Oregon has some of the West Coast’s most captivating scenery. Many of these tourist attractions are easily accessible from nearby cities and towns, making Beaver State an excellent place for a much-needed break from the real world.
Here are the best places to visit in Oregon.
1. Astoria
This little city may look very familiar to you because movies like Kindergarten Cop, Goonies, Short Circuit, and Free Willy were shot here.
Astoria sits at the mouth of the Columbia River and the old harbour is now inhabited by fancy restaurants and fine hotels. Don’t forget to check out the gun batteries buried in dunes at the Military Museum or you can hang out at the historic Astoria Column.
2. Cannon Beach
The coastal city of Cannon Beach is one of the top road stops on the Oregon Coast. The Haystack Rock, which protrudes 235 feet out of the Pacific, is the most iconic image of the Oregon Coast and it is also one of the most photographed landmarks in the state.
This little town is also famous for its good food and if you stop by Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, you will agree with me on this. If you like art, the whimsical DragonFire Gallery is the largest contemporary gallery on this side of the country.
3. Depoe Bay
Just south of Lincoln City is Depoe Bay which is one of the best places to visit in Oregon if you want to watch whales. Most tourists go here to watch some 20,000 gray whales migrate from December to January each year on their way to Baja in Mexico.
The Devil’s Punchbowl State Park is just south of Depoe on the way to Newport. There’s a small pool and plenty of tides to explore there. But remember that it’s dangerous to hike the Punchbowl during high tide.
4. Garibaldi
The fishing village of Giraldi is one of the best places to visit in Oregon. This Tillamook County city is known for fishing, crabbing, and clamming. But if you enjoy train rides, then check out the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. It will take you on a slow ride aboard a 1925 steam train.
If you have enough time, take a stroll and check out the working docks and boats at the Garibaldi boat basin.
5. Grand Ronde
There are many Oregon online casinos and gambling sites where you can play your favorite games while you are in the Beaver State. But if you happen to drop by or are near Grand Ronde, then you might as well enjoy the real casino experience at the world-famous Spirit Mountain Casino.
If you are a nature lover, then an Oregon Coast tour would be a fun idea for you. You can enjoy a lazy afternoon at the beaches, or you can go for an adventure on a river rafting or kayak tour with river wildlife viewing.
6. Lincoln City
Lincoln City has a good mix of beautiful scenery, good shops, great food, and lots of activity. The miles-long beaches here are the top attractions of this small Oregon Coast, town and the Siletz Bay Beach is a can’t-miss place.
Be sure to drop by Eleanor’s Undertow when in Siletz Bay to get a taste of its delicious ice cream. If you like to shop, go to Prehistoric to get authentic and manufactured fossils. The shop also has a great selection of gemstones if you like.
7. Portland
Portland is Oregon’s largest city, and it is home to three major professional sports teams: The Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA, the Portland Timbers of MLS, and the Portland Thorns of the NWSL. If your vacation happens to coincide with the sports seasons, watching these teams play live at their home court/field is one of the best things to do in Portland.
Aside from sports, Portland is one of the best places to visit in Oregon because of its microbreweries, coffeehouses, and parks. The iconic 410-acre Washington Park is a must-see attraction when you are in Portland.
8. Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is a beautiful seaside village with a picturesque shoreline and just over 1,000 residents. Make sure that you stop by for some home-baked and delicious treats at the Beach Bakeshop. The scones are perfect, but you can’t go wrong with any of their pastries.
The Rockaway Beach wayside is a nice beachfront stop that has public parking. Animal lovers will enjoy the sight of squirrels that make their homes there. The kids can enjoy in the playground too, but the top attraction here is the stunning view of the off-shore Twin Rocks.
Also, Read: Staying Healthy While Traveling in the U.S.
