Medford is a small town in Southern Oregon known for its wineries, natural beauty and outdoor activities. It’s a charming town that makes for a relaxing getaway, and it’s also a nice base for exploring more of Southern Oregon and beyond. During my time here, I took day trips to the Oregon coast, Crater Lake National Park, Redwood National Park and more.
This guide includes all of the best things to do in Medford, Oregon, plus tips for visiting. It’s based on my experience spending a couple weeks in Medford in Spring of 2024.
The Best Things to do in Medford, Oregon
Visit a Winery
The Rogue Valley is particularly known for its great wine due to its soil composition. In fact, there are over 150 wineries in the area.
I visited Padigan Winery, which is located right on the edge of town. The outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We tried out their mystery tasting, which meant we got to guess which wine was which in exchange for a free dessert. Along with delicious wine, they serve light food and have outdoor games. It’s a beautiful place to spend an evening.
Other nearby wineries to check out include Rocky Knoll at Dunbar Farms and Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender.
Go on a Hike
One of the best places to hike near Medford is Table Rocks (Upper and Lower). These volcanic plateaus are located right on the edge of town. They stand 800 feet above the Rogue Valley and were formed by lava flow.
I hiked to the top of Upper Table Rock, which is a 3.7-mile trail with just over 700 feet of elevation gain. The trail was gorgeous the entire way. In the spring, it was blooming with endless wild flowers on the way up.
On top of the rock, there is black, volcanic rocks and vernal pools throughout. And of course, there are epic views of the surrounding valley. It’s a beautiful hike!
The trail to Lower Table Rock is longer at 6.3-miles and a little over 800 feet of elevation gain.
Another place to hike near Medford is Prescott Park, where you can hike to the top of Roxy Ann Peak and enjoy epic views.
Dine in Downtown Medford
Downtown Medford has lots of great restaurants for whatever your mood is. For coffee and breakfast, check out Forage Coffee Company. The coffee shop has a great setting for working, well-crafted coffee and great food. I especially enjoyed their ‘burnt’ cheesecake treat. They have both indoor and outdoor seating in a bright setting.
For lunch, check out CABA Empanadas. This Argentinian restaurant is family-owned by an Argentinian couple. They have several different and rotating flavors of empanadas, including pumpkin, Portuguese chicken and BBQ pork. I loved the caprese and spinach and cheese. In addition to empanadas, they also serve sandwiches and salads.
A fun dinner spot in town is Common Block Brewing. The brewpub serves a variety of beers, plus classic American menu items such as pizza, sandwiches and burgers. They also have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Other restaurants and bars to check out include 4 Daughters Irish Pub, Beerworks and Punky's Diner and Pies.
Go White Water Rafting
Whether you’re looking for something easy-going or high-thrill, the Rogue River is a great place for a white water rafting adventure. There are several outfitters in the area, including Noah’s River Adventures and Indigo Creek Outfitters. Typically, you can go on a river rafting trip between April and mid-September.
See a Show
If you enjoy a live theater show, the Craterian Theater is a great place to visit. You can find ballets, comedy shows, musical performances and more. Plus, the historic building has been a staple of the community for over 100 years.
Sample Specialty Cheeses
If you’re a fan of cheese, there are a couple of great places to go near Medford. The Oregon Cheese Cave is located just south of Medford, and serves a variety of specialty cheeses. They also have everything you need for the perfect charcuterie board, such as meats and breads. Plus, they can even make a custom charcuterie board for you.
And just north of the city, you may also want to stop into Rogue Creamery. This is another cheese shop where you can take a peek at their production, order a grilled cheese and partake in free samples.
Pro Tip: Find more destinations focused on cheese on the Oregon Cheese Trail.
Relax next to the River
Visit the TouVelle State Recreation Site for a picnic on the banks of the Rogue River. This day-use park sits below the stunning Table Rock and is a great place to enjoy nature. You can also hike, swim or fish.
Admire a Collection of Rocks and Minerals
If you like rocks, make your way to the Crater Rock Museum. They have a large collection of gems, fossils, rocks and minerals. They even have petrified wood! It’s a neat place to explore for anyone who likes rocks.
Day Trips from Medford, Oregon
Medford makes for a fantastic adventure base for exploring more of Southern Oregon! I took some epic day trips during my time there.
Grants Pass
40 Minutes from Medford
Grants Pass is another charming small town not far from Medford. The town has vibrant murals and great restaurants. I especially loved the Pharmacy and Soda Shop, Babe’s Bakery and the Horny Goat.
Read my guide to Cave Junction and Grants Pass.
Cave Junction
1 Hour from Medford
Cave Junction is an underrated part of Oregon that is very much worth a visit. You can stay in a treehouse, take a tour of Oregon Caves National Monument, discover rare plants at the Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area and more.
Read my full guide to an adventurous trip to Cave Junction and Grants Pass.
Crater Lake National Park
2 Hours from Medford
Crater Lake National Park is a stunning and unique park that features the deepest lake in the United States. While it’s most popular (and more accessible) during the summer, it’s beautiful to visit year round. I enjoyed snowshoeing there on a spring visit.
Redwood National and State Parks
2 Hours from Medford
Take a day trip to another amazing national park in California. Redwood National Park features towering redwood trees, along with pristine coastline, prairies and rivers. A few great hikes include the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail and the Fern Canyon Loop.
Umpqua National Forest
2 Hours, 15 Minutes from Medford
Umpqua National Forest is not far from Crater Lake National Park, and has some stunning waterfalls and hot springs. There are several epic waterfall trails, including Toketee Falls and Watson Falls. Umpqua Hot Springs is also a popular spot to soak in warm water while in nature.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
2 Hours, 30 Minutes from Medford
Take a day trip to explore the incredibly scenic Oregon Coast! The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile section of coastline that features rock arches, tide pools and incredibly scenic views. This was a huge highlight of my time in Oregon.
When to Visit Medford
Medford experiences all 4 seasons and is beautiful to visit year round. Summers tend to be hot, with highs in the upper 80’s °F. Winters can be snowy, but tend not to be too harsh. Lows tend to be 30 °F.
The best time to visit Medford is typically spring or fall, when you enjoy the perfect weather for outdoor activities like hiking. I loved visiting in the spring, since I got to admire wildflowers and the weather was lovely for being outside.
Where to Stay in Medford
- Budget: Ramada by Wyndham Medford Airport North
- Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Medford
- Luxury: Jacksonville Inn
- Unique: Lady Geneva Bed and Breakfast
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan a fun weekend getaway to Medford or a Southern Oregon road trip! From wine and cheese to hiking and rafting, Medford offers the perfect mix of activities and makes for a great base for further adventures.
For more guides on the West Coast, check out these guides:
- The Best Things To Do in Cave Junction, OR
- The Best Things To Do in North Cascades National Park
- The Perfect Channel Islands Itinerary
- How to Spend 2 Days in Death Valley
- How to Spend 2 Days in Joshua Tree
- The Best Things To Do on Orcas Islands, WA
Thanks for Reading!
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