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- An Expanded List Of Things To Do In Eugene
A trip to charming Eugene is a perfect opportunity to dive into the top sights, tastes, and activities that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Eugene is a hidden gem sparkling with natural beauty, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a vibrant spirit at the southern end of the Willamette Valley.
The Emerald City is a walkable and welcoming mid-sized city that is the state's third largest, with a population of approximately 180,000. Located around 50 miles east of the Oregon coast, a state that is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country, the city lies amid emerald forests along the sparkling Willamette River.
UPDATE: 2023/09/27 07:12 EST BY BARRY JUMA
An Expanded List Of Things To Do In Eugene
Eugene proves to be a destination with plenty to offer visitors, from lovers of nature to science enthusiasts. This expanded list offers even more options for those who are planning an extended visit to this gem in Oregon.
Things To Do In Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is two hours south of Portland and within a short day trip to some ruggedly picturesque beaches like Dune City and Florence. The city is home to the University of Oregon, Bushnell University, and Lane Community College, which explains its youthful energy and bustling downtown.
It is an excellent jump-off point for exploring the area's superb wines, miles of hiking and bicycling trails, rafting adventures, or sampling craft beers from outstanding local breweries. Without further ado, here is the ultimate travel guide to the wonders of Eugene.
1 Catch A Show At The Oregon Contemporary Theater
For anyone wanting to see a show while in Eugene, visiting the Oregon Contemporary Theater is a good idea. Here, people can watch programs and performances from local artists/creatives. According to the theater, it specializes in creating "bold entertainment, challenges expectation, inspires curiosity, encourages dialogue and supports positive change."
- The theater puts on six shows from September through June.
2 Explore Alton Baker Park
Another thing to see in Eugene is Alton Baker Park. Here, tourists can explore a city favorite, with duck ponds, bicycle trails, a dog park, and a disc golf course.
This city park directly touches the Ferry Street Bridge across the Willamette River, giving guests panoramic views of the nearby scenery. For a relaxing day in Eugene, Alton Baker Park is the perfect selection.
- Address: 200 Day Island Rd, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
- Hours: 6 am - 11 pm (daily)
3 Stroll Through The Owen Rose Garden
Another place to experience nature while in Eugene is the Owen Rose Garden. Here, guests can check out the park's various flower arrangements. The park features floral displays, picnic areas, biking & pedestrian paths & a performance space for shows.
- Address: 300 N Jefferson St, Eugene, OR 97402, United States
- Hours: 6 am - 11 pm (daily)
This is a hot spot on weekends, so it may become crowded during that timeframe.
4 Shop At The Eugene Saturday Market
One of the most iconic activities in Eugene is going to the colorful Eugene Saturday Market, a farmers market with more than 200 local artisans, food vendors, and performers that draw between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors weekly.
This is a fun option for people wanting to experience the life of a local in Eugene while shopping for delicious treats.
- Address: 126 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
- Hours: Saturdays (April 1st to November 4th) 10 am - 4 pm
5 Take A Tour Of The University Of Oregon Campus
Other highlights of a trip to Eugene will include visiting the University of Oregon campus, which is home to more than 4000 trees. This is a great choice for any potential students of the university, as the campus allows touring throughout the year by appointment.
- More information on tours can be found on the University's website.
6 Visit The Jordan Schnitzer Museum Of Art
The next location to visit while in Eugene, Oregon, is the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. This museum is located on the campus of the University of Oregon, making it a great next stop on the itinerary.
- The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Wednesdays are later nights here, closing at 8 PM.
7 Catch A Match At Autzen Stadium
Visiting Autzen Stadium for a football game is perfect for sports lovers in Eugene. This is another nearby destination to the University of Oregon, as that is a focal point of the city. Here, visitors can watch a football game, whether it's the Oregon Ducks or another team playing.
- Address: 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
8 Ride Along The Willamette River Bike Trail
Willamette River Bike Trail will take travelers past many local attractions. This location is a collection of interconnected multi-use paved paths running along the Willamette River, a favorite among locals.
Here is where visitors can explore the riverside, snap photos, or set up picnics during the afternoon. Eugene is known for its greenery, so why not spend the day at a gorgeous park/trail?
- Trail Length: 6 miles
9 Go Shopping In Eugene, Oregon
For shoppers, the 5th Street Public Market is a paradise with a wide range of boutiques and shops with wine-tasting options and specialty foods. The Shoppes at Gateway and the Oakway Center are also excellent options.
- Address: 296 E 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
- Hours: Mon - Sat: 10 am - 7 pm; Sun: 11 am - 6 pm
- Address: 2350 Oakmont Way # 204, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
- Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (daily)
10 Attend The Oregon Truffle Festival
For those unfamiliar with the Pacific Northwest, it might be a surprise to learn that Oregon is a spectacular spot for mushroom foraging and, around Eugene, specifically, truffle foraging. Travelers planning a visit in January and February can have their minds and mouths blown by the local selection at the Oregon Truffle Festival.
- Date: Every January or February
11 Hang Out At Hendricks Park
Hendricks Park, located on the outskirts of Eugene, is the city's oldest park, known for its 78-acre mature forest and world-renowned rhododendron garden. Established in 1906, the park is a haven for nature lovers, with over 12 miles of trails winding through the forest. The rhododendron garden, boasting over 6,000 varieties, is a sight to behold, especially the spring bloom. Visitors can also explore the Native Plant Garden, a showcase of the region's indigenous flora. The park is home to several picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon.
- Address: Summit Ave & Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
- Hours: 6 am - 11 pm (daily)
- Cost: Free
12 Enjoy Hiking And Birdwatching At Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Mount Pisgah Arboretum, a 209-acre nature preserve, is a paradise for hiking and birdwatching enthusiasts. The arboretum features a network of trails that meander through diverse ecosystems, including riverfront forests, wildflower meadows, and oak savannas. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, from red-tailed hawks to song sparrows. The arboretum also offers guided nature walks and educational programs for those interested in learning more about the local flora and fauna.
- Address: 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405, United States
- Hours: Dawn to dusk (daily)
- Cost: Free entry, $5 parking fee
13 Learn About Birds Of Prey At Cascades Raptor Center
The Cascades Raptor Center is a unique attraction in Eugene, dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of birds of prey. The center houses over 60 resident birds, including eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures up close and learn about their roles in the ecosystem. The center also conducts educational programs and special events throughout the year, providing insights into the world of raptors.
- Address: 32275 Fox Hollow Rd, Eugene, OR 97405, United States
- Hours: Tue - Sun: 10 am - 4 pm (closed on Mon)
- Cost: Adults: $12; Seniors (65+): $10; Youth (2 to 12): $8; Children under 2: Free
14 Hike Up Spencer Butte
Spencer Butte, Eugene's highest and most prominent landmark, offers a challenging hike and rewarding panoramic views, making it one of the best things to do in Eugene. The trail, approximately 1.7 miles long, ascends through lush forests to the summit, which offers breathtaking views of the city, the Willamette Valley, and the surrounding mountains. The trail can be steep and rocky in places, making it a thrilling adventure for seasoned hikers.
- Trail Length: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) loop
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult
- Average hiking duration: 1hr 15 mins
15 Drop By The Eugene Science Center
The Eugene Science Center is a family-friendly attraction that combines fun and learning. The center features a variety of interactive exhibits that explore different areas of science, from physics to biology. The highlight of the center is the planetarium, where visitors can watch immersive shows about the cosmos. The center also hosts educational programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year.
- Address: 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
- Hours: Tue - Thu & Sat - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (closed on Mon)
- Cost: General (ages 3 to 61): $7.50; Seniors (62+): $6; Children under 3: Free
The exhibits and planetarium show are charged separately so visitors who want to experience both can buy the combo ticket which offers savings of about $3.
16 Best Time To See Eugene
Track Town, USA, as it's known for track and field athletes worldwide, has classic Pacific Northwest weather with a Mediterranean climate of ample rainfall, cool summers, and striking natural surroundings.
Summers are usually warmer and drier, with cooler, wetter winters, while spring and fall often have steady rain for long periods of the day.
- Winter: November through February
- Spring: March through May
- Summer: June through August
- Fall: September through October
Every season in Eugene has its beauty, but September to October is one of the best times to visit, with striking skies, crisp fall air, and temperate weather perfect for spending time outdoors.
August is the warmest month of the year, with the most daylight and the lowest precipitation levels, followed by July and June, making late June to August another excellent time to visit.
Although December is the wettest month of the year, it still has decent weather for most of the day, interspersed with rain showers, so it can still be a good time to visit for travelers satisfied with more indoor activities.
Temperatures range from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6° to 30 °C) over the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 °C).
- January averages: 33° to 47° F to (1° to 9° C)
- April averages: 39° F to 62° F (4° to 17° C)
- October averages: 41° F to 65° F° (5° to 18° C)
Although Eugene doesn't get consistent snowfall, the Cascade Mountains are only an hour away. Travelers who have time to make the short journey will find one of the most scenic skiing trails in the US, where they can ski, snowboard, sled, and snowmobile to their heart's content.
17 Best Ways To Get Around Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is a walkable city that is extremely bicycle friendly. Visitors arriving in town from the Eugene Airport can take a bus, grab a taxi, or ride into downtown Eugene.
Once in the city, travelers can take advantage of parking at their hotel or try one of the two downtown parking garages, the Overpark or the Parcade, that offer free all-day parking on weekends and walk the sights from there.
Another possibility is renting a bike or electric bicycle and jumping on one of the many bike routes to see downtown Eugene. PeaceHealth Rides is an inexpensive bike share program that is easy to spot with its blue bicycles and easy to use for short bike rides around downtown.
Visitors can download the app and reserve their bikes before heading off on one of the paths along the Willamette River. Electric bicycles make longer trips a breeze and are available through Pedego Electric Bikes in the Market District or Bicycle Way of Life.
Pedicabs are another transportation option for visitors. In the downtown area, travelers can hail an Emerald City Pedicab or book one of the green Arcimoto Fun Utility Vehicles. If none of those options appeal to visitors, they can always go old school and grab a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from any area of Eugene.
18 Where To Eat In Eugene
Although nearby Portland is ranked as one of the top food cities in the US, visitors to Eugene will find that the city holds its own with innovative farm-to-table food, stellar wines, and a rich brewery scene. Inventive chefs combine abundant fresh ingredients from nearby farms to create fantastic cuisine and creative food carts that dot the town.
Tourists can expect diverse dining options, including a superb selection of Chinese cuisine.
- Best Breakfast Spots: Camas Country Bakery and Store, Brails Restaurant, The Glenwood, Morning Glory Café, Farmers Union Coffee Roasters, Studio One Café, Lion & Owl
- Top Lunch And Dinner Dining: Provisions Market Hall, Taqueria El Buen Sabor, Cornbread Café, Beergarden, Café 440, Café Yumm!, Fisherman's Market, Friendly Street Market, Tacovore, Izakaya Meiji Co., Sabai Café & Bar, Akira, Black Wolf Supper Club, Bao Bao House, Party Bar
- Trendy Food Trucks: El Sitio, Yardy Eugene, Pupuseria las Camadres
Eugene is also known for its amazing breweries and tap houses that use the famous local Cascade hops to enhance local brews with a light citrus flavor.
- Breweries & Tap Houses Not To Miss: Ninkasi Brewing, Oakshire Brewing, Hop Valley Brewing, The Bier Stein, The Tap and Growler, Alesong Brewing and Blending, Beergarden, ColdFire Brewing, Falling Sky Brewing, First National Taphouse
- Urban Wineries: The Eugene Urban Wine Circuit has six wineries in Eugene's urban core: Eugene Wine Cellars, J. Scott Cellars, Territorial Vineyards, Capitello Wines, Oregon Wine Lab, Noble Estate Winery
19 Where To Stay When Visiting Eugene
Visitors to the city can expect to find an excellent selection of luxury hotels, boutique hotels, historic Victorian inns, and funky hostels.
It is recommended to book a hotel in the downtown area if visitors want to be within walking distance of the Saturday Market, the University campus, theaters, the 5th Street public market, art museums, and many acclaimed restaurants and busy bars.
The Whiteaker neighborhood is another area of the city to book prime lodging, which is the center of the craft breweries and urban wineries with lots of restaurants and access to the area's eleven parks.
Recommended High To Mid Level Hotels:
Graduate Eugene, 4-star hotel
- Cost: $155 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 66 E 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Laundry Service, Rental Bikes
EVEN Hotel Eugene, a 4-star hotel
- Cost: $229 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 2133 Centennial Plaza, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Fitness Center, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Free Parking, Alternative Therapy, Restaurant
Inn At The 5th, 4-star hotel
- Cost: $229 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 205 E 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Spa, Gym, Restaurant, Business Center
Hyatt Place, a 3-star hotel
- Cost: $189 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 333 Oakway Rd, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Restaurant, Fitness center, Business Center
The Valley River Inn, 3-star
- Cost: $160 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 1000 Valley River Way, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Paid Parking, Restaurant, Fitness Center
Red Lion Inn & Suites, 3-star
- Cost: $138 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 599 E Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness Center, Parking
Recommended Budget Lodging:
The Campbell House Inn, a 2-star hotel
- Cost: $129 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 252 Pearl Street, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Room Service, Pet Friendly
Tru By Hilton, a 2-star hotel
- Cost:$108 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 3111 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403
- Amenities: Free Breakfast, Pool, Luggage Storage
Eugene Lodge and International Hostel, a 1-star hotel
- Cost: $70 per night for 1 adult
- Address: 970 W 3rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
- Amenities: Garden, Library, Fitness Area, Arcade, Breakfast, Bicycle Rentals
Timbers Motel, 2-star
- Cost: $109 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 1015 Pearl Street, Eugene, OR 97401
- Amenities: Breakfast
- Cost: $119 per night for 2 adults
- Address: 250 North Adams Street, Eugene, OR 97402
- Amenities: Free Parking
20 Tips For Visiting Emerald City
Visitors to Eugene, which is ranked one of the top cities to visit in Oregon, can expect a friendly, youthful city with a bustling downtown area full of students, locals, and visitors walking the wide streets on their way to classes, award-winning local restaurants, and the latest theater and arts events.
The vibe is hip, health-conscious, and a little hippie in a town known for outdoor recreation, bicycle trails, organic farming, and a commitment to the arts.
The main neighborhoods where travelers might want to base themselves are downtown, where travelers can find the University of Oregon campus, museums, restaurants, and concert venues; the Market District, where there is plenty of shopping and dining; and the Whiteaker neighborhood which is known for its artsy atmosphere and tons of breweries like Ninkasi Brewing Company.
The average daily cost per person of a stay in Eugene is $128, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. For a week-long vacation, the average price ranges from $900 to $1,400 for a solo traveler, $1,800 to $2800 for a couple, and up to $5,000 for a family of four.
No matter when visitors travel to Eugene, they should always keep in mind that the weather can change to cool, misty, or rainy in an instant, so it's ideal to pack a light raincoat and a few warmer clothes like a scarf, hat, and weatherproof shoes.
Other Things To Know
The city’s motto is “A great city for the arts and outdoors,” so no trip here should lack outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Highlights:
- Exploring the local waters to fish, canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
- Hiking Spencer Butte to see panoramic views of the valley.
- Climbing the columns at Skinner Butte.
- Visiting Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, a 209-acre living tree museum.
- Bicycling the Willamette River bike trail or the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway
- Exploring Hendricks Park & Owen Rose Garden
No trip to Eugene would be complete without imbibing some of the local wines, especially the Pinot Noirs, which are touted to be comparable to the premier wines of Burgundy, France.
There are many tasting rooms to visit close to downtown, including King Estate Winery, the largest biodynamic-certified vineyard in North America.
- Top attractions: Eugene Saturday Market, University of Oregon campus, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Maude Kerns Gallery, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Autzen Stadium, Hayward Field, 5th Street Public Market, Oregon Truffle Festival, Spencer Butte, Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, and many others.
If travelers have extra time, they can visit stunning beaches on the coast in under an hour or drive into the mountains to hike, ski, or snowboard in the Cascade Mountains.