Portland, Oregon is a vibrant and eclectic city that offers something for everyone. From its scenic natural beauty to its thriving arts and culture scene, there are plenty of things to do and see in Portland. Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample the city’s famous cuisine, an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the many parks and hiking trails, or a culture buff interested in museums and galleries, Portland has it all. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Portland, Oregon, to help you plan your next visit to this exciting city. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover all that Portland has to offer!
Exploring the Best Portland Tourist Attractions
Portland, Oregon is a vibrant and eclectic city with a wide variety of tourist attractions to explore. From its natural wonders to its food and culture scene, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best Portland tourist attractions to check out:
- Portland Japanese Garden: A tranquil and serene oasis in the heart of the city.
- Powell’s City of Books: The world’s largest independent bookstore, with over a million books in stock.
- Washington Park: A 400-acre park featuring gardens, hiking trails, and several popular attractions, including the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Children’s Museum, and the Hoyt Arboretum.
- Pioneer Courthouse Square: Known as the “living room” of Portland, this bustling public square hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
- International Rose Test Garden: A beautiful garden featuring over 10,000 rose bushes and stunning views of the city.
- Portland Art Museum: A world-class museum featuring an impressive collection of American, European, and Native American art.
- Voodoo Doughnut: A Portland institution famous for its creative and delicious doughnuts.
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): An interactive museum with hands-on exhibits on science, technology, and natural history.
- Portland Saturday Market: An open-air arts and crafts market held every Saturday and Sunday from March through December.
- Columbia River Gorge: A stunning natural wonder just a short drive from Portland, featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas.
These are just a few of the many Portland tourist attractions worth exploring. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or delicious food and drink, Portland has something to offer.
Fun Things to Do in Portland for Adults and Kids
Portland, Oregon is a great destination for both adults and kids, with plenty of fun activities and attractions for all ages. Here are some of the top things to do in Portland that are perfect for families with kids, or adults looking to have some fun:
- Oregon Zoo: A great place to see a wide variety of animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, and penguins.
- Oaks Amusement Park: A family-friendly amusement park with rides, games, and a roller skating rink.
- Portland Children’s Museum: An interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, art, and culture designed for kids ages 0-10.
- Portland Art Museum: A world-class art museum with a collection of over 40,000 objects from around the world.
- Powell’s City of Books: A must-visit for book lovers of all ages, this massive bookstore covers an entire city block.
- Washington Park: A beautiful park with gardens, hiking trails, playgrounds, and several popular attractions including the Oregon Zoo and Portland Children’s Museum.
- Voodoo Doughnut: A Portland institution famous for its creative and delicious doughnuts.
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): An interactive museum with hands-on exhibits on science, technology, and natural history.
- Portland Saturday Market: A fun and lively outdoor market featuring arts and crafts, live music, and food vendors.
- Hoyt Arboretum: A peaceful and scenic park with over 2,000 species of trees and hiking trails for all skill levels.
These are just a few of the many fun things to do in Portland for adults and kids. With its diverse range of attractions and activities, Portland is a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Uncovering Hidden Gems: Off-The-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Portland
Portland, Oregon is a city filled with hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the best things to do in Portland that might not be on your radar:
- Lan Su Chinese Garden: A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, this stunning garden features traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping.
- Alberta Arts District: A funky and vibrant neighborhood filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Pittock Mansion: A historic mansion with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Forest Park: A massive urban park with over 80 miles of hiking trails and stunning natural beauty.
- Powell Butte Nature Park: A lesser-known park with hiking and biking trails, sweeping views of the city, and a historic reservoir.
- The Grotto: A serene and peaceful sanctuary featuring beautiful gardens, a meditation chapel, and a 62-acre park.
- Kennedy School: A unique hotel and entertainment venue housed in a former elementary school, featuring a movie theater, restaurant, and brewery.
- Cathedral Park: A picturesque park located under the St. Johns Bridge, featuring a beach, picnic areas, and views of the Willamette River.
- Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge: A wildlife preserve located in the heart of the city, featuring hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: A beautiful garden featuring over 2,500 rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as several ponds and water features.
These hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions are just a few of the many things to do in Portland that will help you discover the city’s unique charm and character.
Outdoor Adventures in Portland: Hiking, Biking, and More
Portland, Oregon is a nature lover’s paradise with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. From hiking to biking, here are some of the best ways to explore the great outdoors in and around Portland:
- Forest Park: With over 5,000 acres of forested land, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, offering miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Columbia River Gorge: Just a short drive from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge offers breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
- Powell Butte Nature Park: This park offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, as well as hiking and biking trails through meadows and forests.
- Mount Hood: A popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Mount Hood also offers hiking trails and scenic drives in the summer.
- Sauvie Island: Located just outside of Portland, this island offers opportunities for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and kayaking.
- Tryon Creek State Natural Area: This park features hiking trails through a lush forest, as well as a nature center with educational exhibits.
- Wildwood Trail: This 30-mile trail winds through Forest Park, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding wilderness.
- Stub Stewart State Park: Located about an hour’s drive from Portland, this park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as camping and picnic areas.
- Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area: This wildlife refuge is located in the heart of the city and offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking.
- Tillamook State Forest: Located west of Portland, this forest offers hiking and biking trails through old-growth forests, as well as opportunities for fishing and camping.
These are just a few of the many outdoor adventures you can experience in and around Portland. With its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, Portland is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Summary
Portland, Oregon is a vibrant city with a plethora of tourist attractions and things to do. Whether you’re looking for fun activities to do in Portland tonight or planning a visit to the city, there is something for everyone. Some of the top things to do in Portland include visiting its many tourist attractions such as Forest Park, Columbia River Gorge, and Pittock Mansion. There are also many fun things to do in Portland for both adults and kids, including outdoor adventures like hiking and biking. Other must-see sights in Portland include the Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Alberta Arts District, and the Grotto. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Portland is a popular travel destination for tourists.
