Living in a busy city, you have access to everything you need from art museums to a trendy food scene. However, the daily grind of working and the crowds can start to wear you down. When it’s time to pack up the family and enjoy a brief holiday together, look for a great spot to get away from it all. Oregon vacation rentals range from cabins in the woods to beach cottages with water views to enjoy with your morning coffee. To get you started planning, here’s a list of the seven best weekend getaways from Portland.
1. Brownsville
When you arrive in Brownsville, you might recognize some of the streets and out of the way spots. This town was featured in the iconic movie, “Stand by Me.” Each year on July 23rd, the town celebrates its role in the movie with fun family-orientated activities. Explore the town on foot or bring your bikes and pedal down the country lanes. Take a tour of the Moyer House to learn more about the local history and life in the past. Stroll along Main Street and stop in some of the stores, such as Yankee Dutch Quilting and Living Rock Studios. When you feel your energy begin to wane, head to Divine Coffee and Ice Cream for a recharge.
2. Hood River
Get out on the water when you book a vacation rental in the small town of Hood River. This town sits on the meeting point of the Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge. You can bring your own boat and launch it from one of the launches on the river. In the spring and fall, the Hood River County Fruit Loop – not to be confused with the cereal – makes for a great afternoon of stopping at the local farms to pick up fresh fruits and produce. Your kids will find at least one thing that they can’t live without at G. Williker’s Toy Shoppe. The Crazy Pepper Cantina offers some great Mexican food in a laid-back environment.
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3. Yachats
Yachats is the ultimate small beach town, where your family can fly a kite on the beach on a breezy day or find out what lives in the tide pools. Hiking is popular in the Cape Perpetua area with trails that run through densely forested areas, where you can catch glimpses of the ocean and a couple of lighthouses. Stretch your legs in the downtown area of town and pick up a souvenir to take home at one of the eclectic shops, such as Toad Hall, Dark Water Souvenirs, and Made in Oregon. The Village Bean offers hot and iced coffees to keep your energy levels up or indulge your sweet tooth at the Bread and Roses Bakery.
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4. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is the quintessential Pacific Northwest beach town with its unique stark beauty, unusual rock formations, and cliffs that plunge into the water below. Find a cottage close to the water to spend your days walking on the beach or splashing in the surf. While in town, make sure to check out the Pig ‘N Pancake for at least one breakfast. High Life Adventures is ready to let you see the scenery from a new perspective as you zoom through the sky on a zipline. On a rainy afternoon, stop by the Lost Art of Nursing Museum and take a tour to find out more about nursing as a profession through the ages.
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5. Astoria
Astoria was the first settlement to the west of the Rocky Mountains when European settlers began moving across North America, and the town shares its rich history with visitors. On your first afternoon, climb aboard the Astoria Trolley. This trolley takes you around town, past the waterfront, and by all the major sights in town, making it easier to choose what to do next. With a tour of the Bumble Bee Cannery Museum, your family learns more about the fishing industry and how canning works. The Maritime Museum offers a look at the town’s history as a port town. One of the coolest things about the Oregon Film Museum is that it’s located in an old jail building, however, learning about the history of television and movies is pretty cool too.
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6. Eugene
Enjoy a fun-filled weekend in the city of Eugene and keep everyone in your family amused. The Oregon Air and Space Museum provides a look at the state’s rich aviation history and teaches little ones more about space exploration. Kids play while learning at the Science Factory with its numerous hands-on exhibits and activities. This stop includes a planetarium so that the entire family learns more about the cosmos. Hike at the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, or bring your climbing gear for a day of rock climbing at Skinner Butte Park.
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7. Klamath Falls
Visit one of the towns on the Oregon Trail, and learn its history as a pioneer town. This city also offers an inside look at the Native American culture that existed before settlement. Touring both the Favell Museum and the Klamath County Museum provides you with a look at this history and a variety of artifacts from the past. Let the kids burn off some energy at the Children’s Museum of Klamath Falls with its hands-on learning stations. You can explore the natural beauty of the area with a day hike on the Link River trail.
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