Vacation rentals in Oregon

1. Oregon Zoo

Kids will love a visit to the Oregon Zoo. It is divided into five major zones, namely Great Northwest, Elephant Lands, Amur Cats, Africa Savanna, and Africa Rainforest, each enclosing animal species of the region it represents. There is also a Penguinarium where your little ones will be delighted to see the grey gulls and Inca terns.

2. The Oregon Museum of Science

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the perfect place for children to learn in a fun way. The young minds can experience the beauty of natural science, industry, and technology through the shows held in three large auditoriums, the planetarium, and a theatre.

3. Sea Lion Caves

The Sea Lion Caves, on Oregon’s Coast, is one of North America’s largest network of caves and caverns that is the natural habitat of these magnificent animals. You can observe the sea lions from a close distance, though be warned their barking can get a bit loud. However, children usually don’t seem to mind.

4. Oregon Coast Aquarium

Another place to see the sea lions is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Be captivated by a fascinating array of marine life with a walk through the submerged tunnels here. The Aviary exhibit on the premises is where your kids can see cute puffins and other seabirds.

5. Winston Wildlife Safari Park

The 600-acre Wildlife Safari Park in Winston, Oregon, is home to a diverse species of animals that wander around freely in the premises. You can drive down a 4.5-mile road to see lions, cheetahs, maned wolves, and African elephants roaming freely on the grasslands.

Portland, Oregon is one of the nation's most culturally forward cities. Monthly art walks, ethnic graffiti, and eclectic galleries draw fans of visual arts from around the globe. Portland is also home to numerous festivals, including an annual Jazz Fest, several international film festivals, and the Oregon Eclipse, a week long hippie gathering. Make the most of this plethora of activity with a vacation rental within Portland's city limits.

Fans of Native American art and culture need look no further than Oregon. Several powwows are held throughout the year, and there is even a native salmon festival. Traditional and contemporary exhibits are popular, and the Oregon History Museum offers some of the nation's finest. The Warm Springs Reservation has a fascinating museum and is without a doubt the best place to shop for crafts and souvenirs.

Oregon leaves visitors with many choices when it comes to nature trails, state parks, and monuments. Plan a visit to the imposing Crater Lake National Park which houses the world's deepest lake above sea level. Mount Bachelor during winter is perfect for skiing, sledding and snow shoeing. Visitors to Mount Bachelor often stay in Bend, enjoying its attractions such as the High Desert Museum, the Historic Tower Theater and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The nearby Deschutes River will please anglers with its fishing opportunities.

Home to mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, and a long coastline, Oregon is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Campers, hikers, and climbers can get away from it all on Mt. Hood, one of the nation's highest peaks. To the east, high plains and desert make up more of the landscape and are perfect for wildlife viewing, stargazing, and photography. Oregon is also home to Crater Lake, the nation's deepest inland body of water. The park makes an outstanding day trip from the city of Bend.

The Oregon coast is a dazzling wilderness of beaches, rainforests, and rivers. Fishermen flock to the Tilamook coast every fall for the world famous salmon run. Halibut, steelhead, bass, and trout can be caught year-round. Kayaking, whale watching, parasailing, scuba diving, and more are possible during warmer months, as well. Adventurous visitors can even try their hand at self-guided ATV and sandbuggy adventures in the Oregon Dunes recreational area.

Oregon State Capitol

Situated in Salem, this striking building is home to the state government. The grounds are perfect for a casual stroll and feature fountains, artworks and various flora of the state.

Salem's Riverfront Carousel

This exquisite carousel was hand-carved by volunteers and is designed in the classic style. Pick up a memento in the adjacent gift shop.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Located in Astoria, this maritime museum houses US lifeboats, parts of boats destroyed in WW2 and two gillnetter vessels.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Escape from Oregon's cities and view the stunning landscapes surrounding this canyon. A popular recreational destination, it is perfect for hikes, picnics and water sports.

Crater Lake National Park

Named after the lake formed by a collapsed volcano, this National Park is in the Cascade Mountains. If you're daring enough to hike to the peaks, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.