray of Oregon’s famous waterfalls, my personal highlight.

9. 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.

What I loved best:

For me, Kiyokawa Family Orchards is one of the best places to visit in Oregon in the fall because it's scenic, family-friendly and unique!

It’s not remote like an island, but there is a certain “stepping out of daily life” feel when you arrive, my personal highlight.

Best Places to Visit in Oregon - Columbia River Gorge / Mt. Hood Area

With easy connections to the coast, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Willamette Valley, the Portland Metro is both a destination and a gateway to the rest of Oregon.

10. Beaverton

This turned out to be one of the most interesting and underrated spots I’ve explored in Oregon, located just west of Portland in the Tualatin Valley. It’s a place that blends suburban comfort with vibrant culture, and I thought it made for an awesome weekend escape with both family-friendly and romantic possibilities.

We drove about 20 minutes west from Portland to Beaverton, a city that grew from a Tualatin Valley farming hub into a high-tech suburb.

For the night, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Beaverton, a comfortable base close to trails and transit.

We loved checking out the diverse food scene—Beaverton is known for having some of the best global eats in the state. From hidden gem food carts to cozy cafés and unusual international restaurants, every meal felt like a joyful surprise. It was honestly one of my favorite parts of the trip.

My visit to Tualatin Hills Nature Park was another highlight. Just minutes from downtown, the trails took me through wetlands and forests, and it felt like such a cool hidden sanctuary right in the middle of the city. I thought it was one of the absolute best places for a peaceful walk.

Another unique discovery for me was how close Beaverton is to Oregon’s wine country. Within minutes, we were sipping Pinot Noir in vineyards that looked like something out of a dream, which made the whole getaway feel even more special.

What I loved best:

I thought the farmer market was a vibrant and exciting experience, my personal highlight. Fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music made it feel like the heart of the community. Strolling through with a basket of local berries was both simple and magical.

11. Newberg

Ready for a history-rich wine country escape? Check out Newberg, a real standout! This felt like one of Oregon’s most underrated gems, tucked into the heart of the Willamette Valley just about 25 miles southwest of Portland. The town had this warm, welcoming vibe, and it immediately struck me as a perfect spot for both a romantic weekend or a family getaway.

We drove about 45 minutes southwest from Portland to Newberg, a gateway to the Willamette Valley wine region.

We loved wandering through the charming downtown, where I found cool boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and some of the best small-town eateries around. It was joyful to see how vibrant and artistic the community felt, with murals and galleries giving the place a unique energy.

My favorite part of Newberg was exploring the surrounding wineries—this area is Pinot Noir country, and tasting local wines while overlooking rolling vineyards was absolutely spectacular. It honestly felt like stepping into a dream landscape that you’d expect to see in my photos.

We also drove the nearby backroads, where farm stands and orchards offered affordable and delicious treats, from fresh berries to homemade jams. Those simple, joyful moments made me appreciate Newberg even more.

• Location: Northwestern Oregon in the Willamette Valley, along the Willamette River, southwest of Portland and northeast of McMinnville
• Map & Directions

What I loved best:

One hidden gem I discovered was the Chehalem Cultural Center, where art, history, and community came together in such an exciting way. It was the coolest surprise to stumble on a place that celebrated both local creativity and culture.

12. Portland

This has always been one of my favorite cities in Oregon, and every time I visit I discover something new that makes me love it even more. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, near the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, it feels both vibrant and laid-back, a perfect balance for an unforgettable getaway.

We flew just over 4 hours from Austin into Portland, Oregon’s largest city. This is where we usually start our road trip.

For a truly unique getaway, check out the 4-star Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland that has retained AAA Four Diamond status for over 30 years so you can trust in a quality stay.

My mornings always started right, with a perfectly pulled espresso from Nossa Familia Coffee, whose rich, sustainable brews captured Portland’s signature blend of craftsmanship and community.

We loved exploring downtown and the Pearl District, where cool boutiques, bookstores, and hidden cafés made every block feel like an adventure. Powell’s City of Books alone was a dream for me—it’s the absolute best bookstore I’ve ever stepped into, with miles of shelves to get lost in.

My favorite part of Portland is the food scene. Don't miss stopping at The Country Cat serving comfort food with Southern roots and local Northwest seafood and made-from-scratch!

We also wandered through the Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden, both of which felt magical. The peaceful landscapes and vibrant flowers made me realize why Portland is nicknamed the “City of Roses.”

What I loved best:

Dinner at Mother’s Bistro & Bar was my personal highlight - I had their pot roast, slow-cooked to perfection.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.