Things To Do In Southern Oregon

There is so much to do in Southern Oregon from the famous Shakespeare festival to thrill seeking mountain biking. And with four mild seasons you can find a way to take advantage of the great outdoors all year long. Here are some things you can enjoy in this region:

Outdoor Adventures

• Hiking – we love Roxy Ann Peak in Medford, Ashland network of hikes (which can be accessed from Lithia Park), Jacksonville Forest Trails
• Mountain biking – from the beginner to the expert you will find a trail for you
• Boating – Spend the day at one of the nearby lakes. Some offer boat rentals like Lake of the Woods and Lost Creek Lake
• Golfing – with four mild seasons you can golf all year round
• Camping – you don't have to travel far to find great camping spots
• Lithia Park – spend time strolling through the park which was designed by John McLaren (also designer of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park)
• Ski or Snowboard – head up to Mt. Ashland (about 30 mins from DT Ashland) to spend the day on the slopes
• Ice Skate – During the winter months there is an outdoor ice skating rink next to Lithia Park in Ashland
• Frisbee Golf – Roca Park SOU (Ashland) and Bear Creek Frisbee Golf Course (Medford)
• Rafting – Spend the afternoon rafting down the Rogue River
• Jet Boating – Feel a need for speed? Check out Rogue Jet Boat Adventures
• Oregon Caves National Monument – spend the day exploring these spectacular caves
• Horseback riding lessons – Roxy Rose Ranch (Medford) offers lessons starting at age 3
• Medford Railroad Park
• Parks – Visit one of the many wonderful parks in Southern Oregon

Arts & Culture

• Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Ashland is known for this festival and year-round theater offerings. Of the three theaters on its campus, the crowd favorite is the Allen Elizabethan Theatre which was modeled on Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
• Britt Music Festival – This festival brings big talent into a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue
• Theaters – Many theaters throughout the valley to catch performances such as Cinderella, Elf the Musical, The Nutcracker, Little Women, and more

Indoor Activities

• ScienceWorks hands-on museum (Ashland)
• The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon (Medford)
• Crater Rock Museum (Central Point)

Wine Tasting

Southern Oregon is home to a thriving wine scene, with over 150 wineries. Southern Oregon is the warmest/driest AVA in Oregon with over 300 days of sunshine. This climate lends itself to the Mediterranean type climate and enables a diverse range of varieties to thrive (not just Pinots here!). And when you visit the tasting rooms in Southern Oregon, you can expect warm hospitality and none of the pretentiousness you experience in other wine towns such as Napa. We love to visit Weisinger (Ashland), Irvine & Roberts (Ashland), Dunbar Farms (Medford), Roxy Anne (Medford), Dancin (Jacksonville), Hummingbird Estate (Jacksonville) to name a few. Some varietals you will find here: Tempranillo, Barbera, Grenache, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, GSM (Blend), Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Gris…and more!

This is just a highlight list and doesn't include everything this region offers. I hope this helps give you an idea of what Southern Oregon has to offer. There is something for everyone!