Vacation Rentals in Oregon

Oregon's cuisine shows distinctive influences from Asian and Native American traditions, and can be lumped under Pacific Northwest cuisine in general. Pick up some takeaway to enjoy in your Oregon vacation rental at the food carts serving ethnic fusions such as sushi rolls, bulgogi burritos and Japanese-style hot dogs. Chefs love fresh produce, and recipes often feature wild mushrooms, berries, tiny fruits, potatoes, moose, elk, and seafood. Oregon's Pinot Noirs and liquors distilled from regional produce are a must try!

Thanks to its geography, Oregon enjoys a mild climate. Though nights can be chilly and damp, days are often sunny and warm. Winter and spring deliver the lowest temperatures and plenty of precipitation, but temperatures rarely drop far below freezing. The semi-arid eastern part of the state receives relatively no snowfall, while the Cascade mountains offer ski resorts!

Oregon summers are long, sunny, and dry. During these months, cool air from the Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures moderate throughout most parts of the state. Fall foliage is lovely in the Pacific Northwest, and Oregon is no exception. Fall is a great time to visit thanks to these picturesque changes to the landscape.

Oregon leaves visitors with many choices when it comes to nature trails, state parks, and monuments. Plan a visit to the imposing Crater Lake National Park which houses the world's deepest lake above sea level. Mount Bachelor during winter is perfect for skiing, sledding and snow shoeing. Visitors to Mount Bachelor often stay in Bend, enjoying its attractions such as the High Desert Museum, the Historic Tower Theater and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The nearby Deschutes River will please anglers with its fishing opportunities.

Portland, Oregon is one of the nation's most culturally forward cities. Monthly art walks, ethnic graffiti, and eclectic galleries draw fans of visual arts from around the globe. Portland is also home to numerous festivals, including an annual Jazz Fest, several international film festivals, and the Oregon Eclipse, a week long hippie gathering. Make the most of this plethora of activity with a vacation rental within Portland's city limits.

Fans of Native American art and culture need look no further than Oregon. Several powwows are held throughout the year, and there is even a native salmon festival. Traditional and contemporary exhibits are popular, and the Oregon History Museum offers some of the nation's finest. The Warm Springs Reservation has a fascinating museum and is without a doubt the best place to shop for crafts and souvenirs.

1. Oregon Zoo

Kids will love a visit to the Oregon Zoo. It is divided into five major zones, namely Great Northwest, Elephant Lands, Amur Cats, Africa Savanna, and Africa Rainforest, each enclosing animal species of the region it represents. There is also a Penguinarium where your little ones will be delighted to see the grey gulls and Inca terns.

2. The Oregon Museum of Science

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the perfect place for children to learn in a fun way. The young minds can experience the beauty of natural science, industry, and technology through the shows held in three large auditoriums, the planetarium, and a theatre.

3. Sea Lion Caves

The Sea Lion Caves, on Oregon’s Coast, is one of North America’s largest network of caves and caverns that is the natural habitat of these magnificent animals. You can observe the sea lions from a close distance, though be warned their barking can get a bit loud. However, children usually don’t seem to mind.

4. Oregon Coast Aquarium

Another place to see the sea lions is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Be captivated by a fascinating array of marine life with a walk through the submerged tunnels here. The Aviary exhibit on the premises is where your kids can see cute puffins and other seabirds.

5. Winston Wildlife Safari Park

The 600-acre Wildlife Safari Park in Winston, Oregon, is home to a diverse species of animals that wander around freely in the premises. You can drive down a 4.5-mile road to see lions, cheetahs, maned wolves, and African elephants roaming freely on the grasslands.

Home to mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, and a long coastline, Oregon is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Campers, hikers, and climbers can get away from it all on Mt. Hood, one of the nation's highest peaks. To the east, high plains and desert make up more of the landscape and are perfect for wildlife viewing, stargazing, and photography. Oregon is also home to Crater Lake, the nation's deepest inland body of water. The park makes an outstanding day trip from the city of Bend.

The Oregon coast is a dazzling wilderness of beaches, rainforests, and rivers. Fishermen flock to the Tilamook coast every fall for the world famous salmon run. Halibut, steelhead, bass, and trout can be caught year-round. Kayaking, whale watching, parasailing, scuba diving, and more are possible during warmer months, as well. Adventurous visitors can even try their hand at self-guided ATV and sandbuggy adventures in the Oregon Dunes recreational area.

The Portland International Film Festival takes place in February and is a must for movie fans with its range of documentaries as well as foreign films. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival that runs from February to October rolls out an impressive series of theatrical productions. Oregon cherishes its flowers as seen by May's Mother's Day Rhododendron Show, and June's Portland Rose Festival, which also features starlight parades and dragon boat races.

Summer is no doubt the best time to book a cabin in Oregon, as festival season is in full swing: there's Sandcastle Day, Britt Festivals of Performing Arts, the Oregon Bach Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival among many others. The year closes on a dreamy note with November's Vacation Lights and Open House at Shore Acres State Park along the coastal cliffs. Bring the year to a close at the Vacation Parade of Ships in December, a traditional event that celebrates Oregon's maritime heritage.

Oregon State Capitol

Situated in Salem, this striking building is home to the state government. The grounds are perfect for a casual stroll and feature fountains, artworks and various flora of the state.

Salem's Riverfront Carousel

This exquisite carousel was hand-carved by volunteers and is designed in the classic style. Pick up a memento in the adjacent gift shop.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Located in Astoria, this maritime museum houses US lifeboats, parts of boats destroyed in WW2 and two gillnetter vessels.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Escape from Oregon's cities and view the stunning landscapes surrounding this canyon. A popular recreational destination, it is perfect for hikes, picnics and water sports.

Crater Lake National Park

Named after the lake formed by a collapsed volcano, this National Park is in the Cascade Mountains. If you're daring enough to hike to the peaks, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.