The Charming Oregon Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

The typical tourists who explore Oregon are often outdoor lovers who want to take advantage of the beautiful landscapes through hiking, biking, and photography, or wine enthusiasts who wish to visit one of the most highly rated wine counties in the world. Here in the Beaver State, many towns meet these expectations, resulting in large crowds during peak seasons. However, many locals don’t fret too much because there are also hidden, nostalgic towns in Oregon, like Dallas, that offer the best of the state, while keeping them away from the throngs of tourists. 

Why This Hidden, Charming Town in Oregon Flies Under the Radar

Dallas is a historic town with deep roots in the agriculture industry. It is located in the Willamette Valley, is the seat of Polk County (and is home to a historic courthouse built in 1898), and is a virtual haven for wine enthusiasts. It is only a short drive from Corvallis and Oregon State University, and an even shorter drive from Salem, the capital of Oregon. It’s only an hour from the coast, a bit more than an hour away from Portland, and is extremely close to multiple state parks and forests (as well as a few famous hikes and waterfalls). So, you may think that Dallas is in the perfect location for tourists.

However, the answer is no. Dallas remains a hidden gem primarily because it isn’t located on Highway 5, or even on Route 99W. It’s just off to the side, tucked away, and often too far for tourists who wish to visit the bigger cities, the coast, mountains, or wine country.

Best Things to Do in This Quiet Oregon Town

Despite its quieter nature, there are surprisingly many things to do in Dallas (some of which, ironically, involve being quite loud). 

One of the most popular spots to visit is the Dallas Aquatic Center, an indoor water-lovers paradise with multiple pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a spa, and more. There are also dozens of wineries to visit and multiple parks to explore. We recommend spending some time at the arboretum/botanical garden, farm stands, a wildlife refuge (where birdwatching is the number one activity), and, of course, the endearing downtown area with its historic district and multiple well-reviewed restaurants. 

Where to Stay and Eat in Dallas, Oregon

When you visit this small town, plan to spend a few days. There are several hotels to consider for an overnight stay, or you can reserve a nearby vacation rental. When hunger strikes, there are a handful of restaurants and eateries, from Mexican restaurants to delicious steakhouses and locally owned taprooms.

Dallas is the type of place where you can easily escape the crowds, yet enjoy many of the things that make the Beaver State so loved. If you have any recommendations for another small, hidden town in Oregon that we should check out, let us know by filling out this nomination form. We'd love to hear from you.

Looking for an underrated, uncrowded place in the Willamette Valley to visit? Plan your trip to Dallas using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner!