Oregon's largest city, Portland sits at the confluence of two major rivers. The Willamette River runs through the city center, while the Columbia River is north of the city on the border with Washington. Portland is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts, foodies, and beer lovers. It's the ideal base to explore the gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery, and a reliable tour guide will help you find that frame-worthy photo op. Just an hour away, you’ll find the Columbia River Gorge with its numerous waterfalls (including the iconic Multnomah Falls) and the famous wineries of the Willamette Valley. If you’re up for a workout, do some hiking, paddle-boarding or even white-water rafting. The Oregon coast, another great day trip option, offers miles of public beaches to explore. In Portland itself, join locals on a jog or bike through Forest Park, the largest urban park in America. Stop at Powell's Books to browse the stacks; do a bike tour of the many breweries in the area; or sample a wide variety of international cuisines from the city’s famous food carts. Comedy fans won’t want to miss a tour of the local landmarks that serve as the backdrop for the hit IFC sketch show, “Portlandia.”
Portlanders love outdoor activities, and with summer temperatures at a comfortable high of around 80°F (26.6°C), it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the city’s outdoor markets, street fairs, and gardens. Plus, it’s the main season of the Portland Rose Festival. For budget-seeking travelers, winter brings lower hotel rates, but also a higher chance of rain.
Although Portland can be hilly, it’s generally bike-friendly, with tons of bike lanes and relatively low speed limits, making visiting by bicycle a popular option. The public transit system, TriMet, is also excellent, with buses and an extensive light rail network, known as the MAX, that connects the airport and many of Portland’s suburban areas with the city center. Rental cars are also a great option, particularly if you want to get out and explore the surrounding forests.
For epic views of the city, take a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram, which connects the South Waterfront neighborhood near downtown with the hillside Oregon Health and Sciences University. Although the tram is primarily used for commuting by employees, students, and patients at OHSU, it’s also a great way to get familiar with the city.
Margot is one of the few Portlanders who was born and (mostly) raised in the city. Although she’s lived all over the world, she now calls Portland home again.
plan out where you’re going to eat. There are way too many fantastic dining spots, so having a good plan (or going on a food-tasting tour) is an absolute must.
involves an early breakfast on SE Hawthorne Boulevard, followed by a hike in the nearby Columbia Gorge. Come back in the afternoon to visit the Portland Japanese Garden and spend the evening at one of the town's countless music venues.
Powell’s City of Books. It’s the world’s largest independent new-and-used bookstore—taking up a full city block—but it’s well organized, making it a delightful place to spend a few hours getting lost amongst the stacks.
While some might argue that the “real” Portland is no longer, you’ll find some of that old-school vibe if you venture away from the center—St. Johns in North Portland and Multnomah Village in Southwest Portland are good places to start.
head up to Washington Park’s International Rose Test Garden, where—on a clear day—you can see not only the downtown skyline, but also Mt. Hood in the background.
is assuming that Portland is constantly in a state of riot. While people in the city are politically and socially engaged, it’s not as dangerous—or as wild—as it’s often portrayed.
Portland is known for its food and beer scenes, coffeeshops, and easy access to many of Oregon’s most celebrated outdoor attractions, from the waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge to the forested Oregon coast. Although Portland gets plenty of rain, it’s also famously bike-friendly, with lots of designated bike lanes.
...MoreWith one day in Portland, split your time between downtown and Washington Park. Spend the morning downtown, shopping, sampling donuts, and searching for a title at massive Powell’s Books. In the afternoon, head to Washington Park, home to the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden.
...MoreWhile Portland gets more visitors than anywhere else in Oregon, the state’s number-one attraction is Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the United States. It’s the only national park in Oregon and a popular spot for hiking, camping, and taking scenic drives in summer.
...MorePortlanders are an outdoorsy bunch, and hiking is one of the most popular activities among locals, especially in the warmer months. Other popular activities include attending live music and theater performances and going out to sports games—Portland’s basketball team (Trail Blazers) and soccer team (Timbers) have solid local fan bases.
...MoreYes. Portland is worth visiting. It’s a great city for dining out, with tons of restaurants and food carts, not to mention wineries and breweries. Outdoorsy folks will find no shortage of gardens and hiking trails within the city limits and plenty of forestland a short drive away.
...MorePortland locals spend a lot of time outdoors, skiing and snowboarding in the winter months and hiking and camping in the warmer season. Going out to eat is also a common pastime in the city; despite its smaller size, Portland has a ton of restaurants.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 28 |
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Number of Tours | 208 |
Number of Reviews | 8,635 |
Currency | USD |
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