wildlife tours oregon

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Safari News

Keep up to date with the most recent safari happenings here, our current hours are 9:00am – 6:00pm for the drive thru and safari village.

Upcoming Events

Day of Discovery - May 6th

Sippin' Safari - July 19th

DreamNight - August 3rd

Learn more about these events here

Bring the Safari Home with You!

Looking for the perfect gift for the animal enthusiast in your life or want to treat yourself? We have some options we think are perfect! Check our our gift shop during your visit and make sure to stop by the animal artwork section!  

Amazon for the Animals

Check out our   Amazon Wishlist   and get a present for your favorite animal.

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Outdoor Fun and Adventure from the Coast to the Cascades!

"Birding is so special: discovery, appreciation, community, and the beauty of a bird." This is what birding is all about!

Paraphrased from the book, A Supremely Bad Idea by Luke Dempsey 

Information regarding COVID is continually updated as the situation changes. 

If you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID in the last week please cancel your tour.

During these unprecedented times, we strive to ensure that every risk of contracting Covid 19 is kept as low as possible. However, owing to the nature of this virus is may not always be possible to avoid all risk. To this end the following disclaimer is in force for all tours.

The following information is our current policy for tours. It is subject to change as guidelines on a county, state, and national level change

• Guide is vaccinated and can provide proof of vaccination if requested.
• All tours have the option of being conducted as caravan tours with participants driving their own vehicle (s).
• If participants wish to be driven, the Nature In Flight vehicle can be equipped with Plexiglas separators if requested to minimize risk.
• The vehicle’s touch points with be sterilized each day prior to the tour starting and each day at the end of the tour.
• All refreshments will be consumed at client’s own risk and you are welcome to bring your own.
• If you chose to borrow optics, (binoculars), you will be given a pair for the day that has been sterilized.
• Wellness questions and signing of a waiver will be required before the beginning of a tour.
• All participants are responsible for their own well being and following the current Oregon guidelines for safeguarding against Covid 19.
• Nature in Flight accepts no liability for any illness (Covid or other) contracted whilst on a tour.

for the best in Oregon bird tours and nature-watching adventures

Experience..., what makes oregon so unique.

2-Hour Tours

Our 2-hour bird tours focus on a specific neighborhood (maybe yours?) and are terrific for school children or anyone wanting to learn more about their own backyard.

Half-day Tours

A half day bird tour is roughly 4 hours long and focuses on exploring one or two areas within a fairly short drive from Corvallis. It’s a chance to stretch your legs and gain a new appreciation for what’s just over the next horizon.

Full-day-Tours

Our full day bird tours last about 8 hours, and offer fun and surprises. On these tours we may get out to the beautiful Oregon Coast or explore other more far-flung areas with colorful and quirky wildlife.

Just For You Tours

We offer customized tours designed to fit your needs and interests. Contact us so we can design a tour just for you!

Get Some Fresh Air!

Could your kids use some time out of the house or classroom, enjoying the fresh air and learning to tell the difference between a scrub and steller’s jay?

Looking For A New Experience?

Ever wonder why so many people are into birding? There are so many reasons!  Check out our Why Bird? page.

Join The Fun!

Looking for a great way to spend a few hours outdoors, learning a little something, getting a bit of exercise, and meeting new feathered friends?

Complete That Bucket List!

We gratefully acknowledge the native peoples on whose ancestral homelands we tour., privacy overview.

Main Street Adventure Tours

Birding & Wildlife Guided Tours in Ashland and Klamath Basin

Guided birding & wildlife tours of southern oregon.

Oregon Birding & Wildlife Photo Tours

• You’ll travel with a qualified ornithologist, professional wildlife photographer and published birding professional with a simple passion to share what they know with you!
• Our Fall, Winter – Spring season alone offers one of the highest counts of American Bald and Golden Eagles in the lower 48 states! Plus an amazing array of raptors from Hawks to Falcons to Kites to Merlin, rare to find Owls and much more!
• See seasonal Sandhill Cranes, thousands of Snow and Ross Geese, Grebes, rare Songbirds – up to 360 species in the most amazing High desert Pacific Northwest Flyway ! And, of course, there are the rare sightings of the great white pelican with wingspans of seven feet!
• We travel by SUV, custom van, mini-bus, and travel along extensive auto-routes, go to scoping sites and even go on canoe trails as weather permits.
• After cruising the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge we will make a stop for lunch at the Tulelake Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters with its great array of learning materials and displays.

^ Our resident Bird Expert and Ornithologist Brandon Breen.

Let us put together a custom, unforgettable day trip or multi-day tour. OR if You wish to stay Nearby for Theatre performances that night we have three-four hour excursions near Ashland,Oregon.

• A fresh deli-style box lunch can be included for just $20/guest!

Get Info, Be Contacted by Main Street Staff or Order Now

Main Street Tours Terms and Conditions

Daily tours are designed to accommodate a minimum of 4 or more persons. We also make arrangements for larger group tours — ask about our larger group discounts. Our tour guides are professional ornithologists and educators, and our transport vehicles are custom, air-conditioned Vans, SUV’s, Town Cars or Shuttle Buses. We request that a hold deposit for a date that is secured in advance and then tours can be paid in full by the tour departure date. CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations after deposits are made, received more than 14 days prior to a tour date or reservation booking, will result in a refund of 90% of the reservation price. Within 14 days from tour departure, a 50% cancellation fee is required. Feel free to contact us at (541) 625 9845 for extenuating circumstances.

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THE 10 BEST Oregon Nature & Wildlife Tours

Nature & wildlife tours in oregon.

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What travelers are saying.

Oregon's Malheur NWR & Woodpecker Wonderland

May 20 - 29, 2024

• Full Itinerary
• Photo Gallery

Travel Details

• Trip Reports
• Know Before You Go
• Other Trips You May Like

When Steve Shunk, guide and author of the Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America, joined Naturalist Journeys, he brought expertise and familiarity with Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Steve hails from the Bend/Sisters area and his signature woodpecker birding tour combines the best of Central Oregon with the spectacular Malheur region in Eastern Oregon. Here we combine the delights of Oregon’s Woodpecker Wonderland with Malheur’s high-desert oasis for a fabulous experience in the Wild West. This Oregon birding tour combines some of central and eastern Oregon’s top birding hotspots. Experience some of the best bird diversity in North America, with over 200 breeding species. Expansive western scenery abounds. This Oregon woodpecker birding tour starts and ends in Redmond, Oregon, from which we drive a short way to explore the northern side of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and surroundings, with its vast wetlands and lakes. For millennia, migratory birds have fed and bred among the emergent wetlands and surrounding uplands of the Harney basin, and this ritual continues today. Many thousands of water birds, raptors, and songbirds return each year, along with thousands of birders, who visit to experience the natural spectacle occurring in this magnificent region. The birding highlights at Malheur are many, and we spend three full days exploring wetland, desert, grassland, canyon, and riparian habitats. Traveling through the refuge’s top birding areas, we then spend two nights at the southern end of the Malheur Basin at Frenchglen, with great views of the rugged Steens Mountains. After time in rural enclaves, we then stay two nights in Bend and three nights in Sisters, two great small cities with western vibes—mountain vistas, pine forests, and the rivers running through town. Each day of the tour we explore a broad diversity of habitats, from riparian woodland to wetlands and lakes to lush and in places, burned coniferous forests. The first half of the tour is a waterfowl and wetland extravaganza. For the second half, our daily itinerary takes us in search of 11 nesting woodpecker species—incredible! Wander through recently burned forests in search of Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers; enjoy mature cottonwood and aspen galleries in search of three different sapsuckers; and visit older burns and mature mixed-conifer forest for Lewis's and Pileated Woodpeckers, respectively. Each day, we encounter ponderosa pine forest, where we should find Williamson's Sapsucker and White-headed Woodpecker.

• "A naturalist’s bird journey through two environmentally and economically different areas of Oregon. With the vastness of the desert ( who knew Oregon had a desert) and the majestic mountains." — mark Rozycki, 2023 Traveler
• "This is simply a great field trip. Steve Shunk is a great leader. He goes to great effort to make sure everyone sees their "target" birds. He always makes sure that everyone sees a particular bird. On top of everything else, he is a lot of fun." — 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

• Travel with experts—our guide is author of the Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America. He calls our route Woodpecker Wonderland and you can expect to find 11 nesting woodpecker species!
• Catch migration and arrival for resident species as spring arrives to this wetland and mountain landscape
• Hear the rancorous calls of Yellow-headed Blackbird; watch for marshes teaming with waterfowl
• Find five species of grebes and 10 species of western raptors
• Experience the rural west, its cowboy culture and wide-open spaces are home to rich wildlife
• Listen to quaking aspen trees trembling in the breeze while looking at the day-glow colors of Lazuli Bunting and Western Tanager
• Watch Vaux’s Swift acrobatic in the sky against backdrop views of the snow-clad Cascades
• See Osprey harass Bald Eagle carrying fish over scenic mountain lakes with Bufflehead and Barrow’s Goldeneye down below
• Learn how fire ecology has made a mosaic of habitat prime for birds across varied habitats
• In Bend, end great days of birding with top-rated local foods and a fabulous selection of brews and wine from the region

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., May 20 : Arrive in Redmond, Oregon | Drive to Hines, Gateway to Malheur Country

Please plan to arrive at the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), servicing Deschutes County, by 2:00 PM. We have a 2.5-hour drive to Hines. After a brief birding stop along the way, settle into your accommodations and meet up for an early dinner and possibly some evening birding in the Silvies River flood plain. This is our first introduction to the diverse habitats of the Harney Basin. Accommodations at the Best Western Rory and Ryan Inn, Hines (D)

Tues., May 21 : Silvies River Floodplain | Malheur Lakes

On our first full day, we have much to explore. We spend the morning crisscrossing the wetlands of the Silvies River floodplain. Sometimes referred to as the Malheur-Harney Lakes Basin, this closed sub-basin is named for Harney Lake, an alkali sink in this northwest corner of the immense Great Basin. The Silvies River drains from the southern limits of the Oregon’s Blue Mountains and across its expansive flood plain, with its delta feeding into the north shore of Malheur Lake. Each spring, regional water managers direct the flow of the Silvies through a complex network of canals and ditches to flood irrigate the private agricultural lands between the Blue Mountain foothills and Malheur Lake. Flood irrigation in the Silvies flood plain more-or-less emulates the “natural” flooding that once occurred before immigrants settled the region. South of the Silvies flood plain, three lakes—Malheur, Mud, and Harney—form the top of a lopsided T that defines the northern limits of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. After lunch at The Narrows, we skirt the southern shore of Malheur Lake, the largest of the three, en route to Malheur Refuge Headquarters. With its giant cottonwood trees and a productive spring-fed pond, Refuge HQ lets us experience a very busy songbird migration. This desert oasis attracts an amazing array of migrants, including flycatchers, vireos, tanagers, and warblers. We could encounter flocks of Western Tanager joined by any of 10 likely warblers—out of 20 possible warbler species! Black-headed Grosbeak and Lazuli Bunting frequent the feeders at the visitor center, with hummingbird feeders hosting up to four different hummer species. Accommodations at the Best Western Rory and Ryan Inn, Hines (D)

Wed., May 22 & Thurs., May 23 : Malheur Refuge | Blitzen River Valley

After two nights in town, we head south into the Blitzen River Valley. The Blitzen River forms the stem of the Malheur Refuge T, flooding a lush network of wetlands that stretches 35 miles from the delta at the southern shore of Malheur Lake to the mouth of the Blitzen Canyon. The primary source of the Blitzen River is the snowmelt from Steens Mountain, a 35-mile-long fault block that rises from the valley floor—at 4,000 feet elevation—to its summit at nearly 10,000 feet. The Blitzen delivers the vast majority of the water that feeds the 140,000-acre Malheur Refuge. Over two full days, we visit such Malheur hotspots as Buena Vista Ponds, Benson Pond, and the deep-water Krumbo Reservoir, as well as Page Springs and the wild and scenic Blitzen River. From our base in the quaint and historic hamlet of Frenchglen, we explore the Blitzen Valley and surrounding uplands, searching for over 150 breeding species, including: five different grebes; over 15 nesting waterfowl species; 10 species each of raptors, shorebirds, and sparrows; and up to eight different flycatcher and six swallow species. Yellow-headed Blackbird are abundant in the marshes, with Willets and Wilson’s Snipe scattered among them. Thousands of Franklin’s Gulls and White-faced Ibis breed on the refuge, along with over 100 pairs of Sandhill Crane. Additional breeding bird highlights include rare Oregon nesters such as Trumpeter Swan, Eastern Kingbird, Bobolink, and Yellow-breasted Chat. Malheur offers many other highlights, including iconic herds of wild horses; nearly 60 species of wild mammals on the refuge alone; carpets of desert wildflowers; a dynamic cultural history, from the first Paiute residents to the later cattle barons, as well as stories from the recent occupation of Malheur Refuge. Accommodations at the Drover’s Inn & Frenchglen Hotel, Frenchglen (B,L,D, both days)

Fri., May 24 : Malheur to Bend

The Malheur region provides us with an amazing experience, but our adventure has just begun! After a final morning of birding around Frenchglen, we head west to downtown Bend—ready to explore the Cascade Mountains. We arrive in Bend in time for lunch, followed by afternoon birding at Shevlin Park. This amazing city park along Tumalo Creek supports old-growth conifers and productive aspen galleries. The aspens alone can host up to six nesting woodpecker species, including multiple pairs of Lewis’s Woodpecker. Best Western Ponderosa Lodge, Sisters (B,L,D)

Sat., May 25 : Birding Bend & The Cascades Lakes

Our first full day in Central Oregon begins along the upper reaches of Tumalo Creek, with mixed-conifer forest and breeding birds such as Williamson’s Sapsucker, Canada Jay, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Evening Grosbeak. The balance of the day is spent in the high Cascades lakes region. We focus on two special lakes—Sparks and Hosmer—in search of specialty breeding birds of the mountains. Sparks Lake typically hosts Barrow’s Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser, with Pine Siskin and Red Crossbill in the uplands and Mountain Bluebird and Sandhill Crane in the surrounding meadows. Hosmer gives us our first chance for American Three-toed Woodpecker, plus shallow waters with Ring-necked Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, and Bufflehead. The drive around these lakes has its own allure, with spectacular views of the Three Sisters mountains, plus Broken Top and Bachelor Butte, a volcanic landscape that is second to none. Accommodations at the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge, Sisters (B,L,D)

Sun., May 26 – Tues., May 28 : Birding Woodpecker Wonderland!

We leave Bend early and head northwest to the Sisters area, our gateway and base for exploring Central Oregon’s Woodpecker Wonderland, where 11 woodpecker species raise their young each year. Woodpecker searching gives us the framework for our days, but the diverse habitats in the region expose us to a correspondingly diverse array of breeding species and late migrants. The eastern slope of the Cascades is characterized by stratified montane habitats that range from juniper woodlands to alpine tundra. Several factors contribute to this diversity phenomenon: • The annual rainfall gradient from the Cascades crest to the Ponderosa Pine forest ranges from 120 inches to 10 inches in as few as 10 miles; this is “rain equivalent,” as most precipitation falls as snow. This horizontal gradient results in narrow bands of habitat, each of which is adapted to a different amount of precipitation. • Several significant streams and two rivers flow from the eastern slope, supporting riparian habitats characterized by aspen, willow, alder, and other streamside vegetation. • “Natural” fire regimes in the region vary by elevation and habitat type, with more frequent, less intense fires typical at lower elevation pine forests and high-intensity, infrequent fires at higher-elevation mixed-conifer forests. • All fires burn in a mosaic of intensities, with patches of high-intensity, mixed intensity, and low intensity fire interspersed throughout a given fire perimeter. These factors combine to support nearly 150 species of breeding birds. Lakes in the region host nesting Hooded and Common Mergansers, as well as Bufflehead and Barrow's Goldeneye. Osprey and Bald Eagle occur along the shorelines, with Spotted Sandpiper just arriving on breeding territories. This is an excellent time of year for hummingbirds, with resident Anna's being met by migrant—and locally nesting—Rufous and Calliope. We find excellent study opportunities for Empidonax flycatchers, with Hammond's, Gray, Dusky, Willow, and Pacific-slope all on territories by mid-May. We also stay alert for any of the eight local Corvid species, including Gray Jay, Pinyon Jay, and Clark's Nutcracker. Each of the habitats we visit brings us a new array of songbirds. Cassin's Vireo, Cassin's Finch, and Pygmy Nuthatch are most common in ponderosa pine forest; mixed-conifer forest supports Hermit Thrush, Hermit Warbler, and Evening Grosbeak; and shrubby slopes are loaded with Fox Sparrow and Green-tailed Towhee, with plenty of Lazuli Bunting and Nashville Warbler, too. Across the region, we see Western Tanager and Black-headed Grosbeak. Red Crossbill are a regular distraction flying above the forest canopy, while Vaux's Swift occasionally twitter overhead. Wherever we go, throughout these days, we can count on great birding and the amazing scenery of the Oregon Cascades. Meals are a combination of favorite local restaurants and some picnic lunches. Accommodations at the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge, Sisters (B,L,D)

Wed., May 29 : Morning Birding | Departures from Redmond

On our final day in central Oregon, we enjoy some casual birding before heading to Redmond Municipal Airport. We return you to the Redmond Municipal Airport in time for your scheduled departures after 1:00 PM. (B) NOTE: Our local woodpecker festival is scheduled for the second weekend after our tour, and you may wish to stay in the area an extra week to attend the event and explore the region more. This festival offers a great chance to spend time in the field with some of our best local guides, as well as birders from all over the country. If you wish to attend the festival, note that the event is very popular. In order to get onto any field trips, you should closely follow the East Cascades Audubon website—or subscribe to the local listserve, COBOL—and enroll immediately upon the start of registration. Contact us for further details.

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the Journey is $3590 DBL / $4490 SGL, based on double occupancy, per person. The tour price includes airport transfers, 9 nights’ accommodations, all meals from dinner Day One through breakfast Day 10, professional guide services, park and preserve entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost of the journey does not include airfare from your home to Redmond, Oregon or items of a personal nature, such as drinks from the bar, telephone, and local guide gratuities (at your discretion, we will give some guidelines).

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM)

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive May 20, 2024, no later than 2:00 PM

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart May 29, 2024, after 1:00 PM

Travel Tips: If you want to arrive early and rest up from your travels, we recommend the Comfort Suites Redmond Airport . You can book this online or call (541) 504-8900 to make a reservation. The hotel offers free airport transportation, and they are within walking distance to a couple of restaurants. 

The Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival is scheduled for May 30 – June 2 and you may wish to stay longer to attend the festival and explore the area more. This festival offers a great chance to spend time in the field with local guides, as well as birders from all over the country. If you wish to attend the festival, note that the event is very popular. To get into any field trips, you should closely follow  festival website .

Items of Note

We travel in a large passenger van with comfortable seating for up to seven birders and our guide, so everyone will have a window seat. This is an active birding tour, typically we travel by vehicle from site to site, and each day will involve considerable walking. We may hike up to three or four miles per day, with mostly short walks at a ‘birdwatcher's pace’ but a few routes may take us up short, steep trails or over rough terrain. As with all Naturalist Journeys tours, Steve will offer great birding in the context of a broad natural history experience, we take plenty of time to ‘smell the flowers’—and touch the lava rocks, wet our hands in fresh springs, enjoy the antics of chipmunks, etc. We review our birds and other wildlife sightings at dinner each evening, but we will also discuss the broader discoveries of the day. We hope to send you home understanding of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest’s ecology and current conservation issues.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Trip Report
• Species List

Steve Shunk started birding in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1989, and he moved to central Oregon’s ‘Woodpecker Wonderland’ in 1997, where 11 woodpecker species breed annually. This phenomenon led to a 20-year obsession studying this charismatic family of birds. Steve founded the region’s woodpecker festival in 2008, and his Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America was published in 2016. He has fed leeches (his own blood) in Malaysian Borneo, and he has watched Spotless Starlings swarming around the Greek ruins of Sicily. Steve’s Alaska adventures have taken him from Ketchikan to Barrow and St. Paul Island. One of his favorite destinations takes him to see ‘eastern’ warblers breeding across the boreal forest of Alberta, but recent adventures have led him to favor the cushion plants and condors of the Peruvian high Andes. Steve speaks at bird festivals across North America, and he returns annually to speak and guide at the Vallarta Bird Festival in far-western Jalisco, Mexico. Steve joined Naturalist Journeys earlier this year, and we are excited to have him on the schedule for 2021 and beyond. Steve’s work as a field biologist has taken him from the Coast Range of Oregon to California’s Sierra Nevada. Most recently, he conducted point-count and woodpecker surveys for a study in the Central Oregon Cascades. Steve co-founded the East Cascades Bird Conservancy (now East Cascades Audubon), and served as its first president. He also co-founded the Oregon Birding Trails Program and coordinated its flagship project, the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. When Steve is not traveling the world for tours and lectures, he can be found writing, skiing, hiking, and watching woodpeckers at home in lovely Sisters, Oregon.

Other trips with Steve Shunk

Bryan started birding at Fort Clark Springs in southwest Texas when he was 10 years old and never stopped. He got his first taste of guiding while leading trips for the Rio Brazos Audubon Society during college. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2015 with a degree in genetics, Bryan worked as an avian field biologist on several projects across Texas and New Mexico. Currently residing in Albuquerque as a professional birding tour guide, he leads field tours, workshops, and youth birding programs across the US. In his free time, Bryan enjoys butterflies, searching for herps, photography, art, cooking, and gardening.

Other trips with Bryan Calk

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
• Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at [email protected] .
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance .
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain . It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.   You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at [email protected] or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Packing List +

Please pack light.

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Dress is very informal. In late spring the average temperatures are highs of 65°F and lows of 35°F. Day and night temperatures can vary by 30 or more degrees. Layering is key! A warm jacket will be needed in the evenings and early mornings. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing, as they are more protective from sun, insects and vegetation, but if you like to wear them by all means bring some shorts for casual time or travel days. Choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and that is comfortable and easy to wear. Supportive hiking boots are essential for our walks. Sandals may be well appreciated for evenings and travel days.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Clothing & Gear

• Lightweight long pants, 2 pairs
• Shorts (optional)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, 2-3 (loose fitting keeps you cool)
• T-shirts or equivalent, 4-5 (remember you may be buying some there anyway!)
• Lightweight raincoat or poncho
• Hat with broad brim
• Personal underclothing and pajamas
• Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
• Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight hiking boots – good tread is essential!
• Comfortable sandals or light shoes for evenings
• Light to medium weight jacket
• Fleece or sweater/ sweatshirt equivalent
• Comfortable clothes for evenings (a cleaner version of your field cloths or a skirt, etc.)
• Bathing suit (optional)

Equipment & Miscellaneous

• Photo Identification
• E-ticket verification
• Walking stick (optional but recommended if you usually use one when hiking)
• Toiletries articles
• Binoculars (a clear shower cap works well to keep off rain)
• Camera and extra batteries, battery chargers, film or digital chips, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
• Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos with charger and USB cord (optional)
• Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
• Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Sunglasses with neck strap
• Insect repellent
• Portable packages of facial tissues
• Small flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
• Alarm clock, or use your cell phone
• Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing
• Umbrella (optional, compact and not brightly colored)
• Spotting scope and tripod (optional, guide will have one)
• Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
• Field guides (optional)
• Earplugs (optional)
• Small bottle of antibacterial gel
• Rechargeable power bank (optional)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Air Items

• Personal medication (and copy of vital prescriptions, including glasses – or have at easy reference to call or fax from home) and any medical alerts
• Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van, drives, etc.
• Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments (including band-aids, moleskin, etc. for blisters)
• Health insurance information
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Oregon; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America

Birds of Oregon Field Guide

Field Guides

The Sibley Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America

Birds of the Pacific Northwest Folding Guide

Birds of the Pacific Northwest: A Photographic Guide

Birds of the Pacific Northwest: A Timber Press Field Guide

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of Washington & Oregon

American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Oregon

Oregon Nature Set: Field Guides to Wildlife, Birds, Trees & Wildflowers of Oregon

Wildflowers of Oregon

Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest: Tracking and Identifying Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates

General Reading

Roadside Geology of Oregon

It Happened in Oregon: Stories of Events and People that Shaped Beaver State History

The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey

Edge of Awe: Experiences of the Malheur-Steens Country

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

Useful Links +

Central Oregon

• https://visitcentraloregon.com/

Bend, Oregon

• https://www.visitbend.com/

Hines, Oregon

• https://www.visitoregon.com/cities/hines/

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Oregon Birding Association

• https://oregonbirding.org/oregon-bird-records-committee/

Oregon Wildlife

• https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/mammals

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge eBird Checklist

• https://ebird.org/massaudubon/region/USFWS_524?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec

Malheur Lake

• https://www.southernoregon.com/lakes/malheurlake/index.html

Silvies River Floodplain IBA

• https://gis.audubon.org/portal/apps/dashboards/1742bc47f980490da9c23e23dc4d5e86#site=3898

Woodpeckers of Washington

• https://greennature.com/washington-woodpeckers/

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

• https://www.fws.gov/refuge/malheur/

Malheur National Forest

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon

• https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/oregon/

The Conservation Fund – Oregon

• https://www.conservationfund.org/where-we-work/oregon

Geology & Geography

Geology of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fsbdev3_033827

Cascade Range

• https://www.britannica.com/place/Cascade-Range

Blitzen River

• https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/oregon-washington/donner-und-blitzen-wsr
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donner_und_Blitzen_River

History & Culture

History of Oregon

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Oregon

“A Short History of Oregon Tribes in the Contemporary Era” – Article, The Quartux Journal

• https://ndnhistoryresearch.com/2018/08/09/a-short-history-of-oregon-tribes-in-the-contemporary-era/

“Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers” – Article, Oregon Encyclopedia

• https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/sons_and_daughters_of_oregon_pioneers/

History of Bend

• https://www.bendoregon.gov/visitor/bend-history

Helpful Travel Websites

Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM)

• https://www.flyrdm.com/

Homeland Security Real ID Act

• https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• https://www.tsa.gov

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• https://www.cdc.gov/

ATM Locator

• https://www.visa.com/atmlocator/
• https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/find-nearest-atm.html

Date & Time

• https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/usa/redmond-or

Photo credits: Banner: Lazuli Bunting, Sandy Sorkin; Old St. Francis School Hotel, courtesy of McMenamins; Pileated Woodpecker, by Bill Pennell on Unsplash; California Scrub Jay, Greg Smith; White-headed Woodpecker, Steve Wolfe; Bald Eagle, Greg Smith; Bullock's Oriole, Homer Gardin; Lewis's Woodpecker, Steve Wolfe; Old St. Francis School Hotel, courtesy of McMenamins; Yellow-headed Blackbird, Doug Greenberg; Malheur NWR, Steve Wolfe; Western Tanager, Barb Stone; Williamson's Sapsucker, Steve Shunk; Lewis's Woodpecker, Steve Shunk; Flowers, Steve Shunk; Osprey, Sandy Sorkin; Pileated Woodpecker, Sandy Sorkin; Yellow-headed Blackbird, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Band-tailed Pigeon, Greg Smith; Black Oystercatcher, Steve Wolfe; Black-headed Grosbeak, Homer Gardin; Calliope Hummingbird, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Common Nighthawk, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, ALAN SCHMIERER public domain via Flickr.

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Home / Our Work / Learn / Adult Programs / Ecotours and Pacific Northwest Trips

Ecotours and Pacific Northwest Trips

Travel with us.

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon as we explore the most exciting destinations in the Pacific Northwest and across the globe! Led by passionate and experienced guides, our world-class Ecotour program offers fun and engaging opportunities to observe, learn and build a deeper relationship with the natural world. Our trips are a treasure of birding, wildlife-watching, natural history, and cultural experience.

Bird Alliance of Oregon is dedicated to environmentally and socially responsible tourism.

10% of your Domestic or International Ecotour fee (Pacific Northwest trips not included) is a tax-deductible donation to Bird Alliance of Oregon and supports all facets of our Conservation, Education, and Sanctuary efforts.

Stay up-to-date on our upcoming classes, field trips, and ecotours:

Sign-up for our Education eNewsletter

Our Commitment to Sustainable Ecotourism

Bird Alliance of Oregon is thrilled to announce that we are now business members of Sustainable Travel International . Our membership demonstrates our commitment to promoting sustainable ecotourism practices and preserving our planet’s natural resources.

By working with Sustainable Travel International, we have access to the latest research and best practices in sustainable tourism, ensuring that our ecotours are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

We strive to minimize our ecological and carbon footprint and give back to the places and communities we visit. Join us on a journey that respects the planet, supports local communities, and creates unforgettable experiences. Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip with us today!

Pacific Northwest Trips

Explore the Pacific Northwest with local experts and guides from one of Oregon’s oldest conservation organizations. These trips are open to people of all skill levels, with a focus on comfortable travel and pacing, broad natural history, and attention to the conservation issues of the region.

• May 20-May 23, 2024 Birding & Hiking the Rogue Valley
• *FULL* May 29-June 2, 2024 Malheur Foray
• *FULL* June 9-13, 2024 The Birds and Natural History of NE Oregon
• *FULL* July 5-July 7, 2024 Birds, Plants, and Bugs of Mt. Adams
• September 7-9, 2024 Grays Harbor Shorebirds
• November 7-10, 2024 Olympic Peninsula

Domestic Ecotours

Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Domestic Eco-tours are full-service birding, natural history, and cultural experiences. Our goal is to make your trip easy: we arrange all travel, food, and accommodations, and provide expert birding and natural history guiding, so all you have to focus on is what’s on the other side of your binoculars.

• *1 spot left* June 8-15, 2024 From Boreal Forest to the Sax-Zim Bog: Explore Minnesota!
• *FULL* September 9-13, 2024 California Condors and Coastal Migration
• *FULL* September 15-21, 2024 Ice Age Floods
• November 30-December 8, 2024 Winter Wildlife: Whooping Cranes, Butterflies, & Specialties of South Texas

International Ecotours

Bird Alliance of Oregon naturalists team up with local expert guides in each destination to provide the best birding, natural history, and cultural trips from Brazil to Ireland to Indonesia. These trips not only highlight the amazing diversity of birds and wildlife, but local and global conservation issues as well. 

• *4 spots left* April 27-May 11, 2024 Spain: Extremadura, Doñana and Sierra de Gredos
• *FULL* November 8-17, 2024 Explore Guanacaste, Costa Rica!
• *FULL* February 4-14, 2025 The Best of Panama
• May 14-24, 2025 Amazon River Cruise
• May 24-29, 2025 Magical Birding in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley(Amazon River Cruise Optional Extension)
• May 28-June 13, 2025 The Gems of the Silk Road
• July 8-18, 2025 Newfoundland & Nova Scotia: Extreme Tides, Seabird Colonies, and Whales
• *FULL* September 8-22, 2025 Wild Borneo!
• *3 spots left* February 6-20, 2026 Kenya: Kilimanjaro to the Coast!

Our Philosophy

We strive to create a positive, non-competitive group dynamic that helps everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and engaged throughout the trip. This environment lends itself to the formation of lifelong friendships and deep connection with the natural world. The pace of our trips is suitable for avid birders and the novice alike. We model best practices in the field and always interact with nature in a respectful manner.

All of our Ecotours are designed to keep you safe, curious and inspired. We want every participant to experience the joy of discovery, the power of a strong conservation ethic, and a true sense of belonging in the Bird Alliance of Oregon community.

By choosing to travel with Bird Alliance of Oregon, you are supporting the critical conservation work that drives our mission. In addition to our work to protect the Oregon landscape, we strive to highlight and invest in conservation initiatives in the places we visit to help promote the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. Please join us on an upcoming adventure!

Click below for information about policies, pricing, deposits, cancellations, travel insurance, and more.

View Adult Education Policies and Guidelines

Policies and guidelines.

• Domestic and International Ecotour Policy
• Pacific Northwest Trip Policy
• A How-to Guide for Accessing Your Account and Completing Registration Forms
• Group Birding and Trip Etiquette

Port Orford Ocean Wildlife Kayak Tour

Join south coast tours for a scenic paddle filled with wildlife and breathtaking views of the southern oregon coast..

Large and beautiful Orford Heads protected by Oregon State Parks is full of secret coves, a Coast Guard cultural site, kelp beds, Aquarium Arch paddle through, working fishing port of Port Orford, views of Redfish Rocks Marine Research Reserve and Humbug Mountain to the south. There are multiple colonies of Cormorants, Black Oyster Catchers, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemots and lots of seasonal birds as well as Harbor Seal pupping grounds and resting areas. We see Gray Whales from spring through to the fall migration on a regular basis. Total distance is about 4.5 miles for the 2.25 hour tour. We will be wearing provided wetsuits on this tour.

Please remember that guiding is a part of the service industry. If your guide takes care of you, take care of them. Tips are greatly appreciated.

Port Orford Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Info

Questions? Consult our FAQ

Need help? Contact Us

If you have a question about this or any other tour we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

• Frequent Asked Questions
• 541-373-0487
• [email protected]

South Coast Tours, LLC

South Coast Tours offers a variety of fully equipped 2-20 person tours as well as custom overnight tours. We also do tours in the Bandon and Coos Bay region.

The mighty Coos Bay estuary has a ton of paddling opportunities including the nations first National Estuarine Research Reserve in the South Slough of Coos Bay.

Have Questions?

Visit our FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions or to reach out to us.

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Sea Life Cruise

Our welcoming staff and crew offer a true Oregon adventure for visitors from far and near. Join our seasoned captains and a team of friendly naturalist guides, as we provide a fun and exciting 2-hour sea life cruise that focuses on Oregon wildlife aboard the deluxe 65ft DISCOVERY.

Depending on the time of year, we look for gray whales, harbor porpoise, seals, sea lions, pelicans, bald eagles, and an abundance of marine birds. Enjoy the incredible scenery of our bay, river, and coastline featuring the largest fishing fleet on the Oregon Coast, our historic bridge, two lighthouses, and fun activities for all ages!

Fun activities for all ages

Incredible sea life encounters, friendly & knowledgeable guides.

Group Tours

Marine Discovery Tours, proud members of the National Tour Association, the leading organization of professional tours in North America, offers group tours with many advantages for the tour operator. Contact us for scheduling information.

Tour groups love our "stretch limo" vessel with a heated cabin, seating for all, and complimentary coffee and tea! We're happy to offer exclusive charters for Special Events from reunions to Celebrations of Life/Ashes at Sea - take over the Discovery as your own!

Easy, flexible scheduling

Tour operator discounts, customized tour opportunities, bus parking & curbside drop-off, wheelchair access ramp.

School Groups

The DISCOVERY, staffed by enthusiastic marine educators, delivers powerful, hands-on student tours and experiences. Share aquatic habitats with your students from the best possible vantage – a 65′ floating classroom! The boat comfortably handles group sizes up to 49 with easy access loading and inside seating for all. Experience the estuary or ocean using the latest in navigation and research technology; including interactive labs, video microscopy, and on-board computer, rain or shine.

We welcome pre-K – 12th grade student sailors.

Accommodates different grade levels

Meets oregon common curriculum goals, can be adapted for students with special needs.

Marine Discovery Tours

(541) 265-6200.

 345 SW Bay Boulevard Newport, OR 97365 Email: [email protected]

Also at Anchor Pier on Newport's Bayfront...

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Voted Most Popular Attraction in Bend! –  TripAdvisor

Work together; Play together. Adventure Team Building with Outriders Northwest provides your Team with a thrilling off-road experience that will help generate team-bonding, act as a motivation boost and provides them a fun outing together.

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The Solar Eclipse and Wildlife

Eclipses offer a rare opportunity to study animal behavior in unusual conditions..

On Monday, April 8, Americans from coast to coast will have their eyes turned to the skies. But as this year’s solar eclipse approaches totality, they shouldn’t forget to look around them, too.

Eclipses, one of nature’s most unusual and dramatic phenomena, have well-documented effects on animal behavior. In previous eclipses, observers have noticed a general quieting of animal activity around them, with many animals becoming inactive or going silent. A 2017 study at a South Carolina zoo — located in the path of totality of an eclipse that year — found that 75 percent of observed animals changed their behavior during the event.

But why? Given their rarity, the full effect of eclipses on animals isn’t yet well-understood. For some wildlife, however, the event seems to suppress typical daytime activity while triggering the types of behaviors associated with nightfall.

During an eclipse — particularly in the path of totality — the sky darkens, and temperatures can drop . This can lead birds (many of which are known to change their behavior in response to lighting intensity) to quiet their calling and leave the sky , with some behaving as if they’re preparing to roost . Bees and other diurnal insects may become less active, while some flowers close their petals . Spiders have been observed spinning down their webs, as many do before nightfall.

Meanwhile, though the effects here seem less pronounced, some nighttime animals may start to become active as the eclipse nears totality. Frogs, crickets , and owls have been observed calling, as they often do at dusk. In the 2017 eclipse, which took place in August, fireflies became active in some areas.

Overall, however, eclipses are often marked by a lull in animal activity, with diurnal animals resuming their regular behavior as the event subsides.

Where can I watch wildlife during the solar eclipse?

While a partial eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, the effects on animals are likely to be more significant closer to the path of totality — the band of earth’s surface where the moon can be seen fully covering the sun. This path will cross fifteen eastern states from Texas to Maine throughout Monday afternoon. Full totality will last just a few minutes in any given location, but changes in light may be noticeable in the hours before and after the event.

Wildlife can be observed anywhere, from a local park to your own backyard. For best viewing opportunities, find somewhere quiet — ideally away from roads or large crowds — where it will be easier to listen for changes in sounds during the solar eclipse.

More than 30 national wildlife refuges and 27 national park units fall in the path of totality, for those able to make the trip. Many will be hosting official viewing events; you can check with your local park’s website or social media accounts for more information.

A citizen science opportunity

For those interested in helping scientists better understand the solar eclipse’s effects on wildlife, there are several opportunities to participate. Researchers hope these initiatives — using technologies and platforms unavailable to them in past eclipses — can provide the data needed to draw broader conclusions about animal behavior.

• NASA’s Eclipse Soundscape Project invites Americans to document their experiences of the eclipse through audio recordings and written notes.
• Solar Eclipse Safari , a project run by researchers at NC State, asks participants to document changes in animal behavior during the event.

You can also document your experiences using citizen science apps such as iNaturalist and eBird , which serve as public databases for researchers and amateur naturalists alike.

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Top 5 summer vacation destinations for 2024

Grab your sunscreen and get excited for your upcoming summer adventure in one of these incredible destinations around the u.s..

April 11, 2024

It's that time of the year. You know what we mean: the weather alternates between gray, drizzly skies and sunny yet chilly; you have a burning desire to start making tomato salads, but the tomatoes aren't there yet; and the internet keeps targeting you with swimsuit ads. Yes, you guessed it. Summer travel-planning season is officially here! Not to worry if you haven't started thinking about it yet because we've done the research for you. Read on and discover the most popular summer vacation destinations in the U.S. for 2024:

San Diego boasts a riviera atmosphere and laid-back SoCal charm, including a diversity of neighborhoods and natural surroundings. Take in the seaside beauty at San Diego Bay, enjoy the pristine beaches of La Jolla and the vintage allure of the Gaslamp Quarter. A stroll along the Embarcadero, San Diego’s waterfront social hub, includes everything from shops, grassy parks and restaurants to Navy aircraft carriers that now house museums. For wildlife encounters, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are internationally known attractions that also add to the city’s family-friendly reputation. Green spaces abound and joining the locals to bask in the lush surroundings of Balboa Park is never a bad idea. While exploring the park’s multiple gardens, don’t forget its top-notch museums, too. The San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum and The San Diego Museum of Art are fascinating and memorable and filled with exhibits that will appeal to a wide range of ages.

Portland, Maine

Portland fits the bill for any traveler who wants a bit of everything in their summer getaway: outdoorsy fun, great food, history and intriguing art. Start by acquainting yourself with the city’s Old Port. With cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and dozens of boutiques, this riverfront part of town is oozing with New England charm. Positioned at the heart of Old Port and only four blocks from downtown, Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront is ideally located and shows off Portland’s chic, modern side. Venturing outside of the city’s central area, a stop at Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, is a must. If you’d like another quintessential Maine experience, and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, then hop on a tour with Lucky Catch Cruises for a hands-on look at lobstering. Continue the seafood experience at Luna Rooftop Bar where the menu selections include fresh-from-the-ocean Maine oysters and other shareable dishes like wagyu sliders, tuna tartare and truffle fries.

If you’re able to get an early start on your summer vacation, head to Boston in June. With area schools typically in session until later in the month, visitors get to enjoy the city’s attractions without the crowds. Of course, the other months have their perks, too. In July, the city hosts Boston Harborfest, one of the biggest Independence Day festivals in the country. The weeklong celebration includes parades, live music, fireworks, Chowderfest and other special events that are mostly free to the public. For travelers who love a great deal and the chance to savor award-winning cuisine, visit in August, when Dine Out Boston offers discounted prix fixe meals at some of the city’s top restaurants. That same month, the August Adventures program grants free admission to several museums and attractions. No matter when you’re in town, the Boston Children’s Museum, the New England Aquarium and the popular-for-all-ages Boston Duck Tours make the city particularly welcoming for families.

Bend, Oregon

Bend is arguably the hottest travel destination in all of Oregon right now. The city sits on the eastern side of the Cascades, putting it squarely in the high desert. The mile-long (1.6-kilometer) Lava River Cave at Newberry National Volcanic Monument is the longest lava tube in Oregon and is accessible to the public. Visitors descend 55 steps into the cave and the tour takes about two hours. Inside the cave can be as cool as 42 F (5 C), even in summer, so bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes to traverse the sharp and potentially slippery rocks. Learn more about the area by visiting Bend’s High Desert Museum. The museum brings regional wildlife, culture, art and natural resources together to promote an understanding of natural and cultural heritage of North America's high desert country. Another local highlight is the dozens of tiny breweries all over town. Stop in for a pint at the Deschutes Brewery, known for being a community gathering place since 1988.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is split up into four sections: the South Rim, the North Rim, the West Rim and the East Rim. The South Rim and the North Rim are operated by the National Park Service, and the West Rim is on Hualapai Indian Tribal Lands. The West Rim, home to the Skywalk and rushing waterfalls, makes for a doable day trip from Las Vegas (some visitors even opt for helicopter tours of the West Rim, which leave from Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas and take only a few hours). The South Rim and the seasonal North Rim work best as overnight trips, but you can’t go wrong exploring any part of the Grand Canyon and its striking rock formations.

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