Traveling To Ashland Oregon – Visitors Guide
Thinking of traveling to Ashland, Oregon?
As you crest over the Siskiyou Summit on Interstate 5 that takes you from Northern California into Oregon, prepare to be amazed by the vast mountain ranges that stretch as far as the eye can see. Set at the convergence of the Siskiyou and Cascade ranges 16 miles north of the California border lies the small town of Ashland, Oregon. Here in Jackson County, these mountain ranges encircle the lush and fertile Rogue Valley which is home to some of the countries most prominent agricultural industries. Fruits, vegetables, and marijuana are grown in abundance, but it is the arts and natural beauty of Ashland that draws travelers from every corner of the globe.
For nearly a century, the bard has held the spotlight in this small arts town with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival attracting over 125,000 people to its theatre’s seats each year (with nearly 90% of those traveling over 125 miles to get there). However, the cultural experience in Ashland extends far beyond the OSF campus. Galleries, theatres, restaurants, wineries, and breweries abound around Ashland. Beautiful parks can be found in nearly every neighborhood, with the crown jewel, Lithia Park, sharing the same designer as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park (John McLaren).
Getting To Ashland
By car:
Ashland is centrally located halfway between Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California. Ashland is located 15 miles from the California border easily accessed from Interstate 5. Once you arrive, we invite you to enjoy navigating Ashland as a driver, pedestrian or cyclist. For trails and bike routes request an Ashland Map Guide.
*Via Ashland Chamber of Commerce
By air:
Rogue Valley International Airport (MFR), located 15 miles north of Ashland in Medford with commercial air provided by Alaska, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Connections, and United Express offered through SkyWest.
*Via Ashland Chamber of Commerce
Where To Stay In Ashland
Ashland thrives on tourism, so there is no shortage of accommodation options in town. However, depending on the season rooms book up fast especially during the summer months when OSF is running and around the 4th of July.
Check out some of the best places to stay in Ashland, Oregon and this local’s guide to Ashland Hotels to find the perfect home base for your trip to Ashland.
Dining In Ashland
Ashland is fine dining without the fuss. The culinary scene here will leave you with only one dilemma – too many great choices. In fact, there are around 100 different restaurants within the city’s 6.5 square miles.
Want to eat where the locals go? Check out this local’s guide to the best restaurants in Ashland, Oregon.
Wineries and Breweries in Ashland
Southern Oregon has a perfect microclimate that creates the ideal conditions for growing a lot of different things… including the ingredients for world-class wine and beer. Head down to Standing Stone Brewery or Caldera to sample some of Ashland’s best brews. As for wine, you have a lot of options to choose from. The Rogue Valley has more wineries than we can count, but some of the local favorites include Dana Campbell Vineyards, Belle Fiore Winery, Paschal Winery, Trium Wines, RoxyAnn Winery, and DANCIN Vineyards.
Relaxing In Ashland
Relaxing in Ashland is an easy thing to do. There are coffee shops on practically every corner. Beautiful parks and hiking trails can be easily accessed all over town and are the idyllic place for taking a stroll or lounging in the grass. Plus, there are several spas in town for those interested in taking relaxation to the ultimate level.
Ashland’s best parks: Lithia Park and North Mountain Park
Ashland’s best coffee shops: Mix Cafe and Noble Coffee
Ashland’s best spas: Chozu Bath and Tea Gardens and Waterstone Spa. For those feeling adventurous, check out the hippie enclave and soak in the Jackson WellSprings (a naturally alkaline artisanal mineral hot spring with sauna and steam room facilities). Clothing is optional at the Jackson Wellspring after dark.
What To Do In Ashland
From hiking to secret waterfalls to strolling through farmers markets, here are a few of the best things you need to do in Ashland, Oregon:
- See a play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
- Go on an epic hike.
- Check out the local farmer’s markets on Tuesday and Saturday.
- Explore the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum.
- Eat at as many of the best restaurants in town as you can!
- Attend a few of these awesome Spring and Summer events.
- Explore the Rogue Valley and discover what Southern Oregon is all about.
To be honest, this guide only begins to brush the surface of all the amazing things to see and do around Ashland, but we hope it helps spark your curiosity to explore what this beautiful city has to offer. At Acme Suites, our mission is to ensure that your trip to Southern Oregon is special, so if you have any questions please let us know in the comments below!
