9 Stress-Free Oregon Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Sitting at the southern end of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is known for its vibrant towns and cities set against lush forests, rugged coastlines, and magnificent mountain ranges. When the vibrancy of city life is stressing you out, the Beaver State offers a diverse selection of weekend getaways to help you unwind.

From outdoor adventures to soothing spas and emerging food and drink scenes to the arts, discover nine stress-free Oregon towns for a weekend retreat.

Depoe Bay

The vision of whales rising up from the ocean is a breathtaking experience that both thrills and sets one’s mind at ease. Depoe Bay is the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast, located just over 2 hours from Portland, making it ideal for relaxing weekends.

Treat yourself to exclusive luxury overlooking the majestic views of the Pacific Ocean at Whale Cove Inn. Watch bald eagles soar over the picturesque cove and orcas frolic along the shoreline from your balcony.

A trip in late December is the best time of year to delight in the spectacle of gray whales migrating to warmer climes. You can combine two experiences into one at The Devil’s Punchbowl. Collapsed sea caves and the ocean's constant movement have carved out a massive rock “bowl” where ocean waters churn and swirl in a dramatic display. You can explore the calming tidepools to the north of the punchbowl, admire the unique rock formations along the rugged coastline, and whale spot from the picnic area overlooking the ocean.

End your day with dinner at the Inn, where Chef Justin Wills prepares unique, locally sourced, and foraged ingredients with his trademark fork-to-table cuisine. After a sweet, undisturbed sleep in your luxurious room, bundle up and head out to Whale Bites Café for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. Grab some takeout sandwiches for a picnic at Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area.

This pristine shoreline park offers rejuvenating scenic ocean views and a beach set against a rugged cliff face. A footbridge takes you through a peaceful forest fragrant with the scents of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and shore pine. Explore the tidepools or birdwatch, and then find a spot at the wind-sheltered picnic area to enjoy your lunch before heading home.

Redmond

Oregon is more than shoreline. Its majestic mountains, located in the High Desert, offer a peaceful retreat in towns like Redmond. Nestled on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, Redmond is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Portland and Eugene. Although the drive is a little long, comfy accommodations await at the Redmond Hotel.

Located in the heart of Redmond’s downtown area, the Redmond Hotel is a wellness destination close to the best the town has to offer. The guest rooms are tranquil retreats where you can rest after your drive. Wash away your tension with some well-earned me time at Ola’ Day Spa for a relaxing massage, mani/pedi, or facial.

Back at your hotel, The Rooftop offers panoramic views of the Cascade Range in a serene garden-like setting. Sip handcrafted cocktails, taking in the views, and then stroll the vibrant downtown on your way to dinner.​ Diego’s Spirited Kitchen is minutes from your hotel, where you can explore unique flavors offering a modern twist on authentic Mexican and internationally inspired delights.

After a welcome sleep, it is time to take in the breathtaking scenery. The hotel is known for its all-day breakfast, providing plenty of fuel for a final day of discovery. Before you leave, order takeout wraps or sandwiches for a picnic at Cline Falls. This picturesque area is made for picnics along the Deschutes River, where you can enjoy the Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint and take the short trail to the falls. It is the perfect way to end your stay.

Coos Bay

Coos Bay sits on Oregon’s largest coastal estuary, where natural beauty lulls you into a deep state of relaxation. The town is an easy drive from Eugene, making it a convenient spot for weekend getaways.

Discover unique lodging at Bay Point Landing with your choice of retro silver Airstream suites surrounded by swaying sea grass or modern cabins with private outdoor seating areas, fire pits, and views of the bay. The general store delivers indulgent necessities to your door, and the cozy Cove Lounge serves a first-class breakfast. Beach strolls, a swim in a refreshing saltwater pool, a gym with expansive ocean views, and a communal clubhouse are included as part of your coastal stay.

After checking in, explore the forested coastline at Yoakam Point State Natural Site, where trails wend their way through dense Sitka spruce trees and afford breathtaking views of the ocean. The restorative sea air, sounds of the ocean, and seabirds overhead offer an instant reset as your stress fades away.

With a fresh-air-sparked appetite, return to town for lunch and artisanal brews at Waterfront Alehouse. Dine on fresh-caught fish ‘n chips overlooking the bay in a restaurant that embraces local talent, from the pottery used to serve their hearty fare to the art and finishing touches provided by local craftspeople.

Retire to your accommodation for s’mores at your private firepit before turning in for a peaceful sleep to the sounds of the water. In the morning, fill up on breakfast at the lounge and switch gears for a final day of discovery. Be sure to stop into the only art museum on the Oregon Coast. Coos Art Museum includes a collection of contemporary fine art prints, original works by Pacific Northwest artists, and temporary exhibits throughout the year.

Bandon

Although it is a bit of a hike from Portland, Bandon is about 2.5 hours from Salem and Eugene. Its location at the mouth of the Coquille River features imposing rock formations and sea stacks, creating striking ocean vistas worth exploring.

However, a major Bandon attraction is the unparalleled Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, where the immaculate links blend harmoniously with the breathtaking natural landscape. Luxurious accommodations offer sumptuous relaxation in secluded, well-appointed rooms for both golfers and non-golfers alike. Designed in the true spirit of a traditional Scottish course, Bandon Dunes is like no other golf experience in America. The resort offers seven courses built along pristine sand dunes 100 feet above the ocean, offering sweeping views of undisturbed shoreline from the bluff.

If you can tear yourself away from the fairway, Old Town Bandon is a 10-block historic district offering hours of shopping and an enticing food scene. The revitalized docks feature outdoor wood carvings and views of the sea. Dine in romantically elegant surroundings at Alloro Wine Bar, where a mix of elegant classics and creative, locally inspired dishes pair beautifully with an impressive wine list.

Tee off for an early round of golf, and then be sure to visit Bandon Beach to admire the serene vistas and majesty of the sea stacks visible along the trail. Face Rock’s breathtaking outline of a woman looking up at the sky steals the show, but if you arrive in the morning, you might also get the chance to explore the temporary art installation, Circles in the Sand labyrinth, before it gets washed away.

McMinnville

You will not find an easier drive for a relaxing weekend than McMinnville. Located in the wine country’s Willamette Valley, the town is just 26 miles from Salem and 40 miles from Portland. Boutique accommodation at the Atticus Hotel in downtown McMinnville offers a bougie stay in uniquely designed rooms focused on sophisticated comfort.

After settling into your chic accommodations, head down to sample the hotel restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired lunch menu. Explore McMinnville’s Granary District, where the original grain elevators have stood since 1892. Take in the ambiance of the eclectic mix of shops and experience the unique flavors of the Willamette Valley terroir at Westrey Winery’s tasting room.

Return to your hotel to relax before dinner at Bistro Maison for classic French Cuisine in a cozy dining room. Sip on fine French wines, savor traditional favorites like Coq Au Vin or Steak Au Poivre, and finish your meal with warm buttery apple brandy cake.

After a good night’s sleep, explore the hotel’s common areas to discover original, local artwork and special community-produced art installations. Have breakfast at Crescent Café with scrumptious scratch-made bread and pastries or classic comfort foods like corned beef hash before your drive home.

Sisters

Sisters is a reasonable drive from many Oregon cities, including Salem, Eugene, and Portland. Traffic permitting, you can find yourself at the base of the Cascade Mountain in less than 3 hours.

Sisters Bunkhouse is a rustic boutique hotel with a cheerful yellow clapboard façade. It reflects the days of the Wild West without the shootouts. Although the comfortable rooms are not overly fancy, they are in an ideal location to take in the splendor of the small town.

This town is ideal for art lovers, with many galleries. The galleries are made for browsing, ranging from pottery to original paintings and handcrafted clocks to mixed media collections. Although you will want to visit them all, Hood Avenue Art offers an opportunity to explore a diverse collection under one roof, including watercolors, pastels, oil paintings, wood and metal work, jewelry, ceramics, and glass.

After a day of gallery hopping, Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill is a classic 1912 bar serving western-inspired favorites alongside craft cocktails. Get your fill of cowboy grub while taking in the friendly atmosphere. Head back to the Bunkhouse to rest up for a day, enjoying the great outdoors.

The Three Sisters Wilderness encompasses about 260 miles of trails with tranquil views ranging from snow-covered mountains to lava fields and waterfalls to alpine meadows. Take your time along a trail suited to your energy level and stop to experience the art of just being there.

Astoria

Astoria is America’s oldest settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, where the charm of Victorian homes and views of the Columbia River lull you into a sense of well-being. Portlanders can be soaking up the relaxing Astorian vibes in about two hours.

Since relaxation is the name of the game, a stay at the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa is in order. Sitting on a pier on the Columbia River with views of the historic Astoria-Megler Bridge and distant mountains, the lavish rooms combine modern luxury with charming details like claw-foot tubs, creating your own little oasis.

Once you check in, treat yourself to a signature massage and feel your worries drift away. Fully relaxed, take the Astoria Riverwalk path to Fort George Brewery and Public House. Watch the boats drifting under the bridge and enjoy front-row seats to watch the adventures of resident seals along the way. Housed in the 1924 Fort George building, you can take a brewery tour, visit the tasting rooms, and enjoy a late lunch at the pub or pizzeria.

In the morning, take a leisurely stroll to the Pig ‘n Pancake restaurant for a traditional all-day breakfast. The iconic landmark has served satisfying breakfasts since 1967 in the heart of Astoria’s historic Union Town District. Hop a ride on the vintage restored wooden Astoria Riverfront Trolley as a memorable end to your weekend jaunt.

Lebanon

Lebanon sits on the eastern edge of the Willamette Valley on the South Santiam River. It is a quick drive to relaxation from Salem, Albany, and Eugene, where a peaceful Japanese garden and comfortable rooms at the Best Western Premier Boulder Falls Inn await.

Although part of a well-known hotel chain, the Japanese-inspired garden offers an unexpected bonus to your stay. The work of world-renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu, the garden covers one acre where you can follow the serene footpaths, find solace beside gently cascading waterfalls, gaze into koi ponds, or reflect on life in a quiet gazebo.

With your energy restored, take a walk at Lebanon Community Park at Cheadle Lake, a rehabilitated former mill pond in the heart of the community. Spanning 35 acres, the park trails offer views of the placid lake, inspiring Ridgeway Butte and Middle Ridge, and chance wildlife encounters, including bald eagles, river otters, pond turtles, and Canadian geese.

Visit downtown Lebanon for a casual lunch and drinks. Conversion Brewing is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts exploring the Oregon Food Trails. Their unique wood-fired menu includes the expected pizzas along with less expected dishes perfectly paired with beer flights, like sticky, salty candied bacon or house-seasoned potato wedges.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s 1847 Bar & Grill overlooking the garden. Sample the Oregon-Wine-A-Listed menu and extensive selection of Oregon wines served by attentive staff, and then sink into your luxe bed to enjoy a restful sleep.

Awaken to a complimentary continental breakfast and spend your final day entranced by the views of Royal Terrace and Majestic Falls at McDowell Creek. Follow the peaceful 3-mile hiking trail through calming, lush green forests while enjoying the exceptional scenery from the bridges and decks. Soak your feet in the cooling pools at the base of the waterfall and let the cathedral-like setting instantly quiet your mind.

Newport

Newport is under three hours from Portland, Eugene, and Salem on the picturesque north shore of the Pacific Ocean’s Yaquina Bay. Consider this your edgier, cultural destination where the arts figure prominently.

The retro-chic The Louie Boutique Motel celebrates vintage charm with suites inspired by legends of music and culture. The ultimate audiophile stay, old-school turntables, and a carefully curated collection of vinyl provide the soundtrack to your arts-inspired Newport visit. Book the Sun King suite to access a private backyard patio and garden, and sink into a jetted, heated outdoor bathtub to feel your worries slip away.

Check out seats for the latest Newport Performing Arts Center shows to support the Performing Arts Center Resident Artist Team and touring artist productions. Be sure to admire the featured sculptural work outside the center. Enjoy dinner before the show at Zurita in Nye Beach for Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Soak up the warm ambiance below a soaring vaulted ceiling, dining on locally sourced seasonal ingredients paired with regional wines.

In the morning, brew a fresh pot of coffee in your suite before visiting the nearby Newport Visual Arts Center at the historic Nye Beach turnaround. The galleries and collections of new and experimental coastal artists from the northwest region will inspire, elate, and provoke.

Oregon is a state where outdoor adventurers find miles of peaceful shoreline and expansive natural areas, foodies experience an enticing food and drink scene, and art lovers discover the inspired talent of local creatives. Your weekend retreat is full of relaxing activities, whether you want to indulge and pamper yourself with spa treatments, kick back at a local brewery for conversation and good food, or find inspiration in nature or art. These nine stress-free Oregon towns for a weekend retreat offer all this and more.