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With its well-maintained parks and a wide range of delicious food options, Portland has become an essential place to visit in the Pacific Northwest. The city offers a rich cultural experience, whether you’re exploring the extensive book collection at Powell’s City of Books or discovering one of the approximately 70 craft breweries scattered throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Known by various affectionate nicknames such as Stumptown, the City of Roses, Bridge City, P-town, and PDX, Portland has become a haven for city dwellers. Its streets are remarkably pedestrian-friendly, and you’ll often find them adorned with food carts that serve some of the most affordable, diverse, and mouthwatering street food you can find anywhere.
Portland, a thriving city on the West Coast, offers a thrilling adventure with an abundance of hiking and biking trails, especially in Forest Park. Additionally, you can enjoy water sports along the Willamette and Columbia rivers, which surround the city. Let’s not forget about the magnificent Mount Hood, a volcanic wonder. However, the true gems of Portland lie in its low-key and intangible attractions. Indulge in a sip of locally roasted coffee, engage in laid-back conversations at breweries, or take a leisurely stroll through art galleries that open their doors on the first Thursday evening of each month. This hip, alternative, and ever-progressing city has it all.
Portland offers its best experience from June to August, with warm weather that brings out the city’s outdoor culture. This is also the time when the roses, especially at the International Rose Test Garden, are in full bloom, adding to the city’s charm. Just keep in mind that this is the busiest time for tourists, so it’s wise to book your accommodations a couple of months in advance to secure availability and get the best rates. If you’re more budget-conscious and don’t mind colder temperatures, consider visiting during winter. Many sightseers are deterred by the chilly weather, but Portland’s proximity to Mount Hood makes it an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Regardless of the season you choose to visit, there will always be unique local events catering to different interests.
Here are some of our recommended things to do while visiting Portland. Select what you would like to do!
The Columbia River stretches for 1,200 miles, flowing from British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. It serves as a striking boundary between Washington and Oregon, offering breathtaking views of the gorge on both sides. On the Washington side, you can …
The Peculiarium, owned by Mike Wellins and Lisa Freeman, is an art gallery, museum, and gift shop that showcases their love for science fiction, horror, cryptozoology, unsolved urban legends, and the mysterious. Unlike traditional museums with …
Since its establishment in 1928, the Hoyt Arboretum has grown into a remarkable 189-acre green space. It boasts an impressive collection of over 6,000 individual trees from more than 170 different tree families, representing species from every …
One of Portland’s nicknames, the City of Roses, becomes clear when you explore the vast gardens in Washington Park. These gardens were established in 1917 by Jesse A. Currey and city leaders as a place to test roses from different parts of the …
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a genuine Chinese garden located on a whole city block. It was designed based on the delightful Ming dynasty scholars gardens in China. The main goal of this garden is to provide a peaceful getaway from the busy routines …
When the weather is clear in Portland, you’ll have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mount Hood. This magnificent mountain stands as the tallest peak in Oregon, reaching a height of 11,239 feet. Mount Hood is renowned for its excellent skiing …
Mount Tabor, located 5 miles east of downtown Portland, is a dormant volcanic cinder cone. Although it might sound like quite a journey, the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic sights of downtown Portland …
Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, is waiting for you just 30 miles east of downtown Portland. It is a popular destination among nature enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. You can find this magnificent waterfall along the Historic …
Looking for a fun way to keep the kids busy or pass the time on a rainy day? Look no further than the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, also known as OMSI. This engaging museum has something for everyone, with five halls and five labs packed …
The Oregon Zoo is home to a variety of adorable, mighty, and fascinating creatures. With over 2,500 animals from over 200 unique species, you’ll have the chance to see everything from reptiles to large feline predators to insects. Recently, the zoo …
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai On Fremont Street, there’s a charming cafe called Pip, named after the character Pip from Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations.” It has become a go-to spot in Portland for doughnut enthusiasts and those who love …
One of the standout attractions in Portland is the Pittock Mansion, a historic gem that holds a special place among the city’s landmarks. Spanning an impressive 16,000 square feet, this extraordinary mansion was constructed by Henry Pittock, who …
The Portland Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, has set high standards for its visitors. It boasts an impressive collection that includes works by European masters, Japanese screen prints, and contemporary American art. …
One place to find peace and tranquility away from the bustling city is the Japanese Garden located within Washington Park. This 12-acre garden consists of eight distinct gardens, each showcasing various traditional Japanese gardening styles. The …
Portland Mercado is a remarkable place that serves as both a community economic development project for Latino entrepreneurs and one of the top food cart pods in Portland. Here, you can explore a delightful variety of cuisines from Columbia, Cuba, …
The perfect destination for those seeking international cuisine or one-of-a-kind mementos is the Portland Saturday Market. Established in 1974, this market occupies the northern section of Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It offers a delightful array of …
With approximately 70 breweries in Portland, the city has gained a reputation for its craft beers. This means there are numerous options available to satisfy your thirst. If you’re short on time and prefer not to worry about transportation, joining …
Portland’s Forest Park Forest Park is the perfect spot if you want to enjoy the outdoors without traveling all the way to Mount Hood. With a sprawling area of 5,200 acres, it holds the distinction of being one of America’s biggest urban parks. Forest …
Powell’s City of Books Powell’s City of Books is a must-visit, even if you’re not a big reader. It’s an enormous bookstore that takes up an entire city block. Standing four floors tall, it’s so huge that you’ll need a map to navigate through it. As …
Make sure to check out the PSU Farmers Market if you happen to be in Portland on a Saturday morning. It’s a fantastic place where you can find a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce. But that’s not all! The market also offers an array of …
The Central Eastside used to be an area filled with factories and warehouses, but in the last six to eight years, it has transformed into a bustling neighborhood with breweries, restaurants, and some trendy boutique hotels. Even if you’re not …
Situated in downtown Portland, the 30-acre park is named after a former governor of Oregon. It offers breathtaking vistas of the city’s skyline and is fondly regarded as a prime spot for various special events in Portland. Notably, it plays host to …
Washington Park in Portland is widely regarded as the city’s finest park. It boasts impressive attractions like the Portland Japanese Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, and the World Forestry Center. Additionally, the park is home to Hoyt …