The Best Things to do in Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon is one of those places that you’re sure to fall in love with after spending a little bit of time exploring. Whether you’re after active adventure, slow nature walks, local wine, or cultural connection, you’re in luck. Eugene is the kind of place where you can hike in the morning, eat an amazing lunch downtown, and still have time for a wine tasting before the sun goes down.
For many of our guests, Eugene is more than just a stop on a map. It’s the launch point for our six-day Willamette Valley E-Bike Tour, an immersive experience that begins in Eugene before pedaling into the heart of Oregon wine country. But before your biking adventure starts, there’s plenty to see right here in town.
Hike Skinner Butte or Spencer Butte
One of the best ways to get your bearings in Eugene is to climb one of its two most iconic buttes. This is an activity where you’ll see both locals and visitors exploring. Skinner Butte is right near downtown, and is a short but rewarding hike. The short climb comes with a big payoff with views of the rolling valleys surrounding the city.
If you want more of a challenge, Spencer Butte is the hike for you. Located on the south end of town, the trail to the top weaves through Douglas firs and opens up to expansive views. At 2,058 feet, it’s not a giant climb, but it will get your legs burning and provide views that are well worth the workout.
Ride or Walk the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
In Eugene, you don’t have to leave the city to feel immersed in nature. The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System is a network of riverside trails that runs along both sides of the Willamette River. It’s great for a walk, jog, or a bike ride. You’ll pass parks, public art, wildflowers, and potentially even wildlife.
Locals and visitors use this path year round because of how easy it is to access. If you’re signed up for our Willamette Valley biking tour, this is a nice warm-up for what’s to come!
Go Wine Tasting Near Eugene
If sipping wine while looking out over the hills of Oregon sounds like your idea of a perfect afternoon, you’re in luck. Eugene sits on the southern edge of Oregon wine country and is surrounded by vineyards and tasting rooms.
LaVelle Vineyards, Silvan Ridge, and King Estate Winery are just a few of the spots you can visit for a flight of Oregon wines. Many of these wineries have scenic patios or garden spaces to enjoy your tasting with a view. Don’t be surprised if you plan on staying for one tasting and end up staying for a few.
Explore Elijah Bristow State Park
A 30-minute drive southeast of Eugene will bring you to Elijah Bristow State Park. This park is filled with forested trails and spots to lay out a blanket and sit near the water. The Elk Trail and Turtle Trail are both easy, popular, and scenic options that are perfect for a morning or afternoon hike.
Stroll Through the Owen Rose Garden
Right along the Willamette River you’ll find the Owen Rose Garden, a public space that’s free to visit and fun to explore. In bloom season, you’ll find over 4,500 roses of every color and size! Even when the flowers aren’t blooming, the paved paths, benches, and shaded spots make it a lovely place to take a break and breathe in some fresh air.
This 8.5-acre garden is a local favorite and one of those places that makes Eugene feel like a small town in all the right ways.
Visit the Eugene Saturday Market
If you’re in Eugene from April through November, stopping by the Eugene Saturday Market is a must. This outdoor market is one of the best places to shop for handmade goods, grab a snack, or listen to live music while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Vendors rotate throughout the year, so each visit will feel a little different. You’ll find pottery, prints, soap, clothes, woodwork, and so much more. If you’re craving the creative energy that runs through Eugene, this is the place for you.
Relax at Hendricks Park
Eugene doesn’t just have parks, it has really good parks. If you only have time to explore one park on your visit, make it Hendricks. With more than 80 acres of forest, native plant gardens, and trails, this park is an awesome and easy way to get outside.
It’s a good spot for a slow morning walk or a quiet place to read in the shade. Locals love it for bird watching, seasonal blooms, and its proximity to other trails. If you're the kind of traveler who values simplicity, feeling like a local, and time outdoors, this park will hit the spot.
Start Your Adventure on Our Willamette Valley E-Bike Tour
Our Willamette Valley E-Bike Tour kicks off right in Eugene and then winds through vineyard-lined hills, historic towns, and state parks filled with waterfalls and wildlife.
You’ll start in Eugene and pass over covered bridges, stop for wine-tasting lunches, and explore forested paths like the Banks–Vernonia Trail. It’s six days of scenic rides, thoughtful pacing, and meaningful connection to the Oregon landscape.
With electric-assist bikes, experienced guides, and small groups, this isn’t just a biking trip. It’s an immersion into the heart of Oregon, built for people who would rather experience a plan than rushing through all the sights. If you're already looking for the best things to do in Eugene, Oregon, this is one that begins here and just keeps getting better.
Ready to Explore Eugene?
So whether you’re spending a full week, a long weekend, or even just a day, Eugene has plenty to offer. You really don’t need a packed itinerary here. Just bring your curiosity, your love for the outdoors, and a little appetite for adventure.
