Top Things to do in Oregon
Top Hotels in Oregon
- 1. The Hotel Zags Portland
- 2. The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 3. Inn at Cannon Beach
- 4. Hallmark Resort
- 5. Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown
- 6. Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
- 7. The Porter Portland, Curio Collection By Hilton
- 8. Bandon Inn
- 9. The Whaler
- 10. Best Western Plus Hood River Inn
What to do and see in Oregon, United States: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Oregon, United States including Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, Oregon Coast Highway 101, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Vista House, Bush's Pasture Park, Oregon State Capitol, Pittock Mansion, The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, University of Oregon.
Restaurants in Oregon
1. Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
This route meanders past cascading waterfalls, parks and hiking trails while offering expansive views of the Gorge.
Reviewed By MandC0218 - Riverside, United States
Easy to drive while enjoying the scenic views of spectacular rivers, mountains, and waterfalls. This narrow and scenic drive is the beautiful highway above and parallel to the main highway that is next to Columbia River. Many scenic stops and lookout points along the way. Highly recommended.
2. Oregon Coast Highway 101
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
Scenic driving route along Oregon's Pacific coast and through the mountains.
Reviewed By embay - Texas, United States
This outfit runs a great trip out of Portland to the coast. We enjoyed a picturesque drive in a luxury van through pastures, valleys, to Ecola Park, along hwy 101 to Cannon Beach and beyond. Our guide was informative, energetic, and provided several stops to look at ocean views and beach strolls. A full day of fun, food, snacks, and 8 friendly passengers learning and enjoying this amazing area of the Northwest United States.
3. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,161 reviews
Reviewed By YvonneP1979
My family and I are lucky enough to call this area home! Cape Perpetua is a regular stop for family or solo day trips. This area is majestic to say the least and there is so much to explore in just a few miles. Go to the top and view the most Amazing view from the historic look out or hike down to a giant spruce tree through a magical forest, check out the Spouting Horn on high tide or venture down to Thors Well on a low tide (high tide can be very dangerous to get close)! Walk along the trails and stand in awe of the Native American shell Middens leftover from hundreds of years of gathering from the ocean!
4. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By TomBrody - Berkeley, United States
BOARDMAN CORRIDOR is located about 6 miles north of Harris Beach and about 10 miles south of Gold Beach. Harris Beach seems to be the starfish capital of the world, and the tourist will find plenty of photo-opportunities to pose near a pink-colored starfish. Gold Beach is a charming seaside community, where (depending on the restaurant) you can find excellent clam chowder and excellent oyster chowder and where, if you are lucky, you can see whales from your motel room balcony. The Boardman Corridor is free of any commercialization and, in this way, it is like the equally legendary and scenic segment of Route 1 that takes you through Salt Point State Park in northern California. Secret Beach is announced by a tiny sign located near a dirt turnout by Route 1. Secret Beach is abundantly photogenic, and the visitor might be under the impression that he or she has been magically converted into a dab of ink, and reincarnated as a component of a picture postcard. Yes, Secret Beach has picture postcard written all over it. A narrow trail takes you from the dirt turnout, past a few scenic spots, and ultimately to the beach itself. The entire trail can be walked in about 20 minutes. Children should be kept at close hand, because there are some spots along the trail where they might be tempted to go out and explore on their own, and by accident tumble down a steep embankment. Also, visitors need to be very aware of whether the tide is rising, since being trapped between the rising tide and a cliff would be a real bummer. Actually, I would prefer to let my photographs (attached) do all of the talking. Photogenic features of Secret Beach include clusters of mussels attached to boulders, many seastacks both near and far, and sea arches.
5. Vista House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 655 reviews
It's an odd structure, a stone octagon in "German art nouveau" style.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We returned to Vista House on the Columbia Gorge area. This is a historic building. From this area on the historic highway, we like to see the impressive views of the Columbia River.
6. Bush's Pasture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
In the middle of the city sits the 90-acre Bush's Pasture Park, with trails for jogging, walking or biking, picnic areas and playgrounds, Oregon's oldest greenhouse conservatory and the historic Bush House Museum, a Victorian home with original wallpaper and furnishings.
Reviewed By Oregonwriter19
This park has it all...trails that meander through beautiful landscaping, through the woods, beside a creek, around a very active sports-field, a soapbox derby track, 2 children's playgrounds, a greenhouse, a Victorian mansion that is open for tours, and a rose garden. People jog, walk, run, sit on benches, have picnics, take family photos, attend weddings in the rose garden's gazebo, hike in the woods, play tennis on the courts, cheer teams from the bleachers, paint, sketch, take photos, walk dogs, volunteer to maintain the grounds or give tours of the mansion, or just lie on the grass and stare up at the sky. Everything a park should be, and more.
7. Oregon State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 393 reviews
Architecture and history enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this white, Greek-style building whose rotunda is topped with a gold leaf statue representing Oregon's first settlers. Inside are murals depicting state history, and outside are sculptures, gardens and grounds for strolling or picnicking.
Reviewed By Josephivimey - Plymouth, United States
Always impressed by the Oregon State Capital building with its gold man standing watch over the Art Deco marble building built in the mid 1930s after the previous capital was destroyed by fire.
8. Pittock Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,529 reviews
Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
This is a must-see when in Portland. It’s location close to downtown Portland (but feels a world away) makes it a perfect excursion. I took the self-guided tour of the mansion’s interior which was well worth the $12 cost of admission. The (at that time) state-of-the-art household features such as recessed lighting, massaging/spa shower, individually controlled lighting, thermostat, refrigeration room and local/long distance telephone system are incredible. Although most of the household furnishings are not original to the house (or the Pittock family), I found it quite fascinating to learn how they acquired these from other local families in similar sociology-economic circles who lived at the time as the Pittocks. The history of the home’s construction, it’s decline and subsequent abandonment and its massive restoration is amazing. The grounds are lovely and the front lawn has some of the best views overlooking Portland and beyond (on a clear day you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and more).
9. The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues,reflection ponds, and views offer inspiration to all who visit.
Reviewed By bennyDDDD - Honolulu, United States
Beautiful trilliums are absolutely everywhere, along with every other beautiful flower you can think of. There is a abundance of peaceful places to sit and think, including many catholic sculptures and little cutesy ponds. When I went it was almost empty, I ran into very few people in the upper garden. The admission price is low and I think the price is well worth seeing these upper gardens, as the whole grounds are well maintained and manicured to perfection. The lower trail and grotto are also beautiful and serene, and the little chapel always has it's doors open if you wish to venture in.
10. University of Oregon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
A local university.
Reviewed By mrose20 - Kentfield, United States
Amazing campus. Friendly people. Interesting architecture. Fantastic sports facilities. This is a world class school.
