12 Best Oregon Towns To Visit In 2025
Oregon is a state of contrasts, where high desert landscapes meet forests, and rugged coastlines give way to charming small towns. Whether it’s the dramatic coastal beauty of Cannon Beach and Brookings, the outdoor thrills of Hood River and Redmond, or the rich culinary scene of McMinnville and Tillamook, these destinations capture the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
From Happy Valley’s growing food scene to the vineyards of McMinnville, these towns buzz with local character, natural beauty, and experiences you won’t forget. No matter what kind of adventure you seek, these top 12 Oregon towns to visit in 2025 are the perfect escape from places like Eugene.
Sisters
Just 30 minutes from Bend, Sisters is a small town that captures the essence of the Oregon high desert with its Western charm and the towering Three Sisters Mountains. Around 260 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the Deschutes National Forest, delivering breathtaking views of alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and dense pine forests. The Metolius River flows nearby, attracting anglers from all over for its pristine waters and fly fishing opportunities.
The downtown area preserves the Old West aesthetic with wooden boardwalks, rustic storefronts, and locally owned shops selling handmade crafts, leather goods, and regional artwork. The Sisters Coffee Company, a cozy café with a loyal following, serves some of the best coffee in Central Oregon. Some of the flavors to try are Bourbon Coffee Latte and Matcha Latte. Art lovers will appreciate the many galleries, including Hood Avenue Art, which features fine paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. In July 2025, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show will once again transform the town into a vibrant display of color, with thousands of quilts draped over buildings and outdoor exhibits.
Tillamook
Tillamook is worth savoring for its dairy heritage, stunning ocean views, and outdoor adventures. The Tillamook Creamery is the heart of the town’s food culture, offering visitors a chance to watch the cheese-making process, sample fresh dairy products, and enjoy a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, 40+ vendors make Tillamook’s bustling farmers market a hidden gem where visitors can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods. The town’s maritime history comes to life at the Tillamook Air Museum, housed in one of the biggest wooden structures worldwide, where vintage aircraft, including Mig-17 and A-7 Corsair ll, and aviation artifacts take visitors on a special walkthrough.
A short drive from town, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, at 200 feet from sea level, provides breathtaking ocean vistas, rugged cliffs, and the historic 1890s Cape Meares Lighthouse, a must-visit. Alternatively, 40 miles of the Three Capes Scenic Route takes travelers along some of the most beautiful stretches of the Oregon Coast. There are opportunities to stop at secluded beaches, towering sea stacks, and overlooks, including Cape Lookout.
Redmond
Redmond sits near the Smith Rock State Park, a world-famous destination for rock climbing, hiking, and photography. Nearly 300 feet in elevation and 650+ acres, the park is a draw for slacklining, trail running, and horseback rides. Furthermore, Dry Canyon Park is right in town with an almost 8-mile walking trail, picnic spots, pickle ball, fountains, and a dog park.
Wild Ride Brewing, a popular downtown brewery, serves craft beers in a lively outdoor space with food carts and live music. On July 26, visitors would see the annual Redmond Brewfest and Night Glow once again bring together craft beer lovers for a weekend of tastings, food pairings, illuminated balloons, and live entertainment in 2025. The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is another must-visit event, presenting carnival rides, rodeo competitions, and agricultural showcases from July 30 to August 3rd this year.
Brookings
Brookings calls out with its mild climate along the Wild Rivers coastline. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch of beautiful coastline, is a highlight with its secluded beaches, sea stacks, and viewpoints like Arch Rock and Natural Bridges. Then, there is the Harris Beach State Park, boasting tide pools teeming with marine life, sandy shores, and some of the best sunset views.
The Manley Art Center leads the art culture in Brookings. It workshops year-round and also the 2nd Saturday Art Walk. The Azalea Park covers 33-acre gardens with rhododendrons, azaleas, and seasonal flower displays, rightly being the town's "Crown Jewel." This Memorial Day weekend will feature the theme "Expect the Unexpected" for the 2025 Azalea Festival. It promises to be a delightful occasion with a street market, a parade, concerts in Azalea Park, and a dance party.
Newport
Along the central Oregon coast, Newport is famed for the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a world-class marine center. You can have a field day with underwater tunnels, interactive exhibits, and close encounters with sea otters, sharks, and puffins. The town’s historic Bayfront is lined with seafood restaurants, fishing boats, and unique shops, where visitors can watch sea lions lounging on the docks.
The Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon’s tallest and most iconic lighthouse, gives panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal cliffs. South Beach State Park is a quieter experience for hiking, crabbing, disc golfing, surfing, and boating. Camping is also a major event throughout the year with RV sites, tents, and yurts.
Seaside
Seaside is one of Oregon’s most classic beach towns. The town’s iconic Seaside Promenade extends 1.5 miles along the ocean, providing sunset views and easy access to the shores. At the heart of town, the Seaside Aquarium lets visitors get up close with marine life, including the famous harbor seals that eagerly interact with guests. The nearby Lewis and Clark Salt Works is a small but historically significant site where the famed explorers processed salt during their journey west in the 1850s.
Broadway Street, the town’s lively main drag, is lined with arcades, candy shops, and local eateries. You do not want to miss Phillips Candies, whipping their crazy saltwater taffy since the late 1890s. The Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament will once again draw athletes and spectators for a weekend of competition on the sand in August 2025.
Yachats
Yachats, right between the Siuslaw National Forest and the Pacific Ocean, promises a slower pace of life. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is the town’s glory. You can admire the dramatic Spouting Horn and the mesmerizing Thor’s Well, where waves cascade into a natural rock basin and 26+ miles of forested trails.
The town itself has a charming main street with art galleries, coffee shops, and family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood. No place does it better than the Luna Sea Fish House, where you can just grab a beer and sit in a rustic venue. Options go from grilled to steams to chowder to fish and chips. Yachats Celtic Music Festival is a big deal in town, celebrating traditional Irish and Scottish tunes. Early November 2025 is when you can enjoy the live performances, dance, and workshops.
Prineville
As the oldest city in Central Oregon, Prineville carries a rich history while embracing the future with a thriving tech industry. Outdoor lovers will find no shortage of adventure at the Ochoco National Forest. The Steins Pillar Trail presents a rewarding 4-mile hike leading to a towering 350-foot rock formation. Big Summit Prairie, a hidden beauty within the forest, bursts into a wildflower paradise in the spring. Meanwhile, the deep blue waters of Prineville Reservoir State Park are ideal for bass and trout fishing, and Jasper Point Campground has more than 25 lakeside camping under the star-filled desert sky.
Prineville’s local flavors shine at Dillon’s Grill, a laid-back eatery known for its juicy BBQ bacon burger and hand-cut fries. The Tastee Treet, a retro-style drive-in, serves classic soft-serve ice cream and the best milkshakes in town. Prineville’s small-town spirit radiates during the annual Crooked River Roundup. Held in July 2025, this rodeo and horse racing event brings the people together for days of thrilling competition and barbeque.
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is a refreshing and exciting getaway in Oregon 13 miles from Portland. The Happy Valley Station is a vibrant food cart pod, best an array of cuisines. From 45 tap beers at 30 Taps to authentic Thai dishes at Thai Sunflowers, the station is a food lover haven. Another great dining spot is Valley Public House, with craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and a cozy atmosphere.
Hood View Park is a 35-acre top-tier sports complex with beautiful fields and playgrounds. Alternatively, summer is the time for outdoor movie nights and community events at Green Valley Park. One of the highlights of 2025 will be the Happy Valley Summer Concert Series, a popular event featuring live music in Village Green Park. Taking place in August, this free concert series brings local and national artists together for evenings of great music and food trucks under the open sky.
Hood River
Hood River is an essential stop on any Oregon adventure. The Columbia River Gorge has some outstanding trails, like the iconic Eagle Creek Trail, where you will cover forest to basalt cliffs. Another favorite is the Mosier Plateau Trail, a 3.5-mile trek leading to stunning views of the Columbia River and seasonal wildflowers. Water lovers will find endless opportunities at the Hood River Waterfront Park. This spot is perfect for windsurfing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
No visit to Hood River is complete without exploring its renowned craft beverage scene. The Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile drive, takes visitors through orchards, wineries, and cider houses. Stop at The Gorge White House for fresh pear cider or visit Double Mountain Brewery for a locally loved Vaporizer Pale Ale. And if you make a trip to the town in October 2025, then the Hood River Hops Fest is the thing to look out for. This beloved event celebrates fresh hop beers from more than 30 of Oregon’s top breweries.
McMinnville
McMinnville is a Willamette Valley gem proud of its top-notch wineries. Coleman Vineyards spreads around 13 acres and has been pouring the best Pinots since the 1990s. Another name in the category is Eyrie Vineyards, which also takes on cellar tours. Downtown McMinnville’s Third Street is a walkable stretch for award-winning restaurants. 1882 Grille has a rooftop scene and delicacies like Brie-Zza and Salmon. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Serendipity Ice Cream charms with seasonal flavors of gelatos and ice creams, with a piano player in the background.
McMinnville has a surprising aviation legacy, best showcased at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Home to Howard Hughes’ legendary Spruce Goose, this museum is a must-visit for history and aerospace enthusiasts. Adjacent to the museum is Wings & Waves Waterpark, a striking magnet featuring a Boeing 747 perched on the roof, with water slides that drop from the plane itself. McMinnville’s liveliest event of 2025 will be the UFO Festival in May. Inspired by a famous 1950s UFO sighting in the area, this quirky celebration includes a quirky parade, guest speakers, and an array of alien-themed festivities.
Cannon Beach
You can choose between strolling the beach, exploring tide pools, or discovering local galleries in Cannon Beach. The town’s star attraction is Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack that rises dramatically from the shore. At low tide, the surrounding tide pools reveal a colorful world of sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs, while tufted puffins nest on the rock’s ledges from spring to early summer. The next outworldly destination is Ecola State Park, where the Clatsop Loop Trail leads through Sitka spruce forests to an overlook where Lewis and Clark’s expedition once stood.
Downtown Cannon Beach is full of charm. Icefire Glassworks is a must-see, where visitors can watch skilled artisans create beautiful hand-blown glass pieces. For a bite to eat, head to The Wayfarer Restaurant, which serves lip-smacking seafood with an unbeatable view of Haystack Rock—don’t miss their Dungeness crab cakes. The annual Sandcastle Contest, a tradition dating back to 1964, is an absolute delight. Artists and families will create intricate sand sculptures along the beach, competing for prizes while thousands of spectators gather to admire their work in June'25.
The diverse landscapes and rich culture of Oregon come alive in its small towns. Whether you crave adventure, history, coastal beauty, or world-class food and wine, these twelve towns promise unforgettable experiences in the United States. For outdoor enthusiasts, Sisters delivers rugged trails and starry night skies, while Redmond is an adrenaline hub with rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park. Cannon Beach’s iconic Haystack Rock and Seaside’s nostalgic boardwalk capture the magic of the Pacific. Whether you’re sipping Pinot Noir, hiking a mountain trail, or watching waves crash on a rugged shore, these are the top Oregon towns to visit in 2025.
