Oregon offers everything from soaring mountains and lush, waterfall-filled greenery to renowned wineries and one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world – and, many of its highlights can be enjoyed on a relatively short weekend getaway.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is especially popular destination in Oregon with romance-seekers, offering a number of oceanfront resorts known for their impressive views of the Pacific and iconic Haystack Rock. Spend some time reigniting that spark with the one you love by spending a weekend at the Stephanie Inn. Kids 12 and younger aren’t allowed, so you’ll have plenty of quiet time for enjoying storm watching from the comfort of your room, which just so happens to include a Jacuzzi for two and a cozy fireplace. In town, you’ll find interesting boutiques, art galleries and upscale restaurants for dining and fresh seafood while enjoying more spectacular ocean vistas.
Newport
Newport, located on the central coast of Oregon is a fantastic beach town for families. It’s home to multiple kid-friendly attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Look forward to watching the playful sea lions and spending time on beautiful sandy beaches building sandcastles, flying kites and all the other fun beach-type activities. While you’re here, be sure to visit Yaquina Head, the site of Oregon’s tallest and second oldest active lighthouse. The 93-foot-tall lighthouse was completed in 1872, built at a natural area created by lava flow over 14 million years ago. It’s the perfect place for a picnic while taking in those breathtaking ocean views.
Astoria
Astoria is one of Oregon’s most historic cities with tons of things to do for families and couples. It’s also famous among film buffs as the setting of the popular 1985 film, “The Goonies.” The Oregon Film Museum is located in Astoria, housed in the historic county jail as seen in the opening scenes of The Goonies and celebrates the state’s legacy of film-making. Astoria itself is rich in tradition and historical architecture, located on the Columbia River, providing the opportunity for all types of water activities. For one of the best views, visit the Astoria Column, where the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River and snow-covered volcanoes of the Cascade Mountain Range can all be seen.
Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood
Timberland Lodge is a National Historic Landmark that sits at the halfway point on Mount Hood, one of the state’s most iconic mountain destinations at nearly 6,000 feet in elevation and provides amazing closeup views of the famous peak as well as access to the year-round ski area. During the peak of winter, the ground floor is typically buried in snow, so guests enter through a snow tunnel. Despite its age, dating back to 1935, it boasts plenty of modern amenities, including a year-round heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness room, while rooms feature handcrafted furnishings and original artwork, much of which was created by the same dedicated folks who built the facilities.
Bend
This mecca for outdoor enthusiasts is situated on the east side of the Cascade Mountains in central Oregon, sandwiched between snow-covered peaks and the high-desert plateau. Not only does the city and the surrounding region receive an abundance of sunshine, but the area’s mountains also offer miles and miles of hiking and biking trails as well as renowned rock climbing and a myriad of trout streams for blue-ribbon fly fishing. The town itself has a vibrant energy of a cosmopolitan mountain town with an impressive number of world-class breweries, more per capita than any other city in the state.
Carlton Wine Country
Oregon has become increasingly popular for its wine, with three major wine-producing regions and over 600 wineries, but one of the best spots for a weekend getaway may be in Carlton. Sometimes referred to as “Pinot Paradise,” as the home base for the globally respected Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area, it hosts nearly 50 wineries and tasting rooms. And, the town’s charming three blocks are loaded with more gastronomy than places that are 10 times its size. You’ll find artisan chocolates and other heavenly desserts, organic cheeses, piquant preserves and fresh meats in what’s become the hub of the North Willamette Valley’s farm and wine scene.
Breitenbush Hot Springs, Willamette National Forest
If you’re seeking the ultimate stress-relieving getaway, you may want to free your mind and nourish your body at Breitenbush Hot Springs. This holistic hot spring resort offers daily wellness programs, including meditative guided hikes on scenic trails with the names “The Gorge,” “Spotted Owl,” “Emerald Forest,” and “Inner Path,” which lead to ancient forest cathedrals, passing river cascades, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Visitors can enjoy an escape that also includes yoga, massage, performances, and, of course, the famous natural geothermal hot springs.
Seaside
Seaside is another exciting Oregon destination for a family-friendly weekend getaway. There are a number of budget-friendly hotels, some right along the town’s three-mile stretch of beach, like the Best Western Ocean View Resort. It sits along the promenade, a one-and-a-half-mile paved walkway along the sand, boasting amazing views and easy access to all of the city’s attractions. It’s just steps away from the Seaside Aquarium, where you can feed fish to the sea lions, as well as Funland Arcade, with bumper cars, pinball, video games, skee ball and numerous carnival-type amusements. Seaside is also known for offering some of the best surfing conditions in the entire Northwest region, and local surf shops provide lessons and gear rentals for surfing as well as kiteboarding and skimboarding.
Oregon Caves
The Oregon Caves National Monument is a stunning marble cave system, formed by rainwater from the ancient forest that sits just above it. It boasts incredible formations, and in the vast parkland that surrounds it, you can watch for wildlife and search for rare plants. Stay at the Oregon Caves Chateau, located inside the park, and take a park ranger-led tour of the caves, as well as unforgettable dining – the lodge has a stream that runs right through the middle of the dining room, which features a menu of local meats, micro-brews and wines.
