Find cheap flights to Eugene from $49

Eugene is a lovely small city with great amenities, a mild climate, and spectacular outdoor scenery. The Willamette River runs alongside the city, the river valley is known as Oregon’s wine country and you’ll find numerous wineries and farms here. Summer is high tourist season, with warm and sunny days, so be prepared to book your flights and rooms ahead of time. You might plan a spring trip, from March to May, when temperatures range from 54 – 73 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s the most beautiful season, with blossoms and verdant green wherever you look. It might be rainy, so pack appropriate clothing. The fall stretch, from September – November can be quite pleasant as well, but rain and wind can be an issue, especially later in the season. This is the quietest season for tourists though, so you might find some good deals. Winter is slightly busier, mostly due to the holiday season. It can be very cold and wet, with occasional snow. Bone-chilling fog and high temperatures ranging from 46 – 55 degrees Fahrenheit mean that you should dress in layers, with waterproof gear on top.

Public transportation options in Eugene are limited. You might be best to walk or cycle around town. There’s an extensive network of paved and mountain bike trails around the area. Renting a car is another good option, Eugence is easy to drive around in, and other than during brief rush hour periods, traffic is generally light. There is also a local bus system, which may be useful.

Buses

Lane Transit District (LTD) operates the local bus network, which largely serves the local population, but you may find it convenient to get around, depending on your itinerary. Single-ride and day-pass tickets are available when you board the bus, fares are $1.75 USD for adults, or $3.50 USD for a day pass.

Bicycle

One of the best ways to get around in Eugene is by bicycle. The City of Eugene, the University of Oregon, and Lane Transit District are collaborating with Social Bicycles to launch a bike share program, which is expected to begin in spring 2018. 300 bikes will be available at 35 stations across Eugene.

Taxis

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can always find a taxi in Eugene, hail one on the street, or call for pickup. Flag drop is $3.00 USD, and every 1/9 mile costs $0.25 USD, with a waiting charge of $30.00 USD per hour and a fuel surcharge of $1.25 USD per trip.

Things to do and places of interest in Eugene, OR

Nature-loving tourists will adore Eugene, with its spectacular scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventure, but there are sights to see indoors too. Here are some ideas for your Eugene itinerary.

• Ramble around Alton Baker Park, Eugene’s largest park, which sits on the banks of the Willamette river. Walk, jog or bike along the paved trails, or tackle Pre’s Trail, a popular 4-mile cross-country running route.
• Pass a rainy day by visiting the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon. This windowless building was designed to protect the treasures within; an extensive collection of American, European, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese art.
• Your kids (and you!) can learn about fascinating raptors at Cascades Raptor Center, where 50 resident birds of 30 native species are on display, including owls, falcons, hawks, bald and golden eagles.
• For some local flavor, take in the Saturday Market at 8th and Oak Avenues, or the 5th Street Market, where you’ll find crafts, fashion, delicious food and free musical entertainment.
• Explore the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, where you’ll discover the university’s anthropological, zoological, and paleontological artifacts.
• Go for a walk at Mount Pisgah Arboretum, where 209 acres of native and imported trees shade numerous trails leading along the riverbank and to the mountain’s summit. There are several outstanding viewpoints from which to admire the surrounding farmlands.
• Take a trip to the Willamette river valley and tour the best wineries of Oregon, where you can sample world-renowned pinot noir and pinot gris wines.

Tips and tricks for visiting Eugene, OR

It can rain at any time of the year, so come prepared with a waterproof coat and umbrella. The fashion vibe here is decidedly casual, so dress down and you’ll fit right in.

Yes, marijuana is legal here, but don’t worry! Oregon hasn’t gone to wrack and ruin since it legalized the use of recreational weed. Sure, there are some stores you wouldn’t have seen before, and the occasional smell of someone smoking, but it’s still a safe and family-friendly place to visit.