Things to Do in Oregon

Plan the perfect family summer getaway on the Oregon Coast. Discover kid-friendly beaches, the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s new Amazon exhibit, and family activities from Seaside to Newport. Book a Meredith Lodging vacation rental for your coastal adventure.

America turns 250 in 2026. Find the best July 4th fireworks, parades, and family events on the Oregon Coast and Central Oregon. Plus book a Meredith Lodging vacation rental with exclusive specials.

Floating the Deschutes River through Bend is a quintessential June experience. With spring-fed water levels at 50–55°F and sunny 70–80°F air, conditions are ideal for a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drift from Riverbend Park to Drake Park. Watch osprey dive for trout as you float past volcanic cliffs and ponderosa pines. This guide from Meredith Lodging’s local Central Oregon experts covers the best put-in and take-out points, tube rentals (Sun Country Tours, Tumalo Creek), essential packing (water shoes, sunscreen, dry bag), safety rules (life jackets required for kids under 13), and where to stay after your float. Your Bend summer adventure starts here.

June is Bend’s sweet spot: sunny 70s, cool nights, and summer energy without peak crowds. Float the Deschutes River (refreshing at 50°F), hike Pilot Butte at sunrise, bike the famed Phil’s Trail network, or ride the Mt. Bachelor scenic lift. Enjoy al fresco dining on Crux’s lawn or 10 Barrel’s rooftop, then catch live music at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Day trip to Smith Rock before July heat or explore Lava Lands. As local Central Oregon experts, Meredith Lodging delivers the definitive June itinerary—river floats, patios, trails, and the perfect vacation rental to return to after a high-desert day.

June transforms Bend into a cycling paradise with dry singletrack, 74°F highs, and 15+ hours of daylight. From mountain biking at IMBA Gold-level Phil’s Trailhead and the thrilling Wanoga-to-Funner descent to family-friendly paved Deschutes River Trail and unique Lava River cinder path, Bend has it all. Road cyclists can tackle the challenging Cascade Lakes Highway or scenic McMenamins-to-Smith Rock route. As local Central Oregon experts, Meredith Lodging shares the seven best trails for June—organized by skill level with directions, distances, and insider tips. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, find your perfect ride and ideal vacation rental for a two-wheeled getaway.

Depoe Bay is the whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast and the perfect base for exploring five incredible state parks within a 30‑minute drive. June offers long days, smaller crowds, and vibrant coastal greenery. From Boiler Bay’s resident gray whales and tide pools to Fogarty Creek’s sheltered family‑friendly beach, and from Devil’s Punchbowl’s dramatic sea cave to Cape Foulweather’s 500‑foot panoramas, each park delivers a unique experience. Whether you’re after sunset photography, tide pooling, or easy trails, this guide by Meredith Lodging’s local experts provides driving times, insider tips, and June conditions to help you plan the perfect day trip.

March reveals the Oregon Coast at its most dramatic and authentic. From powerful surf and migrating gray whales to uncrowded beaches and local coastal towns, this guide explains what first-time visitors can truly expect when traveling the coast in early spring.

Ring in New Year’s Eve 2025 along the Oregon Coast with scenic beaches, festive dining, cozy rentals, and charming coastal towns. Explore lively celebrations, peaceful getaways, and winter events across Lincoln City, Newport, Cannon Beach, Pacific City, and more for an unforgettable holiday weekend.

Skip the cooking and celebrate Thanksgiving by the sea. From Cannon Beach to Yachats, the Oregon Coast offers festive feasts, ocean views, and cozy fireplaces. Enjoy seafood-inspired menus, traditional favorites, and fewer crowds as you savor a stress-free holiday surrounded by crashing waves and coastal charm.

August on the Oregon Coast pulses with energy – think sandcastle masterpieces, parades, beach volleyball, live music, and finish-line cheers. Whether you’re chasing events or coastal serenity, this guide helps you plan it all. With Meredith Lodging’s comfy stays nearby, you’ll be steps from the fun and sunsets worth staying out for.

Discover quiet Oregon Coast beaches perfect for couples, from peaceful stretches near Gleneden Beach and Neskowin to scenic escapes in Manzanita, Gearhart, and Seal Rock.

Plan an unforgettable August escape with an Oregon Coast sunset rental. Discover the best areas for ocean views, what makes a rental truly oceanfront, and tips for enjoying long summer evenings by the beach.

The Oregon Coast Food & Wine Celebration returns July 18, 2026 in Coos Bay. Enjoy Oregon wines, craft beers, fresh seafood, and chef demonstrations. Book a Meredith Lodging vacation rental for the perfect coastal culinary getaway.

Explore the best wildlife watching in Central Oregon this July. Spot elk, bald eagles, osprey, deer, and more along the Metolius River, Deschutes River, Smith Rock, and other top viewing areas. Plan an unforgettable outdoor adventure with comfortable vacation rentals close to nature.

Discover the best Oregon Coast sunsets in spring, with top viewpoints, travel tips, and scenic beaches from Cannon Beach to Pacific City and Neskowin.

Looking for the perfect Central Oregon escape? Discover why cabin rentals near Bend, Oregon are ideal for spring travel, offering privacy, scenery, and comfort.

Planning a trip to Sunriver, Oregon? Discover the best neighborhoods to stay in, what each area offers, and how to choose the right vacation rental for your April getaway.

Plan your April whale watching trip along the Central Oregon Coast. Discover top viewing spots from Depoe Bay to Yachats, plus where to stay nearby for the best experience.

March is one of the best months to enjoy the Oregon Coast on foot. With fewer crowds, dramatic spring light, and firm, walkable beaches, these easy coastal walks offer relaxed exploration for every age and pace, from Lincoln City to Rockaway Beach.

February is peak winter in Bend. Learn what snow conditions really feel like day to day, how to plan around storms, and how to enjoy a safe, cozy Central Oregon stay.

A quiet look at Sunriver’s winter boardwalks, where frost lines, pale light, and morning silence create fleeting patterns worth slowing down for.

Explore Bend’s best easy winter walks, featuring flat snow paths, clear river loops, and gentle 30-minute routes. Perfect for seniors, families, and relaxed winter days, these walks offer scenic views and effortless outdoor time – no hiking or steep climbs required.

Experience the Oregon Coast like a local during winter, when storm watching, quiet beaches, forest trails, tidepools, and seasonal seafood define the season. This guide highlights the best towns, viewpoints, activities, and cozy vacation rentals to help travelers enjoy the coast’s most atmospheric and peaceful months.

Plan an unforgettable Oregon Highway 101 road trip with this guide to scenic coastal stops, charming beach towns, lighthouses, tidepools, and travel tips. From Astoria to Brookings, discover where to stop, what to see, and how to make the most of one of America’s most iconic coastal drives.