Oregon

From vibrant cities like Portland and Bend, to pristine nature both inland and along the cliff-studded Oregon Coast, this Pacific Northwest state is a wonderful destination for travelers looking for art, culture, food, outdoors adventures, or some combination.

A photo of a beautiful waterfall in Oregon surrounded by evergreens and orange-leafed trees in the fall.

Make beautiful places—like Bend—a part of your trip to Oregon.

Photo by Aleksander Todorovic/Shutterstock

Overview

When’s the best time to go to Oregon?

Many will say that Oregon is best visited in the summer, when the state sees less rain, long days, and warm temperatures. Although more rainy, spring and fall bring their own kind of charm, and winter is the ideal time of year for enjoying Oregon’s ski and snowboarding slopes.

Can’t miss things to do in Oregon

Oregon has a wide variety of activities for travelers. Some highlights of travel in the state include:

  • Exploring the artistic and culinary scenes in the quirky, creative city of Portland.
  • Wine tasting in Willamette Valley.
  • Sipping your way through Oregon’s acclaimed craft beer scene.
  • Road tripping along the Oregon coast.
  • Hiking the iconic Multnomah Falls and going for a scenic drive along the Colombia River.
  • Mountain biking, hiking, or skiing on Mount Hood.
  • Visiting Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.
  • Getting outdoors, any time of the year, in nature-loving Bend.
  • Attending the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.

Practical Information

No matter what time of year it is, bring a great rain jacket. In summer months, prepare for heat and in winter, snow. Fall and spring weather are all over the map, so wear your layers for a comfortable stay.

Read Before You Go
Resources to help plan your trip
A weekend getaway at one of these lakes is good for the soul.
Not only will there be great late-season skiing and snowboarding, but these mountains are also going all out this spring with music, food, festivals, and competitions.
Vacation rental company Vacasa is dishing up spooky-season nostalgia with this three-night-only “Ghostbusters” rental.
The City of Roses is home to some of the most unique hotels in the Pacific Northwest, from a tiny house and converted school to a hipster favorite and elegant grande dame, the options are varied in both style and price. But other wonderful places to stay can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest state.
This two-for-one sale lets you bring along a companion for free in a private Amtrak Roomette.
Picking the fun and food for one single day in Portland is, to put it mildly, a tricky task. But if it’s just one day you’ve got, we’ve got your back. You’ll start with a coffee- and donut-fueled morning and end up drowning your sorrow over leaving at one of the city’s many (many) craft beer breweries. In between? Gardens, food carts, and, of course, some shopping. Off you go...
As the sun goes down behind a shroud of gray, Portland lights up. Step into the night and join a community hell-bent on having a good time.
Portland started the craft beer revolution and the city remains home to a vibrant and ever-growing group of breweries. Belly up to the taps at one of the city’s oldest brewpubs or try something new new new. No matter which beer stop you choose from the list below, you’re golden. There are, of course, plenty of IPAs around town but, no matter your taste, Portland is sure to serve up what you love to drink. Pick a few from the list below and make a night of it. Want to try several breweries in one night (or day)? Ride around with Brewcycle (a multi-person traveling bar you help pedal) or Brewvana (a good old bus tour).
No matter the time of day, weather, or your mood, your list of Portland to-dos will stay stacked with good times and stellar flavors. Grab some chow from the city’s famous food carts, shop downtown Portland, tour Pittock Mansion, or take a bike ride through one of the city’s many parks. Up for something else? You could always spend the day browsing Powell’s City of Books. Or the whole weekend. Here, some fine ideas to get you going.
Get your clothes on and get going—the coffee is ready. Portland offers no shortage of ways to start your day off right.
You can take your rented bike and pedal down to a waiting Zipcar and get out of town. From the mountains to the coast—and everything in between—you’ll enjoy an easy break from the urban outlook, usually with an hour of driving, or less.
Whether you’re searching for a caffeine boost to kick off a day in Portland or you’re on the hunt for a perfect place to perch for some people watching, the city’s cafe scene offers plenty of options. From drip coffee to espresso drinks at third wave coffee roasters to donut spots and bakeries that also serve up good java, your time in Portland is about to get turbocharged. Don’t forget to pick up some to-go beans from local coffee roasters. You’ll want to brew up some of Portland’s coffee scene long after your visit.
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