Portland's Best End-of-Summer Dates

There are so many great date spots around Portland, but how do you choose the right one? We called in Eden Dawn, our resident fun expert and author of “The Portland Book of Dates,” to share her ideas for your next summer date.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Location: Eastmoreland Neighborhood

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (opens at 1 p.m. Wednesdays)

With nearly 10 acres of waterfalls, bridges, fountains, and playful wildlife, you can truly choose your adventure. Plus, it’s only $5 to get in, so you can spend big on a picnic or make the date budget friendly.

Oysterville

Location: Washington Coast

Hours: Depends on location

If you want to make a day of it, Oysterville will have just about everything you need for a great date. Just perusing the houses throughout the village is delightful, but why not get oysters while you’re there? The Oysterville Sea Farms has enormous piles of the tasty crustaceans that you can eat there or take down to the beach with you. Extra points if you rent a horse for a ride on the beach.

Hood River Fruit Loop

Location: Hood River Valley

Hours: Check each farm stand for hours

This is another great day trip option. There’s a 35-mile scenic drive with farm stands along the way. The hike around Lost Lake is also fairly easy, but best of all is that the lake is closed to motorized boats, which makes it more appropriate for a chill date. Be mindful that you do need to purchase a $6 day pass for the lake.

Sauvie Island

Location: Along the Columbia River

Hours: Beaches open 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Take the stress of planning and packing goodies and head to Sauvie Island. You can stop by Topaz Farm to grab fresh provisions, then head straight for the beach. It’s a great option for a post-workday date.

Villa Catalana Cellars

Location: Central Point, Oregon

Hours: Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. + special events

This gorgeous winery will transport you into 12th-century Rome. It may be small — they only produce around 500 cases of wine per year — but it’s mightily dreamy. They also grow their own rare plants that are spread out around a big pond and inside the tasting room. There are events throughout the year, so check the calendar for an extra special date. Just note that it is reservation only, so plan ahead.