Grants Pass Explore Local With RVshare

Grants Pass is a small city located in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. It’s known as Oregon's whitewater rafting capital, thanks to its proximity to the Rogue River and boasts a pioneer-era history which you can explore at several sites and attractions throughout the city.

With its iconic “It’s the Climate” slogan, you can expect plenty of sunny days filled with clear blue skies here, making it every outdoor enthusiast’s dream location. Add in a thriving dining and bar scene, a concentration on the arts, and a celebration of its cultural history, and you’ve got yourself one city that’s well worth your time - whether you live within it or are simply passing through.  

Even those who have lived in the city for a decade would agree they haven’t experienced all that Grants Pass has to offer, while for those new to the region – well, they’ve got a lot to look forward to as well.

Ready to discover the best of Grants Pass, Oregon? Let’s get started!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

Grants Pass has plenty of state parks and national parks both within and surrounding the area, all of which provide a tranquil escape for those looking to surround themselves by nature.

Valley of the Rogue State Park

Visit the Valley of the Rogue State Park if you’re looking for beautiful scenery and wildlife with a wide variety of activities. Located beside the Rogue River, you can try fishing, white water rafting, boating, and even camping and hiking. Stay for the night or enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

If you love driving through a grove of redwood trees and enjoying lush vegetation, then the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a must-visit for you. You’ll get to experience beautiful old growth redwoods in a very rustic setting. The scenic hiking trails, while largely unmarked, are well worth the trip.

Illinois River Forks State Park

If you’re interested in dropping by the Illinois River Forks State Park, you’ll be treated to crystal clear waters in the river that’s great for swimming. Locals love to set up a family barbecue on the weekends. Keep in mind that this park is for day use only, so while you can’t camp overnight, you can enjoy the usual activities of hiking, biking, and more. 

TouVelle State Recreation Site

The TouVelle State Recreation Site has fantastic river access and is a great place for river rafting with family and friends. You can swim, go strolling along the short walking trail or play some golf. There are also lovely picnic areas and a volleyball court, so there’s definitely something in this park for everyone!

Still need to get your nature fix? If you’re craving seeing even more of the beautiful scenery that surrounds Grants Pass, then there are also plenty of hiking and walking trails for you and your family to enjoy.

Limpy Botanical Interpretive Loop Trail

The Limpy Botanical Interpretive Loop Trail is a great short hike that’s perfect for beginners. The loop trail runs for about 1.4 km and features a nice, clear stream plus waterfalls. The trail is also great for nature walks and for bird watching, and you can bring your dog along too - as long as they’re on a leash.

Rogue River Trail

If you’re up for a much more challenging trail, the Rogue River Trail is generally known for being a difficult hike, but a beautiful one too. It runs for a whopping 59.7 km and it features both the Rogue River and Raney Falls. You’ll also spot a lot of wildflowers and wildlife along the way.

Rainie Falls Trail

Rainie Falls Trail is a moderate trail that runs for about 6 km from. It’s great for nature trips and for bird watching as well as enjoying the beautiful views. It can also be fun to watch the river rafters navigate the falls.

 If you’ve worked up an appetite after a long hike, or simply feel like treating yourself to a delicacy, then you’re in luck. Here are our top restaurant recommendations!

River’s Edge Restaurant

The River’s Edge Restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Rogue River so be sure to ask for outdoor seating when making reservations. The ingredients in the menu are also locally sourced, so you can get a taste of the local produce. Locals highly recommend it for couples dining.

Laughing Clam

Definitely visit the Laughing Clam if you want a lively place with great beer and great food. They have a wide variety of beers on tap, including quite a few microbrews, and live entertainment. As for the food, you can enjoy the best clam chowder in the state and the seafood options in general are awesome.

Ma Mosa’s

Visit Ma Mosa’s if you’re looking for healthy, organic, non-GMO food options in town. Ma Mosa’s is a farm-to-table restaurant which practically guarantees quality ingredients and very tasty vegetables and greens. But be warned, it can get pretty crowded here and the wait can take a while, especially on the weekends.

Oregon Pizza & Pour Authority

If you’re looking for the best pizza in the state, you’ll definitely find it atOregon Pizza & Pour Authority. They serve comfort food at its finest, with build-your-own pizzas, chicken wings that are to die for, and an amazing selection of beers. Their tap list is regularly updated, and they have a great selection for cider too.

Bohemian Bar & Bistro

The Bohemian is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some live entertainment after a delicious dinner. Their food is superb - we recommend the pulled pork sandwich, the mushroom and thyme burger, and the calamari fries - and the drinks are spot on too. Drop by for happy hour but be prepared for a crowd, the Bohemian is one of the most popular restaurants in town.

After feasting and enjoying all that the hiking trails and state parks have to offer, you may be wondering: “what next?” Well, when it comes to Grants Pass’s attractions and activities, you’re only just getting started. Here are some of the most fun things on offer in and around the city!

For kids and families

Looking to entertain some little ones? Or perhaps you’ve got some teenagers in-tow who are starting to get a little bored? Either way, these attractions will entertain both children, teens, and adults alike!

Rogue River Rafting

Rogue River Rafting is a must for visitors, especially for those who are traveling with family and with kids! It’s a unique experience that’s a lot of fun, and you’ll get to see a lot of wildlife along the way too. A lot of amazing scenery and a completely beautiful natural environment.

Reinhart Volunteer Park

Reinhart Volunteer Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids. They have playgrounds, basketball courts, fishing ponds, duck ponds, and picnic areas where you can enjoy your packed lunches. It’s beautiful and well maintained, and it’s quite popular with the locals and the visitors alike.  

At night

What should you do in Grants Pass once the sun goes down? We’re glad you asked! Here are our suggested night-time attractions.

Rogue Theater

Once an old movie theatre, the Rogue Theater has been turned into quite the historic venue at Grant’s Pass. If you’re in town, don’t forget to look up their schedule for events. It’s a great way to spend an evening as a couple without the kids.

Southgate Cinema

The Southgate Cinema is where the locals go to catch the latest movies. It’s clean and well-maintained, and it has a pretty decent game room too for the kids, when you’re waiting for the movie to start.

Cheap things to do in Grants Pass

What can you do in or around Grants Pass that won’t cost anything more than a few dollars? The answer: plenty! Here are just two of our favorite attractions within the area that can be enjoyed on the cheap.

Schmidt House Museum

The Schmidt House Museum is a great window into Grant’s Pass’ past, with its historical tour, artwork, and beautifully maintained interiors. It’s a great place to get to know more of the town’s colorful culture and history.

Glass Forge Gallery & Studio

Definitely visit the Glass Forge Gallery & Studio even if you’re not getting anything, just for the sheer beauty of their pieces. This nifty place was founded by two Italian master glassblowers and specializes in Venetian-style art glass.  

Free things to do in Grants Pass

Looking to get the most out of your time spent within the city of Grants Pass? Whether you want a fun way to waste away a Sunday afternoon or a date idea that won’t break the budget – here are our most recommended things to do in Grants Pass that won’t cost you a cent.

Grants Pass Museum of Art

The Grants Pass Museum of Art is a must-visit if you’re visiting the town. Their exhibits are updated monthly and their curators are highly informative and really know their stuff. They also get a lot of high profile art pieces on loan, while also featuring a lot of local artists’ work.

Oregon Caves National Monument

Just the drive up to the Oregon Caves National Monument is already an experience in itself, with old growth trees and a scenic route but the marble caves are also a treat to experience. Not quite spelunking, you can get a guided tour of the caves from one of the rangers for free. It’s fun and educational too.

Spas in Grants Pass

Alright, by now you’ve probably been on your feet all day exploring the sights and delights that Grants Pass has to offer. If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, or even a bit of pampering, these are two of the best spas in the region.

The Spa at Club Northwest

Visit the Spa at Club Northwest for a full set of services offered with a great ambience. You can get a haircut, skin treatment, nail care, or even a massage if you’re a little sore from a full day’s exploring or hiking. Indulge in a little pampering with the help of the Spa.

Riverstone Wellness & Massage

If your muscles are tired or you’re feeling under the weather after some strenuous outdoor activities, you can get back to being a hundred percent at the Riverstone Wellness & Massage. They have massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, physiotherapy and more! They’ll have you back to your feet and feeling fresh in no time.  

Best gyms and yoga studios

If rejuvenation for you is less about deep relaxation and more about sweating it out, then you’re in luck. Grants Pass is home to some of the highest-rated gyms and yoga studios within the region.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is a well outfitted gym with the latest equipment, a 30-minute circuit workout and immaculately clean facilities. They also have great staff members that help put visitors at ease. Check out their class schedule to see what takes your fancy, whether it’s Pilates, zumba, barre, cycle, or more.

Full Circle Phenomenal

Check out the class schedules available at Full Circle Phenomenal if you want to indulge in a relaxing yoga session while you’re visiting Grants Pass. If you want more than yoga, you can also sign up for fire spinning (we kid you not!) and prop dancing. There’s always something interesting going on at Full Circle, so don’t forget to drop by if you’re in town.

Looking to fulfill your wanderlust by heading outside of the region for a day? You could spend decades within Grants Pass without barely scratching the surface of all there is to do in this city, but consider these day trips next time you fancy a new adventure.

Medford, Oregon

Medford is an easy 30-minute drive from Grants Pass, making it ideal for a day trip. There are quite a few places to visit at Medford City as well, like the Bear Creek Park, the Medford Railroad Park, and the DANCIN Vineyards. It is also notably one of Forbes’ top 12 wine destinations in the country.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is an hour and a half’s drive from Grants Pass and it’s well worth the drive to visit the picturesque Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake itself is beautiful, formed by a collapsed volcano, with waters that are a deep, gorgeous blue. It also has numerous trails, volcanic formations, and wildlife that’s perfect for viewings.

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Grants Pass that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Grants Pass? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.