Looking for the best weekend getaways in Oregon? Our guide to planning the perfect weekend in Oregon includes things to do, where to stay and where to eat!

Oregon is at the top of the list for those traveling to the West Coast – and for good reason! Oregon has it all with breathtaking views, scenic coastlines, and eclectic metropolitan areas. Please keep reading to find our favorite picks for the best weekend getaways in Oregon and what appeal they hold.

Best Oregon Weekend Getaways

Astoria

Astoria has a prime location at the mouth of the Columbia River, near the Oregon Coast.

One of the more popular spots to drop by includes the Oregon Film Museum, which is appropriate for both cinephiles and casual movie watchers. The Astoria Sunday Market offers a wide variety of activities, from shopping for local fresh produce to music, arts and crafts and stalls with great food. So, a lot of your bases are covered here.

For fans of horror and spooky stuff, the Abandoned Flavel House would make a haunting pit stop with a real history of haunting.

Where to Eat

Foodies can hit up some breweries in Astoria, including Xanadu Astoria (the only LGBT bar on this coast!) and the Astoria Brewing Company Tap Room or Astoria’s Portway Tavern. Bridgewater Bistro is one of the most highly reviewed options for fine dining here.

Where to Stay

For the best accommodation options, check out top-rated hotels like the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, or the Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront. Another option is B&Bs like Tacocat Hospitality.

Bend

Located at the Deschutes River, Bend is surrounded by the Cascade Mountains to the West, an extinct volcano, and a huge lava tube called the Lava River Cave. For adventure junkies, this area offers great ski resorts and trails.

Where to Eat

Eating at the Old Mill District is a great option for those looking for a variety of options. Ariana Restaurant and the Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails are also highly reviewed.

Where to Stay

Bend has a variety of places to stay, including those that are dog-friendly. Options include the Best Western Premier hotel, the Chalet Motel, and the gorgeous Old Town Riverfront Cottage.

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Eugene

Like Bend and Astoria, Eugene is also located on a river, the Willamette to be precise.

Art history, and general history fans will enjoy all of the city’s offerings which include the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art which is reputed for its Asian collections. A variety of fairs, festivals, culinary events, and sporting events are also held in the city.

Where to Eat

For the ultimate wine and dine experience, visit the King Estate Restaurant & Tasting Room, which is located in an organic winery that will make you feel oh-so-pampered. Cafe 440 and Sweetwaters are also good dining options.

Where to Stay

The Campbell House Inn offers a cozy spot to tuck in for the night.

Ashland

Best known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is situated along Bear Creek in Oregon.

The city is well known for its parks, festivals, and other cultural hubs, like Lithia Park, North Mountain Park, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, and the Science Works Hands-On Museum (the perfect place to explore your creativity and innovation with your family). Other attractions include various trails as well as numerous wineries.

Where to Stay

The Bard’s Inn and Callahan’s Mountain Lodge are popular destinations for travelers. The Mountain Lodge is preferred by those interested in the mountain air and being close to the ski area, the lake, and the Schneider Museum of Art.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is one the most popular destinations for those visiting Oregon due to its location as a coastal city.

Attractive places to visit are the Haystack Rock, where tufted puffins can be viewed. Trails like the ones in Ecola State Park offer gorgeous views of the ocean, coves and a lighthouse. The Arcadia Beach also offers lovely tide pools to wade in and a family-friendly picnic area for everyone to enjoy. Sea caves can also be found (and enjoyed!) at the Nearby Hug Point.

Where to Eat

Mo’s Restaurant, Cannon Beach Smokehouse, and the Driftwood Restaurant & Lodge are all great options for dining.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a place to stay with beach access, you should check out the Cannon Beach Hotel, The Waves Cannon Beach, and the Hidden Villa Cottages.

Sisters

This strangely named city’s mystery can be traced to the three towering peaks west of the city, which has 1880s facades and a homely small-town ambience that offers a comforting respite from the booming metropolitan areas.

At Suttle Lake, you can go on family-friendly camping and fishing trips. The Hoodoo Ski Area provides 800 acres of ski terrain. The Proxy Falls are also a must-visit site, as are the Chush Falls. For art lovers, the galleries are one of the most frequently visited sites here in Sisters.

Where to Eat

For the best restaurants in town, hit the Sisters Coffee Company, the Sisters Bakery, and Three Creeks Brewing.

Where to Stay

The Five Pine Lodge and Spa is the reputed 4-star hotel in the area. However, for a more budget-friendly option, you can try the Sisters Inn and Suites for a comfortable experience.

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Newport

Not to be mixed up with Newport Beach in California, Newport in Oregon has its own charm.

Based on Oregon’s central coast, the area boasts the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which has underwater walkways and a seabird aviary. The Yaquina Bay, where the Aquarium is located, is also home to the Yaquina Bay State Park and a lighthouse (a highlight of the area).

Where to Eat

The Clearwater Restaurant and the Thai Port Restaurant are two favorites, with frequent visitors.

Where to Stay

For a unique hotel experience, you can try the Alpine Chalets and Cabins in Otter Rock, which has cabins shaped like triangles with direct access to the beach. Another option is the Hallmark Resort or the Ocean House for a more personalized experience.

Willamette Valley

This 150-mile-long valley is known for its scenic views and 500+ wineries. As a result, taking wine tours is one of the most popular things to do here.

Parks are also plentiful in this valley, so make a trip to Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, International Rose Test Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, or Washington Park. The Historical Carousel and Museum is also a must-see for history fanatics. There are gorgeous waterfalls along the trails, such as the Trail of Ten Falls.

Where to Eat

The Painted Lady, Jory, and the Joel Palmer House Restaurant are must-try restaurants in this area.

Where to Stay

Numerous B&Bs and Inns offer comfortable places to stay with a range of amenities – options include Youngberg Hill Inn and Winery (with free breakfast!), Bella Collina Bed & Breakfast comes with 5 stars, it is the top-rated option available. There’s also The Setting Inn in Willamette Valley.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood is a very sparsely populated area, famous for its breathtaking views and the potentially active volcano after which it is named.

The best activities here are for nature lovers – skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and fishing are all very popular. A visit to the Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum will offer a glimpse into life at Mount Hood for those interested in anthropological and historical artifacts.

To enjoy Mount Hood to the fullest, our recommendation would be to check yourself into the luxurious Skamania Lodge where you can enjoy a retreat in one of their treehouses. It’s located at an ideal site near the Columbia River Gorge.

Where to Eat

For the best eats, try AntFarm Cafe & Bakery, High Mountain Cafe, or a stop at the local brewery, the Mt. Hood Brewing Company.

Where to Stay

The Timberline Lodge is another highly-recommended lodge, especially prescribed for skiing and snowboarding fans.

Hood River

This relatively small port city is known as the windsurfing capital of the world, and is located at an ideal intersection of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountain Range.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a canyon with awe-inspiring views. The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is an option for those interested in indoorsy stuff. Visiting vineyards, kayaking, mountain biking, flyboarding, etc are also available for those who are more into the outdoors and looking for an adrenaline rush.

Where to Eat

Hood River is famous for farm-to-table food, which makes Boda’s Kitchen a must-visit. Other delicious choices include breweries such as the pFriem Family Brewers, the Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom, and dinner places like Brian’s Pourhouse.

Where to Stay

Inn at the Gorge is a cozy B&B with a hot tub and other amenities, while The Society Hotel Bingen offers a hip hotel vibe for those in the mood to try something slightly different.

Crater Lake National Park

Another volcano! This is the only national park in Oregon and it gets its name from the volcano that collapsed due to an eruption that led to the formation of a lake.

You can view the small island of Phantom Ship, and go along the Rim Drive to enjoy beautiful viewpoints, visit trails and stop at picnic areas. Camping, hiking, and birding are a few of the most popular activities around the Lake.

Where to Eat

Beckie’s Cafe and the Rim Village Cafe are both great options.

Where to Stay

The Crater Lake Lodge and Crater Lake Resort are great options for resting your mind and body after a long day of adventures around the Lake.

Joseph

A small city in Oregon, Joseph is home to Wallowa Lake and the Eagle Cap Wilderness area.

Here, you can explore the outdoors by indulging in river expeditions at Winding Waters, make a trip to the Joseph Branch Railriders, pop into the Valley Bronze Gallery, or stop at the Stein Distillery.

Where to Eat

For food with a view, try Embers Restaurant, which has a brew house inside. Arrowhead Chocolates, Old Towne Cafe, and Vali’s Alpine Restaurant are highly recommended.

Where to Stay

The Wallowa Lake Lodge, Eagle Cap Chalets, and the Kokanee Inn are a few of the best accommodation options at Joseph.

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Brookings

Brookings is located near Oregon’s southern coastline and has been designated an Azalea City, where the variety of flora should be deeply appreciated.

The Azalea Park and the Harris Beach State Park are great places to hang out and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor provides gorgeous views.

Where to Eat

Black Trumpet Bistro is one of the best places to eat in Brookings, and Mattie’s Pancake House provides a good American diner experience. Khun Thai is recommended for those searching for a Pan Asian cuisine option.

Where to Stay

Two of the most interesting places to stay in Oregon are in Brookings: Mermaid’s Muse Bed & Breakfast and White Rock Resort Ocean Rentals, where the latter sits atop a seaside bluff with beach access.

Smith Rock State Park

Located in central Oregon’s High Desert, this state park’s specialty is rock climbing, as well as the usual scenic views offered by all national and state parks.

Those inclined to get in touch with nature will enjoy the wide range of activities available to visitors here, including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, slacklining, and horseback adventures.

Where to Eat

Terra Kitchen and the Porter Brewing Company are located near the park and offer fantastic dining experiences.

Where to Stay

You can find camping areas at the park, but those who prefer a more solid roof over their heads at night can go to the Crooked River Ranch Cabins or Smith Rock Resort Lodging.

The post 14 Best Weekend Getaways in Oregon appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

There is no greater freedom than cruising the open road in an RV! You’re not waiting in an airport or fixed to public transport schedules, you can go anywhere at any time.

There is no hassle with constantly repacking your suitcase as you’re in a home on wheels. Plus it is far more comfortable than regular camping, as you get to sleep on a real mattress and have a fridge for food and drinks.

Planning your first RV road trip can feel a little daunting, so we’ve narrowed down everything you need to know for a successful trip!

How To Plan A Road Trip With An RV

1. Picking The Right RV

Your first challenge will be picking the right RV for your trip. A common mistake is immediately going for a large RV, just because it seems like the best option. People will book an RV with a toilet and shower, but then barely use these.

This means you end up paying for a more expensive RV than you need, and you’re also limiting where you can park and drive due to the size of the vehicle.

When choosing an RV for your trip, keep in mind:

• How many people will you be travelling with?
• How much time will you spend in the vehicle?
• Do you mind packing away a bed each day?
• Do you feel comfortable driving a larger vehicle?
• Will you be cooking a lot in the van, or mainly eating out?
• Will you be bringing bikes or other large items?

2. Choosing Where To Go

You’ve got your home on wheels sorted, so now it’s time to consider where you’ll go on your RV trip. You could either map out your own road trip to combine items from your bucket list, or go for a set route.

For your first RV road trip, we recommend following a well-known road trip. This will make planning a little easier, as it can be difficult to know how much you’ll want to drive per day or how to find the right campsites. You can find plenty of great road trip routes online, including at Goboony, an RV-sharing platform.

You’ll want to reserve popular campgrounds far in advance as they do get booked up quickly! Check out Recreation.gov and Parks.ca.gov for state and national park reservations.

3. What To Pack

Packing for an RV holiday is both difficult and easy at the same time. You have far more space than you would if you were staying in a hotel or flying, as you’re not limited to a suitcase or specific weight. You’ll be able to properly unpack as you won’t constantly be on the move.

However, it’s easy to overestimate the amount of extra luggage you can bring in an RV. So be strict with what you’re bringing, and consider little home touches like spices or extra pillows.

As soon as you pick up your RV, we recommend properly unpacking and giving everything its own spot. This ensures that things don’t get messy later.

4. Pitching Your RV

Some countries allow wild camping, but the majority do not. To avoid getting a fine, it’s best to stay at designated campsites. These are especially great for new travelers, as you can speak to other RV travelers and get tips from them. You can also use their sanitary facilities and enjoy the extra space.

If you do wild camp, keep in mind that this is not the same as a campsite. You can’t set up completely and you can always be asked to leave.

When looking for a place to pitch, use apps like Park4Night or PitchUp.

5. Slow Down

Everyone needs to find their own balance in terms of how much they want to drive per day. It can also change by the day. Sometimes you want to do some solid hours of driving with a good playlist, while other days the weather is too gorgeous to be spent in the RV.

Take each day as it comes, and relish in the flexibility provided by an RV. But always make sure you’re enjoying your present destination enough and not just think ahead to where you need to go next.

It can be easy to slip into the mindset of ticking off enough destinations during your road trip, but is it worth ticking them off if you didn’t truly experience them? The beauty of a motorhome lies in the flexibility; the fact that you can leave a day later because you don’t have expensive hotel bookings to anchor you to a specific schedule.

6. Arrive Early

Our biggest tip is to arrive early to campsites, especially at the beginning. Make sure to pitch your RV before sunset, not only to enjoy the pretty view but also so you can set it up correctly. It can be tricky to connect to the electricity if you’re not experienced, so you need enough light to do it right.

Position your front door away from others to give yourself a bit more privacy, but leave enough room to set up the awning. Don’t forget to park on flat ground to avoid tilting the RV.

If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask! Your neighbours or the campsite staff are usually happy to help.

And there you have it, everything you need to know for your first RV road trip! Your first trip will involve a lot of learning, but it can be a really fun experience. Things will get easier each time, and before you know it, you’ll be the one people are asking for advice. Happy roadtripping!

The post How To Rent an RV for a Road Trip appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.