So you’re in Ashland, looking for something to do. You’ve come to the correct place!! We will offer you a breakdown of all there is to do and see in Ashland Oregon.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is Ashland’s largest year-round festival. It focuses on live performances of classics, with the directors adding their creative twists. OSF is held every fall, so if you’re in the region around that time, consider popping by!
This small community is located in Oregon’s southern region, only 16 miles north of the California border. Ashland is recognized as a cultural hotspot, so there are a few theater and gallery options to explore.
However, Ashland is also close to the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountain ranges, as well as the Rogue Valley, so there are plenty of enjoyable outdoor activities to participate in.
Ashland is a fantastic year-round destination with numerous options for adventure, so make sure to include it on your itinerary when visiting Oregon!
Things to Do in Ashland, OR
1. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is 77 miles from Ashland City and takes around 1½ hours to drive there. Though not in Ashland, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Oregon, with thousands of tourists each year.
This lake was formed approximately 7800 years ago when a volcanic eruption caused a mountain to fall, resulting in a crater that was later filled with melting snow and rain.
This is the deepest and purest lake in the entire country. It is also recognized for its depth and clear waters.
Camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and skiing are among the leisure activities available to visitors in the area.
Address: Crater Lake National Park PO Box 7. Crater Lake, OR 97604
2. Explore the world of arts at Schneider Museum of Art
Schneider Museum of Art
The Schneider Museum of Art, located at Oregon University, is a collaborative effort between the institution and the community that was made possible by the generous contributions of Bill and Florence Schneider.
This museum, like all others, is dedicated to cataloging and preserving art while also allowing the public to see what human hands are truly capable of. There is a changing exhibition as well as some permanent pieces on the walls, many of which date back a hundred years or so and are by well-known artists. They also provide tours on Tuesdays.
Address: 555 Indiana Street, Ashland, OR 97520
3. Long Walk Vineyard
Long Walk Vineyard began in 2001 and has now expanded to include the historic Valley View Orchard in southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley.
They are a registered vineyard that harvests and sorts its goods by hand, producing exceptional Rhone-style wines inspired by old-world Southern France.
You’d also like the Tasting House at Long Walk Vineyard, which serves an outstanding assortment of single varietals, unrivaled blends, and Province-style rosés.
You will also see an on-site orchard called Valley View Orchard. It is a commercial fruit grower with a U-pick stand.
Apples, apricots, cherries, and pears are grown here and sold fresh at the Valley View Orchard Farm Store.
Address: 1800 N. Valley View Road, Ashland, OR 97520.
4. Explore Lithia Park
Lithia Park
Lithia Park, created in 1892, is situated next to the shimmering waters of Ashland Creek. If you’re looking for free activities in Ashland, head to Lithia Park. Like Central Park in New York, this public space is recognized as the city’s “crown jewel.”
Its name is derived from the lithium oxide discovered in the fascinating Ashland Creek water.
It offers several magnificent open spaces, playgrounds, picnic places, hiking routes, and forested canyonland that runs alongside a creek.
Take a hike along the park’s Upper Meadows Trail. This walk leads through the park’s top meadow and offers beautiful mountain vistas.
Address:Winburn Way, Ashland, OR 97520, United States
5. Cool Off in the Rogue River
Rogue River
The Rogue River is a premier destination for water enthusiasts, offering a range of activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and boating. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful day on the water, the river provides the perfect setting for both.
Beyond water sports, the Rogue River is ideal for hiking along its scenic banks, enjoying the refreshing breeze, and dipping your feet in the cool waters. If you don’t have your own gear, numerous rental shops are available to equip you with everything you need, along with helpful guidance for first-time visitors.
Address: 133 Broadway Street PO Box 1137 Rogue River, OR 97537
6. Enjoy a Cabaret act at Oregon Cabaret Theatre
Oregon Cabaret Theatre
If you’re searching for a fun evening event, this is one of the most popular Ashland nightlife destinations. This restored chapel from the twentieth century now breathes the traditional appeal of the jazz period.
Make a reservation for dinner or brunch, as your ticket does not cover the cost of food or beverages.
Address: 241 Hargadine St, Ashland, OR 97520.
7. Winter activities at Mount Ashland
Mount Ashland
Mount Ashland has been a favorite winter resort for more than four decades. Many people visit the massive mountain during the winter to ski and snowboard down its snow-covered slopes.
While the gleaming snowscapes attract enormous numbers, the warm summer months are ideal for hiking along the pathways.
Check the weather and mountain conditions. It is critical to keep informed about the weather before visiting, as it can change fast, affecting your safety and enjoyment.
Address: 11 Mt. Ashland Ski Road in Ashland, Oregon
8. Let the kids enjoy ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum
They can tour Discovery Island, which is designed for children’s science enthusiasts, particularly those aged five and under, and includes attractions such as the Thatched Hut Reading Nook and Crawlers Cove.
ScienceWorks is a well-known field trip location that offers classes and camps throughout the year. You will learn about the incredible principles of physics, the mysteries of space, and the complexity of anatomy.
Address: 1500 E. Main St, Ashland, OR 97520,
9. Enjoy the North Mountain Park Nature Center
The North Mountain Park Nature Center is located on the picturesque Bear Creek. This facility features a playground, lovely gardens, hiking trails, ponds, soccer grounds, picnic spots, softball fields, and baseball fields.
You will have a great day with a variety of activities and venues to choose from. The creek is home to ducks, fish, turtles, and a variety of other species. It is ideal for a relaxing summer picnic, swimming, and hiking.
The nature center is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on weekdays, and the grounds are open from dawn to dark every day.
Exploring this Nature Center makes what to do in Ashland for a pleasant time, for some outdoor time, this should be on your list of things to do in Ashland, Oregon.
Address: 620 N Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520.
10. Check out the Belle Fiore Estate & Winery
While in Ashland, it is important to satisfy your taste and appetite in a stimulating environment. That is why you should try Belle Fiore Estate & Winery.
Belle Fiore Estate & Winery is a beautiful Mediterranean Château and Pavilion that satisfies guests’ palates with the delicious flavors of the food and wine pairings it provides.
You’d appreciate the tasting room, which is designed in classic Italianate style and has breathtaking views of the mountains.
Entering the Chateau Tasting Room, you will be met with an elegant style of French architecture complemented by stunning landscape vistas. Every night, the sounds of live music will sweep you off your feet as you feast on delicious cuisine paired with a wide range of wines.
Belle Fiore Winery also has an excellent art gallery. Every month, it presents a different local artist to demonstrate its passion for art and support for the community.
One of the unusual things to do in Ashland, Oregon, and a must-have on any list of Ashland Oregon activities.
Address: 100 Belle Fiore Lane, Ashland, OR 97520.
11. Don’t miss the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Angus Bowmer established a great repertory theatre in 1935, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has remained at the forefront ever since. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is one of Ashland’s biggest attractions.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the country’s oldest non-profit theaters, celebrates 80 years of Shakespeare presentations. If you’re seeking entertaining things to do in Ashland, you must visit the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
The festival takes place annually throughout the summer and early fall, and you may choose from over 800 diverse acts throughout the city.
Despite its name, the festival includes several current works in addition to Shakespeare’s plays.
Address: 15 S. Pioneer St. Ashland, OR 97520.
12. Irvine & Roberts Vineyards
Irvine and Roberts Vineyards established their first vines on an 80-acre highland property in 2007. Exploring this vineyard, with its distinctive wines and breathtaking views, is one of the most romantic things to do in Ashland for couples.
Because of the high altitude and moderate weather, the wines in this region have a refreshing elegance and acidity.
They employ environmentally responsible farming techniques to maintain the land’s longevity and the wine’s high quality.
Pair your wines with locally sourced cheese and charcuterie, handcrafted farm boards, and vibrant small plates inspired by their current offerings.
Address: 1614 Emigrant Creek Road, Ashland, OR 97520.
13. Shop at Lithia Artisans Market
One of the most enjoyable activities in Ashland, Oregon is shopping at Lithia Artisans Market. Lithia Artisans Market, located near Lithia Park in downtown Ashland, is an outdoor artisans’ market that is open on weekends.
With over 35 stalls, you may buy handcrafted jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, photos, fiber art, home décor, and sketches made by regional artists and artisans.
Other highlights include comedy routines and live music. The market is open on Saturdays (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Address: 20 Calle Guanajuato, Ashland, OR 97520, USA
14. Emigrant Lake
Emigrant Lake
Emigrant Lake is located just outside of Ashland, near the southernmost part of the magnificent Rogue Valley.
It was established in 1924 as an Emigrant Creek reservoir with an arch dam to manage the waters for agriculture and flood prevention.
Emigrant Lake, a popular site for nature aficionados, offers year-round camping at one of 32 RV hook-ups. You’d also like to enjoy their rocky summer camp at one of the forty basic campsites.
The Group Campground can seat 100 people and features an expansive campfire ring, horseshoe pit, and picnic tables. Emigrant Lake has boat ramps for water activities and fishing all year, as well as beaches for sunbathing and swimming.
Address: 5505 Highway 66, Ashland, OR 97520.
15. Watch a Movie Marathon
The Ashland Independent Film Festival takes place in April and lasts five days. This festival showcases over a hundred local and international short films, features, and documentaries.
The festival takes place in three venues: the Historic Ashland Armory, the Ashland Street Cinemas, and the Varsity Theatre. Every year, thousands of moviegoers go to these theaters to witness this event.
Varsity World Film Week is Ashland’s other well-known film festival. It runs for seven days in October.
16. Enjoy fine wine at Dana Campbell Vineyards
Dana Campbell Vineyards, which opened its tasting room in February 2013, is located in the Cascade Mountains foothills.
Dana Campbell Vines is known for producing high-quality wines from grapes grown on the estate’s vines.
Guests can attend wine-tasting events and sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Viognier. It also has a picturesque setting with lush green hills and expansive countryside views.
Dana Campbell Vineyards is an adults-only hangout. As a result, they encourage clients not to bring their children to the facilities.
Address: 1320 N Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520.
17. Visit Oregon Centre for the Arts
The Oregon Center for the Arts in Ashland, OR, is a vibrant hub for creativity, offering performances, exhibitions, and educational programs in theater, music, and visual arts. Located at Southern Oregon University, it serves as both a training ground for aspiring artists and a cultural destination for visitors.
From captivating theater productions to dynamic musical performances and thought-provoking art exhibitions, the center showcases a diverse range of talent. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for an inspiring experience, the Oregon Center for the Arts is a must-visit in Ashland.
Address: Theatre Arts, University Way, Ashland, OR 97520, USA
18. Taste great wine at Weisinger Family Winery
Weisinger Family Winery, founded in 1979, is a family-run winery that produces some of Ashland’s best wine grapes.
This winery is a major supporter of its community and growers, sourcing only from vineyards within a few miles of its location.
It is nestled in the gorgeous Rogue Valley, with wonderful views of the surrounding landscape.
Take in the breathtaking scenery while sipping a bottle of wine on the winery’s outside patio. The winery is located on a slope, and you may wish to walk the vineyards, so bring suitable shoes.
Address: 3150 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
19. Paschal Winery
Paschal Winery, located on Suncrest Road, offers own-label wine tastings in a Mediterranean-style tasting area.
Joe Dobbes, one of the state’s greatest winemakers, produces a diverse range of wines at this winery. You might be lucky enough to experience their Italian-style blend of tempranillo, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, and Syrah.
Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the world-famous pear orchards and Siskiyou mountain range.
Enjoy your wine with a charcuterie spread on a gorgeous outdoor patio while admiring the breathtaking views.
Address: 1122 Suncrest Rd Talent, OR 97540
20. Check out Ashland Artisan Emporium
Ashland Artisan Emporium
Ashland Artisan Emporium contains 17,000 square feet of products. It features more than just local sellers, craftspeople, and collectors. It is one of the best things to do in Ashland, Oregon.
The store is family-owned, and while it was once the brainchild of a devoted father, it is now owned and managed by his daughter Michelle, whose success keeps her spirit alive.
Ashland Artisan Emporium offers an unusual mix of crafts, vintage clothing, antique collectibles, home furnishings, and more. Ashland Artisan Emporium is open seven days a week and keeps track of new merchandise as it comes.Â
New vendors are welcome to join their thriving community of craftsmen. You’d love the companionship of the cheerful personnel, combined with the expressive abilities of each vendor’s booth.
Address: 1670 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR 97520.
Also Read: things to do in Lampasas and things to do in Clovis
Conclusion
Ashland is a great town with a lot to do. Ashland has something for everyone, from world-class theaters to breathtaking natural landscapes. So, whether you’re looking for activities to do in Ashland or just a wonderful location to rest, be sure to include some of the suggestions from this list on your agenda.