There are so many fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon, though a lot of people tend to drive right by it. I’ll admit it took me longer than it should have to check it out finally, but after one visit I was hooked.
Eugene reminds me a lot of Olympia, Washington, with its youthful artsy vibe, fun shops, breweries, restaurants, and colorful murals. It’s located at the southern end of the Willamette Valley about 2 hours south of Portland. This means you’re close to a ton of wineries, not to mention a host of outdoor activities since you’re also close to the Willamette National Forest and Oregon coast.
If you’re curious about what this artsy college town is all about, look no further. Here is everything you need to know to help plan your next trip to Eugene, Oregon!
Fun Things to Do in Eugene, Oregon
Here are all my favorite things to do in Eugene. Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll continue adding to it as I discover more must-visit spots!
Check out the local markets
Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, and part of being a big college town means having tons of unique shops, vintage stores, and food markets. Here are ones not to miss.
5th Street Public Market
website | get directions | best for: tons of small, locally-owned restaurants, drinking holes, and shops
I wrote a whole article about 5th Street Public Market because it has so many awesome shops, restaurants, and hotels. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill market. 5th Street encompasses multiple blocks and has stores, wineries, breweries, and restaurants spread throughout an indoor-outdoor space.
One of my favorite spots to visit is Magpie Coffee Shop for their awesome biscuit sandwiches and banana cream pie. I also never leave without getting a gift or two from Swahili Modern, a fair trade shop that works with 14 African countries to showcase unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Lane County Farmers Market
website | get directions | best for: fresh produce and foodie souvenirs
Just outside of 5th Street is the Lane County Farmers Market. It’s one of my favorite farmers markets in Oregon, so it’s one of the most fun things to do in Eugene for those who like strolling local producers.
It’s currently open on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and the third Thursday of every month for their Night Market. It’s one of the bigger markets I’ve seen. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to honey, jams, candies, infused salts, and more.
Eugene Saturday Market
website | get directions | best for: local artisan wares
The Eugene Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM. Personally, I think you have to be in the mood to sift through a lot of tchotchke when you go. A lot of the wares remind me of the kind of gag gifts you’d find at Spencer’s.
That said, there are some diamonds in the rough. Considering the Saturday Market is located near the farmers market, it’s worth doing a quick lap to see if you can find any gems.
Oak Street Vintage
website | get directions | best for: secondhand mid-century furniture
Y’all know I love finding the best vintage stores in Seattle. Oak Street Vintage is one of the more eclectic vintage shops I’ve found. They’re located in a cool historical building that fits their theme of selling mid-century furniture. They have everything from brass lighting to solid wood tables and a curated selection of clothing and jewelry. It’s pricey, but it’s free to window shop!
Farmers Union Coffee Roasters
website | get directions | best for: coffee beans
Right next door to Oak Street is Farmers Union. The historic building has lived many lives, including an egg station, a blacksmith shop, and a feed shop. When you visit, you can still see the weights in the ground and the old feed machinery. It’s got a hip vibe and some darn good coffee. I like it so much that I’ve gotten beans shipped to me before!
Springfield
website | get directions | best for: cute shops and Simpsons murals
Across the Willamette Valley River from Eugene is the lesser-known town of Springfield, AKA the Springfield from The Simpsons. It often gets overlooked, but it’s one of the most fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon thanks to its many shops and restaurants.
Some of my favorite stores are Chuck and Alice for their quirky gifts, What’s in Store for their random secondhand collectibles and games, and Festival Boutique for their funky fair trade clothes.
As you explore, keep an eye out for murals. There are quite a few Simpsons’ ones, many hidden in unexpected places. Here’s a self-guided mural walking tour you can take to hit up all the best ones.
Bike the local paths
Did you know Eugene has been ranked more bike-friendly than Portland? In fact, it’s been ranked the second most bike-friendly state in the country! So riding on two wheels is one of the most fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon.
I recommend renting an e-bike at Pedego in 5th Street Market. This will help you cover more ground without working up too much of a sweat.
After you grab your bikes, here are some great trails to explore.
Alton Baker Park
website | get directions | best for: paved biking paths
Alton Baker Park rides along the Willamette River and encompasses 373 acres of developed parkland and the wild Whilamut Natural Area. A paved trail rides along the length of the park and offers a beautiful view of the river, bridges, and birdlife. Here’s a map you can use to plot your route.
Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
website | get directions | best for: interconnected biking paths
Also known as the Willamette River Trail, this is a collection of walking and biking paths along the Willamette River. You can ride the whole thing or break it up into chunks. It’s the North Bank Path that takes you through Alton Baker Park, but if you go the South Bank Path, you’ll run into the Owen Rose Garden and Skinner Butte Park. Cross at the Greenway Pedestrian Bridge to get to it.
Fern Ridge Path
website | get directions | best for: wide open paved trails
Fern Ridge is a popular path for families since it’s wide open and mostly free of car traffic. It encompasses about 7 miles of paved path that guides you through wetlands. It’s a great spot to look for spawning fish and Great Blue Herons. There’s parking at the Meadowlark Prairie trailhead on Green Hill Road.
Check out the breweries
The brewery scene is alive and well in Eugene, with over 20 craft breweries specializing in everything from triple IPAs to traditional Belgian-style brews. Here are some of my favorites not to miss as you narrow down the fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon.
Oakshire Public House
website | get directions | best for: quirky flavors & tons of outdoor seating
Oakshire is located in the Whiteaker neighborhood of Eugene and in PDX. They have beers made in various styles, from funky flavors like their Sherbert IPA to more traditional Czech pilsners. The vibe is lively, and they offer plenty of outdoor seating, food trucks, and live music.
You can order a flight if you want to try one or two quirky beers but not commit to a pint. Personally, I really dug the Sherbert IPA since it’s fruity, a little bitter, and not too hoppy.
Alesong
website | get directions | best for: Belgian-style brews
I found Alesong inside 5th Street and was really surprised to have liked all of the beers I tried, especially since I’m not a huge fan of sours. The brewery was founded by industry veterans looking to explore their creativity outside the constraints of your average brewery.
As a result, they focus on traditional Belgian and sour beers, all aged in oak barrels. This gives a surprising amount of complexity and depth you don’t find in any other beer style. Paying homage to old-world Lambic blenders, they use traditional Belgian-inspired techniques of infusing locally grown fruit and herbs in their beers.
PublicHouse
website | get directions | best for: whiskey library & beer hall
PublicHouse in Springfield is set in an old church building. You can tell right away thanks to the cathedral ceilings and large stained glass windows. They don’t brew their own beer, but rather have an extensive beer hall with local brews. They also have a whiskey library, huge outdoor beer garden, a food hall, and live music, so there’s always something to do.
Go wine tasting
I’ll never pass up a chance to go wine tasting, especially with Eugene being right in southern Willamette Valley Wine Country. There are over 25 wineries in Eugene, most of which source their grapes from the surrounding area. Here are some of my favorites to add to your list of fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon.
Antiquum Farm
website | get directions | best for: sustainable wines
Antiquum Farm is one of the most famous sustainable wineries in Oregon. Note: sustainable, not organic. That’s because instead of using organic fertilizers and pesticides, Antiquum doesn’t use any at all. Instead, they strategically rotate their farm animals around the winery to take care of unwanted pests.
As for the wines, they lack that characteristic “funk” that turns many away from natural wines. Instead, they’re smooth, refined, and eclectic. I fell in love with their wines the first time I went so I immediately signed up as a club member.
Pro tip: They’re a small boutique winery, so make a reservation as they often run out of wine and have to close the tasting room.
Brigadoon Wine Co.
website | get directions | best for: small-batch wines
Brigadoon is an entirely family-run operation. Husband-and-wife team Chris and Sheree began the vineyard in the 90s, and now their son Matt is the head winemaker for all 2,000 cases of their minimal intervention, deeply expressive wines.
In addition to complex and exciting wines grown on the property, Brigadoon also has a locally-driven menu of charcuterie boards to perfectly accentuate the wines. Many times they feature Sheree’s addictive homemade rosemary Parmesan crisps. If they’re on the board while you’re there, consider yourself lucky!
Iris Vineyards
website | get directions | best for: diverse wines & wine cocktails
I first discovered Iris back when they had a tasting room in the vineyard. They’ve since close that spot down and have opened a modern and youthful wine bar in Springfield. I was bummed at first since the estate is so gorgeous, but the wines are every bit as delicious, and the outdoor sipping area is a fun vibe in the summer months.
Because Iris sources both from their estate as well as surrounding regions, they’re able to offer warmer climate varietals like Tempranillo and Syrah. They also make a mean wine cocktail. My favorite was the Negroni made with Chardonnay infused with herbs, which was almost better than the original!
Pfeiffer Winery
website | get directions | best for: Obama-approved Pinot
Pfeiffer was supposed to be a sheep farm, but after some research into the perks of a south-facing meadow, it became one of the first vineyards in the South Willamette Valley.
Today, Pfeiffer makes smooth, silky, and refined Pinot Noir. They’ve even caught the attention of Barack and Michelle Obama, who chose to serve their Blue Dot Pinot at his inauguration dinner.
Oregon Wine LAB
website | get directions | best for: multiple wineries under one roof
The Oregon Wine LAB is downtown Eugene’s urban winery, wine bar, and tasting lounge. They offer their own label, William Rose Wines, as well as several other smaller wineries. I love how they allow up-and-coming winemakers to show their talents on a broader stage.
In addition to delicious wines, Oregon Wine LAB offers local beers and ciders served alongside the popular Da Nang Vietnamese food cart and a spacious outdoor sippin’ area. As a result, spending a few hours here is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon.
Find the local bars
One of the perks of visiting a college town is the plethora of creative bars. Eugene is buzzing with nightlife of every caliber, from dive bars to speakeasies and intimate drinking holes. Here are ones to seek out.
86 Speakeasy at The Gordon Hotel
website | get directions | best for: a speakeasy
If you know me, you know I have a thing for finding speakeasies in Seattle. The more secret, the better. Luckily Eugene has one of of their own right inside The Gordon Hotel, one of the best boutique hotels in Eugene.
To make it inside 86 Speakeasy, you have to make a reservation. Once you do, you’ll receive the password from The Gordon Tavern hostess that changes daily. Then you have to walk through the Gordon Hotel lobby and find the door marked “Janitor,” and flip the light switch.
Once you give the correct password, you’ll be greeted by a classic 1920s Gatsby-esque bar with high-quality cocktails and a creative food menu. They’re always playing good music and serving food from The Gordon Tavern, so it’s one of the most fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon for sure.
Thinking Tree Spirits
website | get directions | best for: distillery with delicious cocktails
Thinking Tree is a woman-led operation serving expertly distilled spirits in a fun and lively tasting room. They specialize in gin and vodka, which they filter 21 times before proofing. They also offer rum and whiskey, so there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. That’s why they make one of the best PNW food gifts.
If you’re a spirits purist, you can order a flight, which they offer for happy hour every day from 3-6 PM. If you’re a cocktail lover (like me), you can ask the knowledgeable staff to help narrow down your choices and find the perfect cocktail.
Dine at the best restaurants in Eugene
Unsurprisingly, the food scene at Eugene is good and only getting better. With award-winning food carts and a variety of cuisines, it’s definitely a town worthy of a food tour. Here are some of my favorite eats in the city.
Yardy Eugene
website | get directions | best for: West Indies food truck
Yardy Eugene is a West Indies-inspired food truck that’s believed to be one of the best food carts in Eugene, and I’m inclined to agree. Their fried chicken is fried perfectly and comes with fluffy homemade cornbread and a “market side,” meaning whatever produce is fresh that day. When I went, I had their pickled cauliflower and broccoli and…chefs kiss! It had a lovely balance of flavors that kept me wanting more.
Tavern on Main
website | get directions | best for: upscale American classics
Tavern on Main was recommended by the winemaker at Brigadoon so I had to check it out, and it’s honestly my favorite restaurant in Eugene right now. It has a cool art deco vibe and serves up solidly-executed American classics like ‘po boys, smash burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches.
Sweet Life Patisserie
website | West Eugene (get directions) & East Campus (get directions) | best for: fresh pastries
Sweet Life is a vibrant bakeshop specializing in made-to-order cakes alongside pastries and freshly brewed coffee. I tried their oatmeal cookie and the huge pecan/apple bun, both of which were loaded with flavor. They rotate the pastry flavors to suit the seasons, but I can guarantee whatever is available will be delicious.
El Buen Sabor Taqueria
website | Downtown (get directions) & Blair (get directions) | best for: Oaxacan Mexican
El Buen is a Mexican food cart serving hard-to-find Oaxacan delicacies like molotes, corn dumplings stuffed with potato and chorizo, and tlayudas, or crunchy fried tortillas topped with heaping cabbage, beans, cheese, and guac. I particularly love the tlayudas for their deep corn flavor that goes well with the zippy salsa, so don’t miss this!
Marché
website | get directions | best for: French fine dining
Marché is one of the best restaurants in Eugene, especially for fine dining. It’s located inside 5th Street and serves classic farm-inspired French cuisine from the award-winning Chef Stephanie Pearl Kimmel. Everything that can be sourced locally is sourced locally, down to the salmon beignets and smoked hazelnuts.
Provisions Market Hall
website | get directions | best for: food hall goodies
Provisions Market Hall is another 5th Street staple where hungry patrons can order a variety of baked goods and picnic items. It’s the more casual sister spot to Marché, so expect a similar obsession with highlighting small producers.
The menu changes regularly, but my go-to when I go is either their egg salad toast or their pizza, the latter of which is good but can be a touch greasy. Their chocolate chip cookie is on point, with noticeable flakes of sea salt and giant chocolate chunks.
Off the Waffle
website | South Eugene (get directions) & Downtown (get directions) | best for: sweet & savory waffles
Off the Waffle is a great spot for a solid, quick breakfast. They focus entirely on Liege-style waffles which are made with Belgian pearl sugar. This gives the waffle a slightly sweeter flavor and a nice caramelized crunch.
You can get your waffle with either sweet or savory toppings. My absolute favorite is the Goat in the Headlights, which comes with chevre, avocado, fresh basil, and two sunnyside-up eggs.
George + Violet’s Steakhouse
website | get directions | best for: high-quality steaks & ramen
George + Violet’s used to be a fancier steakhouse with moody grandma-chic decor. Since the pandemic they pivoted to a more casual smoked meat house that also serves ramen. However, they still keep some of the ethos of their original concept.
For example, the steaks are all locally-sourced, humanely raised, and paired with seasonal and organic produce. They also make the bread in-house and offer a thoughtfully curated wine list. So while now you can get different types of dishes, they still have a commitment to quality execution.
Check out the public art scene
Eugene is a city known for its epic art scene. One of my favorite ways to spend the afternoon is to check out the newest murals.
Here’s a map of the murals in Eugene that you can explore and compare to the ones you saw in Springfield.
Check out the sports scene
I may not be a huge sports person, but I know for a fact Eugene is famous for its track and field team at the University of Oregon. On campus is Hayward Hall, an interactive museum where visitors can learn the fun history of UO’s premiere track team.
Visit the nearby farms
Oregon is known for having a ton of small, family-run farms where locals and travelers can stop by and grab fresh produce. Many of these farms also offer u-pick fields where you can gather your own flowers or berries and get your hands dirty. Here are some to add to your list of fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon.
Groundworks Organic Farm
website | get directions | best for: organic u-pick flowers
Groundworks is an organic farm that offers u-pick flowers in the summer months. While you’re there, be sure to check out the farm stand, where they have fresh berries, veggies, local honey, eggs, cheeses, and much more.
The farm stand is open Thursday – Sunday from 9 AM – 5 PM, but the u-pick isn’t offered daily, so check out the website before heading over.
Thistletown Farm
website | get directions | best for: u-pick flowers & pumpkin patches
Thistletown is another farm that offers u-pick flowers along with ton of fresh produce, housemade baked goods, a nursery, grass-fed pasture-raised beef, and a pumpkin patch in the fall months. It’s near Groundworks, so you can hit up both in the same day.
Johnson Vegetable Farms
website | get directions | best for: u-pick apples, raspberries, & pumpkins
Johnson Farms is located on the outskirts of Eugene and has a variety of fresh produce available year-round. They offer u-pick raspberries, apples, and pumpkins during the summer and fall. They also have frozen berries available year-round with everything from boysenberries to rhubarb and huckleberries.
Take a hike or find a waterfall
Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or just snag some Instagram-worthy content, one of the most fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon is to spend a day outdoors.
Spencer Butte is a popular spot and offers the highest vantage point of Eugene’s Ridgeland Park system. It has two designated trails to get you to the summit, the Main Summit Trail or the West Trail. The Main trail is the easier of the two and both offer a beautiful panoramic view of the Cascade Mountains, Coast Range, and the Willamette Valley.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect waterfall, then you’ll need to head about an hour and 20 minutes east to Sahalie and Koosah Falls. They’re part of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and offer a picturesque view with a moderate amount of effort
When you’re finished with Koosah, stop by Tamolitch Falls, AKA Blue Pool. Small waterfalls surround this striking pool, making for a gorgeous (albeit a bit crowded) scene.
Lastly, Silver Falls State Park about 1.5 hours northeast of Eugene near Salem is a must visit. You can do the full 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls to see some impressive waterfalls, or take one of the shorter hikes that still have big view payoffs.
Check out the covered bridges
Oregon has the densest concentration of covered bridges west of the Mississippi, most of them between Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding towns. Many of these bridges date back to the 1920s and offer a unique glimpse into the early decades of the west coast, so seeking them out is one of the most fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon.
Here’s a map of Oregon’s covered bridges between the Willamette National Forest and the Oregon coast. While some of these bridges are still open to cars, many have transitioned into pedestrian and bike paths.
The Mosby Creek Covered Bikeway is one of the most famous bike paths and consists of a 36-mile loop that begins and ends in Cottage Grove. If you go the distance, you’ll loop around Dorena Lake and up to Culp Creek, but you can also easily shorten the ride depending on how much of a workout you’re looking for.
More to do in Eugene, OR
As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon. If you want more ideas, here’s my Google Map that I use to collect places I want to visit in the future.
Destinations near Eugene
After you add these fun things to do in Eugene, Oregon to your itinerary, check out my other guides of what to explore nearby.
- Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
- Where to Eat in Willamette Valley
- Things to Do in Oregon Besides Drink Wine
- Fun Places to eat in Portland
- The Perfect Portland Itinerary
- Portland’s Best Gift Shops
- PDX Antique Shops for Vintage Lovers
- What to Do on the Oregon Coast Besides Cannon Beach
- Things to Do in Bend in Winter
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Columbia Gorge
- Unique Places to Stay in Oregon
- Dreamy Winter Cabins in Oregon
- Fun Glamping Spots in Oregon Wine Country
