Home Things to do Things To Do In Oregon

Things To Do In Oregon

by Lokesh
0 comment

Things To Do In Oregon

Things to do in Oregon
Oregon City Arch Bridge | Photo Credit – Oregon Department of Transportation

Oregon is one of the best places for tourists in the entire United States of America. The city has it all, right from tranquil gardens to extraordinary museums. If you are considering a visit to Oregon and thinking about the possible things that you can do at Oregon, this article is designed for you.

The article has been divided into subsections where we have explored many different kinds of attractions which you would like to explore on your visit to Oregon. There is a specific section dedicated to museums which you might want to check out on your trip. We have also listed a series of places where you can eat to your fill when in the city.

There is an entire section dedicated to things that you can do in Portland, which is one of the most famous places in Oregon.

We hope that you have fun exploring the many wonders that the state of Oregon has to offer.

Museums to visit in Oregon

One of the best things to do in Oregon is to spend one’s time visiting its many museums. A trip to Oregon’s museum will help one immerse in its culture and understand it in a better light. Here is a list of some of the museums you can visit in Oregon along with your friends and family.

1. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

Things to do in Oregon
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum | Photo Credit – Ed Bierman

If you are interested in air and space flight, this museum is just the place for you. Dedicated to educating the general masses about aviation, this museum exhibits a collection of WWII aircraft, a Titan missile, a B-17 bomber, and an SR-71 Blackbird.

The museum also has a special hall, called The Oregon Aviation Hall of Honor which is dedicated to the meritorious aviators from the state of Oregon. Here at the museum, you have the opportunity to learn about helicopters, airplanes, and rockets.

The museum is open from ten in the morning to four in the evening. To buy your tickets to the museum, visit website at Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.

2.Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum

Things to do in Oregon
WAAAM Museum | Photo Credit – Sam Churchill

Abbreviated as WAAAM, the museum is one of the most famous places in Oregon. It is built on an area of 2.5 acres and is home to some of the most antique automobiles and airplanes. Here you would be able to see it all, right from bicycles to gliders. The museum is also famous for its exhibitions, where they display their airplanes taking a flight.

So if you would like to see some aircraft, motorcycles, tractors, jeeps, and antique engines, WAAAM is the right place for you. The museum is open from nine in the morning to five in the evening.

3.Columbia River Maritime Museum

Located in Astoria, the museum is one of the most unique museums you would come across in the city of Oregon. The museum is dedicated to the Columbia River Bar and seeks to preserve its history, wildlife, and landscape.

You could plan your trip to the museum on a weekend and also catch a lecture at their IMAX theatre, where they intend to educate children and adults. The timing of the museum is from 9:30 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

4.High Desert Museum

Things to do in Oregon
The High Desert Museum | Photo Credit- run3arut

Located as the top central Oregon attraction by Trip Advisor, the High Desert Museum is a must-visit place. The museum is spread over 135 acres and has about 1,00,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The museum seeks to preserve and exhibit the history, culture, and art of Oregon. Here you would be able to see native animals of Oregon like river otters, porcupines, and badgers. To add to the fun, the museum also has a store and a cafe.

The museum organizes a series of programs throughout the year, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

5.Oregon Coast Aquarium

Things to do in Oregon
Oregon Coast Aquarium | Photo Credit – Jim Fischer

If you are allured by the life under the sea and would want to understand it in a more nuanced manner then Oregon Coast Aquarium is the place for you. The museum is one of the most famous among the tourists owing to its many marvels. The museum is dedicated to educating the public about the nature and wildlife of the Oregon Coast.

If you are looking for things to do in Oregon with your kids, you must visit the aquarium as it is built in a student-friendly manner and aims to educate them. The aquarium has around 40,000 students visiting it every year.

At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, you would be able to look at marine life in a novel manner and it would help you to develop an active interest in conserving the same.

6.Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

Located in the town of Eugene, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Oregon. The museum is dedicated to protect and exhibit artworks that come from all over the world. Here visitors can experience artworks from America to Europe.

The museum also organizes several exhibitions which are indeed treat to observe. They also organize activities keeping the young ones in mind.

Other Attractions in Oregon

Apart from the museums, you can check out the following places in Oregon.

1. Powell’s Books

Things to do in Oregon
Powell’s Book | Photo Credit – Chris Yunker

If you like reading and cannot get enough of books, no place would please you more than Powell’s Books. Serving the state of Portland since the year 1971, Powell Books is one of the most loved independent bookstores in the state.

They have a collection of over two million used and new books which you can buy. The books are divided according to genres and the staff at the store is very helpful and will guide you to books according to your taste.

The bookstore also organizes a number of workshops for kids from time to time so keep a lookout for updates on their website. You can also order the books online from their website but visiting the store is a completely different experience which you must undertake at least once.

2.Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Things to do in Oregon
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve | Photo Credit – Jeff Hollett

A protected area which is located in the northern Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon, the Oregon Caves National Monument is a hidden gem. The park covers an area of around 4,554 acres which includes the marble cave.

The place is only accessible to the public through a guided tour. In the guided tour, one would be able to unravel the many mysteries associated with the caves. To know what to expect at the caves before you decide to visit them, watch this short video.

3.Hells Canyon National Recreational Area

The deepest canyon in the entire United States, Hells Canyon National Recreational Area is one of the places that you must travel to when looking for attractions in Oregon. If you are looking for things to do which involve outdoor activities, this is the right place for you.

Here tourists often partake in sports like rafting and fishing. If you are not looking to do anything but simply want to take a drive away from the city, you should consider this place. The view of this place is mind blowing and it would really touch you to the core.

4.Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area

Things to do in Oregon
Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area | Photo Credit – Kirt Edblom

Located at Oregon Coast, the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area is one of the best places to visit. They are the largest area of coastal sand dunes in North America and will make for quite a unique place to see on your trip to Oregon.

This is a great place to visit on a weekend as you can put your tent in the vast expanse and spend some time in isolation away from the city.

5.Williamette National Forest

Covering over an area of 1.7 million hectares, the Willamette National Forest is probably one of the best things that you will see in Oregon. The national forest has everything, from volcanic mountains to hot springs.

This is the reason why it is one of the top-visited places by tourists in the United States. There is a lot you can do at Willamette National Forest, you could either find a comfortable spot and appreciate the beauty of nature or you could embark on a trail.

If you have some time, we would recommend you to see the Dee Wright Observatory, which is located within the parameters of Willamette National Forest.

Experience the natural beauty of Oregon

Experience the bliss of nature with a visit to the following places in Oregon.

1. Crater Lake National Park

Things to Do in Oregon
Crater Lake National Park | Photo Credit – Thomas

Located in the Cascade Mountains of southwestern Oregon, the Crater Lake National Park is one of the most beauteous places in Oregon. Most of the tourists visit Crater Lake in order to indulge in hiking, whereas some like to travel to Crater Lake to camp in its scenic beauty.

Whatever you choose, Crater Lake is one of the best places to visit on a weekend with your family and will be one of the best things you would see in Oregon

2. Mount Hood National Forest

Does your idea of a vacation involve mountains? Experience the beauty of mountains in Oregon by traveling to Mount Hood National Forest. The mountain is 11,239 feet in height which makes it the highest peak in the state.

The mountain offers hiking paths like the Timberline Trail which makes it a famous spot amongst the adrenaline junkies. So if you are looking for things to do in Oregon which involve nature then this is the right place for you.

3. Oregon Coast Trail

Oregon Coast Trail | Photo Credit – Ian Sane

Are you looking for things to do in Oregon that involve trekking? There is no better place to experience trekking than at Oregon Coast Trail. This hiking route is stretched from the Columbia River to the California border south of Brookings.

On your route, you would have the chance to lay your eyes on some of the most scenic landscapes that you would come across in the state.

Restaurant to visit in Oregon

Treat yourself to some amazing food at the following restaurants:

1. Ariana Restaurant

The restaurant is located in a bungalow on the Westside of Bend and is one of the most famous in Oregon. The restaurant is managed by Chef Andres and Ariana Fernandez who are known for their classic dishes.

From appetizers to Entree, the restaurant has an excellent menu which will leave you completely satiated. After you are done with your meal, we recommend you also try out their sumptuous desserts.

2. Bollywood Theater

Bollywood Theater | Photo Credit – Dietrich Ayala

Craving some Indian cuisine in Oregon? Head straight to Bollywood Theatre. The restaurant is owned by Chef Troy MacLarty and they serve Mumbai street fruit. The ambiance of the restaurant is made in such a manner that it will take you straight to Mumbai, India.

If you are a Bollywood movie fanatic, this place is certainly for you as it is filled with posters from Bollywood blockbusters. At the restaurant we recommend you try out the famous vada paw, a dish made of spicy fried potatoes, served with various kinds of chutneys. You might also want to try out the famous Indian dish, samosa.

Things to do in Portland, Oregon

Portland | Photo Credit- Colin Durfee

If you are looking for things to do in Oregon, there is no better way to spend your time than to visit the city of Portland. One of the most important places in Oregon, the city of Portland is a traveler’s paradise and will thrill you to the core.

Here is a curated list of things to do at Portland which will keep you entertained throughout your trip.

1. Washington Park

One of the most fun things to do in Portland is to visit Washington Park which is considered to be one of the best tourist attractions in the city.

The park is a wunderkammer and has a lot of attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, museums, and even a zoo. It would take you the entirety of a day to explore the many mysteries which the Washington Park has to offer.

If you are looking to spend some time by yourself, this is a perfect place as you can sit by the pond and simply watch the sun go down.

2.Portland Japanese Garden

Spread over an area of 5.5 acres, the Portland Japanese garden is a sight to behold in itself. The garden is made in Japanese tradition and is meant to be a space where people can come and meditate.

The objective of the garden is to enable one to appreciate nature in silence, which would help to calm them. In the garden, you would find a variety of trees that have been planted there over many years. You would also spot a number of ponds with bridges.

The Portland Japanese Garden is the just palace to visit if you are looking for things to do in Portland which involve nature and sanctity. A visit to the garden will certainly rejuvenate your soul and will make you want to visit again and again.

3.Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

If you are looking for things to do in Oregon with your children, this is the place where you need to be. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is an interactive learning space with activities designed for both children and adults.

The museum has five galleries, where the exhibits deal with space, robotics, agriculture, ocean life. The museum also comes with the promise of letting you get your hands dirty and participate in some real-time science experiments.

The museum also has a huge theatre where they screen movies and informative documentaries, so make sure that you take out sufficient time to watch one.

4. Lan Su Chinese Garden

Portland makes for one of the best destinations to experience some of the most beautiful gardens in the state of Oregon. The Lan Su Chinese garden is built-in Chinese style and blends art with nature in a most sublime manner.

If you are looking for things to do in Portland that involve tranquility and if you desire to get away from the chaos of the city, take a trip to this garden.

You can simply pass your time in the garden by relaxing and appreciating nature. There are also a series of activities that you can do at Lan Su Chinese Garden. For instance, you can learn to play the game of Mahjong.

You can also spend your time at the garden listening to Chinese music or poetry. The garden also provides the facility of guided tours, so you have the opportunity to understand the garden on a much deeper level.

5. Oregon Zoo

Make the most of your time at Portland with a visit to the Oregon Zoo. This is one of the top places to enjoy if you are taking the trip with your family members. In the Oregon Zoo, you would be able to see around 1,955 animals that range across 232 species. Not just this, 21 of the species of these 232 species, belong to animals who are either endangered or run its risk.

This makes the zoo even more special and gives you once in a lifetime opportunity to see these animals. The zoo is dedicated to the cause of saving these species and if you would like to help them in their noble cause, make a small donation by visiting their website.

6. Pittock Mansion

Have you watched the movie ‘Unhinged’ and always wanted to visit that dreary house? Here at Portland, you have the chance to turn that dream into reality. Pittock Mansion, located in the city of Portland, is the house where the movie was set. The Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 and is modeled after the style of the French Renaissance.

The house is built on an area of 46 acres and has about 46 rooms inside it. Owing to its significance, Pittock Mansion was added to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1974. A visit to Pittock Mansion will be a different experience and will add a flavor to your visit to Portland.

7.Pioneer Courthouse Square

Celebrated among the locals at ‘Portland’s Living Room’, this is one of the best places in Portland. If you are looking for fun things to do in Portland, you can experience all of them here at the Living Room. This is one of the best places to visit with your friends as here you can catch a number of live shows, and munch on the goodies from the food carts.

You can spend your time window-shopping from the many antique shops that are a quintessential part of the Living Room. The place has been built with a mission to bring together people from varied backgrounds so make sure that when you visit the Living Room, you drop your inhibitions and have a chat with a stranger. They are also known to organize a number of exhibitions and shows, so make sure that you check the schedule before planning your trip.

8. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Spend your time at Oregon visiting the tranquil Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The park is built on the side of the Willamette River and is famous for its cherry blossoms. This is a must visit place for anybody who is looking for things to do by themselves in the city of Portland. You can spend many hours reading a book under the shade of the cherry trees.

You can also take a stroll or jog in the park. You will also find many people skateboarding and cycling in the park in the evening. This is also a great place to plan a picnic with your family. We recommend you to visit the park during the weekend to wind up your week in the perfect manner.

9. Children’s Museum

If you are looking for things to do in Portland with your children, there is simply no better place than Children’s Museum. The museum is a space which has been designed for children and has a range of interesting activities lined up for them. The museum’s motto is to treasure playful learning and this is reflected in the activities that they have planned for the visiting kids.

The museum wants to prod children to think, create, imagine and interact with kids of their age. For instance, the museum has an activity called Building Bridgetown, where children have to work in unison to create a building. This would enable your kid to learn the virtues of teamwork and hardship at a very young age.

There are activities that involve gardening and would help your kids connect with nature at a very young age. Overall this place will prove to be a unique experience for your kids and we highly recommend you to consider it on your visit to Portland.

10. Oaks Amusement Park

What is Portland without some fun, right? In order to make the most of your visit to Portland, visit the Oaks Amusement Park where you can spend some merry hours. This is a must visit place for people who like to skate and play golf. The Oaks Amusement Park has the largest roller skating rink in the United States of America and this makes it one of the most loved places for fellow skaters.

Even if you do not know how to skate, you can start your journey of roller skating at this place. Even if you do not like to skate or play golf, you can have your own share of fun at the park with a ride in one of their rides. The Amusement Park keeps reinventing themselves and offer new experiences from time to time. You can also pre book your tickets at their website.

11. Portland Art Museum

If you are a lover of art, there is no place that will impress you more than Portland Art Museum. The museum was built in the year 1892 and is celebrated for being the seventh oldest museum in the country. The museum has a permanent collections of artifacts, which are 42,000 in number.

This museum is an excellent place for people who want to learn about the natives of North America. The museum also has a section dedicated to contemporary art, so you would get a fair glimpse of the progression of art forms. A day spent at the Portland Art Museum is a day well spent and you will certainly learn a lot.

The museum is free of charge for children who are under the age of 18. For adult visitors, the museum charges a fee of $2o. In order to make itself more accessible to the young ones, the museum only charges $17 from seniors and college students.

12. Museum of Contemporary Craft

Museum of Contemporary Craft | Photo Credit – Angel Schatz

If you cannot get enough of museums and want to learn more, The Museum of Contemporary Craft will leave you enthralled. Founded in the year 1937 and located at the Pacific College of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Craft is one of the best places that you should visit in Portland.

Built over an area of 4500 acres, the museum has two floors. The museum is dedicated to displaying the history of craft. The craftworks that are displayed in the museum range from materials like glass, wood, metal, ceramic, and mixed media. The museum is home to over 1000 objects that you can observe in tranquility.

The artists whose works are exhibited in the museum often visit it so you have a chance to interact with them directly and learn a thing or two. You can also get involved with the museum by becoming a volunteer there. To know more about the process behind this and to check out some of their exhibits, visit their website.

Please also read about best things to do in Portland.


Related Articles

Leave a Comment

Facebook0
Twitter20