11 Small Towns In Oregon were ranked among US favorites
The beautiful city of Portland grabs almost all the attention when Oregon comes up in conversations. Still, for travelers visiting the Beaver State, it might be worth straying from the Portland to discover the hidden gems in the backcountry. The small towns are an adventurer’s dream come true, offering loads of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping.
Oregon’s history began more than 10 millennia ago when the Native American tribes roamed the Pacific Northwest. It welcomed its first European settlers in the early 1800s and experienced significant growth in the 1880s, spurred by the development of railroads to market the local lumber and wheat economy. Through the years, Oregon has evolved to become one of the most stunning states in the country, with unprecedented natural beauty, from snow-capped mountains and lush river valleys to a dramatic, picturesque rugged coast.
While most tourists rush to the big cities for all the creature comforts associated with urban living, the true beauty and charm of the state lies in its overlooked destinations. These 11 small towns in Oregon were ranked among US favorites and promise tourists a unique, fun-filled experience in the Beaver State.
Astoria
From its charming seaside location to stunning views of the Pacific, Astoria is easily one of the cutest small towns in Oregon. It gained the world’s attention as a filming location of the 1985 movie, Goonies but boasts an array of attractions bound to impress first-timers. Astoria is a historic town founded in 1811 and harbors interesting treasures like the Captain George Flavel House Museum and Oregon Film Museum.
Visitors can explore its calm hilly streets to take in charming vistas of the Colombia River and admire the gorgeous architecture of its Victoria-era homes. The Astoria Riverfront Trolley offers a delightful and insightful way of exploring the city. And when it’s time to shop, tourists can sample local produce at the vibrant Astoria Sunday Market or hunt for a souvenir at the Weird Sisters Freak Boutique, Hello Doe, or Sea Gypsy Gifts.
Cannon Beach
Oregon’s one of the most charming beach towns, Cannon Beach attracts tourists to lounge on its sandy beaches, walk on its endless shoreline, and indulge in various family-friendly activities. It is located just under 2 hours from Portland, offering the perfect escape from the commotion in the big city. After a dip in the cool waters of the Pacific, be sure to pose for a snap with the iconic Haystack Rock as the backdrop. If not, head to Ecola State Park and walk on its scenic nature trails surrounded by lush vegetation.
The cultural scene is not too shabby either, with various cultural events and artsy venues to impress first-timers. Watch a live performance at the historic Coaster Theater or examine unique artworks and artifacts at the Cannon Beach History Center. Alternatively, attend any of the several arts festivals in the city, including the Spring Unveiling, Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest, and Stormy Weather Arts Festival.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville rose to prominence in the early 1850s when gold deposits were discovered in the town, resulting in a substantial boom that attracted a flood of prospectors. Besides sharing a name with one of the largest cities in Florida, it is a designated National Historic Landmark with a vibrant arts community, highlighted by quaint venues like the Art Presence Art Center Gallery. Among its major highlights is the Britt Music & Arts Festival, which draws summer crowds in droves for a fun-filled day.
Meanwhile, wine lovers can quench their thirst along the Applegate Valley Wine Trail or Dancing Vineyards. For outdoor lovers, hit the Forest Park Trails to see the town’s backcountry or commune with nature at the English Lavender Farm or Beekman Woods & Native Plants Arboretum. Additionally, take the city’s Trolley Tour for a unique perspective into the city’s history during a joyful ride through Jacksonville.
Hood River
Hood River is the perfect playground for outdoorsy travelers looking to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. As one of the small towns in Oregon ranked among US favorites, it is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range. It is also famous for being the “windsurfing capital of the world,” with enthusiasts taking advantage of the breezy winds along the Colombia River. Magnificent waterfalls like Multnomah Falls beckon sightseers to visit Hood River, while explorers fancy the challenge of scaling Mount Hood, a dormant volcano and one of the biggest draws in Oregon.
Foodies have something to look forward to in the city, with popular eateries like Trillium Cafe serving delicious American specialties like Mac n Cheese and the Texas-style Glasslands Barbecue treating guests to some of the meanest BBQ in town. Once full, down the food with a local craft beer at Full Sail Brewing Company or Ferment Brewing Company.
Bandon
Bandon is another delightful coastal town that balances panoramic coastal views with endless nature. It is ideal for a laid-back vacation, boasting one of the state’s best golf courses in Bandon Crossings Golf Course. Another great place to visit is Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, where golfers enjoy spectacular panoramas of the Pacific while perfecting their swing. Elsewhere, head to Bullards Beach State Park for a lazy stroll and enjoy the cool sea breeze or explore the various stores in its charming Old Town.
Beach lovers can head to Bullards Beach to relax on the silky smooth sands or join others in meditation at Circes in the sand to unwind after a long day. And to take in unique coastal views, visit the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and remember to check out the Coquille River Lighthouse.
Newport
Newport is a cozy fishing town bordering the Yaquina Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Its waters harbor a bounty, making it a prime spot for anglers and attracting commercial fishing vessels. Some of its must-see sights include the tallest lighthouse in the state, Yaquina Head Light, which rises about 93 feet above the water to offer unrivaled sea views. Stepping away from the water, Newport is also home to some charming trails worth exploring, such as the route to Communications Hill and Yaquina Head.
Several venues allow visitors to relax and enjoy the cool sea breeze while savoring sea views from the Oregon coast, such as the South Beach State Park and Agate Beach State Recreation Site. Other touristy activities include strolling along the Yaquina Bay Bridge and marveling at unique cute species at Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Joseph
With a modest population of just over 1000, Joseph is excellent for those looking to skip the crowds. But no need to worry about loneliness; the endearing sense of community never ceases to impress first-timers in this eastern Oregon town. It is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, specifically the Wallowa Mountains, and at Wallowa Lake, anglers will be impressed by the trophy-sized fish they catch.
Outdoorsy visitors can head to Eagle Cap Wilderness to explore the lush environment and hike isolated trails. Meanwhile, those curious about the town’s history can pop into Wallowa County Museum to glimpse the region’s history. Finally, art enthusiasts can explore unique exhibits at Josephy Center for Arts & Culture, Valley Bronze Gallery, and Aspen Grove Gallery.
Yachats
Pronounce yah-hots; this is one of the most charming waterfront towns in Oregon. It was nicknamed the “Gem of Oregon Coast, a credit to the natural beauty that surrounds it. Yachats is sandwiched by the rugged Oregon shoreline on one side and the Siuslaw National Forest on the other, proving an ideal location for tree huggers. The sprawling Cape Perpetua is a forested area that tosses explorers into the depth of the wilderness, allowing them to connect with other popular outdoor sites like Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site and Smelts Sands State Recreation Site, providing travelers with the complete outdoor experience.
Art enthusiasts will be at home inspecting Touchstone Gallery and Earthworks Gallery exhibits before finding the cute memento at Dark Water Souvenirs to remind them of their time in Yachats. For culinary enthusiasts, Luna Sea Fish House serves delectable dishes, which can then be followed by a taste of fine wine at Beach Daisy Wine.
Cottage Grove
Nicknamed the “Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon,” Cottage Grove is one of the most adorable towns in the Pacific Northwest. It is home to a series of covered bridges, which give the town a distinct flair, and these can conveniently be explored on two wheels along the 36-mile Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway. Meanwhile, hikers and joggers visiting the town can take on the Row Rover Trails, perfect for stretching the legs. Also, spare some time to visit Dorena Lake, a hotspot for numerous water activities, including sailing, boating, and swimming.
For history buffs, there are several museums in town to be explored, including the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum and Cottage Grove Museum. And budding airmen can find inspiration at the Oregon Aviation Historical Society & Museum, with a look into the state’s aviation heritage.
Coos Bay
Coos Bay is among the oldest towns on the Oregon coast, with records dating back to the 1500s. Its major highlights are the conspicuous dunes, which can best be experienced at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. These imposing natural wonders stand 500 feet high and will be the perfect backdrop to a photo. Coos Bay offers more outdoor excursions at the Shore Acres State Park, where hikers can follow a scenic route between Sunset Bay and Cape Arago.
As for history buffs, the Coos History Museum & Maritime Collection is a highly recommended visit, and the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum allows them to step further back in time. Catch a great live performance or watch a movie at the Egyptian Theater, but on the way, stop at the Cranberry Sweets for a delicious treat or grab a hot cup of popcorn at Sweet Street Popcorn.
Florence
Florence is a thrill-seeker’s paradise on Oregon’s central coast, where the ocean waters interact with the Siuslaw River. Tourists will be intrigued by the world’s first sandboard park at Sand Master Park and enjoy riding down dunes in an exciting sandboarding session. But for those who don’t fancy this novice sport, Sand Dunes Frontier allows guests to explore the dunes up close through unforgettable buggy tours. After enough fun on the sand, travelers can head to the Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the town’s most iconic spots.
Alternatively, head to Siuslaw Pioneer Museum for a look into the past, and follow it up with a visit to the Oregon Coast Military Museum. For explorers and nature lovers, the Sea Lion Caves promises an adventurous expedition, while the Darlingtonia State Natural Site and Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park are among the best nature spaces in town.
Wrapping Up
While there is no shortage of delightful unheard-of destinations to explore in the Pacific Northwest, these 11 small towns in Oregon were ranked among US favorites and live up to their billing. Whether vacationing with the family, traveling on a solo adventure, or on a couple’s getaway, these overlooked but worthy destinations will not disappoint.
