Visit Grants Pass
Where Adventure, Art, and Small-Town Charm Meet
Tucked along the Rogue River in Southern Oregon, Grants Pass is a place that feels both familiar and full of discovery. The town’s mix of outdoor adventure, creative energy, and welcoming community makes it an easy destination to fall in love with—and one worth returning to in every season. Whether you’re drawn by the river, the trails, or the charm of its historic downtown, Grants Pass offers something special year-round.
Spend your mornings exploring boutique shops and cafés downtown, where the pace is unhurried and the conversations genuine. Sip a locally roasted coffee from The Lonely Pine or House of Glory, browse handcrafted goods and home décor at Josephine Interiors Market, and discover the perfect outfit at White Owl Boutique. Along the way, keep an eye out for the town’s iconic BearFest sculptures—colorful, whimsical bears created by local artists that have become a symbol of Grants Pass’s creative spirit.
Food is central to life here, and the culinary scene blends global flavors with small-town hospitality. Cozy up for a meal at Lulu’s for the Love of Food, The Bohemian, or Partake Shop, Dine & Lounge, each known for fresh ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere. For breakfast or a mid-day treat, stop by Babes Bakery for pastries or Café Nadabar for smoothies and sandwiches made with local ingredients. After dark, find live music and craft drinks at Steam Distillery, Perez Kitchen, Weekend Beer, or Code 4 Taphouse—places where locals and visitors gather to unwind and connect.
Grants Pass also tells its story through art. Murals and sculptures line the streets, galleries showcase regional talent, and creative expression spills beyond traditional spaces. The Evergreen Bear Hotel transforms into a winter wonderland each year, displaying dozens of custom-painted bear statues from artists across Oregon—a must-see for families and art lovers alike.
Outdoors, the landscape invites adventure in every season. The Rogue River Trail follows the water through forests and cliffs, perfect for hiking or photography. Dollar Mountain Trail debuts in November for winter mountain biking and remains open year-round, offering panoramic views of the valley and easy access from town. Cathedral Hills and nearby Applegate trails add even more options for riders and hikers eager to explore the area’s natural beauty.
For those who love to wander, the Applegate Valley Wine Trail winds through rolling vineyards just south of town, offering bold reds, crisp whites, and intimate tasting experiences. Continue through the Applegate and Illinois Valleys for scenic drives that showcase the region’s changing seasons—from wildflower blooms in spring to golden vines in autumn.
Community is at the heart of Grants Pass, and you can feel it in the city’s year-round calendar of events. From the colorful Art Along the Rogue chalk festival in fall to summer’s classic Boatnik Celebration, locals know how to throw a good party. Tapwalk brings together local breweries and cideries, while the Holiday Tree Lighting turns downtown into a glowing celebration of the season. Check out the Events Calendar to see what’s happening each week, along with annual favorites that draw visitors back again and again.
If you want to dig deeper, explore the Savor Grants Pass video series to meet the makers behind local favorites like The Haul, House of Glory, Weekend Beer, and Catalyst Pizza Co. Each episode shares the personal stories that brought these businesses to life—and the love of community that keeps them here.
Winter in Grants Pass
When the weather cools, Grants Pass becomes even more inviting. Mornings begin with mist over the river, the hills are dusted with snow, and the town feels like something out of a postcard. Downtown shops glow with seasonal décor, and cozy cafés beckon with warm drinks and friendly faces.
December transforms the historic district into a holiday town complete with twinkling lights, garland-wrapped lampposts, and a giant tree anchoring the festivities. Streets close for special events, carolers fill the air with music, and families gather downtown for cocoa and pastries from Dassh Bakery. Inside the Evergreen Bear Hotel, you’ll find an indoor winter wonderland of art and light—an annual tradition that captures the magic of the season.
Winter doesn’t slow things down here; it simply adds a new layer of charm. Whether you’re hitting the trails, sampling a local vintage, or exploring downtown, Grants Pass offers the perfect mix of comfort and adventure.
Plan Your Visit
No matter the season, there’s always something happening in Grants Pass. Browse Top 10 Lists, catch up on the latest blogs, or use the Events Calendar to plan your next getaway. From art and food to outdoor escapes, Grants Pass is a destination that welcomes you to take a new route—and stay awhile.
