Grants Pass sits at the epicenter of southern Oregon recreation. Draw a 25-mile radius around the city on a map and you’ll find that the circle encompasses Crater National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, the Pacific Coast beaches, Shakespearean theater and some of the most scenic mountains in North America. If you’d prefer staying in town, you’ll find enough diversions to keep you busy for weeks. Antique stores, specialty shops, historic buildings and art galleries abound, making this a true gem among Oregon’s small towns.
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A great place to start is Grants Pass’s revitalized downtown area. Check out the state’s longest-running outdoor growers and crafters markets to make a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Cross the award-winning pedestrian bridge over the Rogue River and explore the bustling Josephine County Fairgrounds.
Make room in your schedule for adventure. Get in touch with one of the area’s many expert outfitters for scenic trips down the Rogue, Klamath and North Umpqua rivers. Popular jet boat rides give passengers a thrill as the vessels speed across the water. Follow one of the many hiking or cycling trails that wind through beautiful landscapes.
After a busy day walking the streets or trekking the trails, grab a tall glass in one of the town’s many local breweries. Fine wine and hot coffee are also on the menu, and make sure you dine at one of the charming restaurants that line the town’s streets.
Plan for side trips to one of the city’s surrounding attractions. The annual Shakespeare Festival in Ashland brings the bard to life with award-winning theatrical performances the replicate Elizabethan theater.
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At Crater National Park, visitors encounter an attraction that predates the bard by millennia. Formed by a collapsed volcano, the park’s 1,943 deep lake dishes out stunning views for photographers. Even more attractions await eager visitors—and it’s all within 25 miles of Grants Pass, Oregon.