areas to visit in portland

Portland, OR   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Photo by Matt Payne of Durango, Colorado | Getty Images

23 Best Things To Do in Portland, OR

If you've seen the comedy "Portlandia," you know Portland, Oregon, as a bike-friendly city that's full of food carts, indie bookstores, farm-to-table restaurants and an embarrassing number of coffee shops. Most of these characterizations are

• All Things To Do
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• 3-Day Itinerary

Washington Park Washington Park free

Many critics, travelers and locals agree that of all of Portland's parks (and they are numerous), Washington Park is perhaps the best. Washington Park is home to such notable landscaping feats as the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden , as well as the World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum and several memorials dedicated to pivotal points in Oregon's history.

There are also family-friendly attractions like the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children's Museum, along with a large playground, soccer fields, tennis courts and an archery range. Just make sure you save plenty of time for a leisurely stroll down one of the many shady paths, which are often decorated with flower displays and fountains.

International Rose Test Garden International Rose Test Garden free

Not until you visit these sprawling gardens in Washington Park will you fully understand the reasoning behind one of Portland's nicknames, the City of Roses. Established in 1917 by Portlander Jesse A. Currey and city leaders, it began as a testing ground for roses from around the world. Today, it is still the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.

Home to more than 10,000 rose bushes, the site also boasts a special Shakespeare Garden, which is festooned with roses named after the characters in William Shakespeare's plays. Recently, garden staff have also planted some of the fruit trees that populate the Bard's plays – fig, olive and medlar. Award-winning roses are found in the aptly named Gold Medal Garden. The Test Garden is full of current trial programs that might include miniature roses, David Austin roses (they receive no fungicides or insecticides), and new varieties sent by rose companies for evaluation. If you have your heart set on seeing the roses in full bloom, plan a visit in mid-June.

Portland Japanese Garden Portland Japanese Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make a reservation a few days in advance for the Zen-like Umami Café, which offers Japanese teas and traditional confections like mochi and baked manju. You can't make reservations the day of, and there is often an hourlong or more wait. – Hannah Wallace

If you need an escape from urban landscapes, seek out Zen-like tranquility at the Japanese Garden within Washington Park . The 12-acre Portland Japanese Garden is made up of eight separate gardens that represent different styles of traditional Japanese gardening techniques. All of the gardens feature essential elements like stone, water and plants that come from influences of the Shinto, Buddhist and Taoist philosophies, creating a unique, serene environment where visitors feel they are becoming a part of nature. The garden also features the Kashintei Tea House, where visitors can see demonstrations of a traditional tea ceremony, and a Cultural Village where Ikebana, bonsai care and Japanese music classes take place. If you're visiting in late March or early April, don't miss the chance to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Because of the garden's higher elevation, its trees are on a different blooming schedule than the rest of the city. (Usually a bit later.)

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Powell's City of Books Powell's City of Books free

Whether or not you're an avid reader, Powell's City of Books is worth checking out. Four floors high, it occupies a square city block; in fact, this bookstore is so large that exploring it actually requires a map.

While you wander through the stacks, keep in mind that you are tracing the footsteps of great writers, many of whom – like Ursula K. Le Guin and Neil Gaiman – have scrawled their signatures on the building's pillars. You might also schedule your visit to coincide with a reading, as the book shop hosts events nearly every day totaling more than 500 author visits a year.

Lan Su Chinese Garden Lan Su Chinese Garden

Occupying an entire city block, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is among some of the only authentic Chinese gardens in the country. Modeled after China's Ming dynasty scholars gardens, the Lan Su Chinese Garden aims to be a place where people can escape the hustle of everyday life and connect with nature. In addition to featuring plants and trees native to China as well as an 8,000-square-foot lake, the garden also hosts a variety of Chinese cultural events and festivals, such as the Lunar New Year festival and lantern viewing evenings.

Many recent visitors said the gardens were a highlight of their trip to Portland, describing the space as "tranquil," "stunning" and an "urban oasis." They also highly recommended taking the guided tour, saying it added context to the beautiful and serene setting. Tours are included in the admission price and offered daily at noon and 1 p.m. Others recommended enjoying tea and snacks at the on-site teahouse. A few visitors warned that the area surrounding the garden is home to a large number of homeless people and suggested taking an Uber or Lyft to reach the garden to avoid having to walk within the neighborhood.

Portland's Forest Park Portland's Forest Park free

If you're looking to spend some time outside, but you aren't willing to make the trek to Mount Hood , Forest Park is the place to go. Spanning 5,200 acres, it's one of the largest urban parks in America.

Among the park's features is the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, which is part of the region's 40-mile loop system connecting pedestrian and trail routes along the Columbia River to Gresham through southeast Portland along the Willamette Greenway and back to the Marquam Trail in southwest Portland. To find a trailhead, check out Forest Park Conservancy's online maps or buy a water-resistant trail map at Powell's or a New Seasons Market. If you're an avid bird-watcher, keep your eyes peeled: it's not unusual to spot barred owls, Cooper's hawks or pileated woodpeckers in the tall trees.

Multnomah Falls Multnomah Falls free

If you're willing to venture about 30 miles east of downtown Portland, you'll have access to the tallest waterfall in Oregon  – Multnomah Falls. Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the falls are the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, according to the U.S. Forest Service. 

At 620 feet tall, the Multnomah Falls are not for the faint of heart. Visitors have the option of climbing a 1/4-mile trail to reach Benson Bridge, which gives them a closer look at the falls and is at the crux of the first tier. Another steep, 1.25-mile hike will take travelers to the top of the falls for incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge . The Multnomah Falls Lodge, located at the base of the falls, houses a gift shop, restrooms and a restaurant for patrons to enjoy before or after their hike.

Portland Saturday Market Portland Saturday Market free

Whether you're craving international foods or are in search of a unique souvenir, the Portland Saturday Market is the place to look. Running since 1974, the market is located on the northern side of Tom McCall Waterfront Park and features 150 booths filled with art, upcycled clothing, handmade toys, organic soaps, reclaimed wood cutting boards and jewelry – all made by local artisans .

After you've had your fill of shopping, satisfy your appetite at one of the many food booths, which serve everything from Nepalese and Uruguayan to North African and Polish cuisines. There's live music every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Check the market's Instagram to find out who will be performing.) 

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Hoyt Arboretum Hoyt Arboretum free

Founded in 1928, the 189-acre Hoyt Arboretum features over 170 different tree families and 6,000 individual trees. The species represented originate from every continent except Antarctica. Visitors can either explore the arboretum on their own via the park's 12 miles of trails or take a guided tour. Travelers with children will want to check out the family-friendly activities like seed paper workshops and "Tree Time" for preschoolers. There are also adult classes on everything from forest bathing to mushroom identification walks (prices range from $15 to $30).

Past visitors raved about the arboretum and many expressed their surprise that such a tranquil place exists within city limits. Travelers also encouraged future tourists to take their time when exploring the trails and advised planning a trip around one of the arboretum's weekend guided walks.

Mount Hood Mount Hood

On clear days, you can see snowy Mount Hood, the highest mountain in Oregon (at 11,239 feet), from Portland. Mount Hood is the region's prime skiing area, with numerous powdery downhill and cross-country trails. Test your skills on the expert slopes at Mt. Hood Skibowl or hit Mt. Hood Meadows for some of the area's best terrain. Or, get cozy at Timberline Lodge, built thanks to Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. The historic, stately lodge is also where Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" was (partially) filmed. Spend the night here in one of 70 rustic rooms, or grab dinner at one of the lodge's seven eateries. 

Planning a summer getaway? Never fear: Mount Hood offers summer skiing as well, not to mention plenty of opportunities to hike and mountain bike. Mount Hood's main summer attraction is the Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl, which features hiking and biking trails, as well as numerous other warm-weather activities.

Portland Art Museum Portland Art Museum

As the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, the Portland Art Museum set the bar high for its patrons. It is home to Oregon's most prestigious collection, including works from the European masters, Japanese screen prints and contemporary American pieces. There is also a sculpture garden and an area devoted to photography. But the museum's Native American gallery – which consists of more than 3,500 ancient and modern objects from more than 200 different tribes – is not to be missed.

Recent travelers admit that they got lost in the art at this Portland museum, which is easy to do since the large collection fills three connected buildings. Because the museum is somewhat of a maze to navigate, some travelers recommend figuring out which exhibits you're interested in ahead of time so you know exactly where to go in the museum before arriving (gallery maps can be found online). Others were particularly pleased with the temporary exhibitions, which have showcased the work of artists like Jeffrey Gibson and Oscar Howe, among others.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Whether you need to keep the kids entertained for a few hours or just need a way to spend a rainy day, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the place to go. This interactive museum (referred to by residents as OMSI) makes learning fun thanks to its five halls and five labs filled with hands-on exhibits devoted to physics, chemistry, paleontology and more. Other interactive offerings include a science playground specifically designed for young children.

And if you're a movie buff, you'll want to make your way to the museum's USS Blueback submarine, which was used to film "The Hunt for Red October," and is the most modern U.S. submarine on public display in the country. When you've exhausted the exhibits, take in a show at the Empirical Theater or marvel at the stars at the Kendall Planetarium. There's also a riverfront eatery on-site, Theory, that serves healthy sandwiches, bowls and salads. Adults will also enjoy OMSI's evening lectures called "Science Pubs" where you can grab a beer and learn about everything from beaver adaptation to weight stigma in healthcare.

Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After a morning hike in the gorge, stop for a late lunch and soft serve at Sugarpine Drive-In on your way back to Portland. Owned by former Portland/Brooklyn chefs Emily Cafazzo and Ryan Domingo, this Troutdale restuarant serves excellent, hearty sandwiches. – Hannah Wallace

The Columbia River flows 1,200 miles from British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean and forms a dramatic border between Washington and Oregon. Both sides offer spectacular views of the gorge – from some spots on the Washington side you can see clear views of Mount Hood . Multnomah Falls is probably the closest scenic attraction as you drive east from Portland. From there, stop in Hood River or White Salmon for lunch or dinner. Both cities have an array of eateries, breweries, ice cream shops and cafes. In White Salmon, make sure to visit the White Salmon Bakery , which makes delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches (all on its freshly baked bread) and pop over to the owners' new wine shop, Soca , for a bottle of Oregon wine. In Hood River, head to one of a handful of breweries like pFriem Family Brewers, Ferment Brewing Co. or Double Mountain Brewery.

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Portland Mercado Portland Mercado free

Both a community economic development project for Latino entrepreneurs and one of Portland's best food cart pods, Portland Mercado showcases cuisines from Columbia, Cuba, Peru, Oaxaca and the Yucatan.

Past visitors raved about the al pastor burrito at Fernando's Alegria and the chicken mole at the Oaxacan truck. Others were blown away by the patacones (twice-fried plantains) at Qué Bacano, the Columbian truck. Travelers love the vibe as well: colorful trucks, energetic live music and plentiful outdoor seating.

Pittock Mansion Pittock Mansion

The 16,000-square-foot Pittock Mansion is one of Portland's few historic attractions and definitely one of the most unique. Built between 1909 and 1914 by Henry Pittock – the owner of The Oregonian newspaper – and his wife Georgiana, it was designed after the French Renaissance style. This 44-room mansion (of which only 23 are open to the public) contains a Turkish smoking room, a library, a music room and two sleeping porches, among other features.

A monthly behind-the-scenes tour of the mansion ($22) allows you to see parts of the property not usually open to the public like Henry Pittock's private den and the third-floor servants' quarters. Check the mansion's website for details; tours are usually offered on Saturdays. Also, stop by the gift shop, which sells handcrafted items made by local vendors. You can also take a self-guided tour during visiting hours; maps are available at the front entrance and interpretive panels are stationed throughout the mansion.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park Tom McCall Waterfront Park free

Named for a former Oregonian governor, this 30-acre park stretches alongside the Willamette River in downtown Portland and provides some of the best views of the city's skyline. Because of its prime location, it hosts many of Portland's special events – including the ever-popular Oregon Brewers Festival and the Portland Rose Festival.

But even when the city isn't celebrating, there's plenty to do here. Locals congregate for afternoon strolls or picnics and families cool off on hot days at the Salmon Street Springs fountain. The park is also home to some historic monuments like the Founders Stone, the Japanese American Historical Plaza and the Police Memorial. The Portland Saturday Market is held within the park every weekend from March to Christmas Eve. If you're in need of a bite to eat, head to Pine Street Market – a food hall with that sits at the northern end of the park at Second Avenue and Pine Street.

Mount Tabor Park Mount Tabor Park free

Mount Tabor is a dormant volcanic cinder cone located 5 miles east of downtown Portland. It may sound like a trek, but the scenery is well worth it. At its summit, Mount Tabor provides vistas of both downtown and Mount Hood . Travelers can choose one of three trails that takes them to the top of Mount Tabor and around the park. Along the trails, you'll see three reservoirs, which used to be the source of the city's drinking water. If views and hiking don't interest you, maybe this will: Mount Tabor Park is home to the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Each year on the third Saturday in August, racers in wacky cars zoom down the park's hills for a chance to win the top spot.

Past travelers relished the long walks they took through Mount Tabor Park. The breathtaking views are repeatedly mentioned by visitors, the sportier of whom run up the 293 stairs. Know that you'll do a lot of uphill walking before you reach that reward, however.

The Central Eastside The Central Eastside free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Food lovers in Portland get their olive oil, grains and Rancho Gordo beans at Wellspent Market , a locally-owned provisions store that also sells a great selection of natural wines, ciders and beer. – Hannah Wallace

Once an industrial neighborhood, the Central Eastside has been percolating over the past six to eight years with breweries, restaurants and even a few stylish boutique hotels. Even if you don't stay at Kex , an Icelandic youth hostel, you should make a visit to its horseshoe-shaped bar, Pacific Standard , which is now manned by respected bartender and author, Jeffrey Morgenthaler. Time your visit for happy hour (3 to 6 p.m.) to enjoy a $2 discount on all menu items, including food.

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Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai

Named after the orphan Pip in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," this eclectic little cafe on Fremont Street is where Portlanders go to get their doughnuts and house-made chai. Because these doughnuts are diminutive, you can order four, six, eight or even 12. Regular flavors like cinnamon sugar, raw honey and sea salt, Nutella and candied bacon maple are justly popular, but don't skip the seasonal flavors, which in summer months always include local berries and peaches.

A decade ago, owners Jamie and Nate Snell used their life savings to start their doughnut shop, and when banks would not give them a $10,000 loan they felt like orphans, and sought help from friends and family. (Hence the name, Pip's.) They've put a lot of love into it – Nate was the general contractor and Jamie did the design and painted the clouds that cover the walls. A fun Portland touch: On your birthday you can come in and get a dozen doughnuts for free.

Portland, Oregon, Brewery Tours Portland, Oregon, Brewery Tours

Portland is well-known for its craft beers. In fact, there are roughly 70 breweries in the city proper, meaning there are plenty of places to quench your thirst. Though you're welcome to stop by the breweries on your own, taking a guided brewery tour might be a better bet if you're only in Portland for a quick trip (and want someone else to worry about transportation). The tours generally stop at a few different breweries in the city, allowing participants to sample several different kinds of beer.

City Brew Tours , which travels by van, wins accolades from past tourgoers for its knowledgeable guides and wide range of beer samples. For the company's Original Brew Tour, which lasts approximately five hours, the $129 ticket price includes beer samples at four breweries and a meal at either Migration or Ex Novo, two local breweries. BrewCycle welcomes you to "cycle" on a trolley with other people as it winds its way from brewery to pub on the east or west side of Portland. (You can also rent out a whole trolley for a special occasion.) Tickets range from $20 to $25 per person, depending on the day, and do not include beer.

PSU Farmers Market PSU Farmers Market free

If you're in Portland on a Saturday, make a morning stop at the PSU Farmers Market. In addition to just-picked local produce, vendors peddle meat, beverages (including alcohol), dairy products, mushrooms, chocolate and more. Talented musicians typically busk for tips.

Past visitors said the market is worth walking through even if you don't plan on buying produce. Others were impressed with the smoked fish, excellent Jewish rye and beautiful flowers for sale. Travelers also raved about the prepared foods at the market, including tamales, breakfast burritos, cookies and more.

Oregon Zoo Oregon Zoo

Explore some of the world's cutest, ferocious and exotic critters at the Oregon Zoo. The zoo houses more than 2,500 animals representing more than 200 different species ranging from reptiles to big cats to insects. In 2021, the zoo opened new habitats for rhinos, primates and polar bears, which were the final improvements after a decade-long expansion project. Along with the animal exhibits, there are also behind-the-scenes tours, as well as a train and carousel.

Recent visitors reported loving the zoo for its manageable size and animal residents (especially the elephants). Reviewers say you should expect to spend about two to four hours exploring. A few travelers were frustrated to learn that advance ticket purchase is required, and a few griped about the cost of parking.

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

You can tell when entering this art gallery/museum/gift shop that the owners, Mike Wellins and Lisa Freeman, love science fiction, horror, cryptozoology, unsolved urban legends and the mysterious. Wellins calls the Peculiarium an anti-museum: you won't find sterile rooms with squeaky floors or frowning guards. What you will find? Everything from an alien autopsy to a theremin, ghosts, D.B. Cooper and two (faux) vampire killing kits. At the adjacent snack bar, you can try Freeman's Frankenballs, Franken Fries and her famous Bug Sundaes (Tillamook ice cream with freeze-dried mealworms and cooked scorpions – stingers removed – on top). 

Visitors say that you definitely "Keep Portland Weird" in this quirky art museum/gift shop with pop horror displays and grotesqueries. Past visitors recommend checking out the gift shop first, and if you're amused, go ahead and pay admission to the museum. Otherwise, it may not be for you.

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40 Best & Fun Things To Do In Portland (Oregon)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 8, 2021  - Last updated: October 17, 2023

Portland is a highly populous city in Multnomah County, famous for its slogan “Keep Portland Weird” and known for its progressive atmosphere and hipster vibes.

Its history runs deeper, though, as a historic shipping port that got up to a lot of mischief in the prohibition era.

Now, the city retains much of that charm in the form of vibrant art districts, lush natural spaces and parks, museums covering every imaginable topic, exciting festivals and events, and all sorts of gold-standard places to go.

With the many tourist spots, it can be hard to decide what places to see while you’re on holiday in Portland, Oregon.

Luckily, the sheer size of the city means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re keeping an eye out for the bizarre, the outdoorsy, the historic, the artistic, or the inventive.

So, which Portland attractions and things to see are worth your time?

To help you decide, here is our travel guide for the 40 best and fun things to do in Portland, Oregon.

Table of Contents

1. Washington Park

Sveta Imnadze / Shutterstock

Washington Park is widely considered one of the most popular Portland attractions.

Portland is filled with all sorts of different parks, but Washington Park manages to be a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.

It is packed with a variety of attractions – many of which are also on this list – and is an excellent place to rest and relax.

Spanning 410 acres, Washington Park is so lively and packed with activities that it’s hard to think of where to start!

A sightseeing tour brings you across museums, zoos, fields, courts, playgrounds, and even an archery range, all interspersed with fountains, flowers, and other natural features.

It’s one of the city’s oldest parks, too, purchased in 1871 when it was merely wild land, so there’s an added historic element to it!

With all the offerings to explore, you’ll probably spend a lot of time there this weekend.

Address: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, United States

2. Lan Su Chinese Garden

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

The Lan Su Chinese Garden spans 40,000 square feet of land and was created in 2000 as a means of connecting locals with Chinese culture following the budding relationship between Portland and Suzhou.

It is designed to resemble gardens from the Ming Dynasty, depicting the 16th-century luxurious exuberance of the dynasty’s wealthiest.

It’s one of America’s only authentic Chinese gardens, making it one of Portland’s loveliest things to see and one of the best places to travel .

An urban oasis, the Lan Su Chinese Garden features courtyards landscaped to perfection and various beautiful and ornate structures that grant insight into Chinese architecture.

The central feature is Lake Zither, which covers 8,000 square feet and is looked over by a delightful tearoom.

The tearoom, known as the Tower of Cosmic Reflections, is operated by Tao of Tea and spans two stories, with 50 seats to choose from as you look out over the lake.

A full menu of vegetarian snacks for all taste buds includes lotus-seed mooncakes, steamed buns, marbled tea eggs, pumpkin seeds dusted with green tea, daikon salad, and pressed plums.

The tower also runs a traditional tea service featuring oolong teas and more.

Address: 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, United States

3. Pittock Mansion

Png Studio Photography / Shutterstock

There aren’t many deeply historical places to visit in the city of Portland, but Pittock Mansion is definitely among the top.

In 1853, Henry Pittock, a British-born immigrant, traveled to Oregon and settled down to work for a newspaper called the Weekly Oregonian.

A heavy believer in manifest destiny, within seven years he was the owner of the Oregonian, a daily newspaper, and had married Georgiana Burton, also a pioneer.

For the most part, the Pittocks were relatively frugal and humble, but as they grew older they decided to build their dream home.

The Pittock Mansion was commissioned in 1912 and was built to measure 16,000 square feet.

It is designed with a French Renaissance aesthetic and boasts 23 rooms, including a library, a Turkish smoking room, a music room, a pair of sleeping porches, a private shower, and more, with floors interconnected with an Otis elevator.

The mansion was finished in 1914 in the West Hills, on a 1,000-foot peak of 46-acre land.

Sadly, Georgiana would pass away in 1918 due to poor health, followed shortly by Henry in 1919.

The family kept the home but it was left severely damaged in a storm in 1962.

The City purchased the estate to save it from being demolished in 1964.

Today, it is a prime tourist draw of the city, boasting guided tours, gorgeous grounds, and spectacular views.

You’ll be impressed by the many surprisingly modern features of the Pittock Mansion, including intercoms, a central vacuum system, and indirect lighting.

Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, United States

4. Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry

Checubus / Shutterstock

The Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry is a stunning interactive museum that is among the best things to do in Portland for families and those who love science and history.

It’s very near – in fact, directly opposite – to the Portland State University and offers a look into complex concepts of science and innovation in an easy-to-understand and insightful way.

With eight labs and five halls all packed with hands-on exhibits, the Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry is a wonderful place to learn.

Showcases encompass topics like technology, paleontology, environment, physics, the ocean, chemistry, agriculture, engineering, health, outer space, reproduction, and more.

The Museum Of Science And Industry also offers cool things to do, like a science playground for young children, an IMAX theater with a four-story screen, the stunning Harry C. Kendall Planetarium, and an eatery on the riverfront that serves up healthy fare.

There is also the famous USS Blueback submarine onsite, the most modern American submarine that is displayed in the nation, and used in the filming of The Hunt for Red October after serving in the Navy for three decades.

Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States

5. Portland Japanese Garden

Randall Runtsch / Shutterstock

One of the beautiful places to go in the US is the Portland Japanese Garden that spans 12 acres and is situated on land that was once a zoo.

It is a part of Washington Park and was opened in 1961 as ties between Oregon and Japan were strengthened.

Former Japanese Ambassador Nobuo Matsunaga proclaimed the eight-garden expanse the most authentic and beautiful Japanese garden outside of Japan on the planet.

With an endorsement like that, this grew to be one of the city’s most loved points of interest.

Each of the eight gardens at the Portland Japanese Garden is designed to evoke a different technique of Japanese gardening.

Taoist, Shinto, and Buddhist philosophies can be seen in the influences of the different elements at play, with plants, stone, and water that evoke serenity and make you feel at one with nature.

At the Japanese Garden, you’ll have fun exploring bridges worthy of fantasy, pools full of koi, cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring, and curved pathways that lead you through different elements.

Among the structures here are the Cultural Village and Pavilion, the Kiyomizu-Dera temple-inspired Umami Cafe, the Zen garden, and the authentic Kashintei Tea House that was shipped to the city after being constructed in Japan.

The Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center, Ellie M. Hill Bonsai Terrace, and Strolling Pond Garden are all things to see, too!

Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

6. Forest Park

Dee Browning / Shutterstock

Forest Park is a must-see for natural escapes in the urban setting of Portland.

The dense, lush expanse of this Pacific Northwest forest measures 5,200 acres in size, making it one of America’s biggest urban green spaces.

With no entrance fee, it’s also one of the city’s free things to do and is perfect for sightseeing and relaxation.

It was opened in 1948 but has been in the works since 1903, when the sons of Central Park co-designer Frederick Law Olmsted proposed the land’s preservation.

Forest Park boasts 80 miles of roads and trails for cycling and hiking, all within the generous space of the city and on the east of the imposing Tualatin Mountains.

Relatively near Washington Park, it features many different pathways that bring you through scenic and delightful places to visit.

One of these is the Wildwood Trail, which spans 30 miles and is a part of the Loop system that goes from Gresham to Willamette Greenway and to Marquam Trail, leading along the Columbia River.

It’s one of the most recommended trails in the park.

Address: NW 29 & Upshur to Newberry Road, Portland, OR 97210, United States

7. The Grotto

ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock

The Grotto is the common name used to refer to The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, a Catholic shrine famous around the globe that receives over 200,000 annual visitors.

It is run by the Order of Friar Servants of St. Mary and is dedicated to Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother.

The beautiful location means it’s a great choice for what to do, even if you’re not religious or Catholic – and if you are, it’s one of the best sites in Portland, Oregon!

The property of the Grotto spans 62 acres and is centered with a majestic and dramatic 110-foot cliff that hosts a shrine lit by candles and numerous religious sculptures.

The cliff also bears a rock cave in the base that holds a replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta, made from marble and life-sized.

The botanical gardens of the Grotto are well-maintained and make use of a mix of carefully kept greenery and wild foliage.

You’ll see fir trees, shrubs of rhododendron, and more along the many walkways, some of which provide lovely overlooks of the Columbia River Valley.

If you’re interested in attending mass, you can, and the noon mass is held outdoors in the Grotto itself.

Address: 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, United States

8. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is another feature of Washington Park, taking up 64 acres of space and housing close to 3,000 individual animals, with 90 species – 19 of which are endangered.

The zoo got its start in the latter part of the 1800s, when Richard Knight began to build his own private animal collection in Portland and opened the space to visitors, growing it into one of the city’s prime tourist attractions.

Dotted with native plants, the Oregon Zoo is a natural paradise with 23 fun exhibits separated into five uniquely themed areas, with a few more planned in development.

Currently, there is the Discovery Zone, the Great Northwest, the African area, the Elephant Lands that are a whopping 6 acres, and the Pacific Shores.

There are animals from the Arctic, the Amazon, and the African savannah and beyond.

Throughout your trip, you’ll get to see sea lions, birds, sea and river otters, insects, a trio of lions named Kya, Zawadi, and Neka, and a Penguinarium.

The zoo also puts a lot of effort into research and conservation, typically focusing on Pacific Northwestern species.

You can learn more in the zoo’s many tours, classes, camps, and programs.

If it’s summer when you visit this weekend, you may be able to check out a cool concert packed with much-loved musical celebrities like “Weird Al” Yankovic, Ziggy Marley, and even The Roots in an outdoor amphitheater that seats 3,800 people.

Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, United States

9. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

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The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden didn’t start out as the grand attraction it is now.

Rather, Portland-local Sam Jackson, owner of the Oregon Journal at the time donated some land near Terwilliger Boulevard to be used in its construction.

There were 27 acres in total, but the land was rocky and unusable, forcing the site to be moved to a new location.

That location was once an outdoor stage for students of Reed College called “Shakespearean Island”.

Shakespearean Island was a lot of work to fix, given its dense overgrowth of blackberries and brush.

Volunteers worked to clean it up, eventually leading to the first rhododendron show on the site in 1956.

In 1964, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden finally was christened an official garden.

Today, it is home to a whopping 2,500 and more rhododendrons, along with many other plants.

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a bit of a hidden gem, which is a shame given its beauty.

A lake invites geese, ducks, and other waterfowl, while scrub jays, red-winged blackbirds, and 94 other species find refuge in the trees.

Meandering trails bring you through the relaxing location, interspersed with fountains.

With a low entrance fee, this is one of the top cheap things to do in the city.

If you’re here at the right time, you can hop in for May’s Mother’s Day Show or April’s Rhododendron & Daffodil Show.

Address: 5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States

10. Powell’s City of Books

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Are you a bibliophile seeking fun things to do in Portland?

Look no further than Powell’s City of Books !

Third-generation-owned, it takes up a whole block of Portland’s West Burnside.

Its life began in 1971 when the Powells set up their family business with the goal of selling a mix of used and new titles 365 days a year with the aid of staff that truly love books.

They were among the first to open a business in the Pearl District, and today they are the biggest used and new bookshop in the world.

Powell’s City of Books boasts more than one million books across 3,500 sections, three floors, and nine color-coded individual rooms.

It has its own map that you can get at the front desk to navigate through sections for every topic and genre imaginable.

Pillars hold signatures of the many authors who have visited – and there are many, with 500 or so visiting on an annual basis, so you should check if anyone’s visiting this week when you’re in town.

As you can imagine, everything from old to new books can be found at Powell’s City of Books.

When you’re done shopping the more affordable stuff, head up to the Rare Book Room and gaze in wonder at the 1,000-square-foot space decorated with antiques and artwork and featuring all sorts of signed first editions.

If you’re on time for them, there are two behind-the-scenes tours held on Sundays on a first-come, first-served basis.

Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Visiting other parts of Oregon? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Eugene, Oregon ?

11. Shanghai Tunnels

Keary O. / flickr

The Shanghai Tunnels have a long history that has made them among the best unusual things to do among Portland attractions.

Portland was, once upon a time, considered one of the world’s most dangerous ports.

It was known as the Forbidden City of the West from 1850 all the way up to 1941, and a part of that city was the Portland Underground, often referred to as the Shanghai Tunnels.

The Shanghai Tunnels were used for legal purposes a lot of the time, as they connected the docks of the Willamette River to basements of hotels and bars, keeping goods safe from the elements.

But there were also more illicit activities going on, as well, with alcohol provision and opium dens in the prohibition era.

An urban legend with little to no evidence surrounds the underground in the term “Shanghaiing”.

Tales go that Shanghaiing meant the sale of captured and kidnapped men for ship captains who needed crew members and of women for prostitution.

Many other horror stories plague the Shanghai Tunnels, such as slaves being consumed by hungry crew, human trafficking, and more.

Of course, it’s almost certain that this is all a myth.

While you’re in Oregon, touring the Shanghai Tunnels is an exciting way to explore.

Parts of it are open to the public, with tours provided by the Cascade Geographic Society.

There are ghost tours, heritage tours, and cultural tours.

Address: 120 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

12. International Rose Test Garden

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The International Rose Test Garden is a key choice among things to do in Portland, Oregon.

It was founded in an effort to protect and preserve hybrid European roses from the raids of World War I and was established in 1917.

This makes it America’s oldest continually operating garden of its kind.

More than 10,000 roses are grown at the International Rose Test Garden over its 5 acres of land.

Gorgeous views and delightful exuberant splendor make it a fun visit even in off-seasons, though you should aim for early summer trips to catch everything in bloom.

Different gardens and locations add variety.

The Shakespeare Garden has roses all named after Shakespeare’s characters.

The Miniature Rose Garden is home to all sorts of smaller species of roses.

The Gold Award garden is filled with stunning award-winning roses.

It’s all very delightful!

The International Rose Test Garden has become a part of the city’s identity and culture, and it’s one of its free things to do.

It allows you to get up close and personal with the inspiration behind other local features like the New Rose Tattoo shop, the famous Rose City Genmaicha of Steven Smith Teamaker, the all-female roller derby league called Rose City Rollers, and Nuvrei’s pistachio-rose croissants.

Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

13. Hoyt Arboretum

Wasim Muklashy / Shutterstock

Want even more free things to do in Portland, Oregon?

Then one of your go-to places to visit should be the Hoyt Arboretum !

It first opened its doors in 1928 and features over 6,000 individual species from 172 families of trees across a whopping 189 acres of land.

Species come from all over the world, including from countries like Algeria, Chile, India, Afghanistan, and Germany.

12 miles of trails allow easy exploration throughout Hoyt Arboretum.

There are nature activities, guided bird walks, and a visitor center.

Better yet, it’s all nonprofit-run!

You’ll get to view a mix of nonnative and native species, helpfully labeled with placards in both English and Latin.

Don’t forget to check out the bamboo forest and redwood grove, too!

Address: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221, United States

14. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

A trip to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park is one of the best things to do in Portland, whether you’re seeking to go sightseeing, relax, or join a festival.

Situated in downtown Portland next to the Willamette River, it is named after a former governor of Oregon and covers 30 acres of ground and wide-reaching, stunning views of the skyline.

There are lots of activities you can enjoy here at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Salmon Street Springs fountain offers a great place to cool down during the warmer days, and it’s always a good time to walk, jog, skateboard, or cycle – even if it gets a bit crowded sometimes.

You’ll also find some monuments here worth checking out, like the Police Memorial, the Founders Stone, and the Japanese American Historical Plaza.

Due to its convenient location in the city, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the site of many regular events and festivals for the city, including the Portland Rose Festival and the Oregon Brewers Festival.

When there’s nothing special going on, explore the park’s five different zones, from the riverside walkway of The Esplanade to the grassy concert area of the Bowl, and from the crowded Central Lawn to the historic John Yeon Building.

Address: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States

15. The Witch’s Castle

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The Witch’s Castle is one of the weird things to do in Portland, but that’s what makes it one of its most fun points of interest, too.

With so many years of history to its name, it’s no wonder that it’s lived many lives and been the site of a fair few curiosities, ranging from murders to parties.

The land where the Witch’s Castle stands was purchased in the mid-1800s but Danford Balch as the city was still in development.

Balch hired Mortimer Stump to clear out the area, and Stump fell in love with Balch’s daughter, Anna, and asked Balch for her hand in marriage.

Balch refused and Stump was furious, taking Anna with him to elope.

Balch became depressed as a result, and when the couple returned, Balch murdered Stump on the Stark Street Ferry.

He was then executed – the first of the state’s legal execution.

The land then passed around from hand to hand and finally landed in the hands of the city, which built the stone “castle” close to the original homestead of Balch.

For a time, the Portland Parks and Recreation maintained it, using it as a station and restroom.

A storm damaged the structure in 1962 and it was abandoned.

Then, in the 1980s, high school students stumbled upon it and began using it for their parties, naming it the Witch’s Castle.

Every Friday night, high schoolers gather here to have a good time, even till today.

Address: Lower Macleay Trail, Portland, OR 97210, United States

16. Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is the Pacific Northwest’s oldest museum of art and holds the most prestigious collection of works in all of Oregon.

It was founded in 1892 and holds over 45,000 works from different genres, artists, and eras.

Three interconnected buildings make up the total expanse of the vast museum, which can be overwhelming when you’re trying not to get lost!

The Portland Art Museum is home to Japanese screen prints, European masters’ works, contemporary American creations, photography, and a sculpture garden.

One of its must-do exhibits is the Native American gallery, which showcases 5,000 artifacts from different eras, taken from over 200 different tribes.

There is also a beautiful collection of English silver, a stunning Ansel Adams collection with 26,000 prints, an Asian archaeology, and art collection, works by artists whose masterpieces defined the American West.

Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

17. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium maintains the spirit of the Keep Portland Weird slogan with an eclectic museum-and-shop dating back to 1967.

It was created by Oregon local Conrad Talmadge Elwood, an explorer who loved the bizarre, weird, and zany, and he claims he created it after dreaming of the store.

That’s likely not true, but the falsehood is in line with all the pranks and funnies the shop has to offer.

In other words, if you’re wondering what to do in Portland that’s all-out unusual, this is one of your best options.

Shelves in the gift shop of The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium are packed with cheap gag toys, strange pop artifacts, unnerving specimens, and more, all positioned behind the huge statue of Bigfoot that greets you when you walk in.

The museum area itself hosts all sorts of exhibits where photography is more than welcome.

At The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, you’ll get to see a seated Krampus statue with evil red eyes, strange drawings, freaky memorabilia, a nightmare dollhouse, an alien autopsy recreation, and the inside of a zombie’s brain.

An art gallery is also here, showcasing the more one-of-a-kind works of art from the city’s many artists.

If you have a strong stomach, try The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium’s fresh chocolate chip bug cookies, served hot and fresh with edible mealworms, scorpions, and crickets.

Address: 2234 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210, United States

18. Multnomah Falls

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The Multnomah Falls are a whopping 620 feet in height and, while technically outside of Portland, Oregon, are among the tourist attractions worth the half-hour drive out.

The fun falls provide you with the opportunity to climb to Benson Bridge, where you can view the falls up-close from the first tier, or all the way up to the peak of the falls to look out over the Columbia River Gorge.

At the very bottom, the Multnomah Falls Lodge has amenities, an eatery, and a gift shop.

The Multnomah Falls are filled and fed by rainwater, an underground spring, and snowmelt, so it’s one of the West’s only waterfalls that flow throughout the year.

It’s the fourth tallest in the country and the second tallest of the year-round kinds!

Native American legend states that the falls were made to win a young princess’ heart so she could have a secret bathing spot.

Address: Oregon 97014, United States

19. Cathedral Park

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There are plenty of parks in this city in Oregon, but Cathedral Park is among the top places to go.

It’s one-of-a-kind, incredibly breathtaking, and wonderfully romantic.

Situated in the northern portion of the city along Willamette River, it has a quiet location underneath the St. Johns bridge, which is where it got its name – the cathedral-like design of the bridge’s footing adds an ethereal atmosphere to the area.

The park was built five decades or so after the bridge, so it only opened in 1980.

Until then, it was virtually just a junkyard until a fundraising drive, run by Howard Galbraith, earned $7.5 million to be used to convert the space into a park.

The Cathedral Park Committee created and sealed a time capsule when the park was finished and placed it in the Memorial Garden’s Wall of History to be opened in 2030.

The instructions for finding it are hidden and kept secret.

Address: North Edison Street and Pittsburgh Avenue, Portland, OR 97203, United States

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20. World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

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The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum is another attraction in Washington Park, Portland.

It opened in 1971 and measures 20,000 feet in size.

Its mission is simple but important: it aims to teach tourists and locals of Oregon alike about the importance of trees, nature, and forests in environmental sustainability.

The first floor of the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum covers the ecology of forests and general sustainability through a local perspective, while the second floor widens the scope to a global scale.

The second floor lets you take virtual trips to Russia, China, South Africa, and Brazil to learn about their forests and the unique challenges they face, as well as the relationships between woodlands and the people.

Looking for fun things to do in Portland?

Take a raft ride from here to gaze out over the forest from above!

21. Portland Farmers Market at PSU

The Portland Farmers Market is so famous that it’s one of the commonly visited Portland attractions itself!

Held at Portland State University, it features 200 vendors that rotate every Saturday.

They sell everything from baked goods to eggs and from grass-fed meats to cheese and charcuterie.

You’ll find craft chocolate, fresh produce, chanterelles, local blueberries, and seasonal fruits galore at this lovely Farmers market.

Try some of the SuDan Farm lamb, Old World Apples, Hood River cherries, and more.

There’s no end to the treasures and yummy goods you can find, so take your time to explore!

Address: 1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201, United States

22. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

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The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area can be walked or driven to from Portland, Oregon and offers a cheap entrance fee, lots of things to see, and a fun and active adventure to embark on this weekend.

Covering 290,000 acres of land, it’s often considered the most scenic part of the lower portion of the Columbia River, bisected by the popular Pacific Crest Trail.

Marking the state border, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the perfect place for site seeing and nature-themed activities.

It’s also a wonderful place to take some photographs of the stunning waterfalls, like the Latourell Falls, Oneonta Gorge, and the already-mentioned Multnomah Falls.

Address: Hood River, OR 97031, United States

23. Pioneer Courthouse Square

Pioneer Courthouse Square is widely considered the Living Room of Portland by locals.

If you’re trying to get in touch with authentic downtown Portland, Oregon life, this is one of the best places to visit.

More than 26,000 individuals pass through Pioneer Courthouse Square daily.

It spans 40,000 square feet, is a common event space, and has tons of fascinating features to ogle.

The central area is an amphitheater of sorts that you can sit in during events.

There are bricks scattered about Pioneer Courthouse Square that have names on them – names of locals who paid $15 for the honor as a manner of donating to the construction costs.

There is a fountain that resembles a waterfall, a chess table, and the beloved Umbrella Man, which is a bronze statue of a man in a suit carrying an umbrella.

Address: 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

24. Portland Troll Bridge

Portland Troll Bridge

If you want some fun stuff to add to your to do list, the Portland Troll Bridge is a great option.

Trolls were widely considered fearsome, hostile monsters, stealing human women, eating human children, and lashing out against human men.

But that’s actually not at all what the troll bridge is about – in fact, it’s a bit of a Keep Portland Weird moment!

Trolls became the name of a brand of children’s toys, with wacky vibrant hairstyles and big smiles, that rose to fame in the 1960s.

It is these plastic little ones that you can find at the Troll Bridge.

Surrounded by woods, the bridge has been affixed with troll dolls all over, coming and going as people steal and replace them.

There are even some trolls painted on the bridge itself!

If you plan to cycle up here, make sure you’re ready for the challenging hills.

Address: 16498 NW McNamee Rd, Portland, OR 97231, United States

25. Oregon Historical Society Museum

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is situated in downtown Portland.

It opened in 1898 and has since been telling the tales of the state, from its first settlers to those who live here now.

It has earned its spot among worthy points of interest, especially given its housing of an important artifact to the city, but also thanks to the 85,000 or so artifacts related to local history onsite.

Within the halls of the Oregon Historical Society Museum sits the Portland penny, which was flipped to decide the name of the city.

The two options were “Boston” or “Portland”, and well, we know who came out the winner!

Other great things to check out are a sandal that is 9,000 years old, the replica of a ship’s hull, and the library.

With all the manuscripts, artifacts, films, books, and photographs to see, you’ll leave with a much deeper understanding of this lovely state.

Address: 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

26. Mill Ends Park

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Mill Ends Park is a fun must see in Portland – and you may have passed it without realizing it’s there!

It is the smallest city park in the world according to the 1971 Guinness Book of World Records and measures a mere two feet in size, where it sits on the Naito Parkway’s median, largely unnoticed.

The park was created by Dick Fagan, who came back to continue his work at the Oregon Journal in 1946 after the war.

From his window, he looked down onto the street and saw a tiny hole in the road’s median, meant for a light pole but unused.

Weeds were growing in it, so Fagan decided to plant flowers there.

He told a fanciful tale of its origin, claiming that leprechauns that only he could see created it, and Fagan wished for a park from the leprechaun and was given the hole in turn.

Mill Ends Park’s legacy has continued since Fagan’s 1969 death.

It was designated a city park in 1976 and is the home of many inventive and unique festivities, complete with tiny decorations.

Address: 56 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204, United States

Planning a trip to Astoria? The city that became the setting for the 1985 film titled The Goonies as well as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3, Astoria is packed with tourist attractions! If you do plan the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Astoria, Oregon !

27. Mount Tabor Park

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Mount Tabor Park is another one of the free things to do in the city.

Mount Tabor itself is a cinder cone of a dormant volcano.

Climbing up to its peak is a fantastic way to get views of Mouth Hood and the downtown area.

Looking for other kinds of stuff to do at Mount Tabor Park?

Walk the trails to view three reservoirs that once held the drinking water of the city.

Come at the right time to watch the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby in August.

Or seek out the statue of Harvey W. Scott, who edited the local daily paper for a long, long time!

Address: SE 60th Ave &, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215, United States

28. Portland Saturday Market

Not sure where to go to get a real feel of the city?

The Portland Saturday Market is an excellent place to start.

It has been up and running since 1974 as a staple of Oregon, providing sales of exotic foods, lovely souvenirs, ethnic cuisine, handcrafted items, and more.

On some days, special events, performances, and live entertainment are held to liven up the already vibrant, crowded scene.

Held at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Portland Saturday Market shows off an impressive 252 booths of pet supplies, art, toys, clothing, food… anything you can imagine!

Local artisans, jewelry makers, photographers, and vendors showcase their wares and await your purchases.

Address: 2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States

29. Downtown Park Blocks

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Looking for things to do in downtown Portland?

Well, it doesn’t get more “downtown” than the fun and aptly named Downtown Park Blocks!

Over a couple of dozen of these “blocks” create a quirky few places to visit, parks that cover the same space as a city block would.

This was a part of the planned development of this Oregon city from very early on, and through all the development around them, they’ve only stayed protected and strong.

The South Park Blocks are likely the most popular, with twelve blocks in total and each one housing at least one public art piece.

These include statues of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

A total of 337 trees of maple, elm, and oak varieties are scattered throughout the area, as well as a lovely choice of fragrant roses.

The Downtown Park Blocks are perfect for photography.

There are prepared vanishing points for all your picture-taking needs.

This is also just a great place to take a stroll in for some relaxation.

Address: 1436 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201, United States

30. National Hat Museum

National Hat Museum

The National Hat Museum is one of the top things to do in Portland for those seeking a little extra unusualness in their historical learning.

It is located in the already odd Ladd-Reingold House, which has been through a fair bit of strangeness in its time.

It was built in the 1900s in the Craftsman style, and Rebecca Reingold of Russia came to purchase the house soon after its completion.

The Reingolds were an eccentric bunch.

Though the last of them moved out more than six decades ago, their legacy lives on in the strange design of the Ladd-Reingold House.

There are backward doors, pocket doors, a mermaid on the ceiling of the dining room, hiding spots – but most importantly, there are hats.

Rebecca loved hats and loved to collect them, even learning to make them herself.

A new owner, who also loved hats, purchased the house in the 70s and accidentally inherited Rebecca’s entire collection of hats.

With all the treasures she and Rebecca had combined, she opened the National Hat Museum.

Here, you can find hats of Victorian, Edwardian, vintage, retro, novelty, international, and silly styles for all genders.

There are even rare designer hats, movie memorabilia, and more.

Beyond the hats, you’ll see hamburger artifacts, mermaids, dice, and even hands – yes, hands!

Address: 1928 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States

31. Mount Hood

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Mount Hood is one of the world’s most-climbed mountains, easily recognizable to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Its summit leads to Oregon’s highest point, 11,239 feet above sea level.

The climb up is precarious, requiring technical knowledge of ice and climbs, but there is an easter Hogsback route that is shorter and simpler – but by no means safe or easy.

Climbing Mount Hood is a risky endeavor.

Fumaroles on the summit can suffocate you.

Melting snow and loose rock can make you slip.

Falling ice could injure you.

In other words – if you plan to climb or ski here, make sure you know what you’re doing!

If you have the guts, the view from the peak is one of the things to see not to miss in Portland.

Address: Oregon 97041, United States

32. Providence Park

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Providence Park is a stadium that is home to multiple Portland sports teams: the Vikings, the Thorns, and the Timbers.

It was built in 1894 and has seen tons of action, ranging from ski jumping contests to cricket matches, and even an Elvis concert in 1957 that induced hysteria in the crowd.

Watching a game here is very rewarding, and for entertainment, it should be on your list of what to see while in Oregon.

Almost no seats are “bad” and sitting close to any fans of the Timbers is sure to make for an exciting time tonight.

Address: 1844 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205, United States

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33. Portland Aerial Tram

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The Portland Aerial Tram is a part of the city’s official system of transit, but it’s not particularly practical, which is why few locals use it for proper transportation purposes.

Instead, it’s become one of the best things to do in Portland for those who want to get some views of Willamette River valley and Portland while killing a little time.

For the most part, the Aerial Tram merely is meant to connect the Oregon Health & Science University’s lower and upper campuses, with 500 feet of elevation across 3,300 linear feet.

It’s a four-minute ride and each tram leaves every six minutes or so.

Address: 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239, United States

34. Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden

Erin / flickr

The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden is situated on the western portion of Grant Park.

Despite its name, it only contains three statues: a cheerful young girl, a boy, and their dog.

These are the characters of popular children’s author Beverly Cleary, namely Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ribsy.

These statues circle a little fountain that gives the impression that they’re splashing about and having a blast, and the tiles beneath their feet are engraved with book titles.

Cleary grew up in Portland, so she used the city and its many places to see as inspiration for the settings for her many whimsical and delightful stories.

From the parking lot where Ramona’s boots got mud-stuck, to the lawn Henry searched for nightcrawlers on, all the way up to the home of the Quimby family on Klickitat Street.

If you grew up reading her works, you’ll want to visit the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden for sure!

Address: Grant Park Path, Portland, OR 97212, United States

35. Wishing Tree

Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree was once a simple horse chestnut tree in the northeast portion of Portland, but now it is a must-do trip thanks to its branches packed with wishes.

It is on Nicole Helprin’s property, and she began the wishing tradition in 2013 when she wrote some wishes to hang on the tree prior to leaving town.

When she came back, the entire tree was covered in wishes!

In 2014, Helprin made it even more official by adding a wooden clipboard to the Wishing Tree with instructions, telling readers to find a blank tag and write a wish for anything – themselves, their communities, their loved ones, anything they could think of.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

All across the city, more wishing trees have popped up to continue its tradition when it becomes too full.

Perusing each wish and leaving your own is a sobering and sometimes comedic experience!

Address: 2954 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97212, United States

36. Brewery Tours

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Portland has awesome craft beers, which is why there are 70 breweries scattered about the city.

Not sure what to do about the sheer amount of them?

Take a brewery tour!

These guided tours bring you through all the hotspots so you only try the greatest brews that the city has to offer.

Most tours stop at multiple breweries so you can sample a lot of different flavors and kinds.

Some of the most popular Brewery Tours for site seeing and drink in the city are Brewvana , the Brews Cruise, and BeerQuest Walking Tours.

Want specific recommendations?

Try Stormbreaker Brewing for cool patio drinking, Ecliptic Brewing for an especially delicious selection, Bailey’s Taproom for a huge variety, Ex Novo to support charity, and Lucky Labrador to check out one of the city’s oldest breweries.

37. Windows of Wonders

Bunny with a Toolbelt

The Windows of Wonders is a unique gallery that makes up one of Portland’s hidden gem tourist attractions.

No matter day or at night, the storefront window is constantly lit up to reveal the wonders that lie within – a whimsical chorus of tiny curiosities.

The landscape is designed to make it look like you’re peering into another realm, and a small sign is always updated, challenging you to try and find what lies in the little miniature world.

Every detail of the Windows of Wonders was made from reclaimed wood.

The displays vary, ranging from animals to fantasy creatures.

The artwork is the creation of Hilary Pfeifer, a local artist, who has made many different art projects for public display throughout the area.

Address: 1722 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States

38. Morrison Street Minigallery

Morrison Street Minigallery

If you’re looking for places to visit this weekend, check out Morrison Street, where the Morrison Street Minigallery showcases its unique collaborative creations.

It consists of a mere white shadowbox set in front of a house of Victorian design.

It is run by Jerry and Alissa, a married couple, who operate it as a minuscule museum and even tinier art gallery with 3D mini works.

Pieces tend to change monthly, and each one showcases something very small and very fascinating, from tiny primates to miniature piles of crystals and from dinosaur busts to little carpets, cabinets, and couches.

You can even purchase the pieces once the exhibits are over!

Address: 3229 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

39. Stark’s Vacuum Museum

Stark’s Vacuum Museum

Sometimes, the fun things to do in Portland are merely museums dedicated to oddly specific objects.

Take the Stark’s Vacuum Museum , for example!

It is situated in a corner of Stark’s Vacuum Cleaner Sales & Service, right in Portland’s downtown.

Despite being very small, the Stark’s Vacuum Museum is surprisingly comprehensive, with a showroom boasting 300 vacuum models dating as far back as the 1960s.

The collection has continued to grow and grow, and owners of old models often donate their cleaners to Stark’s for this purpose.

If nothing else, it sure is intriguing to see all the different cleaners from the many years past!

Address: 107 NE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97232, United States

Planning to visit Seaside? Famous for its sandy beaches, Seaside has tremendous historical significance. If you do plan the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon !

40. Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum

Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum

Our final pick on the Portland attractions list is yet another museum: the Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum .

The collection of the museum is owned by Harvey Golden, who prefers to keep his boasts indoors at his garage, where he makes and displays them.

Golden’s main interests lie in vessels made by indigenous folks, and his works are often replicas of them, dating as far back as 400 years in inspirational material.

Golden keeps his eye on different displayed boats from different museums and works on fabricating replicas as a hobby.

His initial goal was to better understand how these boats handled water and could be assembled – now, he has an entire museum, ready for you to visit on a Thursday in Portland!

Address: 5340 SE Lincoln St, Portland, OR 97215, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Portland, Oregon

Portland is a delightful vacation hotspot with points of interest galore.

The next time you’re in the city, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to visit, no matter what your preferred attraction or pastime is.

Hopefully, this list has solidified an idea for you of where you’ll be heading to in Portland, Oregon!

Happy travels.

A Local’s Guide to the Top 16 Things to Do in Portland Oregon

It’s no longer a secret that Portland, Oregon is a cool place to live and to visit. In this post, we share the top things to see and do that we recommend to our friends and family who visit Portland .

Portland has many other attractions, of course, but these are our personal favorites that we would prioritize.

Jedd and I first met in Portland back in 2007, and the city has experienced a major boom since those days. In fact, it’s become such a popular tourist destination that some places touted as “local Portland landmarks” are now frequented almost entirely by out-of-town visitors.

Since becoming nomadic, we still return to Portland often. The fact that I was born there is additional street cred (especially considering that many of the people you meet in Portland now are transplants from California).

Although it’s changed a lot, we still have our favorite spots, and we love to help people discover the classic parts of Portland that we first came to love.

In this post, we’ll cover:

– Top 16 things to see and do in Portland from a local’s perspective – Our favorite Portland restaurants – Awesome day trips from Portland – The best time of year to visit Oregon – Where to stay in Portland (plus an Airbnb discount)  

* Access our free Portland packing checklist here *

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Oregon? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Oregon here: What you need to know about Oregon travel right now

Photo credits: In addition to our own images, many of the pictures in this post were taken by our brother, Joel Chang.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that we only recommend places we truly love.

Table of Contents

1. Powell’s Books: Famous Portland Landmark

Out of all the things to do in Portland, Powell’s City of Books is probably on every single top ten list. It’s one of the few “mainstream” attractions in downtown that we’d recommend 100% to any visitor because it’s truly unique to Portland.

If you’re not familiar, Powell’s is one of a few brick-and-mortar book stores still thriving in the age of Amazon. It takes up a full city block with multiple levels – about 1.6 acres of retail space! Even if you don’t make a purchase, a visit to Powell’s Books is an experience in itself. Just wander around!

Powell’s now has a few satellite locations, but as a visitor, the main location downtown in the Pearl district is the one you want to see. Check it out at 1005 W Burnside St (on the corner of 10th Avenue and West Burnside). Enjoy a free guided tour on Sundays at 10 a.m. or 4 p.m.

2. Best Portland Neighborhoods (Sellwood!)

Personally, we prefer Portland neighborhoods over the downtown area . If you’re a city person, there are plenty of things going on in the city center that you’d probably love. But it’s almost a different world downtown, and we always recommend that visitors prioritize some time to explore at least one of Portland’s cozy, quirky neighborhoods.

Our all-time favorite neighborhood in Portland is Sellwood-Westmoreland , located down south along the Willamette River. It has its own small town feel that’s a bit different than other communities in the city. In fact, Sellwood is a bit off the beaten path. As amazing as it is, most visitors only see the more “famous” neighborhoods (more on those below).

We love the wide streets lined with trees and sidewalks, beautiful parks, small shops, and family-friendly feel in Sellwood. It’s also home to our favorite restaurant in Portland, Jade Bistro and Patisserie, which serves up delightful Southeast Asia fusion dishes in a bright, casual atmosphere.

Also check out Tea Chai Te – a cafe built out of an old train car! If you’re into biking, running, or walking, be sure to check out the extensive Springwater Corridor  multi-use trail which loops through Sellwood and continues up the river.

As far as other Portland neighborhoods go, you can take your pick from NW 23rd Street , The Pearl District , Belmont Street , Alberta Arts District , Mississippi Avenue , and Hawthorne Boulevard . Each one has a trendy commercial district with interesting shops, cafes, and its own variation of that artsy/quirky/green Portland vibe.

Northwest 23rd and The Pearl are both districts in Northwest Portland. They’re essentially downtown, and they tend to have higher-end shops.

The other neighborhoods are all East of the Willamette River. Belmont, Alberta, Mississippi , and Hawthorne  are street names where thriving, local businesses are the centerpoint, surrounded by charming residential communities.

You can’t really go wrong to pick one or two, walk the streets, window shop, and enjoy a meal.

3. International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum

See more #JumpingJedd pics around the world here

A huge part of Portland’s appeal is the natural beauty, which is why we chose our next two recommendations. The International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum are neighboring parks just above downtown that are free to the public.

You can enjoy both back to back or choose one that appeals most to you. (The Portland Japanese Garden is also next door, which is also highly recommended, though there is an admission fee.)

The Rose Garden is quite extensive. The roses usually bloom from April through October, which is really the best time to visit Portland anyway, as we’ll discuss below. Portland is known as the “City of Roses” so this attraction is an iconic part of the city.

Parking near these parks can get busy in peak seasons, but it’s also accessible via the Washington Park Shuttle from the MAX light rail’s  Washington Park  station. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gardens or hike around both parks for exercise.

4. Council Crest Scenic Portland Viewpoint

One of our favorite views overlooks the whole city of Portland from Council Crest hill , above downtown. It’s one of the highest points in city limits.

You can get to Council Crest by car or hike up via an urban trail system. On a clear day, you’ll see wonderful views of the area’s snow-capped mountains.

This is one of those spots that locals know and love, but it’s less common on the tourist track. It can be a nice place for a picnic, the end of a rewarding urban hike, or just a quick drive-in-and-out stop.

5. OMSI: Oregon Museums of Science and Industry

OMSI is a long-time favorite Portland attraction for locals. I grew up visiting this hands-on science museum as a child, and I still enjoy the experience as an adult.

There are a number of permanent interactive exhibits like brain-teaser puzzles, the human body, earthquakes, and fun physics experiments. The museum also features rotating temporary exhibits and IMAX movies. It’s a great place to bring the family for a rainy afternoon.

Bonus if you’re in Portland on the first Sunday of the month: OMSI admission is only $2!

6. Salt & Straw Ice Cream Shop

Everyone thinks Voodoo Donuts is iconic Portland. Yes, they have weird donut shapes and flavors, but guess what? Those long lines out the door are 90% tourists. Locals are over it and have found other favorite donut shops, namely Pips and Blue Star .

Portland’s true sweet sensation is Salt & Straw ice cream . Granted, you still have to stand in line. And yes, they have locations outside of Portland as well. But even locals think it’s worth the wait.

What makes Salt & Straw special is their hand-made, local flavors. Combinations like pear and blue cheese, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, and sea salt caramel are not only unusual, many are quintessentially Northwest. You can find all 4 scoop shop locations here .

Classic Portland Experiences

Our remaining Portland recommendations are not necessarily specific points but rather broader categories of popular activities for Portland. Visitors and locals alike love these, so I’d rank them about the top non-touristy things to do in Portland, Oregon.

7. Portland Food Carts

Food carts are ubiquitous in Portland. New “pods,” or groupings of food trucks, have continued to pop up in nearly every neighborhood across the city.

The most well-known food cart pods began in downtown, where inner-city workers order lunch. You can find nearly every type of ethnic food, from taco trucks to Thai to fancy hand-made Italian pasta carts.

Not every food cart has amazing food, but you can easily sample dishes from multiple places at once. Many of the food cart pods outside of downtown will also have a common area for tables and sometimes a bar. There’s a map of the various locations on the Portland Food Carts website .

For one of the top quality food carts in town, visit Artigiano on SE Division Street (open weekend nights May through October). This outdoor osteria serves authentic, handmade Italian dishes inspired by the chef’s annual research trips to Italy.

Jedd’s oldest brother helps out the chef, Rachael. We recommend ordering the chef’s choice menu and eating family style.

8. Visit Portland Breweries

Craft beers, and the breweries that produce them, are also ubiquitous in Portland. Several dozen craft breweries originated in Portland, with Widmer Brothers being one of the big-name originals.

True to the Portland spirit, Hair of the Dog Brewery  prides itself on originality. Their tasting room on SE Yamhill features uniquely-named beers on tap, served alongside pub food with a local twist.

The traditional English-style  Horse Brass Pub , an establishment that pre-dates Portland’s micro-brew explosion, is located on SE Belmont. They keep 59 beers on tap and serve them up in proper Imperial pints.

The Portland Cider Company Cider House on SE Hawthorne serves up a couple dozen ciders on tap, all produced in the Northwest. For fresh, local ciders, there’s no better place.

Check out this brewery guide  to do some beer tastings or indulge in a hearty meal alongside a refreshing pint.

9. Portland Farmers Markets and Street Fairs

The local flavor of Portland is incredibly vibrant in the various markets across the city. Markets are a great way to experience not only the products and produce of the region but also the people.

The Farmer’s Market every Saturday at PSU has the ultimate Portland vibe and is great for people watching. The Saturday Market  is a large, outdoor arts and crafts market located under the Burnside Bridge. These two are the most well known markets. Both are accessible via public transit and close during the winter months.

Olympia Provisions  has a booth at the market in addition to their two restaurant locations in Portland. Their specialty is handmade, traditionally cured meats.

In addition to fresh produce and locally-made products, the Portland Farmer’s Market is also a great place to grab a meal, like this farm-to-fork breakfast dish by  Verde Cocina .

Most neighborhoods also have their own smaller farmer’s markets during the week. And annual street fairs , featuring local artists and food vendors, are a popular activity during the summer.

10. Best Portland Food & Restaurants

Portland is no doubt a foodie town. Chain restaurants are rare in the city. Instead, you’ll find all kinds of locally owned restaurants to suit any taste or dietary restriction. Of course, everyone has their own favorites.

As we mentioned in the neighborhood section, Jade Bistro and Patisserie in Sellwood is our personal favorite, with indoor and outdoor seating. I always order the wide rice noodles, which resembles a Thai pad see ew . The truffle fries are a must try, too.

Jenny and Tammy at Swiss Hibiscus restaurant (just off of Alberta on NE 14th) not only serve up amazing Swiss-European food with Hawaiian “aloha spirit”, they’ve also become friends as well as clients of ours. 

Paprika schnitzel and goulash, both served with spätzli, followed a tasty soup, salad, and bread. Swiss cuisine is similar to German, which a hint of French and Italian, too. As far as we know, Swiss Hibiscus is the only Swiss restaurant in the area. It was #1 on Trip Advisor for a while and their fantastic dressing has been featured on Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives.

It’s hard to beat the value you get with Saburo’s super-sized nigiri and jumbo sushi rolls in the Sellwood neighborhood. The place is only open for dinner, and there is often a long line wrapped around the outside of the building of people waiting for a table. We typically put our name on the wait list as soon as we arrive, and then take a walk around Sellwood – the best neighborhood in Portland 😉 – while we wait.

Though we’re not “fast food people,” we can’t help but love the burgers, fries, and shakes at Burgerville , which focuses on local ingredients and sustainability. I’d call Burgerville an iconic eatery in the Northwest region.

Ken’s Artisan Pizza is another Portland icon. Ken Forkish makes obsessively good, Italian-style wood-fired pizza in Southeast Portland.

There are countless “ best” bakeries in Portland. Try Ken’s Artisan Bakery (a sister shop to his pizza place) on Northwest 21st, Pix Patisserie on Burnside for desserts that are a work of art, and any of the Petite Provence locations for French-style pastries and delicious breakfasts.

For the best bagels in Portland , head to Bentley’s Bagels in downtown Nob’s Hill area for New York style boiled bagels.

For a Portland restaurant with quirkiness and atmosphere (but average food and service), McMenamin’s Kennedy School is super intriguing to explore. 

11. Best Coffee in Portland

Coffee is also a big part of Portland culture. Different people swear by different roasters. Popular local makers include Stumptown and Coava , but new roasters and coffee houses are popping up every year.

Coava Coffee has made a name for itself with conscientious, single-origin coffees. The spacious Brew Bar on SE Grand serves as the company’s tasting room and storefront for their roastery.

A favorite Portland coffeeshop of ours is Cathedral Coffee with cool interior and outdoor spaces to hang out in a residential neighborhood of North Portland.

Best Day Trips from Portland Oregon

Another winning attribute about Portland is that it’s perfectly poised amidst other amazing places to visit . From the city, you’re only an hour’s drive from the ocean, the mountains, the high dessert, impressive gorges, and countless waterfalls. Even Seattle is only a three hour drive (in low traffic).

If you have access to car and some time to spare while visiting Portland, we strongly encourage you to take a day trip to any of the places below.

13. Columbia River Gorge waterfall hikes

The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s most scenic drives. Take I-84 East from Portland and you’ll soon be zipping along the massive Columbia River, with Washington State just across the water. As you approach Corbett, take the slower but more scenic Old Highway through a canopy of trees and past one waterfall after another. Choose one for a hike, depending on how far you want to walk.

The crowning glory of the Columbia Gorge is Multnomah Falls , a spectacularly tall waterfall. It can be seen from the highway but it’s worth pulling over and getting a closer look. This happens to be one of the most visited attractions in the state, so expect traffic to back up.

Unfortunately some areas of the Gorge suffered from major fire damage so check beforehand for these areas, which may still be closed to the public: Benson State Recreation Area, Sheppard’s Dell State Natural Area, Angel’s Rest Trailhead, John B. Yeon Trailhead, Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Toothrock Trailhead, Ainsworth Day Use area and Starvation Creek State Park.

14. Oregon Wine Country

The Willamette Valley is making a name for itself on the world wine stage. Just a short drive southwest from Portland, you’ll find yourself amidst beautiful rolling hills and vineyards. Small towns like  McMinnville , Independence , Newberg, Dundee, and Carlton have grown to accommodate more and more wine producers, tasting rooms, and other amenities for tourists.

The region’s Pinot Noir is perhaps most popular. But Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling are also grown in the area. You can use this interactive winery map  to plan your own wine tasting tour.

15. Silver Falls and Silverton, Oregon

One of Oregon’s best kept secrets in the spectacular Silver Falls State Park. Where else can you visit 10 waterfalls in one hike? Not only that, but you can actually walk behind two of the largest waterfalls. The landscape reminds us of Lord of the Rings. It’s undoubtedly one of our all-time favorite places.

Silver Falls is an hour and a half drive south of Portland. If you prefer to make it an overnight trip, you can either camp at the State Park or find accommodations in the nearby town of Silverton , where we enjoyed a stay at the beautiful Oregon Gardens Resort.

16. Salem, Oregon

Oregon’s capitol, Salem, is roughly an hour South of Portland on I-5. Since it’s the closest thing to a “homebase” for us, we do have quite a few recommendations for Salem, including more side trips .

When is the best time to visit Portland?

Summer is really the best time to visit Portland , in our opinion. The skies are blue, the land is green, temperatures are warm, and traffic lightens a bit without school in session.

While the weather is getting more unpredictable, you’re more likely to get long stretches of soggy and dreary weather from mid October through mid April. It’s manageable with a good rain coat if that’s the only time you have to visit. But daylight also gets really short in the winter months.

May and June can be hit or miss with rain. July and August are usually rain-free but can occasionally get quite hot. September is usually pretty spectacular.

How To Get Around Portland

You can get around Portland relatively easily without a vehicle if you stay within walking distance of a MAX light rail station . Buses also run regularly and are widespread across the city.

Another option would be to get a Zipcar membership (though it’s probably not worth it for a short visit if you don’t also use their network in your hometown).

Biketown bicycle rentals by Nike and scooter rentals are also available on many street corners. And of course, there’s always Uber or Lyft.

If you’re on an Oregon road trip or drive to Portland with your own car, know that parking and traffic are getting more challenging each year. Ten years ago we could drive across Portland in 20 minutes. Not so anymore!

Where to Stay in Portland

Where to stay in Portland depends on where you want to visit and whether you have a car. There are many different options for accommodations in Portland, including Airbnb rentals, chain hotels, quirky hostels, and everything in between.

I heard that Portland has the highest saturation of Airbnb hosts for any city. That’s partly thanks to the city’s lax regulations on ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units) and also because Airbnb has an office in Portland!

Personally, I’ve always wanted to stay at McMenamin’s Kennedy School because it’s so unique.

The McMenamin’s franchise is well known for refurbishing historic buildings into funky brew pub restaurants. Located in Northeast Portland off the beaten path, the Kennedy School is a former elementary school that now houses a restaurant, bars, movie theater, heated saltwater soaking pool, hotel rooms, and more murals than you can count.

>> Click here for photos, prices, and availability at the Kennedy School <<

The Duniway by Hilton is one of the higher end, hip and modern downtown hotels. The 4 star property is well located and very classy.

>> Click here for prices and availability at The Duniway <<

That just about covers our favorite places and top things to do in Portland, Oregon. Did we miss anything? What is your #1 recommendation in Portland? Let us know in the comments!

Going to Portland? Take this article with you as your local’s guide to Portland! Upload the article for free to your phone with the  GPSmyCity app . You can also upgrade to get an offline GPS map that guides you to each location we mention. Or subscribe to access all articles and maps for a full year.

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NW 23rd and the Pearl are in NW Portland, not northeast!

Ah! Thanks so much for catching that typo. It has been fixed!

Portland is such a unique city. Powells is defiantly one of the best spots there!

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The 17 best things to do in Portland right now

From quirky bike tours to doughnuts the size of your head, here are the best things to do in Portland

Portland is a fun, quirky little city, known for its super fun attractions and its innovative art scene. There’s plenty to see and do here, from music festivals to bike rides, and its ever-growing popularity lends itself to trendy craft breweries, food trucks and fabulous restaurants. 

You might be visiting for Portland Rose Festival, for Chinese New Year or for the Winter Lights, but on either side, there’s a whole load of activities to fill your trip. Whether you like the sound of a whiskey library or a botanical garden, our list of the best things to do in Portland will see you through. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Portland 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Portland 🍔 The best food trucks in Portland 🍻 The best breweries in Portland 🍩 The best doughnuts in Portland

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Fun things to do in Portland

1.  Voodoo Doughnut

What’s better than doughnuts, I hear you cry? That’s right, it’s donuts the size of your head. And if that sounds like a dream come true, the answer to all of your prayers is right here, in Portland. Voodoo Doughnuts is a wild doughnut store in the city, with over 50 artisan flavours on offer, including 25 vegan options. Flavours range from grape ape to blueberry cake, so you’re in for a treat. 

2.  Bike tours of Portland

There are plenty of ways to see this city, but arguably the best way is via a bicycle. And if even that isn’t enough, you can join a bike tour in the city, from Pedal Bike Tours and Portland Bicycle Tours , which offer fully guided tours to get the most out of Portland. You can even join a drinking tour, where you pedal between the city’s best microbreweries, or they offer customized rides to your liking. 

3.  Portland Art Museum

• Greater Portland

Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is the oldest in the Pacific Northwest and, impressively, one of the oldest galleries nationally. With a vast array of works on display (contemporary, modern, and ancient pieces - and more than 45,000 of them), there is enough to keep you busy for an entire day.  Peep some outstanding Native American art and one of the world’s most impressive collections of English silver. Its two buildings in Portland’s cultural district are connected via a subterranean gallery, with a sculpture garden to explore outdoors (look out for the towering Roy Lichtenstein work  Brushstrokes ). 

4.  Powell’s City of Books

• Jefferson Street

The largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books is home to more than 1 million new, used and rare tomes. Bookworms can find plenty to do in this labyrinthine store. In the Purple Room, check out the Espresso Book Machine, which you can use to publish your own book in the time it takes to make a cup of coffee. The Rare Book Room has plenty of signed volumes if you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift. 

5.  Multnomah Whiskey Library

The Multnomah Whiskey Library stocks an incredible selection of more than 2,000 liquors from around the world.  Portland is rightly famous for its craft beer scene, but fans of the hard stuff now have their own clubhouse here too. This beautiful membership-based bar (Read: You have to become a member to imbibe) exudes sophistication and old-school class—it is already known as one of the finest whiskey bars in the world. If all libraries were like this, we’d be much more studious. 

6.  Portland Saturday Market

• Attractions

A huge outdoor market – Portland's largest and the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the US – selling a great variety of arts and crafts.  For a good ol' browse and a spot of breakfast/lunch. A stroll on any Saturday will turn up unique items (which make for great Christmas presents), like deer-antler jewelry and vegan soap. You can guarantee the quality of the food, as a panel of judges regularly checks the quality of what's being sold.

7.  International Rose Test Garden

• Parks and gardens
• Arlington Heights

One of only six test gardens for the American Rose Society and the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.  Whether you're a rose fanatic or just like to stop and smell them, the International Rose Test Garden has hundreds of them for you to admire and sniff. More than 10,000 rose bushes bloom with around 650 varieties of roses. Peak bloom is usually in June, but you can enjoy the beauty from April to October.

8.  Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

• Central Eastside

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has to be one of the coolest educational facilities on the planet.  Not only does it have the submarine from  The Hunt For Red October  (a.k.a. the USS  Blueback ) as a permanent floating exhibit outside, but its outstanding planetarium also hosts Laser Pink Floyd shows. Yep, that’s laser shows to a thumping 1970s soundtrack. This place  seriously  rocks.

9.  Portland Center Stage

Portland has plentiful performing arts options, from the wonderful Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, a.k.a. the “Schnitz,” to the Oregon Ballet Theater. But the most dramatic setting is undoubtedly the Gerding Theater in the city’s old armory. Already on the National Register of Historic Places, the building has attracted lavish praise from the architectural world for its intelligent renovation. The reviews are equally glowing for the theater’s resident company, Portland Center Stage. 

10.  Revolution Hall

The iconic 113,500-square-foot brick school on SE Stark Street was extensively renovated before starting a new life as a music venue.  Portlanders have been going back to school in droves—namely, George Washington High School, which reopened as live music venue Revolution Hall in 2015 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The popular rooftop bar with outstanding city views doesn't hurt either. It sure beats sneaking a beer behind the cafeteria.

11.  Nong’s Khao Man Gai

Although Portland is home to more than 500 food carts, which you’ll see (and smell) baking, frying, and grilling all over town, Nong’s Khao Man Gai is a must-try.  The simple yet delicious poached Thai chicken and rice at this food truck is a local legend. Within this miniature kitchen, one dish is perfectly executed time and time again - tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic sauce fit for a king. 

12.  Pittock Mansion

The French Renaissance–style château perched high in the West Hills was originally built for  The Oregonian’s  wealthy publisher Henry Pittock in 1909.  This mansion-turned-city-owned museum tells the story of Portland’s growth over the last century through the eyes (and belongings) of the prominent Pittock family. At more than 1,000 feet above sea level, the mansion also commands some of the finest views over the city, making its lawns a popular picnic spot. Grab your strawberries and blankets, people.

13.  White Stag Sign

Also known as the Portland Sign, a large neon sign atop the White Stag Building.  This iconic sign welcomes those coming across the Willamette River to downtown Portland via the Burnside Bridge. Though the wording has changed over the years, it was designated a historic landmark in 1977 and permanently changed to read "Portland, Oregon" in 2010. Walk across the bridge to snap a pic, and try to get the skyline behind it. During Christmastime, the stag's nose glows red like Rudolph's. 

14.  Pioneer Courthouse Square

Widely referred to as “Portland’s Living Room”, this park hosts around 300 events each year.  Pioneer Courthouse Square is also home to one of the city’s most famous residents: “Umbrella Man.” Otherwise known as  Allow Me  by J. Seward Johnson, the bronze statue of a suit-clad, umbrella-toting man has become a Portland icon, overlooking the events in this popular gathering space. 

15.  Forest Park

• Willamette Heights

If Portland is a republic of tree huggers, then Forest Park is its capital. At a whopping 5,200 acres, it is the largest forested natural area within city limits in the United States—and a mere 10-minute drive from downtown, with multiple entry points.  A verdant idyll situated on the west side, amongst the Tualatin Mountains. With 80 miles of accessible trails and beautiful views of the Willamette River, the reserve is a haven for hikers and wildlife alike.  If you’re feeling fit, lace up your sneaks and tackle one of Forest Park's many hikes.

16.  Oregon Historical Society

Thousands of artifacts tell the story of Oregon, from early settlement to the present day. For instance:  Thanks to the flip of a coin in 1845, Portland gained its name. Had the coin landed the other way up, you'd be in Boston right now. It's great historical facts like this about the city and the state that make the Oregon Historical Society a winning visit. You can see the very 'Portland Penny' in question while you're there, as well as a 9,000-year-old sandal and a replica ship's hull.

17.  The Shanghai Tunnels Virtual Tour

This network of underground catacombs was supposedly used for nefarious purposes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is now one of Portland's must-visit and most unique tours .  While a sale of the building has now restricted access to physical tours of the tunnels, Cascade Geographic Society still offers amazing virtual tours of these not-so-well-kept secrets with intriguing backstories. Legend says that a dark secret lurks beneath Portland’s streets, where many an unsuspecting (or inebriated) Portlander would wake up to find himself aboard a merchant ship bound for the Orient—a process known as “Shanghaiing”. Step inside the Shanghai Tunnels virtually, and come face to face with this subterranean world, from hidden trapdoors to holding cells – just be sure to look over your shoulder.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Portland, Oregon

Straddling the banks of the winding Willamette River, Portland is Oregon’s largest city, being home to roughly half of the state’s entire population. While its lively yet laidback atmosphere, thriving cultural scene and wealth of wonderful gardens all make it a very desirable place to live, the ‘City of Roses’ is also an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Once a grimy port city, it is now instead known for its brilliant craft breweries, coffee shops and counterculture scene. As it is divided into lots of different neighborhoods, there are always new things to do in Portland with lovely parks and gardens scattered throughout town.

Add in all the stunning scenery and nature that lies nearby, its magnificent dining scene and interesting historic tourist attractions, and it is no wonder that Portland is such a great place to visit.

Map of Portland

17. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

A very popular and picturesque place to wander around, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is home to an astounding array of colorful flowers, plants and trees. Set just fifteen minutes’ drive to the southeast of the centre, it is named for its numerous springs with stupendous scenery and nature wherever you look.

Established in 1950, the gorgeous garden now contains more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants all lovingly laid out alongside pretty paths and ponds. While visiting during fall is a treat due to its fabulous foliage, spring and summer are equally rewarding as all kinds of colorful flowers are in bloom.

16. Portland Farmers Market

As the city is located in one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the country, no visit can ever be complete without stopping by the fantastic Portland Farmers’ Market. Such is its staggering success, it now operates six markets around town with Tuesday being the only day the vendors take off.

While most only open during the sunny summer months, the flagship Saturday market at Portland State University operates year-round. Widely considered to be one of the best farmers’ markets in the States, it has hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods and hot coffee to peruse with live music and cooking demos also on offer.

15. Willamette Valley Wine Tasting

Thanks to its fertile surroundings, Portland is also a wonderful place to go wine tasting with over five hundred wineries located in the Willamette Valley alone. With so many to stop by and so much stunning scenery to take in, it is well worth taking a few days to explore the valley or a tour which takes you around its verdant vineyards.

Particularly known for its Pinot noir, the rural region also produces Pinot gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside other kinds of grapes. In atmospheric tasting rooms you try delicious wines paired with local produce while basking in beautiful views over the vineyards and learning how the wines are produced.

14. Oregon Zoo

Another of the park and Portland’s top attractions is the brilliant Oregon Zoo which lies not far from both lovely gardens. Home to an astounding array of animals from all around the world, its spacious enclosures and exhibits are a treat to explore and are very popular with locals and tourists alike.

Founded in 1888, the zoo now contains more than 1,800 animals with elephants and orangutans to be spotted next to lions, bears and pandas. While some areas focus on animals and ecosystems from the Pacific Northwest, others instead transport you to Africa, Asia and the Arctic with educational shows and even concerts also taking place at the zoo.

13. Portland Art Museum

Home to lots of incredible paintings, sculptures and drawings, the excellent Portland Art Museum can be found right in the heart of downtown. Set across three buildings are exquisite exhibitions on Native American art and galleries full of Asian artworks with masterpieces by Monet, Picasso and Renoir also on show among others.

Impressively the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, it was founded in 1892 with its collection now encompassing more than 42,000 artworks. As you amble about the massive museum, you’ll see everything from gorgeous Japanese screen prints and sparkling silverwork to contemporary photo displays and visual arts installations.

12. Multnomah Falls

Just half an hour’s drive to the east of the city you can find one of the most spectacular sights in the state – the majestic Multnomah Falls. Towering to 620 feet in height, it makes for some fabulous photos and is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest.

Set in a very scenic spot, the falls flow down two craggy cliffs with verdant foliage and undergrowth lying all around them. Besides gazing up at their glittering waters from down below or from the small footbridge that crosses the lower cascades, visitors can also hike to their top for even more phenomenal panoramas.

11. Portland Japanese Garden

Yet another peaceful and picturesque place to spend some time in the city is the marvelous Portland Japanese Garden which lies just a short drive from the center. Set within Washington Park, it has pretty paths, ponds and pagodas for you to enjoy with little stone lanterns and streams dotted about.

Since being founded in 1967, the gardens have grown and grown and now have lots of delightfully different areas for guests to explore. While some feature cascading ponds and waterfalls, others are home to mosses, ferns and shrubs with traditional tea houses and cherry blossom trees also on show.

10. International Rose Test Garden

As Portland is known as the ‘City of Roses’, no visit to town can ever be complete without taking a leisurely stroll around the International Rose Test Garden. Also part of Washington Park, it sprawls over a huge area with colorful flowers, fountains and manicured lawns wherever you look.

The oldest garden of its kind in the country, it was first opened to the public in 1917 and now boasts over 10,000 rose bushes of some six hundred or so varieties. The best time to visit is between April and September as all the flowers are in bloom and their sweet scents waft through the air.

9. Forest Park

Portland visitors seeking an outdoor wilderness adventure may not realize it’s closer than they think. The city’s Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United State. It was envisioned in 1903 by the sons of the man who designed New York City’s Central Park, but it didn’t become a reality until 1948.

The park, located in the Tualatin Mountains, overlooks northwest Portland. The park offers more than 80 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Users must stay on their allotted trails to avoid harming the lush vegetation and wildlife.

8. Portland Aerial Tram

Passengers on the Portland Aerial Tram can get a bird’s eye view of the city as they ride 500 feet above the city. The tram travels from South Waterfront to Marquam Hill, passing over houses, businesses and freeways. The trip four minutes as the tram cars zoom along at 22 mph.

The tram cars hold 79 people and include commuters as well as visiting passengers. The upper level has an observation deck, with views stretching as far away as Oregon’s iconic Mt. Hood and Washington’s Mt. Saint Helens. The upper terminal also has an enclosed sky bridge that is the largest in North America.

7. Pittock Mansion

Nestled among the woods of the West Hills is one of Portland’s most loved landmarks: the Pittock Mansion. Newspaper publisher Henry Pittock started construction on the French Renaissance-style chateau in 1909. It was finished in 1914, just five years before his death in 1919.

The mansion featured 46 eclectically decorated rooms overlooking downtown Portland. The city bought the house in 1964, sinking millions of dollars into its restoration. Some visitors may recognize the house since it’s starred in several films and TV shows, including First Love, Unhinged and The Amazing Race.

6. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Science buffs won’t want to miss out seeing the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, known locally as OMSI, when they visit Portland. The museum offers a host of exhibits and hands-on activities dealing with natural sciences, industry and technology. OMSI also has a planetarium.

A submarine exhibit features the USS Blueback, which was featured in the movie The Hunt for Red October. Changing exhibits, such as one on food, expand its scope. A visit to OMSI could easily be combined with a visit to the Oregon Zoo since they are adjacent to each other.

5. Portland Saturday Market

Shoppers looking for something different in the way of arts and crafts, handmade clothing and jewelry, or food likely will be able to find these items and a whole lot more at the Portland Saturday Market. This popular market draws about a million visitors during its open months of March through December.

The non-profit group, which has been operating the market since 1974, lists 350 vendor/members who sell their wares at Waterfront Park in the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood. The name Portland Saturday Market may be a misnomer, however, since the market also is open on Sunday.

4. Grotto Gardens

Portland is a very pretty city, but it can also be a very busy one. A good place to escape the hustle and bustle is the Grotto Gardens, known officially as the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. This national Catholic shrine is dedicated to Mary and operated by the Order of the Friar Servants of Mary.

You don’t have to be Catholic, however, to experience the sense of peace and serenity the garden has. Lush greenery provides an oasis of quiet and has been since 1924. The centerpiece of the garden is Our Lady Grotto, a statue of Mary carved into a 110-foot high cliff.

3. Lan Su Chinese Garden

Travelers who want to experience a traditional Chinese garden without having to visit the Middle Kingdom should head, instead, for Lan Su Chinese Garden. Since one of Portland’s sister cities is Suzhou, China, it was only natural for Suzhou artisans to travel here to recreate a Ming Dynasty garden.

This botanical garden is based on the Chinese tradition of melding design, architecture and nature in a harmonious setting. Also known as “the Garden of Awakening Orchids,” Lan Su Chinese Garden showcases plants, some quite rare, that are native to China. A traditional tea house offers visitors a place to relax.

2. Pearl District

The name Pearl District may be a misnomer. While visitors may be able to find pearl jewelry there, the area got its name because of its trendiness. As one of Portland’s hottest neighborhoods, it’s full of great restaurants, art galleries, unique boutiques and businesses that want to be where it’s all happening in downtown Portland.

Book lovers will especially love the Pearl District since its home to the original Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent book seller that has more than a million new and used books in 3,500 sections for sale.

1. Washington Park

Washington Park is one of the city’s oldest parks, dating back to 1891. As such, it is filled with history and some of the best known tourist attractions in Portland. There are memorials to the Lewis & Clark Expedition and their guide, Sacajawea.

The park center is home to the cast-iron Chiming Fountain that features gargoyles at the base.It was created by a Swiss woodcarver who modeled it after a Renaissance fountain.

Plus, the city’s first zoo was located here. The park is also home to one of the most highly ranked Japanese garden in North America and the outstanding Rose Garden, the flower Portland is famous for. Because Washington Park is so popular, parking is limited during the summer months; the city recommends MAX Light Rail instead.

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February 10, 2020 at 1:06 pm

OMSI and the Oregon Zoo have not been adjacent in decades. OMSI is now down on the Willamette River, where the submarine is located.

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31 Top-Rated Things to Do in Portland, OR

Written by Brad Lane Updated Mar 24, 2023

Portland, Oregon, is a cultural capital of the Pacific Northwest. It's also an absolute must-see for domestic and international travelers. The city's thriving culture abounds alongside the region's lush forests and rivers, appealing to urban outings and outdoor adventures alike. And with an ever-rotating lineup of music acts, museum exhibits, and prime waterfall runoffs, things to do in Portland span the entire year.

The best things to do in Portland depend on your desired itinerary. Bibliophiles will want to check out Powell's Books, while foodies may gravitate toward one of the city's many food cart pods. Other places to visit in Portland include rose gardens; bridge crossings; and outdoor venues, like Pioneer Courthouse Square, aka Portland's Living Room.

Enjoy your trip to the Pacific Northwest with our list of top things to do in Portland.

1. Spend the Day at Washington Park

2. stroll through the portland international rose test garden, 3. center yourself at the portland japanese garden, 4. tour the pittock mansion, 5. hike the wildwood trail in forest park, 6. flip through pages at powell's books, 7. admire the artwork at the portland art museum, 8. take a book to crystal springs rhododendron garden, 9. spend time at pioneer courthouse square, 10. shop at the portland saturday market, 11. grab a bite from a local food cart, 12. enjoy the landscape at laurelhurst park, 13. take a day trip to sauvie island, 14. visit the animals at the oregon zoo, 15. walk down hawthorne street, 16. learn about the landscape at hoyt arboretum, 17. stroll through tom mccall waterfront park, 18. explore the alpine landscape of mount hood national forest, 19. bike or walk across the tilikum crossing bridge, 20. hop aboard history at the oregon rail heritage center, 21. chase waterfalls throughout the columbia river gorge, 22. explore a volcanic cinder cone at mount tabor park, 23. experience northwest portland in the nob hill neighborhood, 24. smell the roses at peninsula park, 25. learn something new at the oregon museum of science and industry, 26. catch a professional sports game in portland, 27. take an urban adventure on the 4t trail, 28. catch the view at council crest park, 29. hit the slopes at mount hood, 30. photograph the st. john's bridge at cathedral park, 31. find something strange at the freakybuttrue peculiarium and museum, map of things to do in portland, or, portland, or - climate chart.

Washington Park is the premiere outdoor space in Portland. Among its 410 acres are several of the city's signature tourist attractions. This impressive lineup includes the Oregon Zoo , the Portland International Rose Test Garden , the Hoyt Arboretum , and the Portland Japanese Garden .

And lush landscapes are found throughout every other acre of the park, displaying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Parking is potentially a challenge at Washington Park. The best way to visit is via public transportation or bicycle. TriMet's MAX Blue or Red line has an underground stop within the park, and line 63 has a bus stop right outside the International Rose Test Garden.

Once at the park, the Washington Park Free Shuttle offers daily service throughout the year.

The Portland International Rose Test Garden exemplifies Portland's status as the City of Roses . This vast garden contains over 10,000 individual roses, with over 600 varieties. It also has a fascinating history as a haven for European hybrid roses during World War I. And today, it's one of the signature attractions of Portland's Washington Park .

The best time to visit the Portland Rose Garden is between May and September, when the flowers bloom. It's genuinely an eyeful this time of year, with clean-cut landscaping and rows upon rows of different colored petals.

Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.

Friends of Washington Park International Rose Test Garden helps maintain the flowers and offers volunteer opportunities.

Official site: https://waparkrosefriends.org/

The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene place to spend the day in Washington Park. A Cultural Village and eight distinct garden styles are within its 12 acres, all with a tranquil undertone. Several paths wind throughout the space, through ornamental landscaping and the harmonious blend of nature and intentional design.

There's a fee to visit the Portland Japanese Garden, and guided tours are available for extra insight into the surroundings.

The gardens are home to other amenities, including the Japanese Arts Learning Center and the popular Umami Cafe .

Official site: https://japanesegarden.org/

The Pittock Mansion is a historic home high in the hills above Northwest Portland. Henry and Georginia Pittock moved into their newly built home in 1914. The couple's wealth came from a career of city building and time spent as the publisher of the burgeoning Oregonian newspaper – still read throughout the city today.

The Pittock Mansion today is a living history museum with a spectacular view of the city. Exhibits throughout the house paint the picture of Portland's transformation from a pioneer town to the modern metropolis it is today. Only self-guided tours are available, with access to nearly all 23 antique-filled rooms.

The grounds of Pittock Mansion are worth a visit alone, and are free to tour.

Take some time to enjoy the generous views that spurred the construction of the house in the first place, including the city, the Willamette River, and the Cascade mountains on the horizon.

Official site: https://pittockmansion.org/

Portland is home to one of the most extensive urban forests in the country. The aptly named Forest Park encompasses a remarkable 5,200 acres on the city's northwest side. This amount of space is roughly six times the size of Central Park in New York City. And this vast, nearly untouched Pacific Northwest terrain offers a true escape into nature within city limits.

More than 80 miles of trails navigate through Forest Park, connecting over 40 access points. The Wildwood Trail is one common thoroughfare spanning the entire park. Blue blazes line this 30.2-mile National Recreation Trail that connects with several other popular paths. A map or reliable GPS is recommended for exploring its depths.

Read More: Best Hiking Trails near Portland

Powell's Books is an absolute institution of Portland. Its flagship downtown location encompasses nearly an entire city block. It also houses thousands upon thousands of new and used titles comingled on the shelves. Perusing this bountiful collection can take a full day or a lifetime for those that enjoy a comprehensive library.

Several Staff Picks and comfy sitting areas aid in the literary exploration.

Powell's Books is also the place for literary events, like author readings and writers' workshops. There is also an on-site coffee shop for light fare and comfortable reading space.

Powell's has three locations total, with another famous shop on Hawthorne Street on the other side of the Willamette River.

The Portland Art Museum, founded in late 1892, is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and one of the oldest in the country. And today, it's an anchor of the downtown district next to South Park Blocks .

The museum's collection comprises over 50,000 objects spread across two buildings and 112,000 square feet of galleries. A primary focus is art from Indigenous cultures of North America, as well as Western and Northwest Art from the last two centuries.

Also displayed is a vast collection of graphic art, English silver, and photography.

Official site: https://portlandartmuseum.org/

Crystal Springs is a lovely nine-acre park in Southeast Portland. The park encompasses two peninsulas jutting into Crystal Springs Lake . Beautiful rhododendrons and azaleas, among other decorative shrubs, line nearly every inch of this landscaped space.

The best time to visit for rhododendrons is between February and July, with typically the biggest bloom from late April through early May.

It's a $5 admission for adults at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Parking is limited at the gardens. TriMet bus #19 makes a stop near the entrance.

Pioneer Courthouse Square, dubbed Portland's Living Room , is at the downtown core and is always bustling with activity.

Portland's trains and buses converge at this urban park, as do a collection of food trucks at its fringes. And chances are, especially in the summer, some live music echoes off the tall buildings surrounding Courthouse Square.

Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts over 300 events each year, including primarily free concerts for the public to enjoy. The Noon Tune concert series is a free concert not to miss, occurring during the Tuesday and Thursday lunch hour throughout the summer. Flicks on the Bricks also takes place on Friday evenings this time of year, featuring free admission and popcorn.

Official site: https://www.thesquarepdx.org/

Portland Saturday Market has been a long-held tradition since its founding in 1974. What started as grassroots efforts between local artists has now become the largest continuously operated open-air craft market in the United States . It also is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Portland Saturday Market takes place only on Saturdays between March and December. It concludes its season on Christmas Eve and a week-long "Festival of the Last Minute."

The market today occurs at Waterfront Park in historic Old Town, spanning from beneath the Burnside Bridge. The market takes place all day between 10am and 5pm.

Official site: https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/

Food trucks add significant flavors to the Portland culinary scene, with an estimated 500 mobile purveyors lining the streets.

These counter-service restaurants prefer the name "food cart" in Portland, and many stick together in groups called pods spread across the city. These pods offer a food court experience, with several vendors at the ready and plenty of community seating.

With several food cart pods throughout the city, some of the largest include Cartlandia , Cartopia , and Hawthorne Asylum . Expect international flavors wherever you go and a wide array of menu options.

Most food carts accept credit cards, though not all, and bringing a little cash may help avoid any ATM fees.

Laurelhurst Park is a lovely 30-acre public space in East Portland, near the intersection of Stark Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard.

It has a century-long history as a city park, with roots dating back to the famous Olmstead Brothers landscaping firm. And the city park today has matured into one of the most lovely outdoor spots on the eastside.

The large Firwood Lake tends to be a magnet for park visitors – and resident ducks. But the whole park is wonderfully landscaped, with plenty of shade-producing trees and lawn connected by hiking trails.

The park is also home to a popular playground area for young children.

Sauvie Island is the largest island in the Columbia River and one of the largest river islands in the country . And located just northwest of city limits, it's also one of the most popular day trips from Portland .

The rural and wildlife refuge landscape lends to several outdoor activities, but escaping the city bustle is always a defining tone of any visit.

Among the many things to do on Sauvie Island are bicycling, hiking, bird-watching, boating, and spending the day at the beach. The island's entire northeast coast comprises sandy real estate, including the popular Walton Beach , also known as Sauvie Island Beach.

The island is also home to several U-pick orchards , with seasons typically starting in late spring or early summer.

Read More: Best Beaches near Portland

The Oregon Zoo is another signature attraction in Washington Park . This AZA-accredited zoo encompasses 64 acres and over 2,000 animals representing several habitats. And the Oregon Zoo attracts over 1.5-million visitors each year, making it the most visited attraction in Washington Park.

The Oregon Zoo has several auxiliary things to do, including a carousel, a zoo train, and themed play areas. However, the animals are the real magnet for this family attraction. A few residents include bears, cougars, bats, giraffes, and chimpanzees.

Several viewpoints and interpretive information frame the enclosures.

Official site: https://www.oregonzoo.org/

Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard is a defining thoroughfare on the east side of Portland. It stretches for 43 blocks with consignment shops, restaurants, and places to sample the local flavors lining the entire street. Also along the route are food cart pods, comedy clubs, and coffee shops.

Hawthorne stays busy throughout the day and night, whether for brunch, a show, or some shopping. It's a very walkable district, and the 14 bus line makes several stops up and down the street.

Hawthorne isn't the only entertainment avenue on the east side. Division Street offers a similar flavor about six blocks south, and so does Belmont Street , approximately six blocks north.

The Hoyt Arboretum occupies 190 verdant acres of Washington Park , a few miles west of downtown.

Over 12 miles of hiking trails navigate this living museum of trees, with over 2,300 species growing. Placards abound in this forested space, helping identify the unique trees throughout the natural area.

A few notable hiking trails at Hoyt Arboretum include the Fir Trail Loop and Overlook Trail - featuring a fantastic vantage point of Mount Hood to the east.

The Redwood Trail is also a popular route within the arboretum. It leads to a tranquil Redwood Deck surrounded by old coastal redwoods.

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is on the west side of the Willamette River, next to downtown. This beacon of urban engineering was once a bustling six-lane highway before the 1970s. But today, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a signature outdoor space with monuments, events, and an excellent view of "Bridge City."

The park stretches for 1.5 miles along the waterfront, with a paved hiking trail and ample open lawn.

Monuments and attractions also dot the public thoroughfare, including the Japanese American Historical Plaza .

Tom McCall is also home to the popular Salmon Street Springs , featuring 185 water jets; it's one of the top places to visit during summer.

Several major Portland events also take place at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The Portland Saturday Market sets up shop every week in the park underneath the Burnside Bridge. And a few annual festivals at the park include the Portland Rose Festival and the 4th of July Waterfront Blues Festival.

Mount Hood, Oregon's largest mountain, is a mere 50 miles east of the city. A few spots in Portland, like the Hoyt Arboretum or the OHSU campus, offer excellent vistas of this conical peak in the distance. But the real way to experience the mountain majesty is with a day or weekend trip to Mount Hood from Portland .

Any trip to Mount Hood enters the over-a-million-acre Mount Hood National Forest. All the hiking trails and campgrounds in this massive expanse would take a lifetime to explore.

The historic Timberline Lodge is one of the highlights of Mount Hood National Forest , with its up-close mountain view.

Tilikum Crossing Bridge is one of a dozen bridges in Portland. This beautiful cable-stayed bridge connects the city's South Waterfront and Central Eastside, south of the Interstate 5 bridge (Marquam Bridge).

The bridge is unique in design, and unique in that it only supports pedestrians and public transportation. The non-vehicle status of the Tilikum Crossing Bridge lends to its other nickname, Bridge of the People .

The bridge connects to other pedestrian trails on either end, and the views from its walking path are spectacular. Take time to appreciate the murals and additional interpretive information along the route.

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center houses three historic locomotives donated to the city. Two of these trains are fully renovated and operational, and everyone has a chance to admire these iron horses of history. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is in Southeast Portland, near the Tilikum Bridge and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Visitors to the Heritage Center get close to these massive trains and engines. Hours upon hours of volunteer work have helped restore the trains, and on-site docents are happy to answer any questions.

Special train rides are also available throughout the summer on the third Saturday of each month.

Official site: https://orhf.org/

One of the country's best waterfall corridors is a quick drive north of Portland. The renowned Columbia River Gorge is the state dividing line between western Oregon and western Washington. And the Oregon side of the gorge has a spectacular lineup of waterfall attractions.

Several of Oregon's most famous waterfalls line the side of the Historic Columbia River Highway within the gorge. This collection includes the 620-foot Multnomah Falls , spanning two tiers on either side of the historic Benson Bridge.

But this tallest waterfall in Oregon isn't the only gravity on display, with several of the best waterfalls near Portland lining the entire river canyon.

As of 2022, you need to obtain a Waterfall Corridor Permit to visit some of the most popular waterfalls in the gorge during the summer. This permitted area includes Multnomah Falls.

Mount Tabor is one of many crown jewels in Portland's park system . It encompasses an ancient and extinct volcanic vent in East Portland, giving the landscape a unique elevation and quite the view.

At approximately 175 acres, the park has plenty of room for several activities. An expansive trail network weaves throughout the park and toward the summit. These trails connect several amenities, including an off-leash dog park , a playground, and sports courts. The trails also lend beautiful views of the park's historical reservoirs.

The Portland Adult Soapbox Derby takes place on the hills of Mount Tabor every August, hosting an exciting downhill endeavor. Creative contraptions fill the lineup of this celebrated event.

Portland's Northwest District is one of many unique neighborhoods with its own vibe. This area, west of the river, next to the Pearl District, also encompasses a large part of Portland's Alphabet District .

Visitors today note the alphabetical street names, from Burnside to Wilson, all taken from influential city members.

The Northwest District spans approximately from Burnside to Thurman between 20th and 23rd Avenue. The two most bustling streets are 21st and 23rd Avenues .

A wide range of dining, shopping, and people-watching opportunities line this dense, tree-lined neighborhood.

The district also lends quick access to other top places to visit, like Providence Park and Washington Park .

Peninsula Park is in the Piedmont neighborhood of North Portland and is home to the city's first public rose garden . A century-old fountain anchors this submerged garden with rows and rows of roses. And while the blooming season of late spring to early fall draws ample visitors, it tends to be a more local crowd.

And it's not just roses that attract attention to this 16-acre park. It's also home to a historic community center and bandstand, alongside ample lawn space and walking paths.

Visitors also make use of the park's playground and sports facilities, including basketball and tennis courts.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is on the Willamette River waterfront, opposite downtown, near the Marquam Bridge (Interstate-5). It's a leading science museum in the nation and features several hands-on exhibits and a continuous calendar of public programs. It also features a hard-to-miss submarine docked in the river outside.

OMSI is a popular thing to do in Portland with kids. Several STEM-based labs comprise the facility, all featuring hands-on ways to learn about science.

But adults also enjoy the intricate and detailed exhibits, many with sensory components. And a planetarium, big-screen theater, and several "after-hours" events also appeal to an older crowd.

Official site: https://omsi.edu/

Portland appeals to sports fans. Whether rooting for the Portland Timbers or Thorns at a professional soccer game or watching the Portland Trailblazers dribble down the court, some of the world's best athletes entertain the City of Roses.

The Trailblazers play at the Moda Center near downtown, with the regular NBA season spanning October through April. Both the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns play at Providence Park near Northwest Portland. These professional soccer clubs have matches between April and October.

The city is also home to the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hawkeye League, the Portland Pickles summer baseball collegiate team, and the local-favorite Rose City Rollers all-female roller derby team.

The 4T Trail is a unique urban hiking adventure utilizing the city's TriMet public transportation network. Urban explorers board a Train , Tram , and Trolley and traverse a hiking Trail to complete the 4T loop.

This half-day to full-day sightseeing journey visits Washington Park, downtown, and the OHSU campus for a ride on its aerial tram. Signs help direct explorers throughout the route, though it helps to be proficient with a smartphone or map.

Several side adventures line the route. These other adventures include all the attractions of Washington Park, where the 4T Trail converges at the underground TriMet station. Downtown is also easily accessible along the 4T Trail.

Official site: https://www.4t-trail.org/

Council Crest is a historic park in Portland, just south of Washington Park. It's one of the highest points in the city and offers a fantastic view up and down the Cascade Range.

Designated viewpoints lend views of the not-so-distant Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. The weather significantly affects the chance of seeing these Cascade peaks.

Visitors can drive to the top of Council Crest Park. Alternatively, several hiking trails lead up to this vantage point, including the Marquam Trail ascending from Marquam Nature Park . A sprawling lawn area comprises much of the park perched above the city. It's a popular venue for lounging and congregating with friends.

Snow adorns the top of Mount Hood throughout the year. And when it accumulates in the winter, several of Oregon's best ski resorts operate on the side of the mountain.

Mount Hood is home to four resorts and many other snow play areas, including the popular Snow Bunny Sliding Area Sno-Park .

Mount Hood Meadows , Mount Hood Skibowl , and Timberline Lodge are the three most prominent and most visited resorts on the mountain. These three each have accolades, like Timberline Lodge's 365-day ski calendar. But each resort draws similar crowds on any snowbound weekend.

Cooper Spur Mountain Resort , the fourth resort, is still popular but receives fewer crowds, on the mountain's northeast side.

Cathedral Park is a lovely public space on the northwest edge of city limits, abutting the Willamette River. Arguably, its most attractive feature is the photogenic St. Johns Bridge. This iconic bridge was constructed in 1931, and many visitors regard it for its stunning aesthetics, especially come sunset.

The park's 20 acres also draw a crowd, scattered with different amenities like picnic tables, nature gardens, and an off-leash dog area . And alongside the river views, the park also has a boat ramp and dock, often used by kayakers and paddleboarders to get onto the water.

The Freakybutttrue Peculiarium is a unique showcase of sci-fi and other oddities in Northwest Portland. It's a combination art gallery, museum, and interactive experience at the Peculiarium, with refined and evolving displays dating to the store's opening in 1969.

Despite a few macabre displays, it's all fun and laid-back at the Peculiarium. Several photo opportunities are available throughout the relatively small space, including the chance to put yourself right in the middle of an alien autopsy.

Plan to spend some time in the gift shop after the self-guided tour, with several unique peculiarities to peruse.

More on Oregon

Things to Do in Portland, OR - Portland Attractions

Things to do in portland.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Northwest District
• Old Town - Chinatown
• Sellwood - Moreland Improvement League
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. International Rose Test Garden

2. Portland Japanese Garden

3. Washington Park

4. Lan Su Chinese Garden

5. Pittock Mansion

6. The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

7. Willamette Valley

8. Oregon Zoo: Together for Wildlife

9. Hoyt Arboretum

10. Forest Park

11. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

12. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

13. Pearl District

14. Portland Art Museum

15. Portland Saturday Market

16. Oregon Historical Society

17. PSU Farmers Market

18. St. Johns Bridge

19. Peninsula Park and Rose Gardens

20. Portland Aerial Tram

21. Mount Tabor Park

22. Oregon Holocaust Memorial

23. Multnomah County Central Library

24. Westward Whiskey

25. Portland Visitor Center

26. Portland Farmers Market

27. Laurelhurst Park

28. Powell's City of Books

29. Northwest (Nob Hill)

30. Portland Center Stage at The Armory

What travelers are saying.

The Perfect 3 Days in Portland Itinerary (2024 Update)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

If you’re planning to have a fun-filled 3 days in Portland and don’t know where to start, then this epic Portland itinerary will have you making the most of your time in Oregon!

So you’re thinking about exploring all of the incredible places to see in Portland, Oregon that millions of its residents have come to enjoy about their city?

Well you’ve come to the right place!

Boasting a diverse culture, spectacular landscapes and enough microbreweries to keep you sampling beer for weeks, Portland is a great place to visit as you tour the Pacific Northwest. 

Filled with more activities, attractions and highlights than should be fair for any one city (seriously, check out our full-on guide to the best things to do in Portland ), it’s little wonder it’s quickly becoming everyone’s favorite town in the US.

While a coin toss almost named the city after Boston instead of its namesake in Maine, the west coast city of Portland has had no problem establishing an identity for itself.

Today the city is known for being at the center of the progressive movement that aims to be more environmentally conscious and focused on improving the overall quality of life for its residents. 

There’s little wonder that it’s rising through the ranks as one of the top spots to come for a weekend anywhere in the United States.

If you’ve set aside 3 days in Portland, you will have the chance to see Mt. Hood standing tall in the backdrop of the city while you wander the historic Old Town.

You can relax in the many parks and gardens in the city and even saunter off to explore local wines, waterfalls and wonderful food delivered from farm to table.

If that sounds like a good way to enjoy your well-earned vacation, then my post will help guide you with exactly what to do on with your short Portland itinerary.

Ready to get started? 

Table of Contents

Portland Saturday Market

Shanghai tunnels, lan su chinese garden & museum, voodoo doughnuts, powell’s city of books, deschutes brewery, multnomah falls, willamette valley wine, hike forest park, an evening back in portland, oregon historical society and portland art museum, pioneer courthouse square, portland japanese garden, international rose test garden, hoyt arboretum, pittock mansion, witches castle, when to visit portland, getting around portland oregon, budget accommodation – hi portland northwest, mid-range accommodation – hotel deluxe, luxury accommodation – the society hotel, budget – voodoo doughnuts, mid-range – q restaurant and bar, high-end – jake’s famous crawfish, how to spend a perfect 3 days in portland itinerary.

A couple of nights here is just scratching the surface of all there is to see and do in the city.

For this Portland itinerary we’ve divided up your time into 3 sections.

We advise you to think about your time in Portland along with the following segments, which you can choose to extend or skip depending on your interests.

The first day will take you downtown into the heart of the city and it’s famous Old Town.

Next, you’ll have a day to get out of town a little for some perspective on why Portland is such a unique place.

Whether you want to hike or simply drive through the scenic country, you’ll appreciate the city of Portland more after this quick excursion.

Finally, we’ll bring you back into the city to explore the outskirts of town in the vast Washington Park.

From here you can mosy back down into the downtown and Old Town area to finish anything on your list from the first day.

Of course, we expect you’re going to want to come back to the city to finish everything on your Portland itinerary.

But at least we’ll give you the best the city has to offer in such a short amount of time! 

Related: Don’t miss out on all of the best day trips from Portland !

Day 1 – Wander Historic Old Town and Downtown Portland

The first day of the Portland itinerary will begin in the historic Old Town. Known for its inclusion of Old Town Chinatown, this part of town covers a few city blocks along the Willamette River.

You’ll find everything from quirky shops, restaurants and bars to many unique local businesses. 

If your plans include visiting Portland over the weekend then you will want to start your day at the local Saturday Market.

Every Saturday and Sunday between March and Christmas Eve hundreds of vendors will set up booths in Tom McCall Waterfront Park beneath the Burnside Bridge.

Find unique art, delicious munchies and a variety of entertainment as you stroll through the market for a uniquely Portland experience. 

From here you’ll make your way up to the Chinatown Gates and the official entrance into Portland’s classic Chinatown. As a city within a city center, there are lots of shops to explore and food to enjoy. 

One of the biggest Portland attractions in Chinatown are the Shanghai Tunnels. Officially known as the Old Portland Underground , the tunnels are a series of underground passageways connecting a variety of shops and businesses.

As they were first intended, these tunnels were a passageway for transporting merchandise from the docks on the Willamette River to the various storehouse and shops via their basements.

This led to the opportunity for organized crime and the practice of “shanghaiing,” which is essentially the kidnap and conscription of sailors against their will.

Of course, over time myth and lore blended with true history and today, there are a variety of tours offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Shanghai Tunnels. 

After touring the Shanghai Tunnels, head over to a more peaceful part of Old Town and visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the 25th largest US city, the gardens intentionally offer tranquility to its visitors.

Stroll through the gardens on your own time, sit for tea and learn calligraphy, learn to play the traditional Chinese board game Wei Chi or practice Yang Style Tai Chi. 

To learn more about the Chinese influence in Portland’s history, double back to the Chinatown Museum.

Only open in the afternoon between Thursday and Sunday, the museum is proud to present a no-holds-bar portrayal of life for Chinese immigrants in the Pacific Northwest. 

• Cost : $12.95
• Hours : 10 am – 4 pm (closed Wednesdays)
• Address : 239 NW Everett St

If you haven’t already filled up at any number of shops or restaurants in Chinatown, this is a great time to fill up on the famous Voodoo Doughnuts.

Known as much for their delicious doughnuts as for the quirky names they give them, Voodoo Doughnuts is a staple to Old Town Portland Oregon.

But you can also grab a bite to eat at Portland City Grill, Mother’s Bistro and Bar and Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub , all within a block of each other. 

If you’re a big foodie, you can even embark on an underground donut tour of Portland !

Spend the afternoon perusing books at Powell’s City of Books. The largest independent bookstore in Portland, Powell’s City of Books location in Old Town boasts an inventory of over 1 million books!

Get lost in the shelves or take a tour of the store. As a lover of books, we think the best thing is just to wander around in search of one particular book to see what other books turn up along the way. 

And whenever you begin to get thirsty for a cold beer, head a few blocks further to Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House.

Enjoy a draft beer brewed in-house or sit down for a full meal as you recap the day and prepare for your next adventure.

Deschutes Brewery is one of Oregon’s proudest and most successful breweries and well worth a taste while you’re in the area. 

At this point in the day, you can either plan to retreat to your hotel to rest up for the next day in this busy Portland itinerary or you can head out into the Portland evening for a night on the town.

You are right in the middle of everything the city has to offer at night so enjoy your time out while visiting Portland.

READ MORE: Use this itinerary to plan the perfect 3 days in San Francisco

Day 2 – Portland Mini-Excursion 

On day 2 of your 3 days in Portland itinerary, you’re going to have the chance to get out of the city a little bit to reflect on why this part of the country attracts so many people. 

You’ve likely already asked yourself what mountain is in the background as you have turned corners in walking throughout the city.

This towering mountain is Mt. Hood and is one of the unique ways in which Portland can be identified. 

Located 2 hours through a spectacular drive through the Columbia River Gorge a day trip to visit Mt. Hood is beautiful from start to finish.

Join a tour or drive yourself out and enjoy spectacular views along the way. There are plenty of places to stop and hike.

If you don’t have your own wheels but want to get some to do the trip independently, then head over to the Rental Cars website to find the best value rentals in Portland.

And you’re going to definitely want to stop at Multnomah Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in all of the US. 

Multnomah Falls is the most popular of dozens of waterfalls in the area. Located in the Columbia River Gorge, the falls consist of two drops.

The higher falls is 542 feet that cascade into a pool which then drops another 69 feet to the bottom of the creek. 

While the waterfall was geologically formed around 15,000 years ago, more popular legend says that it formed when a young Native American woman sacrificed herself by falling off the top in order to appease the Great Spirit and save her tribe from a terrible plague.

Upon her death water began flowing down the falls. 

Regardless of its source, viewing the waterfall is well worth the visit especially when combined with several other waterfalls in the area. 

This half-day tour is a fantastic way to get out there. If you love nature, definitely include this stop in your Portland itinerary.

If you are interested in wine, a quick trip to the Willamette Valley an hour south of Portland is definitely worth your time. 

The soil in the valley is very fertile thanks to the volcanic activity that shaped this part of the country.

As such, combined with a climate perfect for growing grapes, there are now over a half dozen world-class wineries in Willamette Valley. 

You can take a self-guided tour of the vineyards with your own vehicle. Or join a tour from Portland and don’t worry about how much wine you drink ! 

If you do have your own transportation, however, and are kicking yourself for having to choose between wine and waterfalls, don’t worry.

Silver Falls State Park is under a half an hour drive through beautiful landscapes and boasts over 20 miles of trails that will lead you to 10 different waterfalls.

You don’t have to hike them all, of course. Most waterfalls are quickly accessible from parking areas throughout the park. 

This tour combines Silver Falls with Willamette Wine Country, so you can hit both in one trip. Wine country is also a great weekend trip, if you have more time and are really into wine!

If you have no desire, or means, to get away from the city during your 3 days in Portland, then you can still experience the great outdoors by spending a few hours hiking through Forest Park. 

Covering over 5,000 acres, Forest Park has 80 miles of trails that you can hike, bike or jog.

Open from 5 am until 10 pm, you can spend as much or as little time exercising or simply enjoying nature that is tucked within the reach of Portland. 

Depending on how far you ventured out during the day you are likely to want to come back to your hotel and rest up for your final day in your Portland itinerary. 

But if you want to continue to try and sample all of the delicious craft beers in the city or want to catch a comedy show or concert, head back into Old Town or downtown Portland for the evening. 

READ MORE: Use this itinerary to plan the perfect 3 days in Seattle .

Day 3 – Downtown Portland

Depending on how fast you moved through Old Town, you might have already skipped into downtown on day 1 of your 3 days in Portland itinerary.

But if you didn’t venture out yet there are a few places you should visit. 

Start out at Voodoo Doughnuts on the fringe of Old Town. Then head two blocks to Tom McCall Waterfront Park .

If you’re here on a Saturday you can enjoy the Saturday Market . Otherwise, enjoy a stroll down the riverfront on the waterfront park trail, or browse the local businesses throughout town. 

If you’re interested in history, then cross the street back over to the Oregon Historical Society. Here, among other things, you can see the penny that was flipped to determine the name of the city.

There are a series of other displays and revolving exhibits that highlight Oregon’s rich history.

Head another two blocks to the Portland Art Museum if you are interested in traditional art museums, with a particular emphasis on Native American, Asian and American arts.

• Hours : 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Mon/Tues)
• Address : 1219 SW Park Ave.

Or you can head just a few short blocks to the Pioneer Courthouse Square at the heart of the city of Portland.

Affectionately known as “Portland’s living room,” the massive square hosts a variety of over 300 events throughout the year.

The milepost sign is one of the most recognizable features of the square.

Though anyone who has spent any time passing through Portland, let alone living here, will tell you that they’ve attended festivals and concerts, markets, runs and races and political events in the square as well. 

Be sure to check what events are taking place during your visit as there is almost guaranteed to be something going on during your 3 days in Portland.

At this point, you are in the perfect position to make another decision about how to spend the remaining time of your Portland itinerary.

If you enjoyed Old Town and Chinatown you are back on the cusp of entering those neighborhoods again. Be sure to check off anything you didn’t see or do on your first day. 

Alternatively, if there is a soccer match taking place it will be at the stadium at Providence Park .

Portland is known for its soccer fanatics. So if there happens to be a match this will definitely be a unique way to take in a few hours. 

Lastly, you can head up to Washington Park where a whole other world awaits you. Here over 140 hectares of city park invites you to explore the many activities in the park.  

The Portland Japanese Garden has 12 acres featuring 8 different gardens and a magnificent view of Mt. Hood.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility the traditional Japanese garden offers, including a tea house and numerous walkways and streams that reflect the Japanese aesthetic.  

• Cost : $16.95
• Hours : 10am – 3:30pm, closed Tuesdays
• Address : 611 SW Kingston Ave

The International Rose Test Garden features over 10,000 rose bushes and 650 varieties of roses.

As Portland has been dubbed the City of Roses, the International Rose Test Garden receives roses from all over the world where they are evaluated on a number of characteristics.

With 4.5 acres and numerous gardens you can walk through and enjoy views of Mt. Hood. 

• Cost : FREE
• Hours : 5am – 10pm
• Address : 400 SW Kingston Ave

The Hoyt Arboretum invites you to wander through 12 miles of trails that traverse through over 2,000 species of trees and shrubs from 6 continents.

The arboretum invites you to enjoy the park at your own pace. But there are also guided tours and classes offered on the weekends where you can learn more about the species of plants in the park. 

• Address : 4000 SW Fairview Blvd

If you haven’t had your fill today, you can head over to the Pittock Mansion, a 46-room French chateau-inspired residence.

Completed in 1914, the mansion has a history of scandal surrounding the Pittock family.

But the size and beauty of the mansion is not to be diminished by its scandalous history. 

(The Pittock Mansion is closed for the month of January 2022 for maintenance. Check the website for updates!)

• Hours : 10am – 4pm, opens at 12pm on Tuesdays
• Address : 3229 NW Pittock Dr

Just down the hill from Pittock Mansion is the Witches Castle. The remnants of a stone home built in the mid-1800s is all that remains, along with the lore of it’s one murderous owner Danford Balch.

Balch hired a helper to clear the land around the home. In the process, this helper fell in love with Balch’s daughter and eloped against his will.

Long story short, Balch murdered his daughter’s husband and after the trial he became Oregon’s first legal execution.

Today the home has been abandoned and moss has overgrown the building. It gained its name in the 1980s as groups of teenagers used the home to party. 

It’s been a very busy 3 days in Portland and you’re likely going to spend the evening getting ready to leave the next day.

But if you still have some energy left, you could head across the Willamette River in downtown Portland and visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s Planetarium .

• Cost : $6.75 – $7.50
• Hours : 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Address : 1945 SE Water Ave

If you do venture to this side of the river know that there is literally a whole other side to the city and you might stay up all night exploring the many bars and restaurants in the area!

READ MORE: Use this itinerary to plan the perfect 3 days in New York City

Portland Oregon Travel Guide

Now that you know how to spend 3 days in Portland Oregon, here is a little more information about when to visit the city, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat. 

There’s not really a bad time to visit Portland, depending on what activities you plan to do when there.

The best time to visit is in the summer, when the weather is warm and it’s less likely to rain.

The city’s roses are in full bloom and outdoor activities are abundant. But the summer is also prime tourist season and you will need to book your hotel stay and tours in advance.

If you want to beat the summer crowds, plan on visiting March through May. You will still catch spring flowers blooming and it’s also a good time to whale tours on the coast.

The winter months from November through February are the rainiest and it can become quite chilly.

But if you are into winter sports, Portland is a great place for skiing and other winter activities because of its close proximity to Mt. Hood. 

Though a big city, Portland is very compact for its size and is easily walkable and is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America.

Downtown Portland and the central city area are easy to explore on foot.

There are also several bike rental companies and a bike-share program if you’d rather bike around town.

Portland also has one of the best tourist-friendly public transportation services. Your best bet after arriving at the airport is to take the light rail train into the city or to your hotel, and for less than $3 it’s very budget-friendly.

There are several bus lines that can take you anywhere in the city and the Portland Streetcar is another popular option to get around town.

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car for exploring the city as parking can be very expensive. But do consider renting a car if you plan to visit Mt. Hood or Willamette Valley during your visit. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Portland

Because most of the activities in this 3-day Portland itinerary center around the downtown area of the city, our recommendations for the best places to stay in Portland are all in this area. 

There are a variety of options to suit any budget. But to make the most of your time in the city we wanted to save you transit time while providing you the best value in accommodation. 

Here are our suggestions on where to stay in Portland. 

Located just outside Old Town in the spirited Nob Hill neighborhood, HI Portland Northwest is the best place to stay in Portland if you are on a budget.

Choose between dorm or private accommodation and enjoy the shared kitchen, drinks at an in-house cafe and WiFi throughout the hostel.

HI Portland Northwest is located in close proximity to all public transportation and you can park on the street if you arrive in your own car.

This is the perfect location to explore Old Town and downtown Portland as well as to quickly access all of the activities of Washington Park. 

The Hotel DeLuxe will give you a luxury feel at a mid-range price providing great value in your stay. With an on-site restaurant and bar, room service and their unique “Well & Fit kit” the hotel goes above and beyond to ensure you have everything you could want or need.

You can even partake in free fitness classes or borrow bicycles to get around the city.

Of course, being located in downtown Portland Oregon has its advantages too as you are right in the middle of everything we recommend during this itinerary. 

Staying at the Society Hotel puts you in the middle of everything you could want to do during your 3 days in Portland itinerary.

Located just a quarter-mile from the famous Chinese Gardens and all that Old Town has to offer, the Society Hotel provides a fitness center, in-house restaurant and bar and offers complimentary breakfast to fill you up for your day out and about.

Rooms are spacious and come with views of the mountains or garden and include standard amenities to make your stay more enjoyable. Book the king suite for a truly exceptional stay.

Best Restaurants in Portland Oregon

Now for my favorite part of the whole post – where to eat in Portland!

You can never go wrong with a delicious doughnut at any hour of the day. A staple for everyone who visits or lives in Portland, Voodoo Doughnuts has several locations and is open 24 hours a day to make sure you get your doughnut fix. 

Q Restaurant and Bar is a Portland favorite especially among those looking for a farm to table experience.

Enjoy traditional American cuisines of seafood, lamb, duck and good old fashioned steak all dressed up in delicious seasoning and preparations. 

Serving up more fresh Pacific Northwest seafood than the name suggests, Jake’s Famous Crawfish is known for flying in its seafood daily.

Enjoy steelhead, Dungeness crab, and a spread of local oysters cooked into a variety of dishes.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Lindsay Harvey

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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30 Best Things to Do in Portland, Oregon + Map

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Oregon | Portland | 30 Best Things to Do in Portland, Oregon + Map

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With so many things to do in Portland, Oregon , it’s no wonder why it’s among the top 10 most popular cities in the United States. However, the reason why I love the so-called City of Roses is because it’s one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the world and one of the quirkiest too!

When I was deciding what to do in Oregon, I knew I had to experience the hip urban feel of downtown Portland, OR . Yet, I also wanted to see the natural beauty of the nearby forests and mountains. So, I did both, and now I’m ready to share the best places to visit in Portland.

I recommend planning a few days to see all that this metropolis has to offer. With its eclectic mix of natural scenery and trendy city streets, you want to make sure you see all the top places in Portland .

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the best attractions in Portland.

1. Washington Park, a calm place to visit in Portland, OR

Washington Park is a beautiful public urban park and one of Portland’s main attractions . It has a little bit of everything – gardens, monuments, recreation areas, public art, and miles of forest trails. There are even two museums and an arboretum.

One of my favorite parts of Washington Park is the Portland Japanese Garden , but I’ll talk about this later.

Another interesting place to go in Portland ’s Washington Park is the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. The museum is suitable for all ages and includes exhibits related to the Pacific Northwest forests and conservation efforts.

You should also check out the walking trails, which connect to Forest Park. One of the most popular trails is the Wildwood Trail . It’s over 25 miles long, but only three of them are in Washington Park. Going on a short hike is a great activity in Portland to do to get some fresh air and exercise.

Two other great attractions in the park are the Hoyt Arboretum and the International Rose Test Garden , which I’ll talk about later.

2. Pittock Mansion, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portland

Not far from Washington Park, you’ll find Pittock Mansion , one of the top tourist attractions in Portland, Oregon . The 46-room home was built in 1914 in the French-Renaissance style, and today it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion was the home of former Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock, but today it’s an iconic landmark and must-see for anyone visiting Portland .

Some people are fine with just driving past the mansion, but you can also purchase timed tickets for a tour of the residence and grounds. The interior of the home is lavish and artistic and includes a library, Turkish smoking room, sewing room, music room, and several bedrooms. The hilltop mansion provides spectacular views of downtown Portland, OR, and Mt. Hood in the background which is worth the visit on its own.

The Pittock Mansion grounds are free to access and are open daily. However, the mansion is closed to tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you follow the Wildwood Trail from Forest Park, it will lead to the regal estate.

3. Lan Su Chinese Garden, the most beautiful place to visit in downtown Portland

Another beautiful Portland tourist spot is the Lan Su Chinese Garden . Located in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood, the 40,000 ft² walled garden provides a tranquil escape from the busy streets.

The garden is inspired by the classical gardens in Suzhou, China, and about 90% of the plants here are native to China. There are hundreds of lush flowers as well as soothing greenery like orchids, bamboo, and lotuses. Without a doubt, this is one of the most peaceful attractions in Portland, Oregon .

You’ll also find several traditional Chinese structures that will make you forget you’re in one of the busiest cities in the United States. For example, the Painted Boat in Misty Rain is a charming boat-shaped pavilion, and the Flowers Bathing in Spring Rain pavilion by the water is a good place to find your Zen.

Don’t forget to check out the scholar’s studio, the Celestial Hall of Permeating Fragrance , where martial arts students practice. I also thought the Moon Locking Pavilion and two-story Tower of Cosmic Reflection were lovely.

I definitely recommend the Lan Su garden as one of the most serene things to do in Portland . It’s a great place to take your time and admire the still ponds, gorgeous architecture, and pretty plants.

4. Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square, one of the best things to do in Portland

Pioneer Courthouse Square is an outdoor area known as “Portland’s Living Room.” When you visit, you’ll understand why, as it’s a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Fortunately, the square is much larger than a living room (in fact, it’s 40,000ft²).

The square is a huge boon to Portland’s tourism , and I think it’s one of the first things to see in Portland . Two light rail stops are on either side, so it’s easy to get to. If the weather is nice, you’ll see outdoor chess games and a central fountain. Throughout the year, different public events take place in the square’s amphitheater.

4. Pioneer Courthouse Square, one of the best things to do in Portland

The square is also a great place to see some Portland public art. Two popular pieces are the Umbrella Man sculpture and the Weather Machine , a 33-foot-tall column with a large orb. If you go there at noon, you’ll see the orb open up and reveal the weather forecast for the day. Another thing to do at Pioneer Courthouse Square is to enjoy some yummy street food. Several food carts are parked in the square each day.

There is never a bad time to visit the square since there are hundreds of events and programs throughout the year. This tour takes you to the square in the morning while it’s less crowded, as well as Pittock Mansion and the International Rose Garden.

5. Forest Park, the best hike in Portland, Oregon

As I mentioned earlier, Forest Park connects to Washington Park. It’s one of the largest urban forests in the country (over 5,000 acres), so it’s a must-see.  Its trail system is well-known, particularly the Wildwood Trail .

The total trail is 30 miles, but there are many shorter paths in Forest Park. Some of them pass by other Portland attractions like the Japanese Garden and Pittock Mansion, while others travel deeper into the woods.

The western side of the park offers views of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, as well as the Tualatin Mountains. Even though Forest Park is close to downtown Portland OR , you can still find lots of beautiful flora and fauna here. The area attracts wildlife from the nearby Tualatin River Valley, such as black-tailed deer, flying squirrels, great horned owls, and bobcats and elk.

The park is also home to an interesting site, the Witch’s Castle . Also called the Stone House, it’s an abandoned stone building covered in moss (and some graffiti) that dates back over 100 years. Of course, urban legends have dubbed it haunted, making it another weird thing to see in Portland. In reality, it was previously used as a ranger station and public restroom.

Forest Park and all its interesting sights make for a fun weekend outing, so I recommend visiting if you have the time. There is also this urban hiking tour , which follows a 5-mile trail and passes by the Witch’s Castle.

6. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, one of the best activities in Portland

One of the top attractions in Portland , which I referenced in some of the previous sections, is the Portland Japanese Garden . Located in Washington Park, the garden will transport you to a world of Zen and natural beauty.

The 12-acre site is divided into 8 gardens, as well as a Cultural Village designed by a famous Japanese architect. The Cultural Village is where you can learn more about traditional Japanese arts and customs. From time to time, the building hosts cultural performances.

6. Portland Japanese Garden, one of the best activities in Portland

Back outside, be sure to explore the different areas of the garden, especially the Strolling Pond Garden . It’s one of the most serene places to visit in Portland , although it feels more like an ethereal dream. You can walk across the moon bridge while koi swim underneath. There is also a gorgeous waterfall and a large pagoda lantern that’s over 100 years old.

Besides, you will find a rock garden, a bonsai terrace, and a tea garden with an authentic Japanese tea house. Even if you just spend an hour here, it’s one of the best places to visit in Portland . It’s suitable for all ages and there are public tours available for free, although they depend on the availability of volunteers.

7. International Rose Test Garden, one of the most popular places to visit in Portland

The International Rose Test Garden is part of Washington Park, as I mentioned earlier. The 4.5-acre park has over 10,000 rose bushes and hundreds of varieties of roses. It’s no wonder why more than half a million people visit the garden each year.

The peak time to visit the rose garden is between April and October. The blooms are at their prettiest in June, so you might want to visit during the summer.

The International Rose Test Garden is a popular venue for weddings and other special events, although you don’t have to dress up to go there. The area is a wonderful place to recenter yourself and treat your nose to the delicious floral scents.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the Queen’s Walk, a brick path with bronze plaques commemorating each Rose Festival queen and signed in her real handwriting. There is also the Royal Rosarian Garden, which has blooms dedicated to former public servants. The Shakespeare Garden displays year-round shrubs, tropical plants, and other greenery along a paved walkway.

You should also keep an eye out for the public art, such as the Water Sculpture fountain and the Royal Rosarian bronze statue. Various events are held throughout the year at the garden’s outdoor amphitheater.

8. Go to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, one of the best free things to do in Portland

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Portland , I suggest checking out Tom McCall Waterfront Park . The large park is a popular downtown area and overlooks the Willamette River. It’s a very popular spot for joggers and bikers since the walking and riding paths offer scenic views. The waterfront trail is quite crowded during lunch hour, so it might be best to visit in the morning or early evening.

Since the park is so big, it is divided into several sections. The Esplanade is the riverfront corridor, but there is also the Central Lawn , the primary green space in the park. Several festivals take place here throughout the year, and there is a big fountain that serves as a fun centerpiece during the summer. If you visit in the spring, you’ll get to see the famous cherry blossoms, which line the park’s Japanese American Historical Plaza.

8. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, one of the best free things to do in Portland

The park includes a few memorials dedicated to historical figures and Portland organizations. Other landmarks include Friendship Circle , the steamboat Portland , and the Saturday Market Pavilion . One of the fun Portland weekend activities to do is to visit the outdoor arts and crafts market, which is held every weekend between March and December. I also suggest this bike tour , which takes you along the riverfront corridor to Chinatown and the Old Town district.

9. The Grotto, the most peaceful place to go in Portland, OR

Also known as the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, the Grotto is a Catholic outdoor shrine. This is one of the most tranquil places in Portland , whether you’re religious or not. The centerpiece of this area is the Grotto Shrine , a cathedral cave carved out of a 110-foot basalt cliff. A statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, as well as a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà are inside.

Above the cliff, there is a botanical garden, several shrines, and a meditation chapel. The Grotto also has nearly two dozen religious sculptures, as well as a John F. Kennedy Memorial.

Many people enjoy walking through the gardens, which are quiet, peaceful, and perfect for contemplation. Some visitors go into the Monastery , which was built in 1936 and serves as a home to the Servite Friars. Other visitors prefer to explore the grounds, which include a Rose Garden, Labyrinth, and Peace Garden .

The Grotto is designated as a National Sanctuary, and several mass services are held each day. The area is open to everyone, and most would agree that it’s one of the most beautiful places in Portland .

10. Portland Art Museum, something you must see in Portland, OR

If it rains in Portland or you’re a big fan of the arts, then I recommend visiting the Portland Art Museum . It’s the oldest art museum on the west coast, and it has a huge collection that spans all kinds of time periods and artistic styles.

What’s great about this museum is that, among its permanent gallery spaces, it also owns an outdoor sculpture garden and the Northwest Film Center.

The museum is also the venue for the Contemporary Northwest Art Awards, which are held every two years and showcase artists from the Pacific Northwest. It’s a cool thing to do in Portland if you’re in the city during the event.

Among the permanent pieces at the museum are classics like Monet’s Water Lilies and Renoir’s Seine at Argenteuil. Of course, you don’t have to be an art historian to appreciate these works. Depending on your preferences, you can peruse the Native American masks, ancient Corinthian vases, Asian woodblocks, or thousands of other pieces.

The art museum is a fun place to visit in Portland for all ages. It’s also a nice thing to do if you get stuck with a dreary, wet Pacific Northwest day.

11. World Forestry Center, a great place to visit in Portland with kids

The World Forestry Center is a unique place to see in Portland . It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the local flora and learn more about the forests of the Pacific Northwest. This is such a valuable part of the country, and the World Forestry Center has fun and interesting exhibits that will appeal to all ages. In fact, a visit here is a wonderful thing to do in Portland with kids .

The Center is a non-profit institution and offers a variety of programs. It also has a museum with several exhibits explaining sustainable forestry, local wildlife, and innovations in timber-working and environmentalism. There are also virtual tours that transport visitors to the boreal, temperate, subtropical, and tropical forests of Siberia, China, South Africa, and the Amazon Rainforest.

After visiting the museum, step outside and explore the rest of the campus. You can climb aboard Peggy, the 42-ton locomotive, or examine a 10,000-pound petrified tree stump that’s estimated to be millions of years old.

The World Forestry Center is conveniently located in Washington Park, so after your visit, you can hop on the Wildwood Trail or another green space in the park.

12. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, the most romantic thing to see in Portland

For those who are looking for romantic things to do in Portland , consider the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. This area is 9.5 acres of gorgeous azaleas, trees, and of course, rhododendrons. Along with thousands of flowers, the botanical garden is also home to several small lakes, waterfalls, and a fountain.

The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk and it’s one of the top Portland Oregon attractions for couples. The atmosphere is calm, and the surroundings are lovely, so it’s a good spot for those who want to take a break from the city. Not only will you find a variety of flora here; there are dozens of species of waterfowl, too. Keep your eyes peeled for Canada geese, herons, gulls, and hummingbirds.

The most recent addition to the attraction is the waterfront butterfly garden, which adds a magical air to the place. Crystal Springs sees many repeat visitors throughout the year, and if you visit, you’re sure to want to come back. There is something so peaceful about the charming footbridges, majestic waterfalls, and vibrant blooms. Plus, it’s a photographer’s paradise!

13. Portland Saturday Market, an amazing thing to experience in Portland

As I mentioned in the section about the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Portland Saturday Market is something to check out if you’re in the city on a weekend. The market is open every weekend between March and December and is the largest continuously operating outdoor market in the country.

Here, you’ll find arts, crafts, and all kinds of unique Portland stuff . It’s a great way to get out and about, and you can meet local artisans and vendors. You may even find some nice souvenirs and gifts for friends. Dozens of stalls line the waterfront, and the merchandise ranges from hand-crafted jewelry and textiles to art prints, wine, body care, and clothing.

The products aren’t the cheapest, but I think it’s always good to support and pay artists what they’re worth! Besides, you can always stroll along the riverfront and look at the stalls for free. Plus, you’ll already be in the park, so once you’re done browsing, you can explore the rest of the area.

Consider the Saturday Market if you’re looking for Portland weekend activities , and you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t confuse it with the Portland Farmer’s Market, which is open on Saturdays at Portland State University.

14. Alberta Arts District, one of the most popular places to go in Portland

For something interesting to do in the city, check out the Alberta Arts District . In this northeast section of Portland, you can find all the great things that make the city weird, vibrant, and unique.

This section of downtown was once plagued by crime, but now it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists, full of trendy galleries, cafes, and cool things to do in Portland. Pick up a map of all the street art in the neighborhood from the Portland Street Art Alliance and go on a hunt for murals and galleries. Some popular art spaces include the Guardino Gallery, Alberta Rose Theatre, and Ampersand Gallery .

If you’re in the city at the end of the month, stop by the Alberta Arts District for the “Last Thursday” street fair. The event also includes food carts and street performers. After perusing works by local artists, grab a bite to eat at one of the hip restaurants or bars. A few local favorites include Tin Shed, Alberta Street Pub, Radio Room, and Great Notion Brewing .

While exploring the arts district is something to do in Portland for free , I suggest supporting the local businesses by purchasing some art or food. You could also take this tour , which takes you around the neighborhood to some hotspots and little-known corners of the district.

15. Shanghai Tunnels/Portland Underground, an unusual thing to do in Portland

Lots of people refer to this city as a quirky place, and the Shanghai Tunnels Tour is one of the weird things to do in Portland . Also known as the “Portland Underground”, the tunnels are mostly underneath the Chinatown neighborhood, and are remnants of the city’s past.

The discreet passages connected hotel and tavern basements and were originally intended to help with the movement of shipped goods that came from traders on the Willamette River. The underground pathways allowed businesses to transport stock without having to deal with streetcars and trains.

Of course, the tunnels are now one of the strangest Portland attractions and have accumulated some odd stories throughout the years. Today, you can take a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels and learn more about the story of these passageways and the people who once used them. Some tours delve into the haunted legends that many people now associate with the tunnels.

There is even a Museum of the Shanghai Tunnels , which educates visitors on the history of the shanghaiing trade, in which sailors would kidnap individuals to have them serve as deckhands. If you’re fascinated by the tunnels and want to hear more creepy stories, I recommend this ghost tour , which takes you to the Portland underground and other supposedly paranormal places downtown.

16. Hike Mt. Tabor Park, another place you don’t want to miss in Portland, Oregon

Another outdoorsy thing to do around Portland, Oregon is to visit Mount Tabor . Its name is a reference to Mount Tabor in Israel, but the mountain in Oregon is actually a dormant volcanic vent. As if that weren’t cool enough, you can hike to the peak (about 630 feet), to get stunning views of downtown Portland. You will also find an outdoor amphitheater and basketball courts there.

The land around the volcanic hill is referred to as Mt. Tabor Park . Here, you’ll find a visitor’s center and a range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. There is a 1-mile, 1.5-mile, and 3-mile trail, which loop around the reservoirs in the park.

A visit to Mount Tabor is one of the best free things to do in Portland .

17. Powell’s City of Books, an unforgettable place to go in Portland

You might not think about visiting a bookstore as one of the exciting things to do around Portland but hear me out. Powell’s City of Books is the largest new and used bookstore in the world, and its retail space holds more than a million books spread across an entire city block.

Trust me, visiting Powell’s City of Books is one of the top 10 things to do in Portland . No matter your interests, you can find a book that will speak to you. The bookstore is a lot of fun to explore, thanks to its nine color-coded rooms. There are over 3,500 sections from cooking to languages to travel and everything in between.

The independent bookseller has been open for nearly 50 years. Visiting the store and curling up with a good book has been one of the favorite Portland weekend activities for locals. The shop is more than a collection of books; it’s a community of book lovers, writers, and creative people. Throughout the month, the bookstore hosts workshops and meet-and-greets with local authors and other community members.

It’s also worth noting that Powell’s City of Books is in Portland’s Pearl District, which is known for its art galleries and upscale shops. That said, you’ll find lots of bargains at this bookstore. If you’re going to visit, keep in mind that they’re open Wednesday through Sunday.

18. Hoyt Arboretum, a lovely attraction in Portland, Oregon

Another awesome attraction in Portland ’s Washington Park is the Hoyt Arboretum . The arboretum is open to the public and accessible from the Park or the Wildwood Trail.

This is one of the best places in Portland to get your nature fix. The arboretum has one of the largest collections of coniferous trees in the United States, as well as thousands of species of shrubs and plants. Some of its most prized trees are the dawn redwood, weeping sequoia, and Himalayan birch.

Of course, you don’t have to be a forestry expert to appreciate the lush surroundings and fresh air. Visitors are free to simply walk around and enjoy the natural beauty, or they can participate in a class or program hosted by the arboretum staff. Depending on the time of year, there are different plant and tree species in bloom, so there’s never a bad time to visit.

Once you arrive, feel free to check out the visitor’s center, or go straight to one of the trails or picnic areas. I highly recommend going to the bamboo garden, which has the largest collection of bamboo in the Pacific Northwest. There, you’ll see a bamboo-inspired sculpture, Basket of Air , hanging over the pond in the garden. The arboretum has another living sculpture, House for Summer , which is made of Himalayan birch.

The Hoyt Arboretum is a great place to go if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Portland . Plus, it’s close to several other popular attractions within Washington Park.

19. USS Blueback, another unusual place to go in Portland

Besides the natural beauty, there is other interesting stuff to do in Portland . For example, how about a visit to the USS Blueback ?

This is a decommissioned sub from the United States Navy. It was launched in May 1959 and was the last non-nuclear submarine to join the Navy ranks.

Blueback’s first mission was to the Gulf of Mexico in 1960, followed by the Panama Canal. It also made port calls in Seattle and Vancouver and had a temporary home at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Blueback made trips to Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the Philippine Sea. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry obtained Blueback in 1994, and it has been stayed at the Willamette River, in from of the museum, since then.

This submarine earned two battle stars during the Vietnam War, and it has also appeared in fictional wars on the silver screen. It was featured in Hawaii Five-O in the 1970s and the modern TV show Portlandia .

The sub is on the National Register of Historic Places. In the past decade or so, its radio room has been restored and there are guided tours of the interior several times a day. Touring the Blueback is a cool thing to do in Portland, Oregon with kids . It’s also a fun experience for adults, as most people haven’t been inside a submarine before.

20. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, an interesting attraction in Portland

As I mentioned in the previous section, the USS Blueback is at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This museum is a boon to Oregon’s Portland tourism and a place I recommend checking out.

In addition to the submarine, OMSI has an IMAX theater, planetarium, and several exhibition halls dedicated to life science, earth science, and environmental technology. It also has a science playground, which is a fun Portland Oregon attraction for children.

Not only is OMSI a great place to learn something new, but it’s also an enjoyable experience. The permanent exhibits include physics, chemistry, paleontology, and biology labs, an earthquake epicenter, and innovation stations. Visitors are encouraged to come up with solutions to real-world problems and scenarios while learning about different branches of science.

The Kendall Planetarium is the next best thing to the wide-open skies of the great outdoors. In fact, a visit to OMSI is a must-do in Portland if you run into bad weather during your trip. The theater plays several different shows depending on the time of day. A few examples of documentaries include arctic fires, evolutionary mysteries, and the life cycle.

OMSI is the place to go if you want to beat your boredom and learn something new about the world around you. It’s a perfect alternative to outdoor activities, especially on those dreary and wet Pacific Northwest days.

21. Mill Ends Park, a little-known area to visit in Portland, OR

Back to the weird sights in downtown Oregon ! Mill Ends Park is one of those interesting things in this city that will make you scratch your head and wonder.

The park is not really a park at all, but more like a tiny shrub in the middle of the road. Dubbed a “tiny urban park”, it’s just two feet across and consists of one lonely tree. The park is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s smallest park. You can find Mill Ends Park at SW Naito Parkway in the median strip.

The park was established in 1948 when that little spot on the median was being prepared for a streetlight. For some reason, workers never filled the drilled hole with the pole, so a columnist named Dick Fagan placed some flowers in the hole and named the area Mill Ends.

Being a writer, Fagan came up with an elaborate story about Mill Ends. He wrote in the Oregon Journal that he noticed a leprechaun digging the hole in the median. Fagan ran into the street and grabbed the magical little guy, who granted Fagan a wish. The columnist wished for a park of his own, but the clever leprechaun, noticing that Fagan didn’t specify the size of the park, gave presented the hole in the cement as his new park.

The story of Mill Ends lives on, and Portlandians are quite protective of it. The park changes from time to time, such as when it became a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree or when people put tiny plastic army men in the surrounding dirt. It’s definitely one of those weird Portland things to see .

22. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum, another must-visit in Portland

Continue your Portland adventure and stop by an unusual little spot in the northwest district. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum is a place like no other in the city and one that will delight, amaze, and confuse you.

The Peculiarium is home to all kinds of oddities, gags, novelties, books, toys, and much more. You never know what you’ll see at the museum, which opened in 2011 and is the only Freakybuttrue Peculiarium in the world.

Everything about the Peculiarium and its employees is tongue-in-cheek, and you’ll be laughing and having fun in no time. A visit here is a great thing to do in Portland, OR if you want to do something fun and shake up your routine. The items here are peculiar, of course, and you’ll probably feel all kinds of emotions, from disgust to disbelief to joy and amusement. Some of the exhibits include adult themes and dark undertones, so be aware.

The museum is famous for its bug sundaes, so will you be brave enough to try one? You can count me out on that one!

Admission to the Peculiarium is just $5, and you can get in for free if you wear a good costume. If you’re looking for Portland’s best quirks, you’ll definitely have to stop by.

23. Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge, another exciting thing to do in Portland

Multnomah Falls is a spectacular place to see in Portland , and well worth the 35-minute drive. The two-tier waterfall cascades over basalt cliffs from a height of 620 feet. Its waters land in a pool that feeds into the Columbia River Gorge.

The gorge is a huge canyon that stretches over 80 miles and goes through the Cascade Mountain Range. In some places, the canyon is as deep as 4,000 feet, and its western side reaches down to the Portland area.

If you want to see Multnomah Falls, there is a paved footpath that will lead you to Benson Footbridge. The bridge crosses the lower tier of the waterfall, about 100 feet above the ground. Getting up close and personal with the falls will be one of the most exciting Portland adventures of your trip!

Other waterfalls worth visiting in the area are Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls . Besides, check out the Oneonta Gorge if you’re into hiking.

If you don’t want to drive there, you can also take this half-day tour to see the most important sights.

Or, for those who are short on time or want to see the canyon from a different point of view, I suggest this flight tour . The 40-minute flight will give you scenic views of the gorge and Multnomah Falls, as well as the Bridge of the Gods steel bridge.

24. Visit Willamette Valley, the best thing to do in Portland for couples

Another wonderful date idea is a trip to Willamette Valley , also known as the Oregon Wine Country. Imagine miles of open land, the flowing river, and views of the Cascade Range, the Oregon Coast Range, and the Calapooya Mountains. It’s just as lovely as it sounds, and one of the best places to visit near Portland, Oregon .

The Willamette Valley is about 50 miles from downtown Portland, making it a perfect day trip. Visiting one of the 500+ wineries and vineyards is one of the top things to do outside Portland . I recommend this wine tour , which includes transportation to three Willamette Valley wineries.

If wine isn’t your thing, there are other activities available in the Willamette Valley. The area is home to some stunning natural places, such as Silver Falls State Park . Here, you’ll find some trails through the lush forest leading to gorgeous waterfalls.

There is also the more challenging Spencer Butte Hike. It’s a bit of a climb, but you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views over the valley and the city of Eugene, Oregon . Just like Portland, Eugene is part of the Willamette Valley region, so if you want to get to know this city, consider a day trip there, too.

25. Mount Hood, one of the top places to go near Portland

Mount Hood is one of the most interesting things to see in Portland, OR . The stratovolcano, which geologists aren’t sure is active or inactive, is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc. It’s the second most-climbed mountain in the world, and it’s just 50 miles southeast of Portland.

In addition to being the highest mountain in Oregon, Mount Hood offers year-round activities in Portland. If you visit during the summer months, the area is a haven for camping and hiking. During autumn and spring, there are all kinds of wildflowers and berries to see. The harvest supplies the Fruit Loop vendors, who have their stands at the foot of Mt. Hood in the Hood River Valley .

If you visit during the winter, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the best ski areas in the country. Mount Hood has six ski areas: Cooper Spur, Mount Hood Meadows, Ski Bowl, Snow Bunny, Summit, and Timberline . These resorts offer fun wintertime activities in Portland , including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

When it’s warmer, the Mount Hood National Forest beckons visitors near and far. It is known for its untouched natural beauty and gorgeous alpine lakes. Two of the most amazing ones are Trillium Lake and Lost Lake. On a clear, sunny day, you can see the mountain reflected in still, blue water.

There are so many ways to enjoy this natural area, but if you don’t want to drive there, I recommend this tour , which includes visits to the Hood River, Multnomah Falls, and Timberline Lodge and Ski Area.

26. Cannon Beach and the Coast of Oregon, one of the best beaches in Portland

If you’re willing to take a brief drive, you can visit Cannon Beach and the Oregon Coast . About 80 miles from the city, this beachy area is a popular place for a vacation in Portland .

There you can find Haystack Rock, that was the set of The Goonies movie and one of the best natural places to visit near Portland . This 235-foot sea stack is said to be the third-largest intertidal structure in the world. Wait until low tide to see the tide pools, and you may spot sea slugs, starfish, anemones, crabs, and sea snails.

Seaside is another popular town you should visit at the Coast of Oregon. It’s known as a fun thing to do around Portland , thanks to its amusements, bike rentals, and 1.5-mile oceanfront walkway, The Promenade. It’s also very close to Ecola State Park , one of the best places to visit in Oregon.

Going south you will find Oswald West State Park and Nehalem Bay State Park, other hotspots for camping, yurt rentals, hiking, and biking.

I also suggest visiting nearby Cape Meares . It’s part of the Three Capes Scenic Route , which also includes Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Cape Meares has a gorgeous scenic viewpoint 200 feet above sea level, granting you unhindered views of the ocean and nearby sights. During the summer, you may spot whales. There is also the Cape Meares Lighthouse and the “Octopus Tree”, a Sitka spruce tree with multiple trunks.

If you don’t want to drive, I recommend this full-day tour, which takes you to some of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Pacific Northwest Coast, including Cannon Beach and Nehalem Bay.

27. Tillamook Seafood Tour, the most fun thing to do in Portland

The Tillamook Coastal area on the Oregon shoreline is one of the best places to visit near Portland Oregon . Here, you’ll find the Tillamook Bay and its charming little town. Contrary to its coastal vibe, its economy relies mostly on dairy farming, although you can also get amazing seafood here. This brings me to my #1 recommendation for this area: a Tillamook Seafood Tour.

This half-day tour will introduce you to the best seafood and cheese in the region. Plus, you’ll get to meet local farmers and fishermen and try your hand at some of their work. Many of the businesses in this area use sustainable fishing and crabbing practices, and it just seems to make the fresh oysters, crabs, and fish taste so much better.

If you’re a seafood lover, that tour is one of the coolest things to do in Portland Oregon , so you shouldn’t miss it out.

28. Eat at Voodoo Doughnut, another unique thing to do in Portland, OR

When visiting a new place, it’s always fun to explore the dining spots that are popular with locals. You can’t spend too much time in Portland without hearing about Voodoo Doughnut . This unique doughnut shop has been featured on TV and in national publications. It started in Portland, but as of 2020, there are nine Voodoo locations spread across five states.

The founders of Voodoo Doughnut opened their shop after realizing there weren’t any doughnut places in downtown Portland. They set out with a plan to dominate the doughnut market with all kinds of intriguing flavors. People quickly noticed Voodoo, and the rest is history. Today, it’s one of the tastiest Portland Oregon attractions you must visit.

The doughnut shop has more than 50 different doughnuts, ranging from yeast and cake doughnuts to specialty treats like map bars, cannoli doughnuts, apple fritters, and even a voodoo doll doughnut. They even offer vegan flavors, and they’ll take custom requests in advance.

Walking the streets with a Voodoo doughnut in hand is one of the coolest things to do in Portland, OR , not to mention the most delicious. Just be aware that this place is extremely popular, and the line of customers often snakes out of the door and down the block. Locals will tell you it’s totally worth it.

However, if you don’t want to wait so long for a sweet treat, Coco Donuts is another popular doughnut spot in Portland with multiple locations. The doughnuts are handmade, and they roast their own coffee, too. This Portland Underground Donut tour will take you to Voodoo Doughnuts, Coco Donuts, and three other prized doughnut shops in the city.

29. Portland Food Tour, the best thing to do in Portland for foodies

If you’re a foodie looking for  fun activities in Portland , you can’t go wrong with this  downtown food tour . Do you know that Portland is one of the best food cities in the US ?

The tour starts at the Pine Street Market, where you’ll learn about the city’s gastronomy and culinary trends. Your tour guide will introduce you to the local food scene as you visit some of Portland’s most iconic restaurants.

As an added bonus, you’ll be able to pair your dishes with some excellent beers. Without a doubt, this food tour is a  cool thing to do in Portland , whether you’re traveling alone or as a group. If you want to get to know the city, there’s no better way than by whetting your appetite!

30. Find the Portland Food Trucks, a great thing to do in Portland at night

Along with the historic pubs and restaurants, as well as its hipster cafes, you must eat at a Portland food truck . There are more than 700 scattered throughout the city, so going on a food truck excursion is one of the top things to do in Portland!

While every local you talk to will have their personal favorite, there are a few popular food cars that I recommend checking out.

First is Cartopia , which serves everything from casual American fare to Middle Eastern gyros and Indian paneer fries. It has a few carts spread throughout the city.

El Local Mexican Food Truck in the Industrial District is where you can get delectable carne asada tacos, guacamole, and chilaquiles. The owners are friendly and serve up big portions as well as vegetarian-friendly plates. The burritos and salsa verde are crowd favorites.

Third Avenue Food Cart Pod is lovingly called the Gyro District by Portlandians. Other city gems include Gumba (hearty Italian food), Gracie’s Apizza (local ingredients), and Kee’s Loaded Kitchen (Southern specialties).

The food cart scene is a Portland Oregon attraction all on its own. These areas are popular hang-out spots among locals and a great place to catch a break and a delicious bite to eat at lunchtime. If you can’t decide with food truck to try, check out this food pods tour and stop at 5-7 different trucks and one brewery.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the best  Portland Oregon attractions , and you have some ideas for your next trip. You can save time planning your  Portland activities  with this convenient map.

This city in the Pacific Northwest is lots of fun and well worth visiting. I’m still amazed by all the things to do in Portland, Oregon , as well as how the city perfectly balances natural beauty with impressive modernization. Do you have a favorite  Portland tourist spot ? Let me know in the comments. I’ll also do my best to answer any questions you may have. Happy travels!

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Portland Itinerary

Last Updated on February 20, 2024

by Kate Daniel

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a 2 or 3 days in Portland itinerary can be an absolute joy when it comes to all of the cool and unusual things to do in this eclectic Oregon city. Echoing Austin — Texas’ hipster oasis — the Rose City’s motto, “Keep Portland Weird,” sums up its distinctive character, one affectionately satirized in the cult favorite TV show Portlandia .

But Portland’s quirkiness isn’t its only quality. Far from it. This modern metropolis, a gem of the Northwest, is also famous for its incredible food scene, eco-consciousness, gregarious locals, and much more.

If you’re planning a long weekend in Portland, read on to find some of the must-see attractions in this delightfully, proudly off-beat city. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Portland?

Many would-be visitors to the Rose City will inevitably wonder how many days in Portland is enough to really do it justice and not feel too rushed.

Though it is Oregon’s largest city, Portland is also relatively compact and you can easily get a good feel for it in just a couple of days. With 2 days in Portland, you will have time to see all of the highlights in the downtown area and experience some of the city’s nightlife!

And if you happen to be visiting for a weekend trip, you can also have the opportunity to browse the Portland Saturday Market, which is considered to be the largest outdoor market in the USA.

If you have more time, consider spending another day in the city. Seeing Portland in 3 days allows you to venture further and maybe head out on a day trip from the city. However, there are plenty of things to do in Portland that you will be just as happy staying within the city!

Best Time to Visit Portland 

Like its infamously rainy northern neighbor Seattle, Portland, too, upholds the Pacific Northwest’s cold, damp stereotype for much of the year. You’re almost guaranteed to see some rain, no matter when you visit.

Bring a jacket and, as long as you don’t mind standing out, an umbrella! Pacific Northwesterners are weirdly umbrella-averse. I don’t know why. It’s just how it is. We’ll walk in a literal downpour with our hoodie pulled way up over our beanie-clad head, soaking wet, and act completely unbothered. Don’t be like us; umbrellas exist for a reason.

However, it’s not all rain all the time. You can expect some days that exceed 90 ° F (32 ° C), chilly mornings, and cool nights on any given summer day in Portland.

Late spring, summer, and early fall are undoubtedly the best times to visit, not just because of the sunshine. It’s also when the rose, rhododendrons, and other flowers that line the city streets and urban gardens will be in full bloom, making the already-colorful city extra bright.

This is also prime time for outdoor events and festivals. 

If you visit in winter, expect to be cold and wet (like, really wet). The good news is Oregon’s coast and near-coast region doesn’t usually drop to freezing during winter, meaning you should be safe from snow and ice. If you want that sort of thing, though, Mt. Hood isn’t far! 

Getting To & Around Portland

As its name denotes, Portland is and always has been a significant transport hub. But not just for seafarers. It’s also well-connected to the region via a train station, numerous buses, and an international airport. It’s also just under three hours’ drive from Seattle . 

Portland is relatively easy to navigate. The MAX light rail from the airport to downtown takes about 40 minutes and costs about $2.50, or you can Uber or Lyft if you don’t have a car. 

While traffic can be heavy, it’s not as bad when compared to nearby Seattle. Most people walk or cycle everywhere or take public transport. 

The city’s stellar public transit network consists of MAX light rail, streetcars, and commuter rail, making it easy to get around Portland. If you’re going to stay within city limits, you really don’t need a car at all. 

Most tourist attractions in the Rose City are located on the west side of the Willamette River and neighborhoods like downtown, the Pearl District, and Nob Hill. If your home base is in this area, you can walk or cycle most places. 

The Rose City is famously bike-friendly, yet unlike some cycle-centric metropolises (Amsterdam), you’re not likely to get hit by a bike if you do prefer to hoof it. If you didn’t bring a bike, you could rent one for a few hours, the day, or the weekend from providers like Bike Town. 

If you want to venture outside the city to the Oregon Coast or even down to San Francisco , which I can’t recommend strongly enough, a car will be helpful. You can rent one through Rentalcars.com if you don’t have your own. 

Don’t fret if driving isn’t your thing, though! There are buses to some of the best destinations, like Seaside and Cannon Beach. A Greyhound from Union Station to Cannon Beach takes about two hours. Just be prepared to navigate a sporadic bus system once you get to your destination or walk/taxi everywhere. 

2 to 3-Day Portland Itinerary

There’s always something happening in The Rose City, and you may find it hard to fit in everything you want to do in just one weekend. But if you do only have two days in Portland, here are a few stops you won’t want to miss. 

Day 1 – Doughnuts, Bookshops & Museums!

Voodoo doughnuts .

The first stop is the city’s most famous and beloved doughnut shop,  Voodoo Doughnuts , where you can grab a breakfast pastry and coffee. 

Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon, two entertainment-minded entrepreneurs, opened the first Voodoo Doughnuts in 2003. At the time, there wasn’t a single doughnut shop in downtown Portland, so you can imagine the craze that erupted when a shop as wacky as the city itself opened up and started serving up delicious pastries in a medley of classic and unconventional flavors.

Within a month, the shop had achieved a national press mention and a loyal, die-hard following at home. They’re now world-famous and an absolute must-stop on any Portland weekend itinerary.

If you’re still hungry or the line at Voodoo is absurdly long, head to Blue Star. While Voodoo’s patrons are about a 50/50 mix of tourists and locals, many Portlanders eschew the shop, insisting  Blue Star  is far better. 

The lesser-known but no less tasty Blue Star serves up various tantalizing flavors, including Cointreau Crème Brûlée, maple bacon, Valrhona chocolate crunch, and The O.G., featuring an orxata (horchata) glaze. 

If you’re really into your doughnuts you can even do a doughnut tour!

Powell’s Books 

Powell’s Books  is heaven for bookworms. The world’s largest independent bookstore, it is undoubtedly one of Portland’s most prized assets and another quintessential stop on a Portland, Oregon itinerary. 

The shop spans an entire city block and is packed with a vast array of new and used books in every genre. 

Grab a basket; you’ll need it to carry everything you pick up as you browse the labyrinth. 

Powell’s is also famous for its rare book room, featuring rare first editions and signed copies of antique and contemporary titles. 

After checking out, head to the café to rest for a bit and have a bite and a coffee. You’ll need to re-energize after spending a couple of hours wandering the store! And yes, you will probably be drinking a lot of coffee on your weekend in Portland. When in Rome… 

An Afternoon at the Museum 

Before heading out to get a taste of Portland’s vibrant nightlife, check out one (or both!) of the city’s most prominent museums.

The  Oregon Museum of Science and Industry  features various temporary exhibitions throughout the year and the Natural Science Hall, Empirical Theater, USS Blueback Submarine, and Kendall Planetarium. 

Learn about everything from ancient natural history to contemporary scientific innovations and get lost in the mind-blowing vastness and complexity of the night sky. 

Founded in 1892, the  Portland Art Museum  is one of the West Coast’s oldest art museums. 

It features various temporary exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists in painting, print, mixed media, film, and more. The museum also houses permanent collections, including Native American Art, Asian Art, Northwest Art, European Art, American Art, and Photography. 

Fancy a history lesson? Check out  Pittock Mansion , which offers an immersive look at the city’s past in the setting of one of its oldest and most beautiful historic homes. The mansion also has a fantastic view of the city! 

Enjoy Portland’s Nightlife

People joke that everyone in Portland is a barista, in a band, or both. And it’s not that far from the truth. There’s pretty much always a live show going on somewhere.

On your first night out, head to a venue or go bar-hopping and let yourself get swept into the vibrant nightlife scene.

Oregon Public House  is a great place to start. The family-friendly pub, open from 4-9:30 p.m., donates all profits to local charities and is a popular meeting spot for non-profits. Start your evening with a delicious meal and a drink while giving back to the community in the process! 

Then head to Alberta Street, the place to be for hip, local flavor. Start at Alberta Street Pub , a high-end establishment with a terrace perfect for sipping a cocktail on a summer evening. Then, stop by Radio Room , an art deco-themed bar with vegan treats and seasonal cocktails.

Next is Bye and Bye , a Southern-inspired bar with superb vegan cuisine. If it wasn’t clear by now, Portland is also one of the easiest places to be a vegan tourist! 

Also on Alberta Street is Alleyway Bar, which is a bit grungy in the best possible way and often hosts live music. 

McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, Revolution Hall, Alladin Theater, Dante’s, and Mississippi Studios are other hot spots for live music. Grab a copy of  Portland Mercury  to see what’s happening on any given evening. 

Day 2 – Food Trucks, Parks & Arcades

Check out the food truck scene .

The Rose City is a foodie paradise, with a vast array of establishments from small cafes to Michelin restaurants. 

For the second day of your time in Portland, grab brunch at a food cart. 

Portland famously has the  most strip clubs per capita  of any U.S. city, about twice as many as public restrooms. But it’s also home to one of the nation’s biggest food truck scenes!

More than 600 food trucks throughout the city dishing up every kind of cuisine imaginable, from Korean to Ethiopian to and down-home barbecue to vegan pizza. Seriously, they have it all.

Unlike most food truck scenes, Portland’s are not mobile. Instead, they are organized into stationary “pods.” You can find a map of all the carts  here , divided by categories to make finding your next meal a cinch. 

You won’t get to try them all on your weekend in Portland, but you can try at least a few throughout the day! According to locals and critics, some of the best include Yoshi’s Sushi, Farmer & the Beast, Bing Mi, Matt’s BBQ, and Baby Blue Woodfired Pizza. 

Washington Park 

Next up on your Portland weekend itinerary is a stroll through Washington Park. 

This urban green space is massive, with a zoo, arboretum, amphitheater, children’s museum, Japanese Garden, and International Test Rose Garden. The latter two are especially worth a visit. 

The Portland Japanese Garden comprises 5.5 acres with impeccably landscaped greenery and water features, and a tea house. 

The International Test Rose Garden features more than 10,000 roses in over 650 varieties of numerous colors and styles. This is reason enough to come in summer! June is peak bloom season, but there will likely be sweet-scented blossoms in late April through early October.

Ground Control 

Want to feel like a kid again if you’re spending 2 days in Portland? Head to  Ground Control , the family-friendly, nostalgia-inducing vintage-meets-futuristic arcade. It’s usually open from midday ‘til late. 

With an arcade and video games, pinball machines, and a dance mat, it’s the perfect spot to spend a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon! 

McMenamins 

Next, grab a bite or a drink at McMenamins. 

McMenamins  is a local chain of family-owned establishments, primarily hotels, restaurants, and bars, located in repurposed or rejuvenated historic buildings. Each location is unique, with distinct features reflecting the city and its history. 

McMenamins Kennedy School is one of the best. Located in a former abandoned elementary school, it might sound like the stuff horror movies are made of.

But there’s nothing spooky going on here unless there’s a scary flick showing at the in-house movie theatre. Besides the cinema, there’s also a hotel with unique rooms that evoke a sense of school-age nostalgia, a pool, a bar, and a brewery. 

McMenamins Crystal Hotel, next to the Crystal Ballroom, in the Pearl District, the White Eagle Saloon & Hotel, and St. Johns Theatre & Pub are other popular McMenamins locales in Portland. 

Day 3 – Day Trip from Portland

If you can spend 3 days in Portland, then there are a few great day trips you can take from the Rose City, if you’d like.

If the weather is nice, take advantage of the city’s status as one of the best spots for eco-tourism in the US! 

If you’re craving something unusual and distinctly Portland, take a short but somewhat challenging hike up to Witch’s Castle. The “castle” doesn’t have anything to do with witches. But the abandoned structure has had many unpleasant lives throughout the past 150 years and is said to be haunted.  

A bit further afield, there are multiple spots to check out the Pacific Northwest’s beauty along the Columbia River, at Multnomah Falls, Silver Falls, Hood River, or Mt. Hood. 

A little further still, but so worth it, is the stunning Oregon Coast, with vast stretches of sandy, atmospheric beaches and quaint towns like Seaside and Astoria.  

Where to Stay in Portland

If you’re looking for a great place to stay during your weekend in Portland, you really are spoilt for choice. There are countless great places to rest your head in the Rose City and if you’re looking for something great, check out these suggestions:

The Society Hotel – Situated within easy walking (or cycling!) distance of the Rose City’s top attractions, this chic hotel is perfect for those looking for a great place to stay. There are a number of rooms available and also a restaurant on site.

Kimpton Riverplace Hotel – If the life of luxury is more your style, then you can’t go wrong with this great hotel. Located on the banks of the Willamette River, there are a number of plush rooms available and countless other amenities to ensure your stay is a luxurious one.

HI Portland – Northwest – For budget backpackers or solo visitors, this hostel is a great choice for you. They have dorm beds and private rooms and there are also some great self-catering facilities and common areas to make meeting other traveller’s a breeze!

Private Rental – If you’re after a bit of privacy on your trip to Portland or would rather have a more “local” feel, then a private rental is the choice for you! There are a myriad of great properties in the Rose City, like this quaint, centrally located house .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Portland!

Planning the perfect weekend in Portland itinerary really isn’t a hard task as there are so many amazing things to do in this Pacific Northwest city.

Are you planning to visit Portland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

10 Best Stops on a Portland to Boise Drive

8 Best Stops on the Seattle to Portland Drive

The Perfect 5 to 7 Day Pacific Northwest Itinerary

About Kate Daniel

Kate Daniel is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Washington State, she is a slow traveller and digital nomad who loves exploring both her own backyard and far-flung destinations. When she isn't writing, she is most likely befriending stray cats or daydreaming about the next adventure.

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Best Things to See + Do in Greater Portland, Maine

Looking for things to do in Portland, Maine and beyond? Our diverse coastal area is centrally located, where nearby regions welcome visitors with their own distinctive Maine experiences. It’s all at your fingertips. Sea you there…

Must See + Do

Unlock what makes this coastal community a must-do destination. From history and landmarks to craft brews and bites, there are so many reasons spend your vacation in Greater Portland, Maine.

Explore the Maine Coast

The perfect way to experience the coastal and inland areas of Greater Portland Maine.

Maine offers plenty of outdoor adventure, parks, and hands-on fun.

Constant attention to landmark preservation has made Maine a historical destination.

Whitewater rafting, camping, fishing and hunting trips – on the water or on land.

Just one visit and it’s easy to see why so many people add shopping to their list of reasons to come to Greater Portland Maine.

Featured Events

There’s always something to do in Greater Portland, Maine.

From daily tours to cruises, art exhibitions, music, and live performances.

Browse our Events Calendar and save your favorites.

Always cross-check event time/date with organizer’s website before booking. 

Prepare for the solar eclipse on Apr 8th.

Welcome the warm weather and enjoy some good food with the award-winning The Lobster Shack!

Come to Sunday River and enjoy the best views of the 2024 Solar Eclipse!

Come view the Solar Eclipse with us at Pineland Farms!

Kick off summer with a week of wine in Portland!

Must-see + Do, Day Trips, In + Outdoor Fun – Find it all in Maine

As visitors survey the scenic vistas of this historic city on Casco Bay , gaze at boats that come and go from the waterfront, and watch the activity along the downtown’s cobblestone streets, finding things to do may be the furthest thing from their minds. For those preferring to focus on filling their days with fun activities and enduring memories, Greater Portland delivers. Visitors will find kid-friendly amusements, must-see attractions, day-trips, and nightlife for every taste and style and every family member.

Greater Portland means great getaway, vacation, and long-term stay opportunities each season—from high-octane to low-key, indoor to outdoor, land or sea. This metropolitan city with small town charm is a cultural mecca and wildlife wonderland. It is the home of microbrews and sea cruises , of a world-class food and art + culture scene. Where shopping , sailing, or hitting the beach is at its best.

VISITOR INFORMATION

When you’re in town, stop by our Visitor Information Center to pick-up brochures, Visitor’s Guides, maps of the region, and plenty of pro-tips to help make the most of your stay in Greater Portland.

OCEAN GATEWAY – SEASONAL HOURS: Mon to Sat – 10am to 3pm Sun – closed

Plan Your Trip

Plan your trip to Greater Portland Maine. Explore Maine’s local brew scene, a variety of walking tours, history and landmarks, and much more. Love the water… take a sailing excursion or boat tour. Love to shop.. fine unique local shops. Store things of interest like upcoming events and your favorite activities. Then send your trip plan to your family and friends.

Online Shopping

So many people add shopping to their list of reasons to visit Greater Portland—from handcrafts to haute-couture. By shopping online at our local boutiques and shops, you can bring a piece of Maine straight to your front door. It might just be enough to hold you over until your next trip to Greater Portland!

Packages + Deals

Browse through the special packages and deals offered by participating businesses. Find special deals on tours and attractions to maximize your visit. Enhance your shopping experience and find that perfect gift or souvenir. Don’t forget to enjoy the food scene. Find discounts and happy hour specials.

On The Blog

Join lifelong Mainers, Amy + Dan, as they make their way down the coast for seven days of fun in the sun—exploring a bit of everything Maine has to offer.

Across Greater Portland we are bringing the fun with annual fairs, festivals, and exciting events all year long and for all ages.

If you’re considering the Northeast for a meeting, event, or conference—it is time to start thinking about hosting in the Greater Portland region!

We know how much goes into capturing those perfect moments that live on long after you leave, here are some inspiring photo hot spots.

How would YOU live like a local? Peek our Maine itineraries for a ideas on how you could spend a fun-filled day like no other in Greater Portland.

There’s no shortage of beautiful, stunning places to snap, but these are the ones that come up as some of the most romantic, time and time again.

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Getting around Portland, OR

Planning to travel in Portland? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Portland experience. Travel from Portland International Airport to The Nines Hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in Portland.

Reserve car service in Portland with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Portland. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Portland International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in Portland

Getting around Portland without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride from Portland International Airport to Overlook or head to another destination with the app. If you’re planning to travel in Portland with a large group, request Premier to enjoy a comfortable ride.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Portland.

Portland-area airport car service

When your travel in Portland takes you to an airport from Overlook, Mt Tabor or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Portland International Airport (PDX)

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Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when traveling in Portland. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. You can request a ride from Portland International Airport, visit Vancouver, or enter another place. Open the app and enter a destination to get around Portland.

Public transport in Portland

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in neighborhoods such as Overlook and Mt Tabor, or visit popular places in Portland by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in Portland

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in Portland, then order from our popular restaurants to refuel after a day of exploring. If bikes are available in Portland, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

There are a number of location-specific requirements and regulations users should be aware of when using Uber in your country. Please visit this page to read them.

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Man narrowly escapes saw blade barreling toward him in Oregon

It wasn’t his time.

In a scene out of horror movie, a man narrowly escaped a saw blade as it came barreling toward him outside a store in Oregon.

Video of the incident shows the man entering the store mere seconds before a large saw blade rolls quickly in his direction from across the parking lot.

The man was safely inside the store with the door closed behind him before the blade latched itself into the building’s facade.

“That just stuck in your wall,” the man is heard saying to the shop owner following the incident.

The shop owner and a customer could be seen walking over to the entrance after the saw blade made impact.

Breaking news reporter

Best places to see the April 8 solar eclipse in the totality path

A merica is gearing up for the April 8 total solar eclipse , and in less than a week many will be scrambling to find the best location to watch within the path of totality. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the latest models, and while it won't be until a few days prior to the event that the national forecast will be fully cooked, historical data suggests those hoping to view the corona and see a fully darkened midday sky may find themselves dodging clouds due to April weather patterns.

The last time a total solar eclipse traversed an elongated path across the continental U.S. — on Aug. 21, 2017 — Americans could be caught gazing at the midday dark from Oregon all the way to South Carolina. Most spots along the path of totality enjoyed reasonably clear, summer skies.

Those living or visiting along the path of totality next week may not end up so fortunate, as historical weather maps show the odds of experiencing a cloud-free sky at this time of year are somewhat less than ideal. In fact, finding a totally clear view at any given time is closer to the exception than the rule.

"According to NASA, at any given time, 70% of the earth is covered in clouds," said Mike Augustyniak , CBS Minnesota director of meteorology.

Not only is North America in the middle of the volatility of changing seasons during this year's solar event, but meteorologists note that we're also currently in an El Niño pattern, albeit one that's proven quieter than usual.

"An El Niño pattern tends to increase the chances of cloudy, rainy weather in those areas. Interestingly, though, that is not how this winter and spring have played out," said Augustyniak. "Since the start of 2024, Texas Hill Country and western Texas areas have been markedly drier than average; if that trend holds for the next few weeks, that would be good news for eclipse watchers."

The path of totality is only about 150 miles wide, and in America stretches roughly 2,500 miles from the Texas border to the last few towns in northeastern Maine. That leaves only so many places where you can seek the full show, though the path's width will be significantly wider than it was in 2017, according to NASA , as the moon will to be closer to Earth on this pass than it was then.

So will April showers bring spectator flowers? Here's a breakdown of which places along the path of totality are most likely to give eclipse chasers the best odds.

Viewing the eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

Augustyniak said at this transitional time of year, the further south you can go, the more likely you are to experience clear skies during eclipse totality.

"Of the areas where the total eclipse will be visible on April 8, that includes the Hill Country of Texas, and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Durango," Augustyniak said.

Of course, the further south you get, the more you increase your chances of running into not only clouds, but rain.

"Spring is our storm season of course," said Jeff Ray , chief meteorologist for CBS Texas.

Ray said that you can almost bet on needing to do a little bit of reverse storm-chasing — in other words, doing some last-minute navigation to dart away from the oncoming clouds, rather than toward them — on or around the eclipse in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"There will be storms around the day of April 8. I say that because we rarely get through a week in spring without a couple of rounds coming through the area during this time of the year. Will they arrive a day before and be gone? Not start up until later that day? Maybe two days later? We are looking at our long-range model the GFS for the date and it looks like storms on the eighth," Ray said, with a caveat. "Long-range models are notoriously inaccurate for a specific day. But there is a good chance the storms the model sees will materialize, give or take a 36-hour period."

Ray said that Texas sees, on average, a sunny or mostly sunny April day only about 28% of the time. Conversely, the region gets April days with mostly cloudy or fully overcast conditions about 36% of the time.

"High clouds can arrive several days before the storm system, they are overhead in April around 22% of the time. A sky with some kind of cloud cover is likely," said Ray. "A typical April day would have near overcast skies in the morning, then the heating of the day makes for more sunshine. So an afternoon even has better odds of a good view of the eclipse."

The eclipse will reach totality in Texas from about 1:30 p.m. CT near Elm Creek until wrapping up near the Oklahoma border a few minutes before 2 p.m. Some of the most populous areas along the path of totality will be during this leg, from San Antonio and Austin to Dallas-Fort Worth.

One final factor to consider if you're heading to the area — tornadoes. Ray said that the National Weather Office in Fort Worth has tallied all the confirmed tornadoes since 1880, and in April and May, north Texas has seen more than 1,100 twisters, compared with the nearly 900 seen in all other months.

"So more tornadoes in the 61-day window than all of the other days of the year combined," Ray said, "but the tornado count varies greatly from year to year."

Ultimately, Ray said that April is traditionally the third-stormiest month of the year in Texas.

"In short, April is not the best, nor the worst, time of the year to hope for clear or mostly clear skies. The best would be July or August. The worst would be January or February," he said. "We get a decent idea of the expected weather about seven days out. Four days out we get more comfortable talking about the timing of a rain or storm event. But it's the weather, we are trying to throw a lasso around chaos. It is not rare we forecasters look like fools."

Viewing the eclipse in Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana

While many are likely to head as far south as possible, some of the biggest cities in the Midwest are likely to fuel day-of migration to spots in Missouri and Illinois, many of them likely seeing a total eclipse for the second time in a decade. A small zone centered around Carbondale, Illinois, was along the path of totality in 2017, and will be once again this month.

While those in the St. Louis area seeking areas to watch in southeastern Missouri will find historical odds for cloud-free viewing roughly comparable to Arkansas, and those in the Chicago metro area should find their best bet is to head toward the southern part of Illinois.

"If you're unable to travel (to Texas or Arkansas), then Southern Illinois and Indiana present your best opportunity for a clearer sky, supported by the 43-year average and, of course, weather permitting," said Albert Ramon , chief meteorologist for CBS Chicago.

There will likely be some who decide that 90% or 95% totality is enough for them. But Ramon warns that those in the Chicago metro area could be at a higher risk to find their view obscured by clouds.

"Based on a comprehensive 43-year average , April 8 typically brings cloud cover chances ranging from 60 to 80% across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with similar patterns observed in Indianapolis, where cloud cover hovers between 60 to 70%," Ramon said.

Viewing the eclipse near the Great Lakes and Pennsylvania

Ramon said another factor that could make viewing along the path of totality something of a challenge in the Midwest is the lingering influence of an El Niño weather pattern.

"Its presence elevates the chances of clouds across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions," Ramon said. "This year may even be a bit more cloudier than the normal."

The Great Lakes portion of totality's path includes large sections of Ohio, including Cleveland, along with the area of Ontario south of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Erie, Pennsylvania. CBS Pittsburgh meteorologist Ray Petelin said many of these areas are subject to the wildcard that is the Great Lakes.

"They are known for lake-effect snow, but it is the lake-effect clouds that could hide the eclipse. Erie, which is in the path of totality, averages only six clear days during the month of April. Pittsburgh, which has the potential to see around 97% of totality, only averages four clear days in April," Petelin said.

Petelin says that a southerly breeze and warmer-than-average temperatures would go a long way toward helping the Great Lakes region out on April 8. 

"While the historical data suggests the chances for a clear day are low, this winter and early spring have been exceptionally bright and warmer than usual. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we can get that perfect weather for when it matters most," Petelin said.

As it stands, the areas near the shores of the Great Lakes historically show a higher probability for clearer skies than areas inland.

Viewing the eclipse in New England

The eclipse will wrap up its march across the U.S. when the path of totality cuts across state lines from New York to Vermont just before 3:30 p.m. ET. By this point in the event, the duration of totality along the central line will have already fallen off from its peak — about 4 minutes, 30 seconds near Nazas, Mexico — to just over 3 minutes, 30 seconds, according to NASA.

"The southern edge of the totality line passes right through the towns of Middlebury, Northfield and Barre. You will need to get just north of these areas. Some suggested 'larger' towns include Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Newport and Burlington," said Terry Eliasen , executive weather producer for CBS Boston.

In New Hampshire, the southern edge of totality will pass just north of the White Mountains. And in Maine, you'll need to get north of major cities like Portland, Augusta and Bangor. Eliasen said the entirety of Baxter State Park will be in the totality path, including Mount Katahdin.

The bad news: Eliasen said that those in the New England area face possibly the stiffest odds in the country for catching clear skies next Monday, based on historical patterns. The data says you're more likely to be negatively impacted by clouds pretty much anywhere in these three states than not.

"Frankly, northern New England is probably the worst place (historically speaking) in the path of totality as far as cloud cover goes," said Eliasen. "Of course, we could get lucky."

No luck? There's always the 2045 total solar eclipse

As a last-ditch hope for those who opt to stay put no matter where they're located, there's one last meteorological ace-in-the-hole that could offer reprieve, one fueled by the astronomical event itself.

"It's worth noting that, as totality approaches and sunlight is reduced, temperatures are likely to fall noticeably. Cooler temperatures can stabilize the atmosphere – like when the sun sets after a hot summer day – leading to a decrease in cloud cover," said Augustyniak. "Still, your best plan is to find an area that has no clouds to begin with."

And if the clouds end up sullying the view for some this month, another chance comes around in August 2045 , when a line of totality will stretch from northern California all the way to Miami Beach. Which, of course, will fall during the height of hurricane season.

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2024 maine's total solar eclipse: what to know before april 8.

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Maine is one of the many states in the path of totality for April 8's solar eclipse. The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Vacationland for the 115-mile wide path.

"It's an extraordinary emotional and physical thing to witness, and scientifically, it does offer opportunities as well to study the sun's corona," said Rob Burgess, President of the Southern Maine Astronomers.

The 115-mile-wide path of totality will cross northern New England , including places like Rangeley, Jackman, Carrabassett Valley and Baxter State Park.

"You will not see the same thing in Portland as you will see elsewhere. If you're actually in the totality path, you'll actually be able to see the corona, you'll actually be able to see Bailey's Beads, the sun going through the gaps in the mountains of the moon so you'll see features in a total solar eclipse that you won't see even a partial solar eclipse," said Edward Herrick-Gleason, Planetarium Director at the University of Southern Maine.

Check which addresses will be in the path of totality

Eclipse Checklist

• Wear your eclipse glasses while watching the event to avoid damaging your eyes.
• Have a full tank of gas or a full charge
• Pack a paper map – cell phone towers may become overloaded, and cell service is spotty in many areas within the path of totality
• Plan as if you will get stuck in traffic; be patient, and pack plenty of snacks and water
• It’s mud season in Maine – many dirt roads may not be passable. Stay on paved roads at all times.
• Be aware of Maine State Park guidelines – campgrounds and ATV trails will be closed during the event
• If you park and hike into the woods, do not hike beyond your skill level.
• Watch out for tick
• Never drive with eclipse glasses on
• If you consume alcohol during the eclipse, be sure you have a designated driver

Visitors driving to Maine should prepare for delays and traffic. Officials are reminding people to not only pack a paper map, but also to be patient and pack plenty of snacks and water.

Those who are traveling should also prepare an emergency car kit.

Emergency Car Kit Recommendations

• Paper map (in case cellular/GPS service is unavailable because of remote location or due to cell service overloads) 
• Prescription medications and glasses 
• First aid kit 
• Cell phone and charger 
• Water and snacks 
• Books, games to occupy time during traffic delays 

School Closings

With everyone in Maine able to see at least a partial eclipse, many state schools are either closing their doors or letting students out early.

Augusta is just one of those schools. Officials announced April 8 will be an early release day so that students can be off the bus so they can watch the eclipse when it is at peak. You can see our list of school closings by clicking here.

Eclipse Glasses

Dr. Kirsten Turrisi at Maine Mall Eye Care says viewing the solar eclipse without protective eyewear, even for a few seconds, could have a lasting impact.

Dr, Turrisi says, "It’s a condition called solar retinopathy. What it is is a photo chemical burn almost of your central vision of your macula. It can cause a lot of blurred vision, distortion of vision or changes to your color perception. While some cases can be mild, some cases can result in permanent vision loss.”

Where not to visit

Baxter State Park has warned visitors there is no access to Katahdin or Traveler Range in April, with only limited access to other locations in the parts of the park.

"We recommend seeking viewing locations that are outside of the Park, and which provide the proper lines of sight for viewing the eclipse," Baxter State Park posted on their Facebook Page.

Along with restricted access to Katahdin and Traveler Range, there is no camping anywhere in the park at that time. It is also illegal to camp outside of designated campgrounds in the park at any time of the year.

Instead of attempting to view the eclipse at the state park, officials suggest trying to see the eclipse in Houlton where Totality will last longer than average.

See homes sold in the Portland metro area, Mar. 25 to Mar. 31

• Updated: Apr. 01, 2024, 6:38 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 01, 2024, 6:31 a.m.
• Real Estate Newswire

The following is a listing of all home transfers in the Portland metro area reported from Mar. 25 to Mar. 31. There were 453 transactions posted during this time. During this period, the median sale for the area was a 1,778-square-foot home on Southeast 11th Place in Canby that sold for $545,000.

20307 N.E. Cedar Creek Road, Amboy, $328,024, 1,440 square feet, $228 per square-foot, three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

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See which Maine towns are still without power after the nor’easter

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All across the state Mainers have been digging out after a major spring nor’easter struck on Thursday.

That left more than 300,000 Mainers without power at the height of the storm.

As of 8:30 p.m. Friday, Central Maine Power reported 167,227 (25 percent) of its customers without power, and Versant Power 498 (less than 1 percent) of customers in its coverage area.

While we wait for the power to come back, you can explore which towns and cities are grappling with the most outages using the chart below.

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