The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Oregon’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
Living in Oregon really is the best. Not only is The Beaver State one giant playground for outdoor enthusiasts, Oregon also has some truly one-of-a-kind attractions that you simply won’t find anywhere else. We’re talking about unusual museums, unique state parks, charming local retailers, and cozy little towns — this is the fabric of Oregon, and it’s absolutely wonderful. The state is full of superlatives; and the following are Oregon’s best attractions:
The Best Small Towns In Oregon
Florence is a delightful little coastal hub with a thriving downtown and loads of scenic beauty. Florence's prime location offers access to some of the best outdoor attractions in the state, without the crowds found in some of its neighboring coastal cities.
Sisters is a vibrant and artistic little town in Oregon named for the Three Sisters, a trio of nearby mountains that tower in the west. With a population of just over 2,000, Sisters feels like the kind of place where everyone knows your name. The town is also accustomed to visitors, as it hosts exciting events and festivals throughout the year, including the Outdoor Quilt Show, Sisters Folk Fest, and the Sisters Rodeo.
Located in the Southern Oregon Rogue Valley, Ashland is a laid-back town nestled between the breathtaking Siskiyou and Cascades. Known for its old-school hippie attitude (see: Jackson Wellsprings) and vibrant arts scene, Ashland is the kind of place people visit and never want to leave!
The Must Visit Candy Store In Oregon
Cranberry Sweets is a whimsical candy store in Oregon that's an absolute treat to visit. This charming little confectionary is full of sweet creations, including some specialty items you won't find elsewhere. The shop's cranberry jelly candies are one-of-a-kind, made with a top-secret recipe! This is definitely a place you'll want to visit again and again -- just don't tell your dentist!
The Unique Park In Oregon
Oregon is a state that loves its parks. And indeed, there are some of the grandest, most extraordinary parks in the Beaver State. But Oregon doesn’t discriminate when it comes to park size. Located in the heart of Downtown Portland, Mill Ends Park is the world’s smallest park, and naturally, it’s in Oregon! The story behind this pint-sized park is truly delightful, too.
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Oregon
There are so many wonderful ways to bask in Oregon’s natural beauty, but a river cruise aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler may just be the grandest and most unique. This one-of-a-kind boat ride takes you right through the heart of Columbia River Gorge, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You'll sail through some of the state's most iconic places; the Landmarks of the Gorge Cruise, for example, takes passengers right under the Bridge of the Gods and Bonneville Locks.
And if you opt for a sunset cruise, you'll be rendered speechless.
The Most Charming Fish Market in Oregon
The South Beach Fish Market is a charming little roadside gem serving some of the most mouthwatering seafood on the Oregon Coast. While this unassuming market may not look like much from the outside, the fare here is fresh and, frankly, out of this world.
The Most Delightful Farmers Market in Oregon
Gathering Together Farm is a 50-acre, family-run, certified-organic produce farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Run by husband-and-wife duo John Eveland and Sally Brewer, the farm is an idyllic piece of pastoral paradise in Oregon, growing over 300 different varieties of vegetables each year, which you can purchase at several area markets, and straight from their adorable Veggie Truck.
The Magical Train Ride In Oregon
Majestic Mt. Hood is Oregon's crown jewel, and a ride aboard the eponymous Mount Hood Railroad really is the best way to revel in its utter resplendence. This charming passenger train is pure nostalgia and travels through some of Oregon's most beautiful places along the Columbia River Gorge.
The Longest Bridge In Oregon
At 4.067 miles long, the Astoria-Megler Bridge isn't just the longest bridge in Oregon, it's the longest continuous truss bridge in all of North America. The Astoria-Megler Bridge opened for traffic on July 29, 1966, and was hailed as a huge architectural accomplishment. Not only was this bridge a record setter, but it also completed the connection from Los Angeles all the way up the coast to Olympia, Washington on U.S. Highway 101. To this day, people come from wide and far to marvel in its magnificence.
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Oregon
Only in Oregon would you find an entire museum devoted to rocks -- and have it be totally extraordinary. Peterson Rock Garden & Museum is four acres of incredible structures, completely made out of rocks and petrified wood. The garden features replicas of famous buildings, bridges, and castles. It's open daily to the public, and truly is a wonder to behold.
Most Historic Bookstore in Oregon
Visiting a bookstore is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures -- and visiting a historic bookstore? Now that’s positively perfect. And bibliophiles will be delighted to know Oregon has a bookstore dating all the way back to 1870. The oldest bookstore in Oregon, Klindt’s is a delightful experience for book lovers. Klindt's Booksellers harkens back to a different time; it's a nostalgic place that celebrates printed, physical texts. Located in Oregon's historic Dalles district, Klindt's is a fixture in the community, and visiting this treasure truly is an experience.
