Explore Beyond the UO Campus

Eugene - Springfield City Tours

Two to four hour tours

Typical University District highlights include a football or basketball game, a track event at Hayward Field, campus museums, campus art exhibits or theater productions and a craft beer at Rennie's or Max's. The more adventurous might hike Spencer Butte, visit the Saturday Market and check out downtown Eugene's Kesey Square for pizza and doughnuts -- all important parts of a must-see list for Eugene. But there is so much more to see!

An easy, fun way to learn about the local neighborhoods, and go beyond them, is signing up for guided tours. Guides share history and current culture, point out local landmarks and explain their significance, give insider scoops on places to eat and trails to hike and handle all the coordination, transportation and reservations needed.

Eugene Eats Food offers three fun tours in Eugene, led by Siera, a local music teacher who adores local, sustainable and gourmet food and drink. Nibble your way through the best of Eugene's food scene by foot or bicycle. She also offers a walking tour of top local wine bars.

Another cushy Eugene city tour is with Best Oregon Tours. Sign up for a three-hour van tour that covers the most popular points of interest. Along the way there are short stops with no more than a half a mile walks, and tours may be customized as desired. Their guides have expertise in the region's natural geology, Indigenous peoples and historical timelines.

You can also explore more independently, relying on pre-scripted programs. The Strides for Social Justice app is a self-guided walking tour that combines fitness with local Black history. Follow the suggested workouts at a variety of locations around Eugene.

Participating in a monthly art walk will showcase local art galleries and local artists in both Eugene (first Fridays) and Springfield's (second Fridays) downtown hubs. Enjoy the gallery receptions and live music that often enliven these self-guided but curated events.

Hike, Bike and Fish in the Cascades

One hour from campus

Do you like to hike? Mountain bike? Get out in nature? Head up into the Cascades to see waterfalls, raft and fish rivers, paddle on clear lakes, soak in the hot springs; and in winter, ski and snowboard! Starting just 30 miles (48.28 km) from campus are green forested mountains, roaring rivers and dazzling mountain lakes. If you don't have a car you can hop on the LTD bus to McKenzie River and to Oakridge. For outdoor adventures, coordinate additional shuttles and tours with local outfitters. Cog Wild offers mountain biking tours and Nordic ski tours. Willamette Pass Ski Resort is one hour southeast.

Explore the Dramatic Oregon Coast 

One hour from campus

The Oregon Coast and the riverfront town of Florence is only 60 miles (96.56 km) from Eugene. Several tour companies will take you on coastal excursions, including Best Oregon Tours which offers door to door transportation to popular coastal sites.

You can also hop on the LinkLane bus which stops at the Three Rivers Casino, Florence and Yachats. Without a car, getting to an ocean beach may be a bit trickier but you can ride the LinkLane bus to Carl G. Washburne State Park which has a beautiful sandy ocean beach. Or, once in Florence, call a taxi to take you to Heceta Beach (by Driftwood Shores Resort) or the North Jetty. The easiest way to put your feet in the sand is get off at the Gazebo Park stop in Old Town Florence and walk west to the Exploding Whale Memorial Park on the Siuslaw River. While not on the ocean, this riverfront beach has plenty of sand, water and views of the coastal sand dunes. 

At the coast try sandboarding, dune buggy riding, horseback riding or have fun beachcombing, flying kites or exploring Florence's shops and galleries.

Outdoor Recreation in the Valley

30 minutes from campus, three to four hour tours

Roam the beautiful Willamette Valley! The nearby small towns of Coburg, Junction City, Veneta, Creswell and Cottage Grove can easily be explored using public transportation. They are great destinations for connecting with small farms, antique shopping and more. Jet boat tours showcase the region from the Willamette River. Or join a wine tasting tour to visit the many wineries just thirty minutes from downtown. There are also DIY scenic bike rides! Ride the Official Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway in Cottage Grove with friends and family as it loops Dorena Reservoir, passing through several preserved covered bridges.