9 Most Breathtaking Towns In Oregon

A drive through Oregon's small towns, coastal highways, and mountain passes includes scenery like sea lions at Gazebo Park and one of the best viewpoints on the coast at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. You can even climb a giant sand dune for unbelievable views of the ocean in Pacific City. Its beauty isn't limited to the outdoors, either. Baker City is home to the Geiser Grand Hotel, dating back to the late 19th century, with crystal chandeliers to match. All of these small towns offer something a little bit unique, and each is a source of pride for the locals who call these sweet spots home.

Cottage Grove

Known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the West," Cottage Grove is home to six covered bridges, two of which are walkable directly from downtown. To see the rest, a short drive from town along the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route is well worth the time. While it is the bridges that draw most visitors to Cottage Grove, time spent wandering downtown is a must, too. The walkable Main Street is lined with 20th-century brick facades housing unique shops like 5 Flying Monkeys, selling vintage treasures, and lively pubs like the Axe and Fiddle. A few blocks from Main Street, visit the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum, housed in a historic red barn, for some local history related to the gold rush era.

Pacific City

The name says it all when it comes to Pacific City, which offers dramatic ocean views alongside striking coastal formations like Chief Kiwanda Rock and the Cape Kiwanda headland, both easily viewed from Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. Pair that with the image of the dory boats launching directly from the beach, and it is the coastal landscape that draws visitors to this small town. While Pacific City does not have a typical downtown area, there is still plenty to do. Along Cape Kiwanda Drive, stop by the Pelican Brewing Company for a beachfront craft brewing and dining experience. On Brooten Road, visit the popular Pacific Coast Candy, specializing in vintage sweet treats and retro candies. And stay in a cottage at the Anchorage Motel to be within walking distance of the beach.

Sisters

The small town of Sisters feels like an escape to the Wild West, minus the outlaws. While not an authentic pioneer settlement, the downtown shops sport 1880s-era facades required by a local city ordinance. This unique architectural theme gives visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the past. To add to the atmosphere, there are several stores that keep up with the theme. Dixie's sells high-end western wear, and Mountain View Ranch Vintage features western art and accessories, as well as home decor and vintage clothing. Stay at Sisters Bunkhouse in the downtown area for rustic-chic accommodations close to everything. For a treat from a different era, stop by Sno Cap Drive-In for old-fashioned milkshakes and burgers.

Florence

Florence is a small town with a little bit of everything, so it suits all different kinds of travelers. On the coast, you will find the towering sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. In the historic downtown area, you will find the local culture and history. Visit the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum to learn about the history of Florence, look for sea lions in the Siuslaw River from the Gazebo Park, and enjoy fresh seafood with waterfront dining at the Waterfront Depot Restaurant. At the end of the day, stay cliffside in a real lightkeeper's cottage and stroll to the still-operating lighthouse in the evening at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, about 12 miles north of town.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a mining town founded in the 1850s after gold was found right in the town at Rich Gulch, a historic gold mining site. The downtown area has been preserved well and features historic 19th-century brick and Victorian structures housing museums, hotels, shops, and restaurants within a highly walkable area. The main street in the downtown area is California Street, and everything you need is right there. Stay at the Jacksonville Inn, which is housed in a building that was built in 1861. Visit the Bella Union Restaurant & Saloon, which is housed in a building dating back to 1874, for award-winning patio dining. And visit the Beekman Bank and Beekman House Museum to explore this historic town's history.

Astoria

History is alive in the little town of Astoria, where hillside Victorian architecture defines the skyline. The most recognized of them is the Flavel House Museum, built in 1884-1885 and open to visitors today. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn about this history and get to see a historic floating lighthouse, the Lightship Columbia. After, visit the most prominent structure in the town, the Astoria Column. Climbing it is free, though the parking lot charges a per-vehicle fee, and the observation deck offers 360-degree views of the area. The Oregon Film Museum is also a fun stop. Housed in the historic Clatsop County Jail building from 1914, it offers a look into the town's movie history, including its role in the ever-popular movie, The Goonies.

Baker City

History seeps through the very crevices of the sidewalks in Baker City's historic downtown. Well-preserved Victorian architecture lines the streets, and historic storefronts now house thriving craft breweries, art galleries, locally owned eateries, and specialty shops. At the heart of it all stands the famous Geiser Grand Hotel that dates back to 1889 and still invites guests to marvel at its crystal chandeliers and museum-worthy antiques. Aside from that, the downtown area has over 100 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among them is the Leo Adler House, constructed in 1889, which now houses the Adler House Museum. Visit the Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, located in a restored Carnegie Library building, to add a little culture to a tour of this historic city. Before leaving, stop at Copper Belt Wines for tastings and a little something to take home.

Mt. Angel

Stepping into Mt. Angel feels like crossing into Europe, where deep Swiss and German heritage shape a Bavarian-style village. There are plenty of ways to explore this heritage. A stroll through these quaint streets will bring you to The Glockenspiel and the Mt. Angel Sausage Company, a Bavarian restaurant and European market. The biggest annual event in the town is the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, held in September, where German culture is celebrated with a four-day festival. The Mount Angel Abbey, founded in 1882, is a testament to the town's Swiss heritage. It can be seen sitting serenely on a hilltop from town and welcomes visitors as well.

Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay's claim to fame is being the "Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast," and its coastal views are hard to beat. But after a day of seeing these majestic creatures in nature on a tour with Tradewinds Charters or another local whale watching company, the downtown area is worth a visit, too. It sits right alongside the Pacific Ocean, and what better place to indulge in some fresh seafood? Gracie's Sea Hag serves up award-winning clam chowder, and The Sticks hand-batters its fish and chips and serves fish and spiral-cut potatoes on a stick. Stay at the Whale Cove Inn, about a mile from downtown, for panoramic views of the sea and Whale Cove.

The Small-Town Side Of Oregon

Oregon's small towns prove that no two corners of the state are alike. You can catch coastal views in one spot and step back in time to the Old West in another. Every stop brings a completely unique experience, kept alive by the friendly locals who call these communities home. Cottage Grove's covered bridges and Baker City's Victorian storefronts sit hundreds of miles apart, but each one rewards those who choose to step off the beaten path.