The 7 Coziest Towns In Oregon To Snuggle Up In This Season

It’s no secret we love Astoria. This quaint town on the Oregon Coast is peak PNW vibes: naturally beautiful, oozing with charm, and full of the region’s distinct brand of seaside scenery. It’s also a movie mecca, with numerous museums (hello, Oregon Film Museum!) and noteworthy sites attracting legions of film fans from all over, making it a wonderful destination for a weekend getaway in Oregon. While the town is best-known for its "Goonies" ties, Astoria also provided the perfect filming locale for "Short Circuit," another cult classic from the mid-1980s. In fact, film buffs can spend the night in the very house where "Short Circuit" was filmed in Oregon. We recommend visiting this winter to experience a quieter, more sublime side of this Oregon Coast town.

Way over on the eastern edge of the state, Baker City is a total Oregon treasure. With a population of roughly 10,000, Baker City is a one-of-a-kind town that will blow you away... especially in the wintertime. It's been named one of the "Coolest Towns in America," and once you visit, you'll immediately understand why. There's plenty to see and do here, from lounging at cafes and exploring the local shops to visiting historic landmarks and even golfing. The town is also home to the Geiser Grand Hotel, one of the most historic -- and notoriously haunted -- places in Oregon. Though in the winter, when the snow is softly falling on the streets of Baker City, the only thing "haunting" about this town is how beautiful it becomes.

Hood River is one of the most stunningly beautiful places in the state, nestled in the sublime shadow of majestic Mt. Hood. This town of around 1,000 residents is best-known for its incredible outdoor recreation, offering everything from hiking and biking to kayaking and wind surfing. We're partial to the town's winter recreation, however, as nothing beats hitting the slopes in this marvelous mountain town. To really enjoy Hood River's epic panoramas, book a night or two at Columbia Cliff Villas, a charming hotel that's situated on a dramatic bluff 200 feet above the mighty Columbia River. During the winter, with snow falling softly in the Gorge, there's nowhere more beautiful in the world.

Bend is a delight of a place in the Beaver State, offering the perfect balance of small-town life and big-city amenities. Drake Park, the town's centerpiece, takes on otherworldly beauty in the winter, when its verdant foliage is dusted in dazzling white snow. There's no shortage of things to do in the wintertime in Bend, either: bookworms will delight in perusing the town's independent bookstore, meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts will be blown away by the area's ski slopes and snow tubing spots. When it's time to put up your feet for the night, the Campfire Hotel is a no-brainer; this cozy accommodation is a total retro throwback, sure to make your winter retreat in Bend one you'll never forget.

Jacksonville may be best-known for its music scene; the town's Britt Music Festival is an incredible annual music festival that draws some of the biggest bands and artists in the industry. But this little locale is so much more than one star-studded event; it has a thriving downtown district that's peak small-town vibes, and it's especially charming in the winter! The Jacksonville Inn Restaurant is a hot spot in town, offering guests a fine-dining experience that's truly unrivaled. In terms of accommodations, there are numerous B&Bs that offer visitors a delightful place to rest their heads after a spent exploring this treasure of a town.

In the heart of wine country, McMinnville is an underrated treasure of a town in Oregon. Located just an hour from Portland, McMinnville is a historic old town with a thriving downtown district that's perfect for exploring -- especially for foodies! But even though McMinnville is famous for its fine wines and culinary clout, it's also a family-friendly destination that's home to places like the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, a perfect winter day trip in Oregon!

Rounding out our favorite winter towns in Oregon is a place that needs no introduction. Portland is perfection all year round, with its skyline, riverfront, and iconic bridges creating the most picturesque PNW picture. In the winter, however, Rose City takes on an enchanting quality, with fresh snow making the city seem to glisten in the sun. Plan a little winter getaway in Portland: check in to one of the city's cozy boutique hotels; reserve a table at a downtown eatery, and revel in the scenery while strolling along the riverwalk. We promise you'll be absolutely charmed!