Beaverton is the second-largest city in Washington County, Oregon, located just seven miles outside of Portland within the stunning Tualatin River Valley. The city, which is best known as the home of global footwear corporation Nike, was named as one of the 100 best places to live in America by Money magazine in 2010. It makes for a great jumping-off point for exploring the boutique wineries of the gorgeous Willamette Valley or the natural wonders of the Chehalem Mountains region. Visitors can explore lovely Tualatin Hills Nature Park, see beautiful Gilded Age-era architecture preserved at Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate, or find great bargains at the region's many tax-free shopping centers and small businesses. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
Here are a few from the list compilation by Vacation Idea:
Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Beaverton, Oregon
Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a lovely 222-acre nature park and wildlife preserve in the city of Beaverton, overseen as one of two nature parks within the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District. The gorgeous park is a top wildlife watching area in Oregon, home to diverse evergreen and deciduous forest, wetland, meadow, and creek habitats. Many seasonally-migrating animals call the park home, including rare rough-skinned newts. Five miles of nature trail are showcased throughout the park, many of which feature paved, ADA-accessible areas. The Tualatin Hills Nature Center offers interpretive exhibits and a variety of educational programming and visitor services throughout the year.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park, Beaverton, Oregon
Cooper Mountain Nature Park overlooks the stunning Tualatin River Valley, located just at the edge of the city of Beaverton on a campus of 230 lovely wilderness acres. The park was opened in 2009 and is operated as a regional metropark, offering unparalleled views of the nearby Chehalem Mountains and stunning patches of old-growth Oregon white oaks. A relatively undisturbed prairie on the park's lands has remained untouched for centuries, home to native bird species like great horned owls, bald eagles, and Olive-sided flycatchers. 3.5 miles of hiking trails traverse the park's habitats, offering chances to see animal life like northern alligator lizards, rubber boas, and red-legged frogs. A children's nature-inspired playground is open to the public at the park's nature center, which is also home to bike racks and public gardens.
The Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate
The Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate is a gorgeous National Register of Historic Places-listed estate in Beaverton, originally constructed as a Gilded Age summer home in 1912 by Ralph and Belle Jenkins. The English hunting lodge-style home was added onto the property's existing farmhouse, along with luxurious equestrian facilities, a tea house, an ornamental pool, and elaborately-landscaped gardens. Since 1978, the 68-acre estate has been protected as a significant area landmark and open to the public as a living history museum. Visitors can explore the estate's eight buildings and lavish grounds as part of self-guided tours throughout the year. Some of the estate's buildings can also be rented for private special events, including weddings and community meetings.
The Tualatin Valley, Beaverton, Oregon
The Tualatin Valley spans the river valley of the slowly-meandering Tualatin River, a picturesque tributary of the Willamette River, located just outside the suburban area southwest of the city of Portland. The valley, which was formerly inhabited by the Atfalati indigenous tribe, became known as a major center of economy in the 20th century, best known as the home of global footwear company Nike. Some of Oregon's best wineries are located within the valley, which is also known as an outdoor recreational paradise offering opportunities for hiking, running, boating, and paddling. You-pick farmer's markets and local farm-to-table restaurants abound, alongside microbreweries, boutiques, and sales-tax-free shopping destinations.
Golden Valley Restaurant and Brewery, Beaverton, OR
Golden Valley Restaurant and Brewery is a lively American-style tavern serving up comfort bar fare alongside house-brewed beers crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant was opened in 1993 in McMinnville by restaurateur Peter Kircher and opened its second location in Beaverton in 2012, located just off the Sunset Highway. High-quality craft brews are created at the brewery's 15-barrel brewhouse location, served up alongside some of the Willamette Valley's best local wines. Gourmet pub fare includes dry-aged hand-cut steaks, artisanal pasta, Pacific Northwest seafood entrees, and craft burgers, served up alongside excellent shareable appetizer selections like Korean chili chicken wings, barbecue pork sliders, and queso fundido.