Ideal Summer Destinations in Oregon

Many towns and cities across Oregon are ideal summer destinations, whether due to their coastal beauty, world-class hiking trails, or spectacular seasonal celebrations. Let’s look at some of the top towns to visit this summer in Oregon.

This quiet and charming town in the heart of Oregon wine country is a great getaway option for vacationers in the know. Wineries surround Newberg and welcome visitors for engaging tastings. The picturesque and historic downtown is home to art galleries, restaurants, and wine stores, and you’ll find great museums there as well. Newberg’s location along the Willamette River further adds to its summer appeal as a hotspot for canoers, kayakers, and anglers.

Bend is a stunning city and all-season outdoor haven, with a renowned food scene, a variety of museums, and a vibrant downtown. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes River, and the Deschutes National Forest, Bend is a nature lover’s playground. There are endless ways to enjoy the summer in Bend. For example, visitors can hike through the mountains, cycle along well-maintained trails, paddleboard in alpine lakes, or fly fish in its rushing rivers. 

Klamath Falls is a small and quiet town in Southern Oregon surrounded by scenic bodies of water, including the Klamath River, Lake Ewauna, and the expansive Upper Klamath Lake. The town attracts many visitors seeking to enjoy its vast forests and warm summer weather, as well as its terrific boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation opportunities. Klamath Falls also boasts renowned golf courses and a charming downtown lined with historical buildings. Furthermore, Crater Lake, one of Oregon’s most famous natural sites, is only a short day trip away.

McMinnville is a pleasant community in the Willamette Valley along the Yamhill River. It is a crucial part of Oregon wine country, which is world-renowned for its Pinot Noir. Touring the numerous vineyards around McMinnville is a popular summer activity, but this charming city has plenty more to offer. Its historic downtown with brick buildings and farm-to-table restaurants appeals to foodies, and the city’s museums and major water park ensure it is a family-friendly destination with something for everyone.

Sisters is a tiny city near Bend immersed in Oregon’s natural beauty. With a population of around 3,000 residents, this quiet town emerges as a popular tourist destination thanks to its incredible Cascade Mountain scenery and the vast surrounding Deschutes National Forest. During the summer, Suttle Lake in Deschutes National Forest offers an idyllic setting for camping and fishing. However, the main highlight of the season is the Sisters Rodeo, an exciting June event that brings thousands to the city for three days of fun.

Depoe Bay, nestled along the rugged cliffs on the coast, is a dream summer vacation spot with a quaint town area, beaches, and nearby wineries. Despite its small size, this community attracts many visitors who flock there to experience one of the state’s best whale-watching destinations. Gray whales, orcas, humpback whales, and even blue whales can be spotted in the Pacific Ocean bordering Depoe Bay.