42 Epic Things to Do in Oregon

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Outdoors | Sites & Attractions | Unique Things | Towns

The best things to do in Oregon range from forest exploration to coastal adventures and city excursions — it’s enough to make visitors never want to leave.

I’ve visited Oregon many times and in this guide, I’ll point you to the top activities for both urban and outdoorsy travelers. We’ll start with several famous attractions. But stick with me through the whole list and I’ll spill the beans on a few hidden gems you won’t find elsewhere!

42 Best Things to Do in Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

Explore Oregon’s only national park, a deep blue volcanic lake surrounded by thick alpine forest.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 594-3000 | Crater Lake National Park Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $30 in summer, $20 in winter

Witness a deep blue, alpine crater lake frozen in time at Oregon’s sole national park. Formed over seven thousand years ago via volcanic eruption, Crater Lake National Park has long been an inspiration to Indigenous groups, artists, and outdoor explorers.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and is backdropped by the stunning Cascade Mountains. Hiking around the crater’s perimeter is one of the most scenic experiences in the park.

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to visit, consider taking the Crater Lake Trolley. It takes visitors around the rim of the crater and makes multiple stops at viewpoints along the way.

Columbia River Gorge

Hike alongside the Columbia River right outside of Portland.

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

Only 20 minutes outside of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge stretches from Troutdale in the west and just beyond The Dalles to the east. It’s one of the best places to escape the big city and hike, see epic viewpoints, spot hundreds of waterfalls, or go windsurfing.

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? This half-day Columbia River Gorge hiking tour will allow you to sit back and enjoy the experience while a local guides you to the best spots.

Cannon Beach

Photograph Oregon’s most famous coastal landmark.

Ginormous rock outcroppings appear throughout Cannon Beach. This vibrant coastal town is one of the most romantic destinations on the West Coast. Stroll hand-in-hand on the beach during sunset, catch some live music in a small village eatery, or have a candlelit conversation by your cottage rental fireplace.

If you plan on staying in Portland but don’t want to miss this place, this full-day tour of the Oregon Coast includes a stop at Cannon Beach and nearby Ecola State Park. Plus, it has a 4.9-star rating with over 500 reviews.

Portland Japanese Garden

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

The author taking a selfie at the Portland Japanese Garden — *Me, posing in the garden*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 223-1321 | Portland Japanese Garden Website | Hours: 10 am-3:30 pm Wed-Mon, Closed Tue | Entrance: $22.50 adult, $18.50 student with ID, $16.50 youth (6-17), Free under 6

Get lost in a meditative state at the Portland Japanese Garden. Stroll the tranquil gardens, wander along bridges over koi ponds, and pass raked zen gardens. Or take a seat at the glass treehouse Umami Cafe for some delightful Japanese tea.

Don’t forget to check out the art exhibit in the garden! The exhibitions rotate fairly often so you’ll probably see something new on return visits.

Multnomah Falls

Hike to the base of Oregon’s tallest waterfall, a 15,000 year old cascade that spills down behind a scenic viewing bridge.

View of people on a stairs at the Multnomah Falls — *Climbing the stairs to the bridge for a better view of the falls*

Multnomah Falls is one of Oregon’s most famous natural attractions. The roaring cascade is one of the best hikes near Portland, as it’s only an hour outside the city. The waterfall itself is surrounded by mossy foliage and tumbles down at full force during the winter and spring, which are the best times to go.

Multnomah Falls can be incredibly packed, especially on the weekends. 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

Camp in a sea of sand dunes and fall asleep to the sound of crashing coastal waves.

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

While most of Oregon’s desert landscape is on the eastern side of the state, you’ll find an unexpected gem near the southern coast: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Sled down dunes or rent an ATV and go for a wild ride across the shifting sands.

Dispersed camping is also available right on the sand and within walking distance of the beach, making this an excellent place to go camping in Oregon.

Timberline Lodge Ski Resort

Ski down Oregon’s highest mountain with 360-degree views of surrounding granitic giants.

View of chairlifts at the Timberline Lodge — *Chairlifts at Timberline Lodge*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 272-3311 | Timberline Lodge Ski Resort Website | Entrance: Varies

Timberline Lodge Ski Resort is nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains on the southern slope of Mount Hood. This setting makes for incredibly scenic skiing that you can actually enjoy year-round!

Skiing at the Timberline Lodge has been popular with families since the 1950s, and it continues to be a great all-ages excursion today.

Washington Park

Have a picnic or visit one of many top Portland attractions in this large public park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 319-0999 | Washington Park Website | Hours: 5 am-10 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Washington Park is a great place to head in Oregon when you don’t know where to start. So many fun things are accessible from this 410-acre park including the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Hoyt Arboretum, and more of the best attractions in Portland.

You can walk here easily if you’re staying in the downtown area. Washington Park is also a great place to head with friends for a picnic or to explore the International Rose Garden.

Wine Tasting in Willamette Valley

Sip on some local concoctions while surrounded by an expanse of green meadows and snowy high-altitude peaks.

View of a vineyard at the Willamette Valley — *Vineyards in Willamette Valley*

📍 Google Maps | Willamette Valley Website | 👉 Browse Willamette Valley Wine Tours

With more than 700 wineries, Willamette Valley gives Napa Valley a run for its money. Grand, sweeping vistas of rolling green hills backdropped by towering Cascade Mountains set the stage for wine tasting tours in Willamette Valley.

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

Umpqua Hot Springs

Soak away your muscle aches with a visit to these natural forest hot springs.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 498-2531 | Umpqua Hot Springs Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $5 parking

Experience ultimate relaxation at Umpqua Hot Springs. The turquoise pools are the best place to get lost in nature and let your worries melt away.

A 0.8-mile hike brings visitors to cliffside geothermal pools in the middle of the Umpqua National Forest. Arrive in the early morning for a chance to experience uncrowded hot springs.

Pacific Coast Highway

Drive along the most iconic highway on the West Coast.

📍 Google Maps | Pacific Coast Highway Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH for short, is arguably the most scenic road on the West Coast. If you’re coming from the southern end, you can start your exploration with a California road trip, then take the PCH north into Oregon. A drive along the PCH is the best way to view the entire coast, without missing small towns along the way.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Drive along a scenic highway past alpine mountain peaks.

Clear blue sky over the Sparks Lake — *Sparks Lake*

📍 Google Maps | Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Drive along one of the most scenic roads in Oregon: the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. This byway encompasses 66 miles of alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and volcano strata from Bend through the Deschutes National Forest.

📚 Related Reading: The Best Places to Stay in Bend

Mount Hood National Forest

Stand on the top of Oregon with a technical climb up Mount Hood.

View at the Mount Hood looms in Oregon — *Mount Hood looms over the national forest*

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

No trip to Oregon is complete without visiting its most famous national forest. Mount Hood National Forest houses the tallest mountain in the state, Mount Hood. The mountain is 11,249 feet high.

Mount Hood is a technical summit. Experienced mountain climbers, don’t forget your winter essentials like an ice axe, crampons, and gaiters before embarking on a challenging climb up to the volcano.

Outdoor Activities

Oregon Caves National Monument

Explore underground Oregon by candlelight.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 592-2100 | Oregon Caves National Monument Website | Hours: Varies by season | Entrance: Park entry is free, Cave tours $20 adults, $15 youth

Explore the subterranean side of the state at Oregon Caves National Monument. Venture deep underground to experience the geologic wonder of the “marble halls of Oregon,” created by eons of acidic water seeping into the ground stone.

The monument itself is free but cave tours require a small fee. Choose from the Discovery Cave Tour, Candlelight Tour, Family and Kids Tour, or the Off-Trail Caving Tour.

Silver Falls State Park

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 551-6949 | Silver Falls State Park Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Visit Silver Falls State Park for that postcard photo view of Oregon you’ve dreamed about. This state park has contributed to Oregon’s reputation as one of the greenest, most beautiful West Coast states.

Waterfall hikes are the most frequented attraction at Silver Falls State Park, especially the South Falls and Trail of Ten Falls trails. Both offer spectacular views of mossy, crashing cascades.

Smith Rock State Park

Rock climb between steep canyon walls and above local wildlife habitats.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 551-6949 | Smith Rock State Park Website | Hours: 7 am-7 pm daily | Entrance: $10 per day

The Crooked River winds its way through jagged towering peaks at Smith Rock State Park. The deep river canyons make for some of the best rock climbing routes on the West Coast.

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as otters, eagles, and beavers at Smith Rock State Park, a wilderness area teeming with life. Visitors are allowed to hike with their four-legged friends, as long as they’re kept on a leash to not disturb the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Fort Stevens State Park

Explore an old military fort, now a recreational oasis with lakeside lounging and a massive campsite.

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

There’s plenty of room for everyone at one of America’s largest public campgrounds, a key feature at Fort Stevens State Park. An active fort between the Civil War and WW2, Fort Stevens is now a hub for recreational activities.

A freshwater lake and beach access invite visitors to bust out the suntan lotion and relax for a while at the lakeside. Scenic trails and a shipwreck are other popular destinations at Fort Stevens, as well as a Columbia River observation deck.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Experience a desert side of Oregon you didn’t know existed at this fossilized site.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 987-2333 | John Day Fossil Beds Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Thu-Mon | Entrance: Free

Wavy hills of earth-toned yellows, reds, and oranges offer quite the contrast to the western side of the state. The colorful rock formations at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument preserve fossils of an ancient ecosystem more than 40 million years old.

Visit the Thomas Condon Visitor Center before you take a scenic hike or drive through the monument to learn more about Oregon’s prehistoric past.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Explore Oregon’s lava lands at this volcanic monument laden with hiking trails and alpine lakes.

Overlooking view from the Paulina Peak — *The view from Paulina Peak*

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

View the lava lands of Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest the next time you’re in central Oregon. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument inhabits more than 54,000 acres of lakes, thick forests, and lava flows among other geologic formations.

The Lava Lands Visitor Center is a great place to start. Talk to a ranger, pick up a trail map, or learn more about the area from the interactive exhibits. I recommend hiking Paulina Peak, a 7,985-foot peak with 360-degree views of the entire area.

Cove Palisades State Park

Go rafting, paddleboarding, or fishing, in this water-intensive park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 551-6949 | Cove Palisades State Park Website | Hours: 24 hours

The next time you find yourself in Central Oregon, I highly recommend checking out Cove Palisades State Park, a wilderness area sandwiched between both the Deschutes and Crooked River canyons. Go whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and so much more in Cove Palisades State Park.

Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Drive past secret beaches where the forest meets the ocean.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 551-6949 | Boardman State Scenic Corridor Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Find a 12-mile stretch of coastline at the Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Hiking is one of the main activities here but various drive-up viewpoints also dot the scenic byway.

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

Wallowa Whitman National Forest

Cross state lines with a hike into the Idaho section of the national forest.

View of the running water in Lostine River — *Lostine River*

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

In northeastern Oregon, 2.4 million acres of public lands stretch all the way into western Idaho and house hundreds of miles of hiking trails.

Prairie-like grasslands and the wild 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

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a 300+ mile thru-hike along the coast.

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

The Oregon Coast Trail is best tackled by well-seasoned trekkers. This 362-mile trail isn’t for the faint of heart but is overwhelmingly rewarding for thru-hikers with a lot of patience, endurance, and a solid backpacking pack.

Hikers cross the Columbia River, 28 different towns, and trek along the sandy beaches of the Oregon coast on the OCT, a long thru-hike that is best hiked from June to September.

Cruise Down the Hood River

Go for a float down an alpine glacier-fed river.

Overlooking view of the Hood River and the Mount Hood — *Mount Hood looming over Hood River*

📍 Google Maps | Hood River Website | Entrance: prices vary per tour

Don’t put outdoorsy activities on the backburner when visiting Oregon. Cruise down the Hood River for a wild trip to remember. Class 4 rapids race down the mountain in the springtime, summoning type 2 fun adventure enthusiasts.

Klamath Falls

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

A bird flying over the Klamath Lake — *A soaring bird over the Upper Klamath Lake*

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

Klamath Falls is a must in southern Oregon. Most visitors pass through on their way to Crater Lake National Park, but there’s small-town magic for those who stick around.

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: Prices vary per tour | 👉 Browse Rogue River Rafting Tours on Viator

If you don’t have time to make the trip up to the Hood River, you can also find top-quality whitewater rafting on southern Oregon’s Rogue River. Plan a short, half-day trip or a more intense multi-day trip. Rafting down the Rogue River is always a fun experience.

Hiking in the Cascade Mountains

Go on a challenging, snow-capped climb, or opt for an easier alpine hike.

Scenic view at the Cascade Mountains — *Camping at the base of the South Sister*

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Most people who visit Oregon to hike Mount Hood miss out on the other great trails in the Cascade Mountains. The nearly 10,500-foot Mt. Jefferson, the nearly 7,800-foot Mount Washington, and the Three Sisters Circuit are other top Oregon hiking trails.

Make sure to bring the essentials for your trip if you plan to hike. Some of the top things to include on your Oregon packing list include sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket, and a sun hat.

Sites & Attractions

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Learn more about the dense marine life that lives on the Oregon coast at the state’s biggest aquarium.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 867-3474 | Oregon Coast Aquarium Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $29.95 adults, $23.95 seniors & youth (13-17), $19.95 children (3-12), Free ages 0-2

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of the most popular things to do along the Oregon coast. It showcases tons of local marine life and excites the imaginations of both adults and children.

Located in Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is the best place to head after catching a sunrise at the beach.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Learn more about the scientific world around you at OMSI.

📍 Google Maps | Oregon Museum Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $20 adults, $15 children, $17 seniors, Free under 3

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is one of Portland’s most popular museums and sits right on the Willamette River. A visit here is perfect for those with small children and adults who love the sciences.

Enjoy a planetarium, the empirical theater, an orca exhibit, a natural sciences hall, and more at OMSI.

Oregon Zoo

Visit your favorite animal at Oregon’s biggest zoo.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 226-1561 | Oregon Zoo Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm Fri-Mon | Entrance: $26, adults, $21, children, Free under 2

One of Washington Park’s main attractions, the Oregon Zoo is the biggest in the state and houses animals from all over the world! Attend a bird show, a zoo keeper talk, the ZooBrew local beer event, and live summer concerts.

Portland Art Museum

View art from Oregon locals in the heart of Downtown Portland.

A pair of figurines at the Portland Art Museum — *A pair of figurines that date to the 4th-3rd century BCE*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 226-2811 | Portland Art Museum Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $27.50 adults, $24.50 seniors, Free under 18

The Portland Art Museum is one of my favorite Oregon museums. Rotating temporary exhibits 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 visited the Portland Art Museum, Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe was on display — an Indigenous artist with perfect fine lines and art portraying an Indigenous perspective of the Dakota culture.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

Visit a marine lab to learn more about marine life in a more in-depth way.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 867-0100 | Hatfield Marine Science Center Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Thu-Mon, Closed Tue & Wed | Entrance: $5 per person

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

Pittock Mansion

Learn about Portland’s past at this historic mansion, which also has awesome views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 823-3623 | Pittock Mansion Website | Hours: 10 am-4 pm Wed-Mon, 12 pm-4 pm Tuesdays | Entrance: $16 adults, $12 children, $14 seniors, Free under 3

Portland’s historic house museum can be found in Washington Park. It tells the story of Oregon’s transition from a pioneer state to a postmodern world through the legacy of the Pittocks.

The French Renaissance-style home of the Pittock Mansion is now a local history museum. It’s also a great place to take elegant photos and has one of the best views in town.

High Desert Museum

Spot local wildlife at this 135-acre sanctuary.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 382-4754 | High Desert Museum Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $20 adults, $17 seniors over 64 & college students, $12 children 3-12, Free under 2

At the High Desert Museum in Central Oregon, 135 acres are reserved for protecting habitats for porcupines, river otters, raptors, and more wildlife.

Don’t forget to bring your binoculars for a chance to witness local wildlife up close and personal. There’s also an on-site cafe so you can refuel before continuing the fun wildlife exploration.

Unique Things to Do

Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (541) 523-1843 | Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Thu-Sun | Entrance: $5-$8 for ages 16+

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center highlights the state’s frontier past and tells the story of pioneers via life-size displays, films, and live theater performances.

The interactive exhibits walk visitors through the landscapes pioneers would have passed, as well as what their daily lives looked like. The museum also touches on the complicated relationship between the Indigenous tribes and European-American settlers. There’s even a replica wagon-camp. The natural scenery that surrounds the museum is beautiful, too.

Enchanted Forest

Unleash your inner child at this whimsical, enchanted woodland theme park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 371-4242 | Enchanted Forest Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tue | Entrance: $26-$29 adults, $23-$26 children

Visit one of Oregon’s few amusement parks for a day of fun with the whole family. Located just south of Salem, the Enchanted Forest is a storybook woodland amusement park, known by locals as a psychedelic Disneyland. The park is filled with fairytale figurines, elf symbolism, and enchanted forest creatures, along with plenty of kid-friendly rides.

The Grotto

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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 254-7371 | The Grotto Website | Hours: 9 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free

A 62-acre shrine is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Portland. This woodland sanctuary is dedicated to Our Sorrowful Mother and is nestled inside of a carved-out boulder.

You can attend a Roman Catholic service at The Grotto, but you don’t have to be Catholic to visit this one-of-a-kind spot. After checking out the incredible shrine built into the rockface, you can cruise around the botanical gardens, buy a snack from the gift shop, or simply enjoy the solitude of the nature sanctuary.

Pearl District

Visit one of Portland’s most popular neighborhoods.

📍 Google Maps | Portland Pearl District Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Portland Food Tour

Portland’s Pearl District is one of the best places to visit for foodies. The largest concentration of delicious Portland eateries is located here. You will also find chic galleries and stylish shops. The brick buildings of this old warehouse district never disappoint with brewery and bar options.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

View your favorite Broadway production at this Renaissance-style theater.

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

Theater enthusiasts must check out the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a Tony Award-winning establishment that’s hosted shows such as Rent, Romeo and Juliet, and The Three Musketeers.

Located in Ashland, the Renaissance-style theater is surrounded by dense forest and is one of the best things to do in the evening after a day of hitting the hiking trails.

Coastal Towns in Oregon

Astoria

Explore a historic fishing town and venture downtown for a local brew.

📍 Google Maps | Astoria Website

Astoria is a quaint and sleepy fishing town. It’s somewhat off the beaten path and is one of my favorite coastal towns. I love roaming the streets, visiting the local farmers market, hitting up the breweries, and shopping at downtown’s many vintage stores.

This historical coastal city boasts Victorian-style homes, a biking trail right by the waterfront, and waterfront hiking trails.

Seaside

Play amusement park games at one of Oregon’s most popular beach towns before catching an unobstructed sunset.

📍 Google Maps | Seaside Website

I’ve spent three Fourth of July holidays in Seaside and cannot wait to go back for a fourth! Seaside’s downtown area boasts arcade games, candy shops, delicious pizza places, and boardwalk boutiques, making it one of the most happening towns on the coast.

Fireworks are allowed right on the beach during the July celebration, making this the best time to visit Seaside.

Newport

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

View of the author on her friend's commercial fishing boat — *On my friend’s commercial fishing boat in Newport*

View of a dog and a cat in Newport, Oregon — *Babysitting my friend’s green ranch and many animals just outside of Newport*

📍 Google Maps | Newport Website

Dive bars, waterfront seafood restaurants, breweries, and vocal sea lions make a trip to Newport a memorable one. Visit the busy fishing port at the Bayfront or the remote yet scenic Agate Beach the next time you’re in Newport.

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

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

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Thanks for reading my guide on the best things to do in Oregon! Comment below with your favorite Oregon activity, and give our “Best Things to Do in Washington State” guide a read if you’re planning to visit more of the Pacific Northwest.

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