Portland has a lot to offer, but sometimes you need to get out of town and enjoy something completely new. When you venture into the gorgeous Willamette Valley, you enter a world of history, culture, adventure, and charm. This is Oregon’s wine country, where you’ll never run out of new and exciting things to do.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a memorable girls’ trip, or wholesome family fun, there are always memories to make in Newberg and its surrounding areas. Find inspiration for your next getaway with these top weekend trip ideas near Portland, Oregon.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Willamette Valley
Outdoor enthusiasts will find their fill of natural beauty in the breathtaking Willamette Valley. The area overflows with state and local parks, making it easy to find a gorgeous and fun adventure to suit your tastes. Explore numerous hiking trails through rich forests and discover jaw-dropping views of the valley. When the weather’s nice, take a trip to the beautiful and historic Champoeg State Heritage Area, which is part of the nationally recognized Willamette River Water Trail.
Take a Stroll Through Local History
If you want to learn more about Oregon’s roots, Newberg is the place to go. Oregon’s first provisional government resulted from meetings in Champoeg (now Champoeg State Park, southeast of Newberg) regarding the threat of local wolves. The Quaker founder of Newberg, Jesse Edwards, built the house that future US President Herbert Hoover would one day live in as a child.
Newberg is at the heart of much of Oregon’s history, and visitors today can explore that history. Explore the life of early European settlers at Newell Pioneer Village. Tour President Hoover’s childhood home at the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum. Newberg has so many opportunities to explore and learn that you’ll want to return week after week to take it all in.
Experience the Flavors of Newberg
From sipping to dining, some of the best weekend trip ideas near Portland, Oregon, revolve around your tastebuds. Wine lovers will revel in the chance to explore top Oregon wineries and meet the friendly faces behind the winemaking process. Many tours, like the private car Black Tie Tours or the guided bike experience of Wine de Roads, make it easy to find the perfect wine tour for your tastes. If wine’s not your thing, turn your attention to our prestigious range of craft breweries, distilleries, or local coffee shops.
Of course, you can’t forget the food. The Newberg community is home to some of the best restaurants near Dundee, Oregon, including Jory at The Allison Inn and Spa or Recipe Neighborhood Kitchen. If you’re on a budget, don’t miss Dos Mundos food cart, some of the finest Mexican food in the Willamette Valley. With so many delectable options available, the only hard part is choosing where to go.
Newberg has an abundance of incredible experiences waiting for you. No matter what you choose to do on your next weekend trip, your favorite part is sure to be the charming community and friendly faces waiting to welcome you to the area. Visit Taste Newberg’s website today for travel planning inspiration and to learn more about the experiences you can have on your next trip.