5 Small Towns in Oregon So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

It’s easy for a town to be considered downright dreamy when it's in a location like Oregon. You’d be hard-pressed to find a place in the famously gorgeous state that isn’t beautiful—and often, these destinations are beautiful enough to be on a TV show or in a movie. Below are just five small towns in Oregon that deserve a special place on your must-visit list for their beauty and charm. Each one has something extra special to offer.

1. Yachats

Location: On the coast in west-central Oregon

Why It’s So Dreamy: With a nickname like "the gem of the Oregon coast," this town has a lot to live up to. Luckily, it more than steps up to the task with mountains that seem to go straight into the sea and nearby features like Thor’s Well and the Sea Lions Cave. The town itself is small, but its popularity has allowed it a few well-regarded restaurants and galleries. Despite this, things still feel very homespun and mom-and-pop, with quirky shops and cafes all within walking distance. But be warned— this area is more than it appears. The ocean is quite dangerous, and the area is known for winter storms. But, for those who can brave the moody weather and storms, there are also beautiful views. 

2. Sisters

Location: Central Oregon, to the right of the Cascade Range

Why It’s So Dreamy: Sisters is a famous small town in Oregon, but it's a type of fame that (thankfully) hasn’t led to rapid urban sprawl. With boutiques, restaurants, and small shops, this Western-themed town takes the term "upscale Western" up a notch (somewhere into Beth Dutton’s territory). With rodeos, festivals, a close proximity to Bend and the Cascade Mountains, and a certified International Dark Sky Community, there’s so much to do and see in Sisters.

3. Silverton

Location: North-central Oregon, to the left of the Cascade Range

Why It’s So Dreamy: Silverton is all about nature, with the Oregon Garden within its borders and the famous Silver Falls State Park as its mountain neighbor. This love of nature spills into the town itself, with plant life everywhere, especially in the charming downtown area. The Silver Creek River cuts through the middle of town, with many restaurants and breweries flanking the banks, as well as shops covered in murals.

4. Dayton

Location: Northwest Oregon in the Willamette Valley

Why It’s So Dreamy: Stuck right in the middle of wine country, this tiny town is thought of as one of the gateways to the Willamette wine country due to its close proximity to hundreds of wineries (including the famous Stoller Family Estate only a short drive away). This proximity has led to changes around town, including food expansion, with the restaurant Loam, in particular, gaining high praise. Although these are all new to the town, Dayton itself also has a surprisingly deep history, being the first Oregon city to receive a historic designation and featuring a main square with a fort built in 1856. 

5. Joseph

Location: Northeast Oregon, on the edge of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Why It’s So Dreamy: This town is widely considered to be one of the most underrated towns in Oregon, with a bit of everything wrapped in a unique community that loves to bask in the glory of the surrounding landscape. With prairies, alpine lakes, rivers, forests, and a nearby canyon, the wilderness feels very vast here, but also peaceful and tranquil in equal measures. With one way in and one way out, the downtown is quaint and eclectic. Here, you'll find lots of bronze finishings, a tramway, and boats often being pulled behind cars for the nearby lake. 

What do you think of these dreamy Oregon towns? What other destinations would you add to this list? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear your recommendations.

Ready to start planning your next trip to Oregon? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.