Life in Portland Blog

Our favorite Portland Area Weekend Getaways

Portland, is a vibrant city with so much to offer, however, we all need to get away for the weekend and explore the surrounding areas sometimes. In this blog, we will share some of our favorite weekend getaways near Portland for epic adventures or much needed R&R.

Hood River

Just over an hour away from Portland, Hood River is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone just needing a break from city life. Famous for its wind surfing conditions, it also offers hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the Columbia River Gorge. If you plan to stay overnight, try staying in central Hood River at the Horsefeather hotel, or cross the bridge into Bingen, Washington to enjoy a fantastic food scene and the beautiful and relaxing Society Hotel.

Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a scenic two-hour drive from Portland, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The small towns along the coast offer quaint shopping districts, seafood restaurants, whale watching and the chance to dip your toes in the ocean. Try stopping into the unique town of Astoria to view the historic victorian homes and sweeping hillsides or settle into a cozy getaway at Salishan Coastal Lodge for their spa, golf, and hiking at this beachfront haven.

Mt. Hood

If you're a fan of winter sports, a trip to Mt. Hood is a must. Just a two-hour drive from Portland, you can spend the day skiing, snowboarding or tubing. During the summer, the area offers beautiful hiking trails, tons of gorgeous lake-front camping and exploration of the historic Timberline Lodge.

Willamette Valley

Home to Oregon's wine country, the Willamette Valley is just an hour drive from Portland. You can spend the weekend wine tasting at some of Oregon's most renowned wineries, explore the small towns dotted throughout the valley or take a bike ride through the beautiful countryside.

Our hands-down favorite rural, wine focused town is McMinnville. With an adorable downtown full of shops and galleries, thereʼs plenty to do after a day of wine tasting. Donʼt miss the newly opened Mac Market, an indoor food hall featuring gourmet restaurants and goods.

Happy exploring!