Andrew Collins

You may have seen those Instagram-celebrated spots for rock-climbing and river rafting, the famous craft breweries and chef-driven restaurants that put Bend on the foodie map. But did you know about the free summer concerts, or the fact that Bend is within day-tripping distance of Crater Lake, the Pacific Crest Trail and other see-it-to-believe-it geologic phenomenon? The cultural and creative heart of Central Oregon, Bend beckons with an abundance of fantastic, and sometimes unexpected, diversions. Here are some we especially love. More

For generations, hungry visitors have flocked to Oregon’s quintessential beach town in search of classic coastal fare — from fresh Dungeness crab and local albacore to old-fashioned saltwater taffy and ice cream. None other than father-of-all-foodies James Beard, the 20th-century icon of American cookery, learned to prepare seafood during his childhood summers in Seaside. He even taught cooking classes here in the 1970s. More

Visiting the South Coast’s secluded sweep of laid-back towns feels like you’re in on a secret — even more so when you take the trip car-free. More

Oregon’s popularity as an LGBTQ destination undoubtedly starts with Portland, a bona fide hotbed of queer activism, arts and culture. But I’ve long been surprised by how many other communities around the state have vibrant queer scenes. More

Home to some of the most varied terrain in the West, from old-growth conifer forests to ancient volcanic formations to vast high-desert plains, Southern Oregon offers dozens of memorable opportunities for both quick-and-easy nature walks and rigorous wilderness treks. More

The outdoor recreation hub of Sweet Home beckons with its abundance of evergreen-shrouded trails, rippling lakes, tumbling waterfalls and scenic highways. More

Oregon’s original beach resort, Seaside abounds with lively diversions, from old-school candy shops and arcades to an historic aquarium and the classic Promenade. But if you venture just slightly from the busyness of the city’s central Broadway Street, you'll discover another side to this picturesque community that resonates with wildlife watchers, treasure hunters and solitude seekers. Here are six ways to explore Seaside’s quieter secrets. More

Sliced in two by a river that winds for 111 miles from the southern Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the Umpqua Valley is known just as well for its legendary outdoor recreation (the Umpqua River is nicknamed the Graduate School for Steelhead Fly Fishing) as it is for its award-winning wineries and sophisticated, locally sourced cuisine. More

Oregon’s Central Coast offers rugged Pacific Northwest scenery, from soaring headlands to pristine crescent beaches. You’ll also find the quintessential seaside attractions that resonate both with kids and playful adults. More

If you’re a coastal lover, fear not: Hip and historic Astoria is an easy bus ride from the Pacific. More