Overview
Eugene (population 173,000 in 2019) is a city in Oregon at the southern end of the Willamette Valley near the confluence of the Mckenzie and Willamette rivers. It is best known for being the home of the University of Oregon.
15 sights · 29 things to do · 15 places to eat · 17 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Eugene
University of Oregon
Essentially the center of the town, and the reason for the town's modern growth.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
At the University of Oregon. Free on Wednesdays between 5PM and 8PM.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
At the University of Oregon.
Pioneer Statue
Many claim "The Simpsons" statue of Jebediah Springfield is based on the bronze pioneer statue on the University of Oregon campus. Installed in 1919 by Alexander Phimister Proctor, it depicts a trapper carrying a rifle.
Hayward Field
One of the best-known historic track and field stadiums in the United States. Hayward Field has hosted three Olympic Trials, and a variety of National, NCAA, and Masters championships. University of Oregon. It hosted the…
Pre's Rock
A memorial to Olympic runner and local legend, Steve Prefontaine, at the site of his fatal car crash. The Prefontaine Classic, is held annually in Eugene in his honor.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Oct. Summer highs reach about 67°F; winter lows dip to about 39°F. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Coos Bay)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EUG Eugene Airport, Eugene — 8 mi away. Directions
- SLE Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field, Salem — 59 mi away. Directions
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 109 mi away (major hub). Directions
* American Airlines and Skywest dba American Eagle: Phoenix Sky Harbor. (Flights from Portland and Seattle are operated by Alaska Airlines as a codeshare partner). * Alaska Airlines: (Portland, Seattle-Tacoma, Los Angeles and San Diego) * Allegiant': (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, and Santa Ana, CA. Seasonally from San Diego) * Breeze Airways (Burbank to begin March 2026) * Compass Air dba Delta Connection: (Salt Lake City & Seattle-Tacoma) * Southwest Airlines (Denver, Las Vegas, Sacramento, San Jose CA and seasonally from San Diego) * United Airlines & Skywest dba United Express: (Chicago O'Hare, Denver and San Francisco)
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $89–$89 a night (typical $194), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $12 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$250, comfortable ~$220.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning University of Oregon, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Pioneer Statue
- Lunch Mezza Luna Pizzeria
- Afternoon Hayward Field, Museum of Natural and Cultural History
- Dinner Rye
- Evening Espresso Roma
Day 2
- Morning Mount Pisgah Arboretum, Eugene Skydivers
- Lunch SeQuential
- Afternoon New Zone Gallery
- Dinner Mazzi's
- Evening The Bier Stein Bottleshop and Pub
Day 3
- Morning Oregon Air and Space Museum
- Lunch El Super Taco
- Afternoon Oregon Wine Tours
- Dinner Sweet Life
- Evening Brewery Taproom
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Citizens of Eugene are environmentally aware people who love their coffee and their microbrews. Residents range from arch-conservative Republicans to militant anarchists, and are generally tough, yet forgiving people. The population is typical Pacific Northwest, i.e., leaning toward a greater degree of social responsibility, respect for nature, and diminished consumerism. Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, aka "The Fighting Ducks". Eugene was the second home to the rock band the Grateful Dead, and author Ken Kesey, a U of O grad, lived in nearby Springfield, leading some to see this city as a "hippie Mecca".
Along with neighboring Springfield and surrounding towns, Eugene forms part of the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area.
Saturday Market has been continuously in operation since 1970, rain or shine and claims to be the oldest open-air market of its type in the United States.
Visitor information
- City of Eugene website
Get in
By plane
Go Eugene Airport (Mahlon Sweet Field) (EUG)
A major airport for commercial flights serving Eugene, Springfield, Corvallis, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay and the surrounding areas in the Lower Willamette Valley and the Central Oregon Coast.
* American Airlines and Skywest dba American Eagle: Phoenix Sky Harbor. (Flights from Portland and Seattle are operated by Alaska Airlines as a codeshare partner). * Alaska Airlines: (Portland, Seattle-Tacoma, Los Angeles and San Diego) * Allegiant': (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, and Santa Ana, CA. Seasonally from San Diego) * Breeze Airways (Burbank to begin March 2026) * Compass Air dba Delta Connection: (Salt Lake City & Seattle-Tacoma) * Southwest Airlines (Denver, Las Vegas, Sacramento, San Jose CA and seasonally from San Diego) * United Airlines & Skywest dba United Express: (Chicago O'Hare, Denver and San Francisco)
Additional domestic & international connections are made in Chicago O'Hare, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City depending on the airlines you choose.
There is no public transportation (Lane Transit District (LTD) buses) to/from the airport, so you'll have to hire a cab, shuttle, or rent a car. The nearest public transit available is the 95-Junction City bus line which has a stop 2 mi from the terminal at the intersection of Airport Rd. and Highway 99.
Portland International Airport (PDX), is the next closest airport with commercial service, located 122 mi north. It is common for travelers to fly into Portland at a more competitive airfare and rent a car to drive to Eugene.
By train
- Routes stopping in Eugene:
- Amtrak Cascades operates between Vancouver, BC and Eugene via Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Everett, Edmonds, Seattle, Tukwila, Tacoma, Lacey (Olympia), Centralia, Kelso (Longview), and Vancouver, WA, Portland, Oregon City, Salem, and Albany. There are two round trips daily along the portion between Vancouver and Seattle, four round trips daily along the portion between Seattle and Portland, and two round trips daily along the portion between Portland and Eugene. No train departures travel the whole length of the route. Additional service between Vancouver and Seattle, and between Portland to Eugene are provided on the Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach.
- Coast Starlight operates daily between Seattle and Los Angeles. Stops include Tacoma, Portland, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Dunsmuir, Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, San Francisco (Emeryville), Oakland, San Jose, Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, and Burbank. Between Seattle and Eugene, it makes the same stops as the Amtrak Cascades, except it skips Tukwila and Oregon City.
Travel time by destination and route: From Interstate 5 (I-5) Eugene and Springfield are accessed from exits #189 ("30th Ave South Eugene") through #196 ("Randy Pape Beltline SR-569 Eugene-Springfield") along I-5. To get to downtown Eugene from the north, exit at #194 and go west on Interstate 105 or go east on SR-126 to Springfield from the same exit. From the south, downtown can be reached via Franklin Blvd (Hwy 99) at Exit #192. There are five exits along I-5 to reach Eugene and Springfield. * Portland, OR (via I-5 for 109 mi): 2 hours * Seattle, WA (via I-5 for 282 mi): 5 hours * Medford, OR (via I-5 for 168 mi): 3 hours * Sacramento, CA (via I-5) for 473 mi): 7½ hours * San Francisco, CA (via I-5, 505 & I-80 for 535 mi): 9 hours OR-Hwy 126 passes through Eugene as W 11th/10th Ave and through Springfield as Main St/'A' St. A bypass highway of OR Hwy 126 bypasses around Springfield in the north from Main & Pioneer Pkwy east of Springfield, becomes I-105 west of the I-5 junction at Exit #194 and continues into W 7th & Jefferson west of downtown Eugene as Interstate 105. * Florence, OR (via Hwy 126 for 61 mi): 1 hour * Bend, OR (via Hwy 126 for 130 mi): 3-4 hours * Boise, ID (via I-84, US 20, and Hwy 126 for 446 miles (718 km))ː 7.5-8 hours OR-Hwy 99 goes from I-5 at Exit 192 and passes along the north side of the University of Oregon as Franklin Blvd, across downtown as 6th / 7th Ave and continues northwest as "Hwy 99" to Junction City 14.5 mi where it splits between & . Going south SR-99 goes along I-5 to Exit #188 ("SR-58 Oakridge Klamath Falls"), through Goshen as Franklin Blvd and runs parallel along I-5 as a separate road for 18 mi through Creswell and Cottage Grove and merges back into I-5 at Exit #170 in Veatch.
- Corvallis, OR (via SR-99 & 99W for 43 mi): 55 minutes
By bus
Intercity buses stop in front of the University of Oregon School of Law, across street from Hayward Field, at 1515 Agate St and/or the Amtrak Station on 433 Willamette St. Some may have additional bus stops in other parts of the city to or in Springfield. Check schedules and tickets:
Go Greyhound
Greyhound travels primarily on Interstate 5 between Portland and Sacramento via Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Roseburg, Grants Pass, Medford, Weed, Redding, Chico, Red Bluff, Oroville and/or Marysville. Passengers transfer to other buses in Seattle, Sacramento or Portland to continue to additional destinations. The old bus stations/stops on 10th & Pearl in downtown Eugene and next to the Springfield LTD Station (355 'A' St) are closed.
- Cascades Point/Amtrak Cascades Thruway goes up to Portland via Woodburn, Salem & Albany. Additional stop at the Hayward Field (1515 Agate St) on the University of Oregon campus
Go Pacific Crest Bus Lines
Connects Bend to Eugene, Florence and Coos Bay. Passengers connect to Eastern Point (across eastern Oregon to Ontario) in Bend.
Get around
By bike
Eugene has an excellent system of bike routes, and has bike friendly streets, and its bike paths allow you to ride along rivers, mountain trails and through covered bridges.
- Bicycle rentals are available from Bicycle Way of Life (+1 541-344-4105).
By bus
By taxi
See
See Oregon Ducks
The teams representing the University of Oregon, competing in the Big Ten Conference following the 2024 collapse of the Pac-12 Conference, are Eugene's most famous contribution to the sports world. Ducks sports have benefited enormously from the financial support of Phil Knight, UO alum and now-retired head of Oregon-based sports equipment giant Nike. The highest-profile Oregon team is the football team, which rose to become a perennial national contender in the early 2000s and also infamous for its highly colorful and variable uniforms. Oregon also has an extremely rich tradition in track and field, with Hayward Field known for its enthusiastic fans; the city has become known as "Track Town USA" because of this. Hayward Field was rebuilt in a project that was completed in 2021; the new stadium, expandable to 30,000, hosted the 2022 World Athletics Championships. The main sporting venues (including Hayward Field) are all on campus. The football stadium, Autzen Stadium, is famous as one of the loudest and most intimidating venues in American sports. The basketball teams have played at Matthew Knight Arena (nicknamed "Matt Arena"; named for Phil's son, who died in a scuba diving accident) since 2011. Ducks baseball plays at PK Park (not named for Knight), which is shared with the minor-league professional Eugene Emeralds.
See Pioneer Statue
Many claim "The Simpsons" statue of Jebediah Springfield is based on the bronze pioneer statue on the University of Oregon campus. Installed in 1919 by Alexander Phimister Proctor, it depicts a trapper carrying a rifle.
- First or Last Friday Artwalk. Popular art walk in downtown with all the local galleries participating. Free
See Pre's Rock
A memorial to Olympic runner and local legend, Steve Prefontaine, at the site of his fatal car crash. The Prefontaine Classic, is held annually in Eugene in his honor.
See Maude Kerns Art Center
A non-profit art gallery housed in a historic church building built in 1895. Known for its annual Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit in October.
See Wayne Morse Family Farm
The Wayne Morse Family Farm, a City of Eugene park, was the home of Oregon's long-time United States Senator, Wayne Morse. The 27-acre (110,000 m²) home used to be a working farm called Edgewood Farm. Owned by the Morse family, it includes the Morse home, a natural wooded area, and an open meadow. Formerly named Morse Ranch, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden
See Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Do
Performing arts
Outdoors
Eugene is a great city for outdoors enthusiasts and cyclists. There are many well-maintained hiking trails, and there are bike lanes on most major roads.
Do Spencer Butte
A large hill south of downtown. Head south on Willamette St about 1.5 mi past the post office. The trail head is easy to miss but is on the top of a crest in the road on the left hand side. There is a large parking lot with signs and restrooms. Trail to the summit is about 2 mi each way with about 700 ft of climbing. Trail is well marked until about 1/4 mi from the summit which requires a small amount of rock scrambling.
Do Skinner Butte Park
Skinner Butte is just north of downtown, and offers hiking paths that lead to the summit (though you can also drive to the top in a car) where a tree-free view of the city and surrounding mountains can be seen. The area of the park between the butte and the Willamette River has more traditional park amenities like a playground and meeting space. If the weather is nice, people will often climb the exposed basalt cliffs on the west side of the butte (with the proper training and gear, of course!) The butte was the original site of city founder Eugene Skinner's cabin and the park is named in his honor.
Do Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
Eugene has more pedestrian bridges across the Willamette River than those that allow auto traffic, and all of them can be accessed via the Bascom path system. Renting a bicycle (see Get Around) and riding along the river is an excellent way to spend a pleasant afternoon and tour the city's waterfront.
Do Disc golf
There is an 18-hole course in Alton Baker Park and a smaller, (often crowded) 9-hole course at Westmoreland Park in West Eugene.
Events
Eugene Weekly is a good source for 'what's happening' in the area.
Learn
Buy
Shop 5th Street Public Market
The market's original location on the block at the corner of 5th and High street was meant to be a premier destination in the city offering shops, eateries, and lodging. The market expanded across the street in 2021 adding more of each, and has also attracted independent shops and restaurants on along E 5th Ave. Most of the shops lean toward upscale, and the dining options cover a wide variety.
Shopping centers
Shop Shoppes at Gateway (Gateway Mall)
Although this mall is in Springfield, it is very close to a lot of Eugene's student housing. Stores include Target, Kohl's, and a Cinemark 17 movie theater. This is a great/inexpensive date idea if you live in the area. There are many smaller stores and beauty salons in the mall.
Groceries
Eat
Budget
Eat Mezza Luna Pizzeria
Serves lunch and dinner, real NY style pizza, with a variety of meat and vegetarian choices, plus the option to create your own pizza from a large list of toppings.
Eat Off The Waffle
Serving authentic Liege waffles with an amazing assortment of toppings, such as bacon, cardamom, garlic, fruit, and the list goes on and on. Also serves omelettes and they have some local microbrew on tap.
Eat SeQuential
Serving fresh made sandwiches, coffee, bakery items, sweets, snacks and beer. Mini health food market and cafe with drive-through window for coffee. Omnivorous, herbivorous and diets of all kinds.
Eat El Super Burrito
Very inexpensive and locally owned. El Super Burrito is the best burrito and taco you can get for your money in the city.
Eat Voodoo Doughnut Tres
A fun-but-gimmicky doughnut store chain with additional locations in Denver and Portland. Known for unusual toppings like bacon slices with maple-frosting, Capn' Crunch, and powdered Tang.
Eat El Super Taco
Great Mexican food on a budget.
Mid-range
Eat Brail's
Two locations where you can get a hearty traditional American breakfast at a reasonable price. Expect a wait for weekend brunch.
Eat Morning Glory
Breakfast.
Eat Sweet Life
World-class desserts, including vegan options. Very popular among both locals and visitors, so expect a long line on weekend evenings.
Eat Chacha’s Hawaiian Grill
Pretty good Hawaiian food in a very relaxed environment.
Eat Sushi Seoul
A cool sushi place downtown. A cool interior with happy hour.
Splurge
Eat Rye
Reservations recommended for dinner. A restaurant with a speakeasy veneer serving a globally-inspired menu that uses fresh, local ingredients.
Eat The Cafe Med
A small, upscale Italian restaurant where you can try some mussels or bolognese and a tiramisu afterwards.
Eat Mazzi's
Has the best Italian food in town. Prices are reasonable, considering the quality of the food; a typical dish is $12-18. Outstanding wine selection as well.
Drink
Bars
Eugene's main bar scene is centered around Broadway and Olive St (the "barmuda triangle") in downtown. Alternatives can be found in the Whiteaker neighborhood (Blair Blvd), which is experiencing a brewery renaissance of sorts, and around the UO campus. Expect crowds every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, especially during the school year when college students fill the streets.
Drink The Bier Stein Bottleshop and Pub
Eugene's largest beer selection, more than 1,000 bottled beers and ten beers on draft.
Drink Luckey's Club Cigar Store
Eugene's oldest bar and one of the oldest pool halls on the West Coast. They still have a few tables, but have transformed into one of Eugene's leading music venues with several shows a week.
Drink Max's Tavern
Popular little student bar, rumored to be the inspiration for Moe's Tavern in The Simpsons. Happy hour daily from 4PM to 8PM. They have darts and an outdoor patio.
Drink Blairally Vintage Arcade
Combination bar/pinball arcade in Whiteaker. Great collection of pinball machines, 1980s arcade games and beer. Darkstalkers appears to be a particular favorite. Most Blazers games shown here.
Drink Sam Bond's Garage
Funky neighborhood bar and music venue. Live music on weekends.
Breweries
Eugene has a thriving brewery scene, largely in the Whiteaker neighborhood, northwest of downtown.
Drink Ninkasi Brewing Company
A production brewery of high quality beers, ales and lagers since 2006, tasting room and patio with firepits and heat lamps.
Drink Oakshire Brewing
A Eugene craft brewery known for its Watershed IPA and Overcast Espresso Stout.
Drink Falling Sky Brewing House
A Northwest brewery & gastro-pub inspired by the convivial atmosphere of Munich beer halls.
Drink High Street Brewery & Cafe
A McMenamins pub with McMenamins beers as well as national and local micro brews.
Drink North Bank
A McMenamins pub with McMenamins beers. Every table has a Willamette River view. Has a tiki-themed Kapu Hut.
Drink Viking Braggot Company
Produces braggots traditional ale/mead fusion.
Coffeeshops & teahouses
Eugene has an excellent variety of coffeeshops.
Drink Espresso Roma
Popular coffee shop a block from campus. Good coffee, nice patio.
Wineries
The wineries of the Willamette Valley pride themselves in offering a relaxing and inviting experience for guests from downtown Eugene tasting rooms to vast countryside vineyards.
Drink Iris Vineyard
Temporarily closed as of 2022; call ahead. Specializes in producing small quantities of quality, hand-crafted Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Iris Hill has been dedicated to growing high quality fruit through sustainable viticultural practices.
Drink King Estate
The 1,033 acres certified organic Estate includes 250 acres of certified vineyards, grapevine grafting and propagation, nursery, orchards and garden. A visitor center and market place are open to the public.
Sleep
The Eugene Hotel, whose large sign is a prominent feature of Eugene's skyline, has been transformed into a retirement community.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Go next
- The Central Oregon Coast and Florence are just one hour west on OR-126.
- Bend is a 2.5-hour drive east of Eugene using OR-126 to get to US-20.
Place Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Outdoor recreational areas
If you have access to a car, there are different outdoor recreational opportunities available within an hour's drive from town.
Place McCredie Hot Springs
- Blair Lake and Meditation Pool (Wall Creek), take highway 58 to Oakridge, left on Union St, right on 1st, 10 mi or so to a left turn on Forest Service Road 1934. Meditation Pool is on your left after about 3/4 mi (trailhead, about 1/3 mi walk to the pool), Blair lake is all the way at the top. Be sure to detour near the top when you see a road going off to the left marked by a trail marker (picture of two people hiking) for a spectacular view. Blair lake has campsites and hiking, Meditation Pool is a warm spring.
Place Willamette Pass
Popular skiing area. Summer activities include gondola rides to the summit, Mtn biking, disc golf and hiking. Shuttle service to Willamette Pass available every day they are open. Departs from Dick's Sporting Goods at the Delta Oaks Shopping Center in Eugene. Departs at 7:15AM and returns approximately at 5:45PM.
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