42 Epic Things to Do in Oregon

👉 Jump to: Things to Do in Oregon | National Monuments & State Parks | Things to Do on the Oregon Coast | Free Things to Do in Oregon | City Attractions in Oregon | FAQs

The ideal activities to do in Oregon span from forest exploration to coastal adventures and city excursions, making visitors never want to leave.

The city of Paris is one of the most iconic in the world and its beauty is evident. In my view, the flaky pastries alone make the day trip from London worthwhile.

We will start with a couple renowned Oregon attractions, but if you read until the end of the list I will reveal a few hidden gems you won`t find elsewhere!

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42 Best Things to Do in Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

Traverse Oregon’s only nationwide recreation area, a penetrating sapphire volcanic lake encompassed by thick alpine woodland.

📍 Location Overview | Phone: (541) 594-3000 | Park Information | Hours: Open at all times | Cost: $30 in summer, $20 in winter | 👉 View Scenic Excursions Around Crater Lake

Encounter a profound sapphire lake at Oregon`s sole national recreation area. Formed over thousands of years ago through volcanic activity, Crater Lake National Park is now one of the premier national parks in North America and has lengthy been a motivation to Aboriginal tribes, musicians, and outside explorers.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and is situated against the stunning Cascade Mountains, making hiking trails along the crater’s edge one of the most scenic experiences in the park.

Columbia River Gorge

Trek alongside the Columbia River just outside of Portland.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 308-1700 | Columbia River Gorge Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $5 per day | 👉 Browse Excursions from Portland to Columbia River Gorge

The largest national scenic area in the U.S. can be found in northern Oregon at the Columbia River Gorge. Aerial perspectives reveal a mighty river transecting the Cascade Mountains, surrounded by dozens of cascading waterfalls.

Only 18 minutes outside of Portland along the renowned Columbia River Highway, this gorge is one of the finest places to escape the large city and get lost among the hiking trails or in the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Cannon Beach

Photograph Oregon’s most famous coastal landmark.

Hotel Website | Phone: +52 55 6844 0300 | $$ | 👉 See Prices for The Wild Oscar on Booking

Giant rock formations take precedence at Cannon Beach, one of my personal favorite places to visit in Oregon.

This lively Oregon coastal town is one of the most romantic destinations on the west coast, with ample opportunities for strolling hand-in-hand on the beach at sunset, catching some live music in a small village eatery, or having a candlelit conversation by your cottage rental fireplace.

Portland Japanese Garden

Wander around a serene Japanese Garden and discover tranquility in the heart of Oregon’s largest city.

📍 Google map link | Phone: (503) 223-1321 | Portland Japanese Garden website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, closed Tuesdays | Entrance: $21.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors 65+, $17.95 for students with ID, $15.95 aged 6-17, free for under 6

If visiting the highlighted waterfalls in Puerto Rico, regular water shoes won`t suffice—many cascades there can only be accessed after hiking trails as described in the linked Puerto Rico hiking article.

Be sure to check out the plant-focused art display located in the garden! The current show includes an immersive pressing of foliage with specimens from both Portland and Japan.

👉 Read Next: Where to Stay in Portland

Multnomah Falls

Hike to the base of Oregon’s tallest cascade, a mossy waterfall that spills down behind a scenic viewing bridge.

📍 Google Maps location | Phone: (541) 308-1700 | Website about Multnomah Falls | Hours: 9 am-6 pm daily | Entrance: free, $2 reservations in the summer

Multnomah Falls is located only one hour outside of Portland, and it is one of the most superior hikes near Portland thanks to the opportunity to view one of the state’s most famed cascades. The roaring torrent encased in moss-covered foliage tumbles down at full force during the winter and spring months, the best time to view the falls.

The Multnomah Falls can be incredibly crowded, especially on the weekends. It`s best to get there as early as possible for the most pleasant experience. There’s also a gift shop and snack stand on-site in case you forgot to grab breakfast on your way out.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Pitch a tent amidst a vast expanse of sandy hills and drift off to sleep to the noise of crashing seaside waves.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 271-6000 | Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Website | Hours: 8 am-4 pm daily, Closed Saturdays & Sundays | Entrance: $5 daily

Dispersed camping is also available right on the beach sand, within walking distance of the coast, making this an excellent location for camping in Oregon.

Timberline Lodge Ski Resort

Ski down Oregon’s highest mountain with panoramic views of surrounding granitic giants.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 272-3311 | Timberline Lodge Ski Resort Website | Hours: Open 24 hours per day | Entrance: $269 lift tickets

The Timberline Lodge Ski Resort is nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, making your skiing experience scenic from every direction.

Skiing down Mount Hood via Timberline Lodge has been one of the top things to do in Oregon for families since the 1950s and continues to be a fun northern Oregon trip nowadays.

👉 Pro Tip: It`s important not to overlook packing essential items before heading to Oregon for skiing. I always bring my trusted goggles from Smith. For additional essential items, see my complete packing list for Oregon.

Washington Park

Have a picnic in Oregon’s largest public park or visit one of numerous park attractions.

In my view, the best time of year for nearby hot springs in Boulder is winter, after expending energy skiing or hiking through snowfall, nothing is more relaxing than soaking! I particularly recommend Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

Washington Park is a superb spot to head in Oregon when you don’t know where to commence. So many fun things are accessible from this 410-acre park like the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Hoyt Arboretum, and so much more!

Only a brief ride outside Portland, Washington Park also serves as a great place to head with friends for a picnic or to explore the International Rose Garden.

Wine Tasting in Willamette Valley 

Sip on regional drinks while surrounded by an expansive carpet of green pastures and snowy peaks of high altitude.

📍 Google Maps | Willamette Valley Website

With over seven hundred vineyards, Willamette Valley provides top wineries in Napa, California a challenge for their supremacy. Majestic, sprawling perspectives of gently rolling green hills set against lofty Cascade Mountains form the backdrop for wine sampling in Willamette Valley.

Visit either the North Valley, Mid-Valley, West Cascades, or South Vallely regions in Willamette Valley for the most scenic vineyard options.

Umpqua Hot Springs

Relax tired muscles from hiking through immersion in these natural forested hot springs.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 498-2531 | Umpqua Hot Springs Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $5 parking

Relax utterly in Oregon at one of its premier hot springs. The azure pools of the natural Umpqua Hot Springs are ideal for losing yourself in nature and releasing worries.

A 0.8-mile hike brings visitors to cliffside geothermal pools only 75 miles from Crater Lake. Arriving early in the day presents a chance to experience the hot springs with fewer crowds.

National Monuments & State Parks

For additional information, see our complete guide to the optimal national parks in Oregon.

Oregon Caves National Monument

Explore underground Oregon with candlelight as your guide.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 592-2100 | Oregon Caves National Monument Website | Hours: 8:30 am-4 pm Monday-Saturday, Closed Sundays | Entrance: Free, paid cave tours

Experience the subterranean wonders of Oregon at Oregon Caves National Monument. Venture deep into the Siskiyou Mountains` underground realm to see the geologic marvel known as the “marble halls of Oregon,” shaped over eons by acidic water seeping into the rock formations.

Exploring Lava Cast Forest is a thrilling activity suited for those wishing to diversify their Oregon itinerary. While the monument itself does not charge admission, cave tours are available for a small fee, with options like the Discovery Cave Tour, Candlelight Tour, Family and Kids Tour, or Off-Trail Caving Tour.

Silver Falls State Park

Hike to one of the numerous PNW waterfalls for an authentic Oregon experience.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 551-6949 | Silver Falls State Park Website | Hours: 7 am-9 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Visit Silver Falls State Park for that postcard-worthy view of Oregon you’ve dreamed about. This state park has epitomized the quintessential natural beauty synonymous with the Pacific Northwest region, contributing to Oregon`s reputation as a verdant and aesthetically pleasing west coast state.

Waterfall treks are the most undertaken appeal at Silver Falls State Park, like the South Falls and Trail of Ten Falls paths, both with spectacular perspectives of mossy, crashing cascades.

Smith Rock State Park

Test your climbing abilities amid steep canyon walls and above local wildlife habitats.

📍 Google Maps | Contact: (800) 551-6949 | Smith Rock State Park Website | Hours: 7 am-7 pm daily | Entrance: $5 per day

A snaked Crooked River winds its way through jagged towering peaks at Smith Rock State Park. The deep river gorges make some of the best rock climbing routes on the west coast.

Visitors have the opportunity to observe local wildlife such as otters, eagles, and beavers when exploring Smith Rock State Park, a natural refuge teeming with life. Hikers are permitted to bring their four-legged friends, provided they are leashed to avoid disrupting the natural equilibrium of the ecosystem.

Fort Stevens State Park

Explore an old military installation, now a recreational oasis with lakeside lounging and a huge campsite.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 861-3170 | Fort Stevens State Park Website | Hours: 6 am-10 pm daily | Entrance: $5 daily

Fort Stevens State Park, located in America, offers plenty of space for everyone at its expansive campgrounds. The area was previously an active fort during the Civil War and World War 2 time periods, and now serves as a hub for various recreational activities.

A freshwater lake and beach access invite visitors to relax for a while at the shore. Scenic trails and a wreckage are other tourist spots at Fort Stevens as well as an observation deck overlooking the Columbia River.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Experience an arid side of Oregon you didn`t realize existed at this fossil-filled locale.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 987-2333 | John Day Fossil Beds Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Wavy hills of vibrant yellows, oranges and reds offer quite a contrast to the generally green state of PNW. These colorful rock formations at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument preserve fossils from an ancient ecosystem over 40 million years ago.

Visiting the Thomas Condon Visitor Center before hiking or driving through the monument allows learners to discover more about Oregon`s ancient past.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument 

Traverse Oregon’s lava landscapes at this volcanic monument, laden with hiking routes and alpine lakes.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 383-5300 | Newberry National Volcanic Monument Website | Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily | Entrance: $5 daily

View the volcanic lands of Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest the next time you`re in central Oregon. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument encompasses over 54,000 acres showcasing lakes, thick forests, lava flows and additional geologic structures.

The Lava Lands Visitor Center is a worthwhile starting point. Speak with a ranger, obtain a trail map, or acquire more information about the area from the interactive exhibits. I recommend hiking Paulina Peak, a 7,985-foot peak offering panoramic vistas of the entire vicinity.

Cove Palisades State Park

Participate in rafting, paddleboarding, or angling within this aquatic-centered park.

Tip: If you are searching for a luxurious vehicle, a large family-sized minivan, or car or booster seats, then book ahead of time to get the best selection.

Next time you find yourself in Central Oregon, I highly recommend exploring Cove Palisades State Park, a wilderness area nestled between both the Deschutes and Crooked River canyons.

Partake in rushing whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and much more in Cove Palisades State Park.

Things to Do on the Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Gain more knowledge about the abundant marine fauna living on the Oregon shore by visiting the state’s largest aquarium.

📍 The Oregon coast aquarium is located in Newport, Oregon. To find directions and see pictures of the location, visit their listing on Google Maps at this link: https://www.google.com/maps?q=oregon+coast+aquarium&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgAECMYJxiKBTIJCAAQIxgnGIoFMgcIARAAGIAEMgcIAhAAGIAEMgcIAxAAGIAEMgcIBBAAGIAEMgYIBRBFGDwyBggGEEUYPDIGCAcQRRg80gEHMzkyajBqNKgCALACAA&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-9_OX9eb-AhV3BUQIHS6QDfcQ0pQJegQIBxAC. You can also find information on their website at https://aquarium.org/ or call them at (541) 867-3474 for more details. Their hours are from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Ticket prices are $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors 65 and older as well as youth 13-17, and $15.95 for children 3-12. Children under 2 are free.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Oregon is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to explore, showcasing numerous marine creatures that excite and ignite the imaginations of both adults and children.

Situated in Newport Oregon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is the prime destination after observing a sunrise at the beach.

Astoria

Explore a historic fishing village and venture downtown for a local brewery.

📍 Google Maps locator | Contact number: (503) 325-5821 | Website for Astoria city | Operating hours: All day every day | No cost to enter

One of Oregon’s quaintest sleepy fishing towns, Astoria is somewhat off the beaten path and is one of my favorite coastal towns. I enjoy exploring the streets of Astoria, visiting the local farmers market, visiting a local brewery, and shopping from the downtown stores selling vintage goods.

This historical oceanside city showcases Victorian-style homes, a cycling path directly adjacent to the waterfront, and coastal hiking routes.

Seaside

Spend an amusing evening playing games at a beach town’s parks in one of Oregon’s most beloved coastal cities before witnessing an unblocked sunset.

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I’ve spent the past three Fourth of July’s in Seaside and can`t hold on to return for a fourth! The downtown Seaside region features amusement locales, candy shops, delicious pizzerias, and boardwalk boutiques, making it one of the most active communities on the Oregon coastline.

Fireworks were permitted directly on the beach for the yearly July celebration, making it the ideal time to visit Seaside.

Newport

Immerse yourself in coastal Oregon culture at this sleepy fishing village.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 1-800-COAST-44 | Newport Website | Hours: continuously | Entry: Free

Dive pubs, waterfront seafood, neighborhood breweries, and vocal sea lions collaboratively make a excursion to Newport one for the memories. Go to the bustling fishing dock at the Bayfront or even the remote nonetheless stunning Agate Seaside next time you’re in Newport.

The Oregon Coast Museum and the Rippley’s Believe It or Not museums are the top attractions in town but a short drive along the coast will bring you to coastal hiking routes and perfect chances to fish.

I stayed in my motorhome in Newport along my ultimate Highway 101 tour and remained at RV parks along the route.

Free Things to Do in Oregon

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Travel along a picturesque road past mountain peaks high in the alps.

📍 Google Maps | Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Website | Hours: Continuously | Entrance: Free

Travel along one of Oregon`s most scenic routes known as the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The 66-mile drive takes sightseers past alpine lakes, snow-covered mountains, and volcanic layers from Bend to the Diamond Peak Wilderness just outside Crater Lake National Park.

Mount Hood National Forest 

Ascending to the peak of Oregon by making a challenging technical climb up Mount Hood.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 352-6002 | Mount Hood National Forest Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

A trip to Oregon cannot be considered complete without visiting its most famous national forest. Mount Hood National Forest houses the tallest mountain in the state, Mount Hood, an 11,249-foot technically challenging summit.

Experienced alpinists, don’t forget winter essentials like an ice axe, crampons, and leg protections before embarking on a challenging ascent to the volcanic peak.

Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Taking a drive to view hidden beaches where the woodland meets the ocean.

📍 Google Maps location tool | Contact number: (800) 551-6949 | Boardman State Scenic Corridor agency website | Accessible: 24 hours a day | Cost: Free of charge

Stretching 12 miles along the Oregon coast is the Boardman State Scenic Corridor, where hiking serves as a primary activity but scenic viewpoints along the byway also allow for glimpses of the landscape from vehicles.

Arch Rock, Spruce Island, and Thunder Rock Cove are among some of the viewpoints one can see. Secret Beach is personally one of my favorite hikes at the corridor and at only 0.2 miles roundtrip, it’s completely doable for the whole family!

Wallowa Whitman National Forest

Cross into the Idaho section of the national forest by hiking through state lines.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 523-6391 | Wallowa Whitman National Forest Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

2.4 million acres of public lands in northeastern Oregon stretch all the way into western Idaho and house hundreds of miles of routes for hiking.

Prairie-like grasslands and the untamed Snake River can be found in Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Top hiking trails include Aneroid Lake, Wallowa River Loop Trail, and Matterhorn Peak.

Oregon Coast Trail

Tighten your hiking laces and commence on a 300+ mile coastal trail.

📍 Google Maps | Oregon Coast Trail Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Traversing the Oregon Coast Trail demands adventurous souls and experienced trekkers. This 362-mile path isn`t for the fainthearted but provides rich rewards for through-hikers with tremendous patience, endurance, and a quality carrier for long travel on foot.

Hikers cross the Columbia River and traverse through 28 Oregon towns along the sandy coastline on the Oregon Coast Trail, a long-distance route best tackled from June to September.

Cruise Down the Hood River

Embark on a leisurely float down an alpine river fed by glacial meltwater.

📍 Google Maps | Hood River Website | Hours: 24 hours| Entrance: rates vary per tour

Don’t put outdoor tasks to the side when visiting Oregon. Glide down the Hood River for an unforgettable expedition. Class 4 rapids hurry down the hillside in the springtime, summoning kind 2 fun experience fans.

One popular area for river cruising down the Hood River is within the Columbia River Gorge, where Mount Hood rises prominently in the distance framed by the forest lining the canyon walls.

Pacific Coast Highway

Travel along the iconic highway spanning the western coast.

📍 Google Maps | Pacific Coast Highway Website | Hours: Continuously accessible | Entry: Complimentary

The highway along the Pacific coastline, commonly known as the PCH, is arguably the most scenic roadway on the west coast. If travelers begin their voyage from southern regions, they can initiate exploration with a road journey through California then take the PCH north into Oregon, passing by premier coastal destinations along the passage.

Exploring the entire Oregon coast along the Pacific Coast Highway by road is the ideal way to view small towns along the route without missing any.

Klamath Falls

The gateway town to Crater Lake NP with ample water hikes available.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 883-5316 | Klamath Falls Website | Hours: 24 hours a day | Entrance: Free

Klamath Falls is a southern Oregon location worth visiting. Most Klamath Falls visitors pass through on their way to Crater Lake but the small mountain town offers intimate character for those who linger.

I recommend hiking the Link Trail near Klamath Lake, the Tomahawk Trail, or taking a short drive to the Klamath Falls Rapids, a cascading flow of rapids.

Rogue River

Go whitewater rafting down southern Oregon’s main river.

📍 Google Maps | Rogue River Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: costs vary per tour

If you don`t have enough time to make the trip up to the Hood River area, you can also find high-quality whitewater rafting on southern Oregon’s Rogue River. Whether it`s a short, half-day trip or more intense multi-day trips, floating down the Rogue River is always a fun experience.

Hiking in the Cascade Mountains 

Opt to climb a mountain with snow-capped peaks or embark on an easier hike through alpine terrain.

Camping is among the best activities in Utah, particularly in one of Utah’s national parks. Bringing a tent allows for the chance to sleep under the desert stars in Zion National Park or another scenic Utah wilderness location.

Many visitors to Oregon hike Mount Hood but miss out on other amazing trails in the Cascades. Nearby peaks like nearly 10,500-foot Mt. Jefferson, nearly 7,800-foot Mount Washington, and the Three Sisters Circuit offer impressive routes too. These are among the premier hiking paths in Oregon.

Be sure to bring essential items for your Oregon excursion, like durable hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and a hat to shield from the sun.

City Attractions in Oregon

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry 

Discover more about the scientific world through exploring the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

📍 Directions via Map | Museum Webpage | Hours: 9:30am to 5:30pm | Entry Fee: $16 for adults, $11 for children, $13 for seniors over 62, Children under 3 are Free

Oregon’s most visited museum is situated directly on the Willamette River. Experiencing this venue is one of the best activities in Oregon for households with young children or for adults who are interested in scientific subjects.

Take in a planetarium, the empirical theater, an orca gallery, a natural history hall, and more at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

Oregon Zoo

Experience wildlife at Oregon’s sizable zoo.

📍 A mapping service online | Phone: (503) 226-1561 | Website for Oregon Zoo | Hours: 9:30 am-5:30 pm daily | Entrance: $24, adults, $19, children, Free under 2

One of Washington Park’s primary attractions is the Oregon Zoo located within the state, housing creatures from around the globe making it the largest zoo in the area.

Attend a bird show, a zoo keeper talk, the ZooBrew local beer event, and live summer concerts at the Oregon Zoo. Every Portland traveler should visit the zoo, made easy with the affordable prices.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

View your favorite Broadway performance at this Renaissance-style performance venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 482-2111 | Oregon Shakespeare Festival Website

Theater lovers must check out the acclaimed Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a Tony Award-winning establishment showcasing productions including Rent, Romeo and Juliet, and The Three Musketeers.

Situated in Ashland, the theater of Renaissance style is encircled by a dense forest and is counted among the finest activities to engage in during the evening following a day exploring the walking routes.

Enchanted Forest 

Unleash your inner youth at this fanciful, enchanted woodland amusement park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone number: (503) 371-4242 | Website of Enchanted Forest | Hours of operation: 10:30 am-5 pm only on Saturdays and Sundays | Cost of admission: $25 for ages 13 and up, $22 for ages 62 and up, $3-12, Free under 3

Visit one of Oregon’s few areas of public entertainment for a fun-filled day with your whole family. Located just south of Salem, the Enchanted Forest is a story filled wooded area of public entertainment that is known by locals as a psychedelic Disneyland, with fantastical figurines, elf symbols, and enchanted forest creatures lining the park.

Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Learn about the history of Oregon’s early settlers at this interpretive center.

📍 Map Location | Phone: (541) 523-1843 | Center Website | Hours: | Entrance: $8, adults, $6, seniors, without charge under 16

While this interpretive center is currently closed for renovations, a temporary exhibit educates the public about the historical trail in Downtown Baker City in the meantime.

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center highlights the pioneer past as the state developed, telling the story of those who first migrated through interactive exhibits, films, and live performances.

Portland Art Museum

View art by local Oregon artists in downtown Portland.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 226-2811 | Portland Art Museum Website | Hours: 10 am-5 pm | Entrance: $25, adults, $22, seniors, college students, Free under 18

The Portland Art Museum is one of my personal favorite Oregon museums. Rotating temporary exhibitions keep this museum intriguing year-round and its location in the heart of Portland makes it the perfect pitstop after having lunch downtown.

When I recently visited the Portland Art Museum, Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe was on display; an Indigenous artist with precise fine lines and art portraying a Native perspective of the Dakota culture.

Portland Pearl District

Visit Portland’s most substantial concentration of eateries and bars.

📍 Map assistance | Pearl District site | Schedule: 24 hours | Entrance: Complimentary

Portland’s Pearl District is one of the best places to visit for food enthusiasts. The largest concentration of delectable Portland eateries are located in this district.

You will also find stylish galleries and fashionable shops in the Portland Pearl District. The brick structures of this old warehouse region never disappoint with brewery and bar selections.

Pittock Mansion

Discover Oregon`s past by interacting with this historic, photographable mansion.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 823-3623 | Pittock Mansion Website | Hours: 10 am-4 pm daily, 12 pm-4 pm Tuesdays | Entrance: $14.50, adults, $10.50, children, $12.50, seniors, Free under 3

Portland`s historic residence museum set in Washington Park details Oregon`s shift from a pioneering state to a postmodern world through the legacy of the Pittocks.

The French Renaissance-style home of the Pittock Mansion today serves as a museum of Oregon’s past. It also makes for a great spot to take elegant photos and boasts one of the best views in town.

The Grotto

Experience inner peace at a cliffside shrine in the middle of Portland.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 254-7371 | The Grotto Website | Hours: 9 am-6 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Situated within a hollowed boulder in Portland, this 62-acre woodland sanctuary is dedicated to Our Sorrowful Mother and is considered one of the most tranquil places to visit in the city.

Attend a Roman Catholic service at The Grotto, take a stroll around the botanical gardens, buy a snack from the gift shop, or simply appreciate the solitude of the nature sanctuary.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

Visit a marine research center to learn more about marine life in a more in-depth manner.

📍 Google Maps | Phone number: (541) 867-0100 | Website of Hatfield Marine Science Center | Hours: 10 am-4 pm Thursday-Monday, Closed Friday-Sunday | Cost of admission: $5 per person

Oregon State University’s marine laboratory is situated in Newport, Oregon, and serves as a base for oceanic research. Many child-friendly exhibits are packed into the center, like hands-on displays and informative videos. This low-cost museum is a great way to spend a leisurely day on Oregon’s coast.

High Desert Museum

Spot local wildlife at this 135-acre sanctuary.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 382-4754 | High Desert Museum Website | Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily | Entrance: $20, adults, $17, seniors over 64 & college students, $12 children 3-12, Free under 2

135 acres in Central Oregon are set aside for shielding wildlife environments like porcupines, river otters, and birds of prey at the High Desert Museum.

Don’t forget binoculars for an opportunity to closely observe local Oregon wildlife. An on-site museum and cafe also allow refueling before further wildlife exploration.

FAQs About What to Do in Oregon

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Thanks for reading my guide on the finest things to do in Oregon!

Comment underneath with your favorite Oregon action and be sure to give our Best Things To Do in Washington State guide a read if you’re planning to visit more of the Pacific Northwest region.