14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Medford, OR (2024)

Written by Brad Lane
Updated Mar 1, 2023

Medford is at the heart of the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon and offers a rich selection of natural spaces and community flavor. From jet boat and paddlesport adventures on the Rogue River to enjoying the fruitful produce of the region, things to do in Medford span night and day and the different seasons.

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Medford, OR (1)

The prominent Upper and Lower Table Rock is exemplary of the outdoor attractions in the city and a must-hike when visiting. It offers several fun pathways to explore and stunning views of the surrounding valley. Other day trips and outdoor things to do around Medford include world-renowned attractions like Crater Lake National Park and the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River.

More family fun attractions in Medford include the Kid Time Children's Museum and Medford Railroad Park. For romantic things to do in Medford, places like the Craterian Theater offer a great stage for a date, and downtown restaurants like Porters Dining at the Depot feature intimate dining experiences.

It's not all about outdoor attractions in Medford. Numerous boutique shops, local restaurants, and things to do indoors line Main Street downtown. Whether it's antique perusing, dining on fresh fare, or community engagement, this downtown corridor offers unique activities around every street corner. For more shopping and entertainment near Medford, the charming small town of Jacksonville is 15 minutes west of the city.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top things to do in Medford, Oregon.

On This Page:

  • Rogue River
  • Upper and Lower Table Rock
  • Downtown Medford Shopping and Dining
  • Prescott Park
  • Medford Railroad Park
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Jacksonville
  • Applegate Lake
  • Craterian Theater at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts
  • Kid Time Children's Museum
  • Natural Bridge
  • Crater Rock Museum
  • Valley of the Rogue State Park
  • Medford, OR - Climate Chart

Rogue River

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Carving its way into the culture of the surrounding valley, the Rogue River runs for 215 miles between its headwaters in Crater Lake National Park and its terminus at Gold Beach. Today, the river is categorized by upper, middle, and lower sections,

The Lower Rogue River was one of the first in the nation to be designated as "Wild and Scenic," and it epitomizes the stunning riparian habitat of the valley. Popular things to do on the Lower Rogue River include white water rafting, lodge-to-lodge floating, and salmon fishing.

Permits to raft the wild and scenic section of the Lower Rogue River are strictly enforced during the summer season, and numerous local outfitters are happy to guide tourists on the water. Upper portions of the Rogue River are more easily accessible to the everyday public, including the picnic areas and parking spots of TouVelle State Park.

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The family fun Rogue Jet Boat Adventures runs tours departing from TouVelle State Park and offers gliding jet boat rides up and down the river. Along the way and peppered with some exciting hairpin turns in a maneuverable jet boat, this guided adventure features historical narration about the surrounding region, including the towering Upper and Lower Table Rock prominently in view.

Those looking to enjoy the scenery by foot can hike along the Rogue River National Scenic Trail parallel to the banks. More day trips along the Rogue can be found farther north at the lava-carved Natural Bridge outside Crater Lake National Park.

Official site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=74299

Upper and Lower Table Rock

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Upper and Lower Table Rock are two monolithic mesas standing 800 feet in the air, jutting from the banks of the Rogue River. The flat expanses atop both Table Rocks are a result of a volcanic eruption more than seven million years ago, and each played a significant role in the history and culture of the region's Indigenous culture.

Today, Upper and Lower Table Rock are popular hiking and long-distance viewing destinations, and two of the most prominent features of the Rogue Valley. It's less than a two-mile hike to the top of either of the Table Rocks, though it's nothing but uphill to summit the 800-foot mesas.

After making the climb up, numerous scattered trails navigate the flat terrain, with some trails leading to the edge for fantastic views of the Rogue Valley and the backdropping Siskiyou Mountains. Plan to spend at least two to three hours for the entire roundtrip hike.

Summer brings scorching temperatures to the top of both Table Rocks, with spring and fall often providing the best times to make the hike.

Downtown Medford Shopping and Dining

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Unique shopping opportunities and local restaurants line downtown Medford, offering a laid-back sense of style and many experiences to choose from. Still undergoing a resurgence in culture and charm, downtown Medford and Main Street are a great place to visit without a plan to simply see where the day takes you.

For dining, local cafés like Jasper's offer casual fare, and more upscale restaurants, including Porters Dining at the Depot, feature a real potential for romance. Other popular eateries in downtown Medford, like Pomodori Bistro and Elements Tapas, also attract foodies and casual eaters alike.

Places like Pretty in Paint and The Coop de Ville offer some of the best shopping in Medford. These stores, and many others, also make downtown a great place to find homemade goods and antiques. Fashion, jewelry, and art are also prominently on display in downtown windows.

Numerous community events also occur in the downtown district throughout the year, including the Rogue Valley Growers Market on Thursday mornings. One monthly event not to miss is the Third Friday Art Walk featuring pop-up galleries and a street festival flair.

Prescott Park

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Prescott Park encompasses over 1,700 acres of natural space abutting the eastern part of the city. It contains one of the most prominent peaks seen from Medford, Roxy Ann Peak, rising 3,576 feet within the park. This mountain and surrounding natural space are one of the closest and most popular places to go hiking from Medford.

The grade is consistently uphill to reach Roxy Ann Peak, but the views of the surrounding Rogue Valley are well worth the effort. Several trails wind around the mountain, with the most common route consisting of an approximately five-mile loop. Mountain bikers also often descend on the mountain, and trail users should keep an eye out for one another.

Either avoid the hike in the middle of hot summer days or be sure to bring plenty of water and some shade protection.

Address: 3030 Roxy Ann Road, Medford, Oregon

Medford Railroad Park

This unique seven-acre park is open on the second and fourth Sunday of each month and provides a free, family-fun activity and place to visit. For those who grew up in the Rogue Valley or have kids, it's often a cherished childhood tradition.

The park was formally a sewer treatment plant prior to 1979. Today, this public space has been revitalized to include numerous intricate model train sets. Miniature train rides are also offered at this volunteer-run park, along with full-size locomotives and cabooses on display.

Address: 799 Berrydale Ave, Medford, Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

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Crater Lake is one of the most stunning natural features of the American West, and it's just over an hour's drive from Medford. It's the result of a volcanic eruption over 7,000 years ago and is the longstanding remnant of what used to be Mount Mazama. Only rain and snowmelt comprise the icy blue waters of Crater Lake, which reach an astonishing near 2,000 feet depth, making Crater Lake the deepest in the country.

Crater Lake offers numerous things to do, but simply staring in awe at this unique natural landmark is one of the most popular activities in the park. The Rim Trail originates at the Rim Village Visitor Center on the southwest side of the lake and enables great views of the water and the steep slopes of the caldera, including vantage points of Wizard Island. Interested hikers can take a ferry to Wizard Island throughout the summer.

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The Pacific Crest Trail makes a prominent side trip along the rim of Crater Lake, often filling the hiker/biker sites at the Mazama Campground with long-distance hikers. The Mazama Campground facilitates car camping and family travel, too, with over 200 sites available.

For additional add-on adventure to a Crater Lake trip, the stunning Natural Bridge of the Rogue River is only a 30-minute drive from the campground.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Jacksonville

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Jacksonville is a historic small town fifteen minutes west of Medford. It's a popular tourist destination for boutique shopping, antique perusing, and catching a live performance. Jacksonville is also a popular destination to enjoy the rich agriculture of the region with local restaurants and purveyors.

Numerous historical buildings and hiking trails line the small community, offering a great afternoon walk or after-dinner stroll. Many visit Jacksonville for the casual nature afforded by the town, where the best plans are to amble around and enjoy whatever piques the most interest.

The non-profit Britt Festival is a fun thing to do in Jacksonville throughout the summer. This celebrated concert series hosts music performances at their celebrated outdoor stage and venue space, featuring a natural amphitheater backdropped by a vibrant pine forest. Britt Festival music events often draw quite a crowd. A Britt Festival trolley runs back and forth from Medford to help alleviate the scarce parking opportunities.

Applegate Lake

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One of the most popular things to do in a Medford summer is visiting one of the many scenic lakes that surround the city. Applegate Lake, thirty miles south of Medford near the California border, is one such lake that draws summer crowds with activities like boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and cycling.

The surrounding Hart-Tish Park adjacent to Applegate Lake offers a small selection of RV and tent camping sites within Siskiyou National Forest. This area is crawling with visitors throughout the summer months, but with plenty of space to explore, it rarely feels crowded.

An hour east of Medford, Howard Prairie Lake is also well utilized for cooling off during the summer, as well as other things to do like fishing, boating, and visiting the nearby Howard Prairie Lake Resort. A boat ramp and boat rentals are available at Howard Prairie Lake. Numerous public parks and camping opportunities surround Howard Prairie Lake and are popular with community members and tourists alike.

Craterian Theater at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts

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The Craterian Theater, in downtown Medford, first opened to the public in 1924 to the sound of a grand Wurlitzer organ. Following many years of community entertainment, including vaudeville performances and the advent of talking movies, the theater fell on its hardest times in the late 70s with the emergence of home televisions and multiplex theaters.

the Craterian Theater reopened to the public in 1997, completely restored to its original grandeur, after receiving much community support and funding. And today, it offers a variety of performances and entertainment for the whole family.

Performances at the Craterian Theater range from children's musicals to Russian ballet. The theater also features acoustic music shows, symphony concerts, and comedic engagements. And thanks to its extensive restoration, much of the fun of attending a show at the Craterion is its historic feel.

The Criterion accommodates 750 audience members, and every seat in the house offers a great view of the stage. The renovations also included updated sound and lighting equipment.

Address: 23 S Central Avenue, Medford, Oregon

Official site: http://www.craterian.org/

Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Medford, OR (12)

This underground attraction is a 75-mile drive west of Medford in the Siskiyou Mountains and features guided tours, ground-level hiking trails, and a subterranean world to explore. Visitors choose their own level of adventure at the monument, with many of the underground experiences featuring concrete walkways and lighted passageways.

Guided tours are the only way to see the inside of the cave. Daily trips range from the popular Discovery Tour to a 90-minute expedition designed for kids. Special off-trail cave adventures are also available for intrepid explorers, usually involving some degree of crawling around in the dark.

The Cave Creek Campground at the monument features 17 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Address: 19000 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/orca/index.htm

Kid Time Children's Museum

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The Kid Time Children's Museum is within the Southern Oregon History Center in downtown Medford. It's a place where young learners can truly play free. The museum caters to infants and children up to 10 years old, as well as their parents.

This popular play spot features numerous themed play areas that focus on education through engagement. A few notable areas of interest include an Art Alley and Discovery Farm. Special instructors at the museum also facilitate hands-on activities and freestyle learning.

Address: 106 North Central Avenue, Medford, Oregon

Official site: https://www.kid-time.org

Natural Bridge

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This amazing natural feature highlights the unique and dynamic force of the Rogue River. It's created by the river making a sharp and dramatic turn into an underground lava tube. This unique landscape gives off the appearance of the wild and raging river suddenly vanishing into the environment.

Natural Bridge is a 30-minute drive from Crater Lake, making it a great add-on adventure for a day or overnight trip to the national park. A two-mile loop and accessible trail take visitors to the Natural Bridge and back, touring the scenic river valley and old-growth forest along the way.

Official site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69830

Crater Rock Museum

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This homegrown museum in Central Point is one of the largest repositories for rocks and gems on the West Coast. The facility comprises over 12,000 square feet, including extensive glass-window galleries full of specimens. The museum also has an extensive gift shop at the front of the building, which is free to the public to peruse.

It's well worth the nominal fee to see the many rooms full of exhibits. And alongside numerous agates, geodes, minerals, and things like thunder eggs, information panels help navigate the geology. While it only takes 45 minutes to an hour to walk through the collection, rock hounds will want to take more time.

The Roxy Ann Gem and Mineral Society oversees the museum, and for those interested in taking rock hounding further, it's a society worth joining. Members receive access to the museum's Lapidary Workshop, where they can transform rough specimens into polished works of art.

Address: 2002 Scenic Ave, Central Point, Oregon

Official site: https://craterrock.com/

Valley of the Rogue State Park

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This interstate-adjacent campground is a 20-minute drive west of Medford. It's also next to the incredibly scenic Rogue River, which is the main reason visitors make the drive. Day-use facilities and a large campground at the state park enable picnics and pitching a tent near the water.

The park also features a 1.25-mile paved path next to the river. Here, several views of the surrounding Rogue River Canyon make a scenic stroll. Heading west, the trail connects to the Rogue River Greenway Trail for an extended adventure. The Greenway Trail spans another four miles to the City of Rogue River.

Valley of the Rogue has over 160 campsites available. These range from full-hookup RV spots to rustic yurts and smaller sites for tents. Potable water and showers are available to all overnight guests. Reservations are recommended during the summer season.

Medford, OR - Climate Chart

Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Medford, OR in °C
JFMAMJJASOND
8 -1 12 0 14 2 18 3 22 6 27 9 31 11 31 11 27 7 19 3 11 1 7 -1
PlanetWare.com
Average monthly precipitation totals for Medford, OR in mm.
70 59 57 41 36 20 13 15 24 38 81 83
Average monthly snowfall totals for Medford, OR in cm.
7 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Medford, OR in °F
JFMAMJJASOND
47 31 53 32 58 35 64 38 72 42 80 48 88 51 87 51 80 44 67 37 51 34 45 31
PlanetWare.com
Average monthly precipitation totals for Medford, OR in inches.
2.8 2.3 2.3 1.6 1.4 0.8 0.5 0.6 1.0 1.5 3.2 3.3
Average monthly snowfall totals for Medford, OR in inches.
2.6 0.5 0.3 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 1.9

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Medford, OR (17)

Other Oregon Cities to Explore: The next-door neighbor of Medford in Southern Oregon, the city of Ashland is world-renowned for attractions like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Lithia Park. Farther north in the state, the capital city of Salem features beautiful riverfront parks and an eye-catching State Capitol campus. The epicenter of culture and entertainment in Oregon, Portland is a great city for finding fun things to do day and night.

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Medford, OR (18)

Exploring the Oregon Coast: The Oregon Coast is filled with scenic attractions. From towering sea stacks to wildlife-infused seashores, the best beaches on the Oregon Coast deliver with postcard aesthetics. Stretching from Astoria up north to Brookings in the south, scenic small towns on the Oregon Coast offer similar appeal. For a broader view of all the beauty, our guide to the Top Tourist Attractions on the Oregon Coast lays it all out from north to south.

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Medford, OR (2024)

FAQs

What is Medford or known for? ›

From the iconic Roxy Ann Peak to the lush vineyards that define the region's wine selection, Medford is known for many things. You'll also find a thriving cultural scene and a strong sense of community evident in the many events and festivals.

Is Medford, Oregon worth visiting? ›

Medford and Grants Pass are super places to visit, you really need a month to see even half of it! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Fantastic hike!

Is there a homeless problem in Medford, Oregon? ›

The City is actively working with partners to reduce hardships that lead to the homelessness of our residents and families with children and increase access to affordable housing for those at-risk of becoming homeless.

Why is Medford famous? ›

The city of Medford, Massachusetts rests on the Mystic River. Incorporated in 1892, this city was a center of industry, including the manufacturing of brick, tile, and rum. It is home to a number of historical famous crimes including one of the biggest bank robberies and jewel heists of all time.

What food is Medford, Oregon famous for? ›

Known for its tasty pears and wine, Medford is a popular city in the Southern Oregon region.

What is Medford NJ best known for? ›

Medford NJ is known for being a family friendly, safe, and growing town.

What is a fun fact about Medford? ›

Founded in 1630, Medford was established as a City in 1892 and is one of the oldest settlements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the US.” The city is 6.7 miles northwest of downtown Boston on the Mystic River.

How many Mexicans live in Medford Oregon? ›

In 2022, there were 10.2 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (64k people) in Medford, OR than any other race or ethnicity. There were 6.27k White (Hispanic) and 4.94k Two+ (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups. 16.6% of the people in Medford, OR are hispanic (14.2k people).

What are the pros and cons of living in Medford Oregon? ›

The warm, dry weather, abundant outdoor recreation, and great wine and beer make living in Medford, Oregon, seem like a dream. The homeless issue, forest fire smoke in the summer, and proximity to a major city might give some second thoughts about living in Medford.

Why do people live in Medford Oregon? ›

Medford, Oregon, is a vibrant city nestled in the scenic Rogue Valley. Known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Medford offers a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm.

What cities in Oregon have the most homeless? ›

Driving the news: Of all major cities, the Portland area had the highest percentage of unsheltered families experiencing homelessness in 2023 — at 74%.

Which U.S. city has worst homeless problem? ›

New York City

What is the best part of Medford to live in? ›

  • #1 Best Places to Live in Medford Area. Ashland. Suburb in Oregon. ...
  • #2 Best Places to Live in Medford Area. Talent. Suburb in Oregon. ...
  • #3 Best Places to Live in Medford Area. Jacksonville. ...
  • Central Point. Suburb in Oregon. ...
  • Medford. Town in Oregon. ...
  • Phoenix. Suburb in Oregon. ...
  • Eagle Point. Suburb in Oregon. ...
  • Grants Pass. Town in Oregon.

What is the ethnicity of Medford Oregon? ›

Medford Demographics

White: 82.16% Two or more races: 11.13% Other race: 3.25% Asian: 1.27%

What is the main industry in Medford, Oregon? ›

Medford's economy is diverse and robust, with major industries including healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. The city is home to several major employers, such as Asante Health System, Providence Health & Services, and Harry & David.

What are some interesting facts about Medford? ›

It was founded in 1630, when Mathew Cradock settled a plantation there; its English place-name is descriptive of a “middle ford.” Farming and fishing were early enterprises. Shipbuilding in Medford began in 1631 with Blessing of the Bay, one of the first oceangoing ships to be built in America.

What is historic about Medford Oregon? ›

Medford's burgeoning population and an infusion of capital from wealthy easterners transformed the modest town into a sophisticated metropolis. Between 1909 and 1911, many of Medford's most impressive buildings, including Sacred Heart Hospital on the city's developing east side, were erected.

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