Eugene is surrounded by lush forests and greenery and sandwiched between the soaring peaks of the Cascade mountain range and the rugged Pacific coast. The city is famed for its sporting culture, with a world-renowned track and field pedigree and one of the planet’s most successful fitness clothing brands to its name, and a stretch of interconnected riverside parks offer plenty of scope for scenic runs and leisurely walks alike.

The city also has a notable performing arts scene, with standouts including the Eugene Ballet, shows at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, and free public performances in the park. The thriving student population at the University of Oregon makes for a varied food scene, from cafe pastries to omakase tasting menus. You can also hop around urban wineries, visit producers at nearby Willamette Valley vineyards, and tour some of the state’s signature craft breweries.

The best time to stay in a Eugene vacation rental is from August to October. The temperature begins to cool to a pleasant fall crispness and there’s a lower chance of precipitation. Winter weather in the region can be changeable, with snow likely at higher elevations and sunny days still a possibility along the coast. Whether you’re planning a hilly hike or some cold weather surfing, you’ll need warm clothing to combat the chilly temperatures at this time of year.

Although temperatures start to rise from around April, spring can be wet, so pack a waterproof jacket. Summer brings balmy temperatures and perfect beach weather. You can join the locals at Baker Beach around 1.5 hours away to soak up the sun or head up into the mountains for a hike in cooler conditions. The Scandinavian Festival in August celebrates the heritage of nearby Junction City offering music, traditional dancing, and a smorgasbord of food offerings.

Spencer Butte and Skinner Butte

Eugene is home to two buttes that offer stunning vistas. Around a 20-minute drive south of the city, Spencer Butte is reached via a trail running over 1.7 miles through vivid evergreen forests, culminating in a dramatic valley landscape. More beginner friendly Skinner Butte involves a shorter, more moderate climb directly above Eugene’s downtown.

McCredie Hot Springs

Around an hour southeast, you’ll find the bubbling spring-fed waters of McCredie Hot Springs, which sit alongside the cold-flowing Salt Creek. A range of depths and fluctuating temperatures — check before you step in, as some pools can be scoldingly hot — create an invigorating experience.

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Located on the University of Oregon campus, the Museum of Natural and Cultural History looks back on 300 million years of history in the region. Set in a longhouse-inspired building, exhibits include one of the world’s oldest pairs of shoes, fossils of giant salmon, and artifacts from Oregon’s oldest cultural site, the Paisley Caves.