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
Consider these 51 beautiful places found across the country—including Puerto Rico—for your next trip
Resources to help plan your trip
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.
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.
The City of Roses may be known for its coffee shops, food carts, and craft breweries, but it’s also 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, with extras ranging from Wilamette River views to Pearl District proximity.
Portland, Oregon, is a city that offers a unique combination of outdoor adventures and urban appeal. Near Mount Hood at the junction of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, it’s just a short distance away from some of the most stunning areas of the Northwest, with opportunities for biking, hiking, and kayaking.
No matter your passion, Portland has you covered. The tax-free shopping wonderland is loaded with stores to tickle the fancy of shoppers both casual and obsessed. From Powell’s City of Books—easily one of the best bookstores in the United States—to Wildfang, where the coolest patriarchy smashers hang, and, yes, all the chain stores, Portland’s got the goods. Some of the city’s shopping hubs include downtown Portland, Pioneer Place, 23rd Avenue, and the Pearl District. Fuel up with some java at the coffee shop of your choice because there is serious shopping to be done.
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.
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.
Spending a long weekend in Portland is the perfect way to ramp up your love for the city--whether it’s your first visit or your 44th. After browsing Powell’s City of Books, taking in the sights and scents of the International Rose Test Garden or the Japanese Garden, and eating your way through donut shops and a Korean fried chicken hot spot, and washing it all down with great craft beer, Portland is sure to jump up a few spots on your list of favorite destinations. This collection will keep you fed and entertained for every day of your visit.
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...
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