It is an unsaid rule among college students to “treat yo’self” and get as far out of town for the one break University of Oregon students look forward to all spring term: Memorial Day weekend.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or if you’ve been saving pennies since Christmas, there’s something for everyone. Land, sea, camping (or ‘glamping’) and even a music festival, are all in earshot along the Pacific Northwest. Use this guide to get your brain-a-stormin’ with creative ideas and advice on location, pricing and activities to make the most of your well-deserved day off.
1. Sasquatch! Music Festival
This festival is a place where your music-junkie roommate vows to attend every year in college. It is also a place where you can find a lot of other UO students, as well. Located in Quincy, Washington at The Gorge Amphitheater , the festival is packed full of popular and up-and-coming artists who are sure to delight the audience’s eardrums.
The lineup includes favorites like Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Modest Mouse and Of Monsters and Men. “Sasquatch is essentially a utopia where all troubles go away for four days and good people bond over music, scenery, and good memories…a.k.a. 10 people sharing a tent and not showering for four straight days. It’s an experience you don’t get every day,” explained senior Audrey Jackson. Four-day festival passes are still being sold at $350 per ticket and standard camping spots at $150. Hotels are not an option as the George is in remote Washington, so save money on the spot (and tent!) by sharing a camping spot with friends and sleeping in your vehicle which may keep you safe from any rain, too.
Activities: Listen to your favorite artists perform and find new favorites on a gorgeous grassy knoll.
Estimated distance from Eugene: 366 miles
2. Bend and Sunriver, Oregon
Bend and Sunriver are just a short few hours east of Eugene and just in an earshot of each other. Some may see the small ski town of Bend as a winter destination, but the mountain becomes twice as fun when snow melts around Mt. Bachelor, making it a gorgeous (and free!) hiking spot with dozens of trails with great views to choose from. Travel to Sunriver where you can relax in the sun and even rent a house with friends.
“I’m going with my boyfriend and his fraternity friends for a weekend getaway this memorial weekend. I’ve never been, but I’m excited because pretty much everyone else I know has gone and had a blast! I’m excited to go to some of the breweries too,” said senior Rebecca Rhodes.
Activities: Brewery Tour, swimming, hiking, Mt. Bachelor, shopping centers in Sunriver and Bend, restaurants, hotels in Bend, rent houses in Sunriver and exploring the small towns.
Estimated distance from Eugene: 129 miles (Bend) and 126 miles (Sunriver)
3. Lake Shasta, California
If your idea of a road trip involves a pit stop at In-N-Out Burger, head south to California’s Lake Shasta where overfilling house boats with college kids seems to be the popular destination. A payment anywhere between $150-200 per passenger covers the cost of the boat as well as  the party’s food, water and beer supply.
“It’s the perfect place to kick back with the friends that are closest to you and have the experiences that you all will remember forever. The water, the sun, house boating! What more could anyone ask for?” Explained junior Shannon Keener. Pack light and wear old closed toed shoes on the rocky beaches.  You’ll never consume more Costco chicken burgers in your life before you’ve spent a weekend in Shasta.
Activities: House boat rentals, water activities, tanning, meeting students from other universities, literally being one with nature, dancing to really loud music, not sleeping.
Estimated distance from Eugene: 308 miles
4. Oregon Coast
Newport and Florence: Venture just a couple hours out west to the shining sea of the Oregon Coast. With many quaint beach towns to choose from, you can stay at a hotels in Florence or Newport with a few friends or rent a large house with a lot of friends.
“I’m spending Memorial Day weekend at a beach house on the coast. I’m really looking forward to spending time with my friends and relaxing on the beach,” said senior Kevin Flynn.  Save money by cooking your own food but maybe going out for one special meal or drinks with your party. Check out Maple Street Grille for a killer happy hour menu in Florence and Chowder Bowl in Newport for fresh homemade chowder.
Activities: Beach day, Sea Lion Caves (Florence), town shopping, restaurants with fresh seafood and breweries in Newport. 
Estimated distance  from Eugene: 60 miles (Florence) and 99 miles (Newport)