Situated in the Rogue Valley and bestowed with endless greenery and natural beauty, Ashland is the artistic and cultural hub of southern Oregon.
This city has majestic mountain ranges, dense forests, breathtaking lakes, broad crystalline rivers, beautiful creeks, magical waterfalls, and a countless variety of wildlife that provide access to numerous outdoor recreational activities.
Ashland also hosts festivals and cultural programs all year round, making it one of the best travel destinations around the globe.
Interested to know more about this place?
Here are the 30 best things to do in Ashland, Oregon:
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The world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival dates back to 1935 and is one of the biggest events in Ashland.
This eight-and-a-half month-long event features 11 plays from classical and contemporary playwrights.
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Offering close to 800 plays annually, this event attracts about 400,000 visitors each year.
It is scheduled from February to October, with spectacular performances six days a week.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is on every tourist’s itinerary in Ashland.
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This 100-acre park is one of the top tourist hotspots in Ashland.
This historic park features Ashland’s creek, centuries-old historical landmarks, a Japanese garden, picnic spots, duck ponds, tennis courts, an ice staking rink, a volleyball court, a rose garden, and miles-long hiking trails through the woods.
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It gets its name from lithium oxide, which is present in the waters of the mesmerizing Ashland’s Creek.
The park was built on Ashland’s first building, a 19th-century flour mill.
Indeed, Lithia Park is a must-visit in this city.
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This contemporary art museum is affiliated with the Oregon Centre for the Arts.
It has a rotating exhibition and a permanent collection of thought-provoking art.
The museum displays artworks by various well-known artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Entry to the museum is free for everyone, and it is open all year round.
Guided tours are provided on Tuesdays.
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This lake is a popular site for various kinds of outdoor recreational activities, such as camping, rock climbing, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, kayaking, hiking, and bonfires.
The park has a 300-foot waterslide, several camping sites, a playground, picnic tables, and a snack bar.
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The lake’s site has two camping areas, an RV park and Oak Slope Campground.
The former is open all year round with a charge of USD 35 per night.
The latter, on the other hand, offers a more natural camping experience and is open from March to October for USD 22 per night.
Camp here and experience southern Oregon’s breathtaking natural beauty.
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The Rogue River provides countless opportunities for a broad array of water adventures such as white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, boating, and more.
These recreational water sports let you experience the incredible Rogue valley wilderness.
The river offers magnificent views of richly forested surroundings and crystalline water.
Businesses providing these water sports services are Noah’s River Adventures, Momentum River Expeditions, and Indigo Creek Outfitters.
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This museum aims to help its visitors learn various science concepts through a multitude of fun, innovative, and interactive methods.
It caters to all age groups and tries to make learning easy by using practical demonstrations and entertaining activities.
ScienceWorks also offers educational programs and hosts events and parties.
This is truly a great place to visit if you’re traveling with family.
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The Mt. Ashland ski area is located 20.4 miles ( 32.8 kilometers) from Ashland city.
In winters, it provides great opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, sledding, cross country skiing, snow hiking, and many more winter recreation activities.
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This becomes a popular destination for weddings, reunions, hiking, and stargazing in the summers.
This place offers picturesque views in all four seasons.
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A wine tour in Ashland is one of the most popular tourist activities in this city.
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring vineyards and tasting delicious wine.
The best wine tours in Ashland are provided by Main Street Adventure Tours, Wine Hopper Tours, Dana Campbell Vineyards, The Oregon Wine and Farm Tour, and Bravo Outings.
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Ashland has a multitude of invigorating hiking trails that will allow you to experience the region’s vast wilderness.
The Lithia Park hillside trail is a 5 miles long uphill hiking trail featuring a swimming hole, a beautiful creek, towering trees, granite boulders, turkeys, and a herd of deer on the way.
It offers stunning views of Ashland’s flora and fauna.
The Grizzly Peak Trail is 6 miles long, and the trailhead is 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) from Ashland city.
The hiking path is covered with brightly-colored wildflowers in summers, pine trees, and fir trees.
The summit has magnificent and unparalleled views of the Cascade Mountain range, Ashland city, Mount Shasta, and the region’s sprawling greenery.
The White Rabbit Trail is 5 miles long and offers panoramic views of the richly forested Rogue Valley.
This trail traverses the Siskiyou mountain range.
Other popular hiking trails include Oredson Todd Woods, Alice in Wonderland trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
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Lithia water is natural spring water rich in lithium salts.
This mineral water is known for its healing benefits and bad taste.
It is made available to the public through the water fountains installed in Ashland.
There are two fountains with Lithia water, one is located in the downtown Plaza and the other one in Lithia Park.
This is a marketplace selling all things local.
It is owned by an Ashlander and is close to a decade old.
Ashland Artisan Emporium offers a variety of goods made by over 200 regional artists and artisans, including furniture, paintings, home décor, apparel, fiber art, books, body care, candles, jewelry, glassware, and more.
This is the perfect place to get souvenirs and a glimpse of the region’s culture.
It is located in Ashland Shopping Centre and is open seven days a week.
North Mountain Park Nature Centre is located by the beautiful Bear Creek.
It has beautiful gardens, ponds, a playground, soccer fields, hiking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, and softball fields, making this place home to several turtles, fishes, and ducks.
This is a perfect place for a nice summer’s picnic, hiking, and swimming.
The grounds are open every day from dawn to dusk, and the nature center is open on weekdays from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
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It is located 77 miles (124 kilometers) from Ashland city, and it takes around 1.50 hours to reach there by drive.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in entire southern Oregon and attracts several thousands of visitors each year.
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This is the deepest and clearest lake in the whole country.
It is also one of the world’s deepest lakes and is known for its deep blue and crystalline waters.
The lake was formed about 7,700 years ago when a mountain collapsed after a volcanic eruption forming a crater that was later filled by rains and melting snow.
The area offers great scope for various recreational activities such as camping, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, cycling. Note, though, that swimming is possible only in designated areas.
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The hiking trails provide surreal panoramic views of the lake and the gorgeous sunsets.
This is a must-visit tourist spot of this region.
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This is a glass art gallery by Keith Gabor.
It exhibits the works of art by the owner and provides lessons and demonstrations relating to the process of glassblowing.
The studio also takes customized orders from visitors.
This is a tourist-loved spot that provides an enjoyable learning experience.
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This historic hotel dates back to 1925 and is located less than half a mile away from Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Oregon Cabaret Theatre.
Formerly named the “Lithia Springs Hotel,” it is a well-recognized landmark in southern Oregon.
It is a three-star hotel that offers scenic views of Ashland and the magnificent mountain ranges.
The rooms are exceptionally clean and aesthetically pleasing.
Other popular places to stay in Ashland include Ashland Hills and Suites, The Winchester Inn, Plaza Inn & Suites, The Peerless Hotel, Lithia Springs Resort, and Best Western Windsor Inn.
This center is a division of Southern Oregon University.
It organizes various artistic live performances throughout the year such as musical concerts, plays, short film screenings, and more.
These events are popular among Ashlanders and tourists.
This festival takes place every year for four days in November.
It aims to celebrate southern Oregon’s chefs, winemakers, restaurants, brewers, chocolatiers, and farmers.
It is participated by the regional culinary professionals, restaurants, and culinary students.
It includes events such as junior chef competition, local restaurant cook-offs, mixology competition, top chef competition, wine tours, award celebrations, and more.
It is a fun-filled learning and entertaining event, which attracts tourists and locals alike.
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The Ashland Public Library, located in Oregon, features a wide variety of published books, self-help guides, encyclopedias, and many more literary sources.
In addition to its collection of hard copies, the library also offers e-books and other popularly known digital documents available to library visitors.
The library’s database is intended for readers of all ages and serves other functions such as educational outreach programs and book club events throughout the year.
All community members are welcome to register and utilize the Library’s varied database services.
So whether you’re looking for a new book or just want somewhere quiet to study after school or work, Ashland Library has got you covered.
The librarians are super friendly and willing to help you with anything you need.
If you get lost (or if you just don’t know where any of these places are), just ask a librarian at Ashland—they won’t steer you wrong!
This is a weekend outdoor artisans’ market in downtown Ashland, located near Lithia Park.
It has over 35 stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, pottery, glasswork, fiber art, home décor, photographs, sketches by regional artists and artisans.
It also features live music and live sketches.
The market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
In downtown Ashland, Oregon, Cabaret Theatre is located in a renovated 20th-century church, popularly known as “the Old Pink Church.”
The theatre dates back to 1986 and currently presents close to 300 performances annually by extremely talented artists.
Open from February to December, this theatre schedules six shows per week.
This is the perfect spot for a wonderful evening’s entertainment and delicious food.
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Ashland Independent Film Festival is organized every year in April for five days.
It presents over 100 domestic and international short films, documentaries, and features.
The festival is hosted at three venues: the Varsity Theatre, the Historic Ashland Armory, and the Ashland Street Cinemas.
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Every year thousands of movie fanatics flock to these theatres to attend this event.
The festival includes Q&A sessions with producers and directors, award ceremonies, and several parties.
Another popular film festival in Ashland is Varsity World Film Week, which lasts for seven days in October.
Long Walk Vineyard and Valley View Orchard are under the ownership and management of Kathy and Tim O’Leary.
In 2002, Kathy and Tim added Long Walk Vineyard to their Ashland property.
The vineyard specializes in producing elegant rosés and fine wines such as Zinfandel, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignane, and Grenache.
Growing grapes has been a family tradition for the O’Leary’s.
In 2018 they expanded their company by including winery tours and tastings, which prove to be very popular around the area.
The onsite Long Walk Vineyard tasting room overlooks a beautiful open field in downtown Ashland, next to the Rogue River and surrounded by towering trees.
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Popular diners and restaurants in Ashland include Greenleaf Restaurant, Peerless Restaurant and Bar, Alchemy Restaurant and Bar, Larks Home Kitchen Cusine, Smithfields Restaurant and Bar, Caldera Brewery and Restaurant, Martolli’s Hand Tossed Pizza, Amuse Restaurant.
It is guaranteed that here in Ashland, you’ll have your tummy filled.
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Just outside Ashland sits a stunning winery that caters to those who appreciate classic wines and Mediterranean countries.
The Belle Fiore Winery is decorated with vineyards and gardens throughout the property.
Immerse yourself in an altogether new culture, indulging your palate with divine Italian wines while live musicians serenade you from the pavilion nearby.
Whether it’s dinner at the vineyard’s winemaker paired dinner or simply enjoying some wine out of their garden terrace on a balmy Oregon evening, Belle Fiore has something to offer for everyone!
At Belle Fiore Winery, they take pride in growing the beautiful grapes that give exceptional character to their wines.
This winery’s wines are reminiscent of the French, Italian and Spanish origins of their family and their traditional land.
They grow grapes specifically for each wine type and customize their processes based on each individual grape variety to achieve vintages that are classically balanced with a delicate level of tannin.
Some of the high-quality flavors range from oak nutmeg and cinnamon to apple, cranberry, blackberries from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.
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The Oregon Cabaret Theatre has been offering top-notch enjoyment and dining in the Rogue Valley for over 35 years, specializing in musical performances, comedy shows, and murder mysteries.
The midday shows begin at 1 p.m., and all nighttime performances begin at 8 p.m.
Each performance includes a unique menu with a selection of gourmet classics, some of which are highlighted to fit the current show’s atmosphere.
For suppers or brunches, reservations are necessary, but not for hors d’oeuvres, desserts, or beverages.
Your ticket does not include the cost of food or beverages; you will be charged extra for any of these items when you arrive at your table.
Irvine & Roberts Vineyards welcomes visitors to indulge in their distinctive wines and golden vistas. The vineyards are tucked in the picturesque hillsides at the meeting point of the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains.
The cool-temperature grapes that brought Oregon famous—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—are the focus of Irvine & Roberts in the generally warm Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon.
The location produces wines with sparkling elegance and acidity due to a moderate afternoon wind and high elevation that dissolve heat.
Take advantage of local cheese and charcuterie, handcrafted farm boards, and lively small meals created with their present flights.
Visitors to their tasting room regularly comment on how welcoming it is.
The resort’s healing springs, located deep below, are abundant in sulfur and other minerals that promote physical healing, stress relief, and rejuvenation.
All visitors to the resort are given access to the therapeutic properties of these mineral waters as a complimentary bonus.
Use them as an extra in a spa package or the seclusion of your private soaking tub or mineral shower.
Visit the stunning Waterstone Spa at the resort to schedule spa services if you want to make your trip extra memorable.
Additional amenities include an outdoor saline pool and Jacuzzi, a seating area near the koi pond, indoor areas, lobby fires, and a gazebo and aspen woodland garden.
Proprietor and Creative Director Becky Neuman takes great care in designing the architecture and décor.
Thirty-eight types of accommodation are available at the resort, including bungalows, suites, and apartments.
A daily hot breakfast buffet created from scratch, a midday tea with pastries, free parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available to guests.
Ashland Hot Yoga is a varied, inclusive, and friendly community in the lovely city of Ashland, Oregon.
They provide a wide array of yoga practices to accommodate the wide range of objectives and demands that their students carry to their mats.
You can pick a lesson that suits you among the 4-6 classes they offer daily.
Their courses are held in a 100-year-old structure that has been a hot yoga studio for over two decades.
There is a lesson for everyone, whether you want a challenge, to relax, or just to have some alone time.
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Dana Campbell Vineyards produce only the best wines from grapes cultivated on the estate.
Situated in Southern Oregon, the vineyards and tasting room are only two miles from Ashland’s center.
Come sample the wines in a calm, attractive setting where you can find the ambiance and vista captivating.
The fire pit will be available for colder outdoor days or to stay warm during the chilly winter.
Aside from regular business hours, Dana Campbell Vineyards hosts special parties and Admiral’s Armada pick-up activities.
You can reserve the space for a modest, private function after hours if you are a member of the wine club.
Ashland is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and the adventurous and curious alike.
The natural environment, breathtaking views, activities on offer, homey and quaint atmosphere all add to how hospitable this city truly is with every step you take.
Reference this actionable list of top activities to try so your time is well spent and the unforgettable memories you have will not go unseen!
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