Surrounded by the magical mountains and rivers synonymous with Oregon, Ashland is a pretty little mountain town with a big art scene and lots of hidden gems.
In the tiny but charming downtown, you’ll find metaphysical shops, artist galleries, a store devoted to lavender, and, of course, good food.
Nearly 300 miles from busy Portland, Ashland has endless ‘wow moments’ for the nature lover, mountain fanatic, or small-town enthusiast.
Here’s what to do in Ashland, Oregon:
How to Get to Ashland
Medford is the most populous city in southern Oregon and has the area’s biggest (and therefore most affordable) airport.
Medford and Ashland are separated by a convenient, scenic, 15-20 minute drive.
Ashland by the Season
- Spring is my favorite time in Ashland– the neighborhoods, the downtown area, and the mountains are covered in flowers. When I lived in Ashland, I loved cruising around the houses in the hills behind East Main Street and flower spotting on a sunny day.
- Summer in Ashland can throw some people off. Southern Oregon gets hot, often reaching over 100 degrees- so pack a good oil-free sunscreen! The mountains turn thirsty yellow, and only the hardiest summer foliage survives (Sunflowers, Yarrow., etc.). Wildfires are a threat during these months. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival opens in June-October.
- Fall is also beautiful in Ashland. Leaves paint the town autumn, the gourmet coffee shops offer cinnamon and spice flavors, and the air stays cold and crisp.
- Winter in Ashland is postcard-worthy. The town gets festive; the lights from the shops of a downtown glow against the snow-covered evergreen trees.
This is my favorite book for identifying Pacific Northwest wildflowers.
Where to Stay: Ashland OR Hotels
Wondering where to stay in Ashland? I got ya. From the affordable Oregon Holiday Inn Express to the locally famous Lithia Springs Resort, these are the best Ashland OR hotels for your budget-
Luxury: The Lithia Springs Resort is a gem that is adored by locals as well as travelers. Only 3 miles from downtown Ashland you can enjoy a private sanctuary.
Mid–range: The beautiful Ashland Springs Hotel describes itself as a “Beaux arts-style 1925 hotel.”
Budget: If you’re on a budget, the Ashland Oregon Holiday Inn Express is a clean, affordable option right off the freeway.
Top 3 Coolest Coffee Shops in Ashland
Like Portland, or the foggy Oregon coast, Ashland has a lot of good coffee shops to choose from, and it can be overwhelming… luckily I tried them all for you!
Best Things to See & Do in Ashland
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Since 1935, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has performed Shakespeare, Greek classics, and musicals.
The festival is not only one of Ashland’s biggest attractions but also southern Oregon’s, bringing in over 120,000 people per 8-month season.
Lithia Park in downtown Ashland
Directly in the middle of downtown is Ashland’s most prestigious city park.
Lithia Park in Ashland is the beating heart of the city.
This park has miles of walking trails, 2 duck ponds, a Japanese garden, and stunning Rhododendrons in the spring and early summer, followed by roses towards the end of summer.
The most magic time to visit Lithia Park in Ashland is during sunset, where you’re almost guaranteed to see deer and according to some, fairies.
Notes:
- Lithia Park in Ashland does NOT allow dogs.
- This park is popular and isn’t the place to go for an uninterrupted retreat.
- Learn more about Lithia’s guided nature walks through the park during the summer months.
Lithia Water Fountain in Downtown
Natural lithium oxide was believed to be a health tonic in the 1880s.
When Ashland realized it was sitting atop a large lithia spring, it tried to build a health spa.
This didn’t work out, and the town went on to bigger and better things. The Lithia Fountain is still maintained today for nostalgic purposes rather than for health benefits.
How to find the Lithia Water fountain
Go to the downtown plaza at the Northernmost tip of Lithia Park, where North Main St and East Main Street meet.
Ski Mount Ashland
Enjoy views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. McLoughlin while skiing comfortably (or not!) on terrain suitable for any skill level.
Mt. Ashland has it all:
- ski rental shop
- food options,
- lounge
- a ski school
Check out Tickets and Passes
Lithia Artisan Market
Some of the finest craftspeople in the Ashland area come together every Saturday and Sunday to sell their work at the Lithia Artisan Market.
The Best Hikes in Ashland
Emigrant Lake
Emigrant Lake is a reservoir in southeast Ashland. Nestled in the hills and farmland, this lake has some seriously stunning views of the town and mountains.
Look for: Red Jasper, Calcite, Agate, and different types of Quartz at Emigrant Lake! I used this book to find all of my treasures.
Acid Castle Boulders
Acid Castles offers some of the best views of the city of Ashland, and it’s an easy drive up from Lithia Park.
It’s a short but steep trek to the mild graffitied ‘castles’ (which are actually big, beautiful boulders) at the end of the trail.
How to get to Acid Castles:
The trail isn’t marked.
If you type ‘Acid Castles Boulder access’ into your GPS, you should end up on Hitt Road.
To the left, you’ll see what looks like a small pull-out, but it’s actually where the unofficial parking for the trail is.
Note:
As with all southern Oregon trails, be aware of poison oak. I’m extremely sensitive to urushiol, so I use these wipes (the stuff in the poison oak/ivy) to prevent contact.
Hobart Bluff
Hobart Bluff is a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail, mostly along the Pacific Crest Trail, ending in a rocky viewpoint of Ashland.
For longer or more challenging hikes, the Soda Mountain Trail is nearby. The two trails use the same parking lot.
Bonus: The drive up is stunning– prepare for a narrow, winding byway ascending the mountains with limited guard rails.
Best Shops in Ashland
Ashland is known for its Etsy-esque boutique shops filled with locally crafted goods.
You’ll find everything from fashion to fine jewelry to chocolate and spice stores, metaphysical shops, and art galleries.
- The Book Exchange has been serving up the best-used book deals in Ashland since 1971. This town has no shortage of bookstores, but this one is my absolute favorite for both price and selection.
- Pelindaba Lavender has local, hand-crafted Lavender products. Pelindaba is spiritual in its devotion to lavender, offering everything from lavender chocolates to Lavender health and beauty products to Lavender literature and art. Never does the dedication to lavender deviate- you won’t find rose oil here.
- Elder Apothecary is part herbal apothecary, part botanical reading library, part tonic and tea shop, and part art in retail form. The potion bar serves in-house tonics and infusions.
Day Trips from Ashland
- Crater Lake National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive and is worth every single second. This is the most beautiful National Park I have ever seen.
- Lava Beds National Historic Monument is a 2-hour drive away but feels like a different world.
- Ashland is a 3-hour drive from Secret Beach and the rest of the Oregon Coast.
- There are several whimsical wineries to tour. Start with Belle Fiore or Irvine Roberts and Vineyards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashland, Oregon, worth visiting?
As a former city resident, I’m definitely biased, but Ashland, Oregon, is more than worth visiting. It’s just easy to fall in love with the charming downtown shops, inspiring mountain views from every corner, wildflowers bursting from every street in the summer, wild deer, and incredible sunsets. Between the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and quirky culture, Ashland is a gem of town.
What is Ashland known for?
Ashland is best known for being the home of Southern Oregon University, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Skiing at Mount Ashland, and beautiful Lithia Park.
How far is Ashland, Oregon, from the ocean?
How far is it from Ashland, the ocean? The distance between Ashland and the Oregon Coast is 144 miles. And let me tell you, those miles are incredibly beautiful, filled with redwoods, mountains, and novel-worthy countryside towns.
Is Ashland, Oregon, a college town?
Technically, Ashland, Oregon, is a college town because it is home to Southern Oregon University. However, with a small population and remote location compared to the larger cities in Oregon, Ashland isn’t your typical party hot spot.
Is Ashland, Oregon, walkable?
Downtown Ashland, Oregon, is extremely walkable. When I lived there, I loved walking from the Ashland apothecary, grabbing lunch, and picnicking at Lithia Park. However, like most semi-rural towns in Oregon, Ashland’s city limits extend beyond the adorable downtown and into the mountains.
Does Ashland have a downtown?
Yes, Ashland, Oregon, has a downtown, and it’s fantastic! Filled with local shops like Elder Apothecary and family-owned restaurants like Oak Tree Northwest, downtown Ashland is real and worth a visit.
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Ashland, Oregon, is so completely unique from anywhere else that it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
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