Things to do & places to visit in Oregon, United States

Oregon #23 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.60 based on 178.5k traveler reviews, of 1.942 attractions. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Thursday, April 25, 2024, 11:53.

Top things to do (46)

Top destinations in Oregon 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Haystack Rock (3.271 reviews)
- Towering scenery and raw Nature
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches • Geologic Formations

Haystack Rock is a unique 235 feet monolith that attracts wildlife and tourists alike and is part of the Oregon Coast’s geological history, formed millions of year ago by lava flows that created many of the dramatic capes and headlands along the coast. Haystack Rock is protected under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a seabird nesting colony and it is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is a State protected Marine Garden. The Rock is home to nesting seabirds in the summer and marine invertebrates all year. Tidepool seekers are beckoned by its wonders every day. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) is a stewardship and environmental educational program whose mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock. HRAP offers an extensive interpretive program on the beach during the spring and summer months around low tide. See more..
5.0 Crater Lake National Park (3.111 reviews)
- Dining, Hiking, and Lodging Considerations
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Beautiful lake which is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park. See more..
5.0 Ecola State Park (1.862 reviews)
- $5 Day Use Fee
State Parks

Ecola State Park requires paying a $5 Day Use Fee. We came on Tuesday 7/27 around 3 pm. We did not have any issues finding parking. In the parking lot is a machine for you to purchase the $5 ticket. Credit cards are accepted and the Pass is placed on your dash. You can walk around and even see the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse which sits on an island. We also drove to Indian Beach which is part of Ecola State Park. See more..
5.0 Pedal Bike Tours (1.569 reviews)
- Fun Afternoon
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bike Tours • Gear Rentals

I took the Columbia Gorge tour, and it was a fabulous afternoon. I'd driven that road before, but it's so much better when you take it on the bike's slower pace--you're really able to appreciate the beauty. Our fearless leader, Daniel, was great with local history and facts and kept us rolling along at a nice pace. I'd highly suggest this for anyone new to the area, or perhaps a small group looking for a way to spend the afternoon in a gorgeous part of the area. See more..
5.0 Wildwood Adventures (1.240 reviews)
- Wine tour on my last day in Portland
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM City Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings • Day Trips

I enjoyed my last day in Portland taking a wine tour in Willamette Valley with Malia as a wonderful tour guide. Malia gave a good talk about the development of the wineries in the valley and the success of the Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir wines from Oregon. The tour included the visit of three wineries and tasting. Highly recommended tour to learn more about the wines from Oregon! See more..
5.0 Columbia River Gorge (1.226 reviews)
- Best Way to See the Falls
Canyons • Geologic Formations

The Columbia River Gorge, a 75-mile canyon through the Cascades, is a broad, picturesque river with water-controlling dams. See more..
5.0 Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (1.182 reviews)
- Beautiful Park, nice trails
State Parks • Scenic Drives

Great hikes and well marked trails. We spent the late afternoon here and hiked the discovery trail, very scenic through the forest area with glimpses of the ocean. It has a pretty good uphill climb until you get to the high point then it gradually comes back down. There are other trails that branch off and all signage clearly marks distance and direction. The visitor center had closed while we were on our hike (4pm), but had maps and other information if you visited when it was open. A sandwich board out front had some information on hours. The trails to the Devil’s Churn, Spouting Horn and Thor’s Well were very nicely paved and clearly marked. These trails had a few steps but were easy to hike. See more..
5.0 Crater Lake Zipline (1.164 reviews)
- Incredible tour!
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

This tour is absolutely incredible! Our guides, Avery and Ethan, were excellent! They were engaging and highly entertaining the entire tour. It was my first time zip-lining, and I was definitely nervous, especially about the faster, longer lines, but I had no reason to be. It was so much fun!! The zip-lines, rappels and bridges were all thrilling, and the panoramic views of the mountains and forest were beautiful. Even the bumpy, off-road drive at the beginning was fun! Highly recommend adding this to your Crater Lake adventures…you won’t regret it! See more..
5.0 Smith Rock State Park (1.112 reviews)
- Smith Rock State Park
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks

This is great place to go on a clear day even if you don't want to hike. Great views even just from the parking lot. It was well worth the 2 hour and minute drive for me to get there. Multiple trails to hike. Free maps of park and I would get one because on some of the trails farther away from the parking lot I wasn't sure exactly I was at. It shows that you could ride your bike or ride horses on these trails but I wouldn't recommend it. On most the trails there are places you could stop and just sit and look/rest for a while if you wanted to. The parking fee is $5 for a day pass so well worth it even if just staying for an hour to sit and look. I know I will coming out here at least once I year from now on. See more..
5.0 Portland By Segway (949 reviews)
- A fun time!
Segway Tours

We had a great time seeing the city with Jared. It was a fun experience and he made us feel comfortable both on the Segway physically, and in the area. He knew the city well and told us some fun facts about the different landmarks, etc. The only reason we didn’t give it five stars is because it wasn’t a history lesson, there were a handful of cool facts we learned but not tons. Still a good time, and I’d recommend it for someone vacationing in Portland as we were or if you live in the area and want to try something fun! See more..
5.0 Silver Falls State Park (948 reviews)
- Stunning
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

A park located in the state's only rain forest, with beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. See more..
5.0 Indigo Creek Outfitters (926 reviews)
- Best shuttle service ever!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Boat Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips

We got a private shuttle for the upper Klamath River from indigo creek outfitters. The driver was there promptly at 11am. It was so reassuring to see our truck -trailer pull off from the put in knowing it would be waiting for us at the end of our run. See more..
5.0 A Great Oregon Wine Tour (913 reviews)
- A Great Oregon Wine Tour worth the trip every year
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Wine Tours & Tastings • Day Trips

Just returned from our 3rd straight year of wine touring with A Great Oregon Wine Tour. Wayne and Camille’s knowledge of wines and history of Oregon enhances your tour. The tastings are very intimate and many times meeting the wine makers themselves. On recommendation by Wayne that we explore a different area this year we experienced Hood River. As always Wayne & Camille made this year even better than last year if that is even possible. The quality of wines we have experienced through A Great Oregon Wine Tour is impressive, many of which a membership is a must. Everything from the pick up, intimacy of each tasting, provided lunch and the recap of winery’s on our drive home is truly an experience you will come back for year after year. Thank you again Wayne & Camille for another memorable year of wine. Cheer’s See more..
5.0 Hellgate Jetboat Excursions (908 reviews)
- If you do nothing else, take a Jet Boat ride!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours • Speed Boats Tours

If you visit Grants Pass, Oregon, or if you are going to be passing through, take the time to go on a Jet Boat ride! You will not be disappointed. The tickets vary in price for length of ride and/or if you want to do the breakfast or lunch that goes along with the price. I definitely recommend the shorter one-hour ride for the elderly or small children who are unfamiliar with water etiquette or are afraid of the water. My recommendation as far as dressing is light and casual, because you are almost guaranteed to get soaking wet. Denims are a definite no-no on this boat ride, as they tend to stay wet and get heavy, the wetter they are. Wear light cotton pants or shorts are even better. The Captains here know these waters and are entertaining as well. Give them a generous tip, because you will not be disappointed in their rhetoric, stories, or boating maneuvers. Wearing makeup and having your hair done for this excursion is a definite waste of time ladies. See more..
5.0 Shore Acres State Park (835 reviews)
- Visit a beautiful garden and an spectacular view of the ocean
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

The park has created a "garden for all seasons" and an observation building which offers spectacular views of seascapes and migrating whales. See more..
5.0 Yachats coastline (816 reviews)
- The action at the Devil's Onion Chopper
Piers & Boardwalks

Yachats used to be my regular vacation spot on the Oregon Coast, but it got a little spendy so more recently we've stayed elsewhere. On this visit we made a day trip to Yachats, and I was reminded why I love it so: the very long sandy beach off the 804 Trail AND the amazing rock channels through which the water pounds and slams and smashes in proper "punch bowl" fashion, but in a somewhat more intimate setting than the stuff that gets signs along 101. We call our favorite feature the "Devil's Onion Chopper." To find it, take a stroll along the path and, just below the Fireside Inn (or maybe the Overleaf) and keep an ear out for the occasional BOOM! Make your way carefully to the rocks (don't get too close and watch your step!) and settle in to watch and listen. See more..
4.5 Portland Japanese Garden (6.279 reviews)
- Serenity in the Heart of the City
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Considered the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty in all four seasons. In Spring of 2017, the Garden opened its new Cultural Village, complete with new garden spaces, classrooms, exhibition and gallery space, and the Umami Cafe. See more..
4.5 International Rose Test Garden (5.648 reviews)
- Wonderful rose garden
Gardens

The oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States boasts more than 8,000 roses. See more..
4.5 Multnomah Falls (3.356 reviews)
- Easiest and most economical way to see Multnomah Falls. No Reservation Required!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls

This 620-foot cascade is the fifth-largest waterfall in the U.S. See more..
4.5 Oregon Coast Aquarium (3.034 reviews)
- Wonderful Solo Activity
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Newport, on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Our mission is to create unique and engaging experiences that connect you to the Oregon coast and inspire ocean conservation. The Aquarium is a living classroom for all learning styles and ages. As one of Oregon's top tourist attractions, the Aquarium is a vital educational resource for the state, with over 40,000 students visiting the Aquarium each year. The Aquarium strives to be a center of excellence for ocean literacy and plays an active role in conservation and animal rehabilitation efforts. See more..
4.5 Astoria Column (2.684 reviews)
- Wow! The Column Rises to Pacific Heights
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Monuments & Statues

A 125-foot column which sits atop of Coxcomb Hill overlooking Astoria. See more..
4.5 Oregon Zoo (2.604 reviews)
- On the way to the coast.
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

See for yourself why we're #1! Community-supported since 1888, the Oregon Zoo is a world leader in animal welfare and conservation, connecting more than 1.5 million visitors with wildlife and nature every year. See more..
4.5 Pittock Mansion (2.563 reviews)
- Beautiful Mansion furnished with lovely antiques!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city. See more..
4.5 Lan Su Chinese Garden (2.541 reviews)
- Beautiful gardens
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Lan Su Chinese Garden is much more than just a beautiful garden. It’s a creative wonder — an authentically built, powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. (Updated July 2020) In the light of COVID-19, masks are required during visit. See more..
4.5 Cannon Beach (2.531 reviews)
- Such a beautiful place!!
Beaches

Marvel at the rugged beauty of Cannon Beach against the backdrop of Haystack Rock jutting out of the Pacific coast. Walk on the soft sand all the way to the mouth of Ecola Creek to spot Tillamook Lighthouse at a distance. While you’re at it, don’t miss the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. You can camp overnight to discover all the attractions in the area; light a bonfire by the beach to stay warm. At low tide, walk out onto the sandbar to get closer to the sea stacks. Visit in June to catch the annual sandcastle contest. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 High Desert Museum (1.953 reviews)
- A place for all ages
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

This one-of-a kind Museum reveals the nature of things in the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history. Otters, porcupines, owls, oh my! Encounter wildlife up close, explore the history and culture of this vast region and take in beautiful art. Get a close-up view of native wildlife, such as an otter, burrowing owl, porcupine and gray fox. Visit an authentic ranch and sawmill from 1904. In the summer, experience a close flying encounter with owls, falcons, hawks and even a vulture. Learn about Native American culture and history and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs that bring history and science to life. With 135 acres and more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, it’s a “must see” for anyone traveling through the area. Go to highdesertmuseum.org/tickets for more details! See more..
4.5 Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (1.847 reviews)
- America the Beautiful Pass works here
Nature & Wildlife Areas

From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at Yaquina Head. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873. The offshore islands are a year-round refuge for harbor seals and a spring-summer home for thousands of nesting seabirds. Gray whales can be spotted during their annual migrations to Mexico (late fall-early winter) and Alaska (late winter-early spring). During the summer months some gray whales take the opportunity to feed in the shallow waters around the headland. Cobble Beach is compiled of millions of round basalt rocks that produce an applause-like sound as the waves roll in. When the tide is low a vibrant ocean floor is revealed—pools of colorful animals including orange sea stars, purple sea urchins, and giant green anemones. Rangers are at hand to answer questions and point out all of the amazing plants and animals that call the tide pools home. Visit the Interpretive Center and discover 140 years of lighthouse history and thousands of years of natural and cultural history. Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, a non-profit organization, offers site-related books, maps, and postcards in their interpretive store. Whether you want to see raging winter storms batter the Oregon coast, learn about the role lighthouses played in the westward expansion of the United States, or watch peregrine falcons at play, visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and experience something wild. See more..
4.5 Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (1.657 reviews)
- Super Fun
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a nationally-renowned science center providing science learning to a range of audiences. Our programming is guided by OMSI’s long-term vision to promote a healthy, innovative, and sustainable society where everyone is prepared to participate in civic life. OMSI’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming helps visitors and program participants master 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. We achieve this through exhibits, classes, camps, traveling educators, and adult programs around the state, making OMSI a trusted educational resource to all Oregonians. See more..
4.5 Lithia Park (1.625 reviews)
- A cool escape
Parks

We have been coming to Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival for many years, and we always take a walk in the park at least once, sometimes going all the way through to the reservoir, or taking city streets and coming in to the park at the reservoir. It's also a quiet place to carry our take-out when we need some respite from crowds. In 1964 we camped in the park (there was a campground then) and walked through the park to attend the plays. Some times just sitting beside the creek is relief enough. Enjoy it! See more..
4.5 Oregon Shakespeare Festival (1.578 reviews)
- We saw 3 plays this year, all good!
Theaters

Founded by Angus Bowmer in 1935, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents an eight-month season of up to 11 plays that include works by Shakespeare as well as a mix of classics, contemporary plays, musicals and world-premieres. See more..