While there are plenty of stunning places in Oregon, there is one naturally beautiful small town that deserves to be at the top of your bucket list. Nestled between the majestic Mt. Hood and Columbia River, Hood River is a picturesque town with some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty in the Beaver State. This charming community is the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure sports enthusiasts, and everyone in between.
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Located about an hour outside of Portland, Hood River is a vibrant town with some of the most breathtaking views in the Beaver State.
If you love being near the water, you'll love exploring Hood River Waterfront Park. This family-oriented area features a playground and a large stretch of sandy beach.
Hood River is a great place to find yourself in during the winter months. It is located less than an hour away from Mt. Hood Meadows and other winter recreation spots.
Back in town, there are a number of quaint shops and charming cafes to check out. Dog River Cafe is the perfect place to stop for a cup of coffee and mid-afternoon snack.
If you're looking for dinner with a view, make sure to check out Riverside. This restaurant has great food and a delightful atmosphere. There's nothing better than kicking back on their outdoor patio on a warm summer day.
Road trips are as much about the journey as they are about the destination (or destinations, as the case may be.) If you’re in the mood for some small-town charm and scenic views, I have an itinerary for you that has it all. These five small towns in Oregon are lovely destinations, each with something special to offer, and you’ll enjoy some stunning natural beauty along the way.
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The route takes us almost from the border of California up to the border of Washington, about 385 miles. Some of the towns on our route are close enough to visit on the same day, but I’ve included a great place to stay in each of them so you can slow down and explore. Click on the map to customize your trip (you can even do it in reverse if you like!)
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It seems fitting that we start at the beginning, well sort of. We’ll begin by visiting one of the state’s most historic towns and a National Historic Landmark, Jacksonville. Established during Oregon’s gold rush, there is an abundance of well-preserved history here, including more than 100 historic buildings. As you explore the town, the architecture will sweep you back in time to the 1800s.
This also happens to be a town known for its awesome antiquing, alongside lots of other cool shops and boutiques. You can spend the night at Jacksonville Inn which was built in 1861. Don’t worry, the rooms are beautifully updated, and you can enjoy a wonderful wine country-inspired meal at the hotel’s restaurant.
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Next, we head north to Oregon’s “Covered Bridge Capital of the West,” Cottage Grove. It has been called one of the most charming towns in the U.S. In addition to six beautiful historic covered bridges in and around the town, Cottage Grove is known for its scenic nature and outdoor activities. In fact, one of the best ways to explore is by cycling along the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, which lets you experience all six bridges, lush foliage and flowers, picturesque views of Dorena Lake and Culp Creek, and the historic downtown. Of course, you can explore all or part of the trail.
In town, consider a meal and drinks at Coast Fork Brewing. There are quite a few rentals around town where you can get a good night’s sleep, such as this charming guest cottage near downtown.
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From Cottage Grove, we go west to the beach and the tiny town of Florence. It may be small, but this coastal community has a lot to offer despite flying under the radar as far as tourism goes. Enjoy a tranquil day exploring sights like Heceta Head Lighthouse, with its stunning views that may include migrating whales, the historic Siuslaw River Bridge, and the Sea Lion Caves.
The town’s walkable Historic Old Town is filled with quaint shops, galleries, a museum, delicious food and drink, and warm, friendly people. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious dinner in a historic train station overlooking the river at the Waterfront Depot Restaurant. Then, tuck yourself in for the night at the charming Edwin K Bed and Breakfast. You’ll feast on a cooked-to-order breakfast before the drive to our next town.
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A scenic drive along our gorgeous coast will bring us to Cannon Beach up north. Unlike Florence, this is a very popular destination, and for good reason. Graceful sand dunes, scenic rivers, and — according to National Geographic in 2013 — one of the most picturesque beaches in the world make this a must-visit small town. The beach itself, with its famous Haystack Rock, colorful birds, and vibrant tidepools is the star of the show. From late spring through the end of summer, you can even enjoy horseback riding on the beach.
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Away from the sand, downtown Cannon Beach is a sweet little town worth exploring. You’ll discover cute little retail boutiques, coffee, candy shops, and delicious restaurants, from pizza to seafood to breweries. If seafood happens to be your craving, grab a seat at Anna’s Table for a classic PNW meal. For an unforgettable overnight stay, enjoy the sunset from the deck of a cozy beachfront cottage.
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I may be partial, but I think one of the coolest fun facts about our last stop is that the movie "The Goonies" was set and filmed there. In fact, you can see filming locations all over the town of Astoria. Visit the historic County Jail (now the Oregon Film Museum) and you’ll be able to see the cell used in the movie and even the family’s jeep outside. In addition to famous scenes from the movie, Astoria has some incredible historic buildings you’ll want to check out such as the Liberty Theater and the Queen Anne-style Flavel Mansion. When you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to Fedé Trattoria for fresh traditional Italian cuisine on the waterfront. It's a perfect way to end our small-town road trip.
Are you ready to begin your West Coast adventure? Grab the keys, share this article with your travel partner, and let’s go! Of course, there are far more than five worthy little destinations in our awesome state. Check out more of our favorite small towns in Oregon for some inspiration.
A paved road leads through oak trees and past rolling fields of vines at Yamhill Valley Vineyards near McMinnville, Oregon.
When it comes to visiting Oregon and the incredible small towns and up-and-coming cities, you really can't go wrong. There are so many wonderful pockets of adventure, paired with natural beauty, that make this state special. One such place is McMinnville, sitting at the base of the Oregon Coast Range. With a population shy of 35,000 people, McMinnville is a great place to add to your travel list, especially once you see the incredible things to do here.
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Right in the heart of Willamette Valley’s wine country, McMinnville blends small-town charm with a fascinating history, a thriving arts scene, and numerous attractions. McMinnville was founded in 1853 by William T. Newby, a pioneer who traveled west on the Oregon Trail. He named the town after his hometown, McMinnville, Tennessee. As settlers arrived, McMinnville became an agricultural hub due to its fertile land and ideal climate. In the 20th century, the economy shifted to include education and tourism, particularly with the establishment of Linfield University in 1858 and the growth of the Oregon wine industry in the 1960s and 1970s. McMinnville is now known as the heart of Oregon’s wine country and offers over 250 wineries within a short drive.
Autumn leaves from surrounding trees litter a picnic table and foot bridge in a city park.
When you're checking out McMinnville as a vacation destination, we have a few hand-picked experiences to consider. We mentioned the wineries already, so these are an absolute must. McMinnville is surrounded by world-class wineries, with the Willamette Valley being particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir. Notable wineries in the area include Eyrie Vineyards, Domaine Drouhin, and R. Stuart & Co. You can also enjoy tastings at numerous downtown tasting rooms, making wine tasting convenient for those who prefer to stay within the city.
In addition to some wine sampling, we recommend visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum! This museum is home to the famous Spruce Goose, the world’s largest wooden airplane, built by Howard Hughes. The museum also features an extensive collection of aircraft, space-related exhibits, and an impressive indoor waterpark. It’s a popular destination for aviation and space enthusiasts and families alike.
Hiking is another favored pastime in the area here. The rolling hills around McMinnville are perfect for hiking and exploring nature. Miller Woods Conservation Area, located just outside the city, has trails through forests and meadows with views of the valley. Erratic Rock State Natural Site, a large rock transported by Ice Age floods, offers a short hike and scenic views of the Willamette Valley.
Misty morning.
If you're looking for a fun event to plan your visit around, what could be better than UFOs and aliens? McMinnville has fully embraced an unusual part of its history: a famous UFO sighting from 1950. The annual UFO Festival, held each May, is the second-largest UFO festival in the U.S. and celebrates all things extraterrestrial with a lively parade, speakers, costume contests, and themed events. It’s a unique event that attracts visitors from all over.
Want to chow down while you're here? You're in luck - there are some stellar local restaurants in McMinnville to feed your soul and stomach. This food scene is superb, with a focus on farm-to-table dining. Some popular options include Thistle, known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu; Nick’s Italian Café, a historic restaurant famous for its pasta and wood-fired pizzas; and Red Hills Kitchen, offering New American cuisine inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
All in all, McMinnville is a beautiful city in Oregon that deserves a visit. If you're a wine fan, a nature lover, or just looking for a new place to explore, McMinnville has it all and more.
