Cannon Beach, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Manzanita, Depoe Bay, Florence

OHVs drive up and down the dunes at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on Sunday May 19, 2024 in Florence, OR.

Look, Portland is great. Visitors and Portlanders alike can get an expensive latte on every corner, a doughnut shaped like a voodoo doll, visit food trucks with cuisine from all over the world and greet a Sleestak.

Old Town Bandon on Monday April 29, 2024 in Bandon, OR.

But Oregon has a lot more to offer than the hustle and bustle of the city. According to WorldAtlas, these 11 cities in Oregon offer the small-town charm you might be missing in the city.

Ashland

Ashland is tucked away in the mountains and has a gorgeous, picturesque small-town feel. It is probably best known for the annual Shakespeare Festival, which attracts crowds from all over to see both faithful and creative performances of the Bard’s work.

The Rocky Creek Bridge, also known as Ben Jones Bridge, along the central Oregon Coast just south of Depoe Bay, pictured on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

“The town’s reputation for warmth and openness isn’t just hearsay, it’s backed by a thriving volunteer community and a focus on the arts that defines everyday life here,” according to WorldAtlas.

Its charming downtown hosts galleries, cafes and independent bookstores that make for a great stroll. But if you’re the outdoorsy type, it’s still in Oregon and there’s plenty for you to do. You can hit the mountain trails or explore the Japanese Garden.

The beach at Manzanita and Nehalem Bay, seen from a viewpoint on Neahkahnie Mountain in Oswald West State Park.

Sisters

A hazy view of Mount Hood from the Camassia Nature Preserve in West Linn, a 26-acre natural area managed by international environmental nonprofit The Nature Conservancy.

WorldAtlas says, “Sisters is known for being one of the friendliest towns in all of Oregon, but it’s also just generally one of the best places to visit.”

Sisters has plenty of public art pieces scattered throughout the town that make for a great and educational walk; you can take in the scenery, stop at a café and learn about Sisters along the way.

WorldAtlas suggests hitting up the Three Sisters Historical Society Museum to get more of the history of the area, then heading to Metolius River’s Camp Sherman for some fly-fishing before rounding off your Sisters trip at the Sisters Saloon for some live music.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a well-known spot on the Oregon Coast for its giant Haystack Rock (featured in the hit 80s film “The Goonies”) and chilly but walkable beach.

Cannon Beach has so much to offer visitors and is very tourist-friendly because, as WorldAtlast points out, its economy is built on tourists.

Depending on the time of year you visit you can spend your time tidepooling near Haystack Rock and see some cool nudibranch, maybe even a sea star or two. If you visit during the spring and summer, you can see Puffins nesting on and around the rock.

The 804 Trail runs along the Pacific Ocean on the west side of Yachats on the central Oregon coast.

You can visit Ecola State Park for beautiful trails that lead to some hidden gem beach spots. But if you’re looking for the sleepy but artsy beachtown vibe you can head into the town for some great seafood spots, or head to Cannon Beach Book Company for a great beach read and Sleepy Monk Coffee for some caffeine.

The sun sets over Haystack Rock and the beach at Cannon Beach, creating a colorful scene in the surf and sky in 2019.

Yachats

“While Cannon Beach may be the most famous seaside town in Oregon, Yachats often ranks highly for both stunning views and friendly locals,” according to WorldAtlas.

Sisters, Oregon

It’s pronounced “YAH-hots,” by the way.

Yachats is the highest point of the Oregon Coast and offers stunning coastal views. There are trails for the hiking lover and a botanical garden for the wanderer. For some postcard-worthy views, you can head the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area or visit nearby Thor’s Well, which is a unique rock formation that looks like a wild bottomless water sinkhole.

However, the Yachats website warns visitors that the area around Thor’s Well is dangerous and known for sneaker waves.

Thor’s Well has also taken a lot of camera equipment into its depths over the years, so visitors are asked to view the beauty of nature safely.

A sign welcoming visitors to Ashland, Oregon, pictured on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024.

West Linn

“Come July, the West Linn Old Time Fair takes over Willamette Park with parades, food contests, and live music. It’s a quirky, heartfelt celebration that’s been running strong since 1957,” according to WorldAtlas.

Oswego Lake is pictured from Southshore Boulevard on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Not unlike our other destinations, West Linn has a variety of walking and hiking trails. And for that great small town feel, there are several yearly family-friendly festivals — something for every season.

Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego is just an exit away from downtown Portland, but it can feel worlds away. While it gives a ‘burbs vibe on its face, there are plenty of quiet scenic spots to have a quiet cup of coffee in between some shopping or recreating on the lake.

WorldAtlas suggests its arts festival, “Locals pour into the Festival of the Arts like it’s the Super Bowl.”

If you’re looking for a little Oregon Trail history, you can stroll through George Rogers Park and stop to enjoy the river views.

Manzanita

Manzanita is another coastal locale that can sometimes stand in the shadow of Cannon Beach or Newport but has a lot of its own charm to offer.

It’s a great place to relax year-round with many rentals right on the ocean. For the outdoorsy person, Manzanita is tucked away right next to Neahkahnie Mountain, where you can hike and tidepool.

If you’re of a Sunday morning market kind of mentality, then WorldAtlas suggests you check out the Manzanita Farmers Market, which runs from mid-June to mid-September.

If you’re more interested in donning your coat and catching some art films, then you should swing by Manzanita in the fall for the Manzanita Film Festival.

Depoe Bay

“The Whale Watching Center, perched right above the waves, is staffed by locals who are genuinely helpful and know their stuff, especially when it comes to spotting gray whales,” said WorldAtlas.

While whale watching is the main attraction of Depoe Bay, it has small-town charm to spare, too.

WorldAtlas suggests making time to check out Ainslee’s Salt Water Taffy.

But if you’re looking for ocean views and maybe a hike too, you can visit the Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area.

Bandon

Bandon is known as the “Cranberry Capital of Oregon,” and if you visit in September, you can experience that during the Cranberry Festival.

Visitors can check out Old Town Bandon to buy artisan goods and art, or head on over to the Bandon Historical Society Museum to learn more about its Native history.

Canby

It’s not your average flower festival; nearly 50 acres of fields boast hundreds of named dahlia varieties. But if Halloween is more your thing, WorldAtlas suggests visiting Canby during its Spooktacular village, where businesses turn into decorated storefronts of a family friendly haunt.

If you’re looking to beat the heat, just outside Canby you can find the Mollala River State Park, which offers hiking trails and water recreation.

Florence

The beautiful sand dunes are buffeted by the charming small town of feel of Florence’s Old Town District. WorldAtlas suggests making a stop at the Beachcomber Pub for a real local feel.

If sandboarding isn’t the sport for you, you can visit Florence for the Rhododendron Festival. It has that real small-town charm with parades, pie-eating contests, the whole nine.

“Florence’s calendar is filled with community events that foster a friendly, small-town atmosphere, which draws visitors seeking a genuine local experience,” according to WorldAtlas.