Most Beautiful Small Towns in Oregon You Must Explore

Oregon state is famous for its coastal towns, preserved ancient structures and diverse landscapes. Astoria has gained popularity for its visibility in ‘The Goonies’. In addition it also offers fantastic cuisines and breweries to enjoy. Cannon Beach has its charm of being the best coastal town in Oregon highlighting the Haystack Rock. Moreover Oregon towns are also notable for their downtowns. Walking in the streets of sisters feels less like reality and more like a film location. Similarly towns like Hood River are prominent for their farm-fresh brunches and the presence of soaring peaks of Mount Hood. For more details on the most beautiful small towns in Oregon, keep on reading. 

List of Small towns in Oregon

Astoria

This Town is Oregon’s Oldest City and one of the most famous towns in Oregon among tourists. Astoria in Oregon is situated near the Columbia River. Additionally this town gained its popularity after being featured in ‘The Goonies.’ Also you will find a unique blend of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean in the city of Astoria Oregon.  

Sightseeing

• The Astoria Column which is 125 ft is the landmark Monument of Astoria, standing taller than the trees. 
• Move towards Astoria Downtown for viewing local shops like art galleries, breweries, vintage stalls etc.
• Go for a walk on the trails of the Columbia River. 
• Stroll in Fort Stevens State Park and Lewis & Clark National Historical Park.

Local Dish you can Try

• Fresh local cuisines like Dungeness crab, salmon, and oysters. 
• Grab breweries like Fort George Brewery. 
• Don’t forget the frite & scoop paw-pular for hand-made dog cookies.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach in Oregon is the best coastal town that you will find. With a population of 1500, it is featured as one of the Top Art Towns in the US filled with mesmerising boutiques and galleries. 

Sightseeing

• Check out the iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon which is 235 feet tall and was mentioned in  ‘The Twilight.’ 
• Travelling with family? The Cliffs of Ecola State Park offers a clash of forest and sea. 
• Another famous spot for family outings and picnics is Arcadia Beach where you can go for tide pooling. 

Must-Try Platter

• Satisfy your hunger by pairing Food Trails with Craft Beer Trails in the North Coast. 
• A must-try is Dungeness crab, clam chowder, razor clams and crab pizza from Pizza a’ Fetta. 
• For a proper family restaurant Driftwood restaurant & lounge is a good option. 
• Hay Stack Bread from Cannon Beach Bakery.

Florence

Florence in Oregon is a 1990s-style fishing town situated close to the Siuslaw River. It has earned its title ‘The Coastal Playground of Oregon’ as it has a range of outdoor recreational activities along with coastal fun.

Sightseeing

• Take the elevator down to the largest US sea caves i.e the sea lion caves, Oregon. Also check out the stellar sea lions in the caves. 
• Heceta Head Lighthouse in Florence serves as a great destination for amazing ocean views for swimming and whale watching. 
• The tall Oregon Dunes serve as a popular spot for sandboarding and sand biking. 
• The Cook’s Ridge and Gwynn Greek Hike is another must-visit spot.
• You might also check out the cobra lilies in the Darlingtonia State Natural Site. 

Celebrated Dish

• The best dish that you can have in the city of Florence Oregon is their Bistecca Alla Fiorentina. Best described as a Chianian Beef cooked on charcoal and seasoned just with salt, pepper and olive oil. 
• Other locally loved cuisines are Ribollita, Pappa al Pomodoro, Lampredotto and at last Crostini di Fegato.

Sisters

Sisters’ city Oregon US is named after the three sisters mountains. This is lowkey the best town in Oregon due to its 1880s storefront designs and super clear sky ideal for night sky watching. The largest outdoor quilt show in the world is held here i.e Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Event. Since 1940 the sisters rodeo has been the biggest little show in the world. Both these shows are held in june month.  

Sightseeing

• View peaks from the Dee Wright Observatory situated on McKenzie summit.
• Stroll downtown for boutiques and galleries.
• Waterfalls in proxy trails.
• Biking in the rough terrains of the Peterson Ridge Trail.
• Ski in Mount Hoodoo about 20 miles east. 

Must-Try Dish

• Marionberry Scones,  house-baked pastries and avocado toast from the Sisters’ Coffee Company.
• Grab a delicious Tri-Tip Sandwich from Sisters Meat & Smokehouse. 
• For a family feast, The Open Door Wine Bar is praised by locals for its Seafood Lasagna. 
• Classic-style milkshakes and burgers in Sno Cap Drive-In.

Hood River

The name is derived from the Hood River present in this town. Additionally the tallest peak that you will find in the State is Hood Mountain, Oregon attaining a peak of more than 11000 feet. Sometimes people call Hood River Oregon a port city due to the presence of the Columbia River nearby. In addition if you are planning to stay, Hood River Hotel and Hampton Inn & Suites Hood are the ideal hotels in Hood River for you. 

Sightseeing

• Hood River is referred to as the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Capital of the world. 
• A drive through the Hood River Valley offers views of orchards, wineries, breweries and lavender fields. 
• Ice skating in Oregon Mount Hood.  
• Go for Mount Hood Railroad with family for a relaxed exploration of the town. 
• In addition you will find great trails near the Columbia River Gorge. 
• Schedule an air travel to view Mount Hood from the top. 

Must-try Cuisine

• It is best known for highlighting food items like salmon, Dungeness crab, local craft beers, and fresh seasonal fruits. 
• Salmon cakes, Swedish meatballs and baked eggs in Broder Ost.
• Fluffy Danish Pancakes pockets filled with lemon curd and lingonberry jam.

Yachats

Consider this the best small town in Oregon to live after retirement. Yachats Oregon US has been labelled as the gem of the Oregon coast. This oceanfront town has 1000 residents and gives a village atmosphere despite being a tourist spot. 

Sightseeing

• Amanda Trails will make you familiar with the history of the Yachats tribes. 
• Check out the tide pools and rock formation due to volcanic activity a million years ago. 
• Some of the best spots to view waves are Yachats State Park, Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site and The Overleaf Lodge. 
• Thor’s Well Oregon is a must-visit. This 20 ft hole seems to swallow the Pacific Ocean. 
• Other things that you can do are surfing, Whale Watching, the Devil’s Churn, Spouting Horn and forest bathing. 
• Go for a family trek in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. 

Locally loved Menu

• Feeling hungry? Grab the local famous crab cakes and seafood lasagna from The Drift Inn. 
• Albacore Tuna Fish and Slumgullion at Luna Sea Fish House is a must-try for Family Brunches. 
• The Green Salmon Coffee House is an ideal spot for vegans.

Manzanita

Manzanita Oregon US is a town or you can say a village which has very few people living approximately 500. Despite its small population it is a very beautiful village in Oregon. And why so? Because on one side you will see the Pacific Ocean and in contrast you will also find Neahkahnie Mountain.

Sightseeing

• Travelling with friends? Manzanita offers a variety of activities like surfing, shopping downtown, visiting local boutiques, golf, horse riding, cycling, kite flying etc. 
• Known spots for surfing, swimming and hiking are Manzanita Beach & Oswald West State Park. 
• Nehslem Bay State Park for a horse ride and pine trees. 

Must Try Food in Manzanita Oregon

• Razor Clam chowder at Big Wave Cafe.
• Lemon ricotta pancake & cheesy shrimps in Yolk.
• Grilled fish at the Local San Dunes Pub.
• Vanilla bean ice cream coated on Marionberry pie.

Baker City

This city of Baker City Oregon was named in honour of the only American senator killed in the 1861 Civil War i.e Edward Dickinson Baker. Baker City’s population is a little over 10000. It is distinct from other towns due to its Victorian Downtown views. Additionally it is also referred to as the base camp of eastern Oregon.

Sightseeing

• Go Downtown Bakers for Vintage Stores, Coffee Stalls, historic buildings, Baker City hotels, boutiques and Antique shops. 
• For an ancient feel & 1880s interior the Geiser Grand Hotel is for you. 
• Walk beside the Elkhorn Crest or the Rock Creek Lake or the Powder Lake.

Signature Dish Suggestions

• Sweet Wife Baking(pecan-cinnamon sticky buns & bacon-apple-maple scones).
• Barley Brown’s Brew Pub(beers).
• Diner Classics(Classic American meals like fried chicken with biscuits and gravy).

Joseph

Welcome to Joseph the little Switzerland of Oregon. The best small town in Oregon to visit is Joseph. The population is very small roughly around 1000. In Joseph City Oregon you will get clear lakes overlooking towering hills covered in greenery. Lake Wallowa is a prime location in Joseph.

Sightseeing

• Wallowa Lake Tramway to the Top of Mount Howard.
• Manual or Electric pedal in Joseph Branch Railriders.
• Go camping in the State Park near Wallowa Lake. 
• You will find a handful of local shops, rental cabins and also a marina near the lake. 
• Check out Hells Canyon from Hells Canyon Overlook.
• Have some spare time? Walk in Downtown Joseph Oregon.

Local Eating Spots

• Try the pizzas with whiskey and brews in Embers Brew House.
• Chocolates and Coffees in Arrowheads Chocolate.
• 5 Pound food challenge in The Stubborn Mule Saloon & Steakhouse.

Depoe Bay

Here you will find the world’s tiniest Navigable Harbor. Depoe Bay Oregon has a handful of people residing in it probably 1500 to 2000 making it one of the best small towns in Oregon. Additionally This coast is the whale watching capital of the state.

Sightseeing

• Whale watching from Depoe Bay whale watching centre through binoculars, Depoe bridge or else lease a boat nearby. 
• During low tides enter the Devil’s Punch Bowl accessible directly from the parking. Moreover It has a small opening through which the Pacific waters get inside. 
• Also Catch sea lions chilling in the Basalt rocks near the bay.

Depoe Bay Dining

• Gracie’s Sea Hag 
• The Horn Public House and Brewery(famous for clam chowder & classic fish n chips).
• Tidal Raves Seafood Grill.
• Bay View Thai Kitchen(Thai Spicy Curries and noodles).
• Whale Bite Cafe (excellent for breakfast like a sandwich, burrito, muffin with bacon, eggs).

Comparison Between The Top 10 Towns of Oregon

Luggage Hacks

Oregon weather patterns are very inconsistent. Hence you cannot rely on the weather forecast. The climate is very erratic. So we suggest you pack for all seasons in case of any unexpected situation.

Accessories to grab: casuals for eating and shopping. Take fast-drying synthetic materials, waterproof jackets, Clothes to protect from cold, Sports shoes and sandals. 

Tools to take: Big torch, quick snack items, waterbottle, Suncream, UV glass, Bug repellent.

Essential tips: Keep cash handy. Pre-reserve your stays. If you are planning to visit the national historical sites and state parks in Oregon, get your parking permits from the Oregon State Parks page online. 

Conclusion

These are the best small towns in Oregon to check out when on vacation. Along the coast of these towns, you will find many eating spots providing fresh meals. We have also provided a detailed comparison of all these towns. For easy transportation and navigation across Oregon towns book your charter bus in Oregon. Safe Travels.