As I stood with the mossy woods surrounding me and the pale blue ocean ahead, I thought to myself “when I die, this is where I want to be”. I had found my new favorite place on earth that I’m sure many others have thought the same. The way the sandy beach lays between the forest, it creates a sound proof-like environment that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a good dream. Part of me wants to be selfish and keep it all to myself but for others to experience the same feeling might honestly be life changing. Below you’ll find the perfect itinerary for 1 weekend in Oregon!
Where to Stay: 1 Weekend in Oregon
We loved staying in this Airbnb in Portland! It was in a great neighborhood that was walking distance to many restaurants & coffee shops. The owner was incredibly nice and accommodating! PLUS this is where my true love for bidets began… I’ll never forget walking into the bathroom in the middle of the night and seeing the heated toilet seat glowing against its porcelain rim. I’ve since been saving up to buy the same bidet for my own home, IYKYK!
Airbnb: Sunny-Side Stay
Other recommendations:
Hotel: Hi-Lo Hotel – Also has a great restaurant in the lobby! If you don’t stay here at least go to CraftPDX for brunch.
Tiny Home: Tiny Digs (Hotel of Tiny Houses)
Day 1:
It should be noted, I like to spend the first day somewhere new getting to know the surrounding area before traveling out too far! There is lots to do in Portland but this guide is how to make the most of a weekend there so I’m going to share what I think are places you MUST go this time around:
Grab Breakfast/Lunch at Jam on Hawthorne: This was our first stop of our trip – DELICIOUS local food that is “Portland’s Best Breakfast”.
- The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum: We had actually just stumbled across this place and was glad we did, it was…interesting. It’s $10 for a ticket (or $7 on Tuesdays). It made us laugh and feel a little creeped out all at once!
-
Powell’s City of Books: the largest used and new bookstore in the world!
Multnomah Falls: If you don’t do anything on this list please at least go to Multnomah Falls! It’s about a 30 minute drive outside of the city and completely worth the mini road trip to go see. The waterfall is accessible without a hike to see it. If you’re able to, take the hike up to the top of the waterfall (2.4 miles roundtrip) to catch some incredible views.
Day 2:
Since this itinerary is for 1 Weekend in Oregon, use this day as your full day to explore a little further than Portland!
On your way out of town, grab some coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Belmont. If you stay at the Airbnb I recommended, this coffee shop is right down the street!
Today you’re going to head to the coast! Your first stop is a 2 hour road-trip to Seaside Beach.
- Seaside Beach: A beautiful spot to get lunch and step foot on the beach.
NEXT - Drive 15 minutes south to…
- Cannon Beach: Haystack Rock (pictured below) was the biggest motivator for me to want to visit the Oregon coast. I had seen pictures of Cannon Beach and immediately knew I had to go there someday. On our walk down to the Cannon Beach access point, we stopped in at the Bald Eagle Coffee House to grab a coffee and view the art gallery.
NEXT - Drive another 15 minutes south to…
- Short Sand Beach: Remember the experience I described at the beginning of this post? This is the beach that did it for me. This is the place I imagine heaven looks / feels like. It is a short hike through the dark mossy trees from the main parking lot of Oswald West State Park. At the end of the trail the trees open up to soft tan sand and crashing ocean waves.
NEXT - Drive a tiny bit further south to…
- Manzanita: To complete your stretch along the coast today, stop in the little beach town of Manzanita.
To head back to Portland, you’ll drive back the same way you arrived. You’ll go up north passing all the stops you made along the way before heading east to Portland.
Additionally, on your way home, stop at VooDoo Doughnuts and Bluestar Doughnuts! You’ll understand once you get there. Let us know which one you liked better!
Day 3:
Day three is your last day in Portland, if your flight isn’t until later in the day then here’s the perfect half day itinerary.
- Hike to The Witches Castle: This is a .5 mile hike to see the stone structure aka the “Witches Castle”. It is a somewhat steep hike but it is very short.
- Visit Portland Japanese Garden: 5.5 acres of gorgeous landscaping! Adult tickets are about $22.
and/or
- Visit Pittock Mansion: if you love history and mansions visit the Pittock Mansion! Tickets are about $15.
Below you’ll find a short video previewing our girl’s trip to Oregon! I hope it inspires you to travel and use this guide while exploring.
