Ashland is known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there is far more to this Southern OregonÌýcity than the bard and its resident deer population.
The surrounding Rogue Valley is full of stunning views, delicious breweries and wineries, and an endless array of diverse outdoor activities. Within the city itself are art galleries, beautiful parkland and top eating and drinking options – all proof there’s far more to the Beaver State than Portland to the north.
Here’s our list of the best things to do in Ashland, Oregon.Ìý
1. Don't miss Ashland's theater scene
Let's start with one of Ashland's greatest hits – more thanÌý20 million people have made their way to Ashland for the since it was founded by Agnus Bowmer in 1935.Ìý An event once made up of two Shakespearan performances is now a series of contemporary and classic plays produced across three state-of-the-art theaters from March to October every year.Ìý
Enjoy a free outdoor four nights a week (Wednesday to Saturday) from May 31 to October 12. Or, if that isn’t enough for you, theÌý is a year-round dinner theater and theÌýÌýchampions new playwrights.
2. Support local arts and crafts
Ashland also is home to more than 30 art galleries and studios, championed by . Time your visit for the first Friday of every month when galleries throw open their doors between 5 and 8pm for the First Friday Artwalk. On weekends from March through October, local craftspeople sell their wares at the outdoor Lithia Artisans Market.
3. Enjoy the creativity on the SOU campus
Meanwhile, the Schneider Museum of Art at Ashland’s offers monthly visual arts exhibits in addition to its permanent collection at no charge to the public. The University is also the site of the which produces live musical and theatrical events.
4. Go rafting or kayakingÌý
Ashland is one of the premier rafting and kayaking destinations in the world thanks to proximity to both the Rogue and Klamath Rivers. Companies like take you on a variety of trips courtesy, with options for mellow floats or whitewater adventures featuring Class 4 rapids. There are even overnight packagesÌýthat includeÌýglamping accommodations and gourmet meals served with local wine and beer in a gorgeous, secluded base camp.
Seeing more of Oregon? Here's our guide to the state's best places to visitÌý
5. Wander the paths of Lithia Park
Steps away from the theaters and galleries in the center of town and head toÌýLithia ParkÌý– 100-acres of verdant lawns, tennis/pickleball courts, sandy volleyball court, playground equipment, picnic areas, an ice skating rink in winter, and walking trails.
6. Hike the trails around Ashland
For hikers,Ìý is just 12 miles east of downtown Ashland.Ìý The trailhead leads to intermediate treks of about 3 miles each way with 700ft of total elevation. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Rogue Valley, the Ashland skyline, and the Cascade Mountains.Ìý
Other outdoor playgrounds packed with hiking trails include the nearbyÌýÌýand Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, an hour’s drive from Ashland.Ìý
Seeing more of Oregon on foot? Here are the state's top hiking trails
7. Take a scenic drive to Crater Lake
Crater Lake is a 2-hour drive from Ashland and hand’s down one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. The water is so blue you’d swear it was digitally enhanced if you weren’t standing there in real-life.ÌýCreated when a volcanic eruption blew the top off Mt Mazama and left an enormous crater that slowly filled with rain water, it’s the deepest lake in the US. Year-round activities including hiking 90 miles of trails, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, activities at the , to more than 30 overlooks, andÌýin summer.
Planning tip:ÌýRoads close for the winter, usually at the start of November, and remain closed until May or later, depending on snowfall. Ìýbefore you head off.
8. Hunt for Bigfoot on your way to Applegate Lake
TheÌý988-acreÌý, within Rogue River-Siskiyou National Park, has trails that run all the way around the lake’s nearly 18 miles of shoreline. Activities include mountain biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, picnicking and camping. Most fun of all, perhaps, is toÌýlook for Sasquatch along the , home to the US's only .
9. Fill up on the flavors of Ashland's food scene
Ashland has fabulous options for nearly every budget and appetite. Wherever you choose to dine, ask for a table near the window. People-watching is one of the best activities in Ashland. The sidewalks are filled with families enjoying an evening stroll, outdoorsmen making their monthly visit to the before they disappear back into the woods, college students, and tourists making their way to the theater. The cross-section of humanity is as special as the city itself.Ìý
is a fabulous farm-to-table restaurant with a made-from-scratch menu that celebrates local farmers, creameries, and wineries. It is particularly famous for its daily prepared desserts and craft cocktails.ÌýStop byÌýÌýfor a quick drink or linger for dinner – the menu includes everything from hamburgers and salads to upscale dishes like filet mignon.Ìý
No trip to Ashland would be complete without a stop byÌý which specializes in meal-sized Chicago-style sandwiches with house-prepared meats and sauces.Ìý
10. Taste local wines, beers and coffees
Ashland is part of the Rogue Valley AVA, which produces amazing, under-recognized wine. There’s no better way to sample them than surrounded by fabulous views at vineyard tasting rooms. Highlights includeÌý,ÌýÌýand .
If you’re looking for beer, Ashland is no slouch when it comes to Oregon's reputation for fields of budding hops and flowing rivers of fantastic beer. Stop byÌýCaldera Brewery and Restaurant, which incorporates whole flower hops from Oregon in its brews.
For delicious, freshly roasted coffee, be sure to visit the and Ìýwhen you need a caffeine fix.Ìý
Planning tips: where to stay in Ashland
is located on the hill above town. The place has a fun, retro vibe and fabulous views of the mountains. Amenities include spacious rooms, a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and continental breakfast.Ìý
If you prefer to stay right in the middle of things, is a restored historic hotel, steps away from the downtownÌýtheaters. Be sure to book yourself an appointment next door at the for a soothing experience with biodynamically farmed, organic ingredients. You’ll never want to leave Ashland even after the curtain closes.
