Best Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

Are you looking for what to do in Portland?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Oregon Zoo: If you are an animal lover, you are bound to love this zoo. But even if you don’t quite like animals, you would be delighted to see the wide variety of animal species in the Oregon zoo for sure. Packy, is undoubtedly the highlight of the zoo being the oldest male elephant alive in Oregon.
  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: Wondering what to do in Portland while visiting with kids? The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the place to be. The museum is home to a planetarium, wide collection of travel exhibits, a giant-screen theatre, a navy submarine and a lot more.
  • The Portland Visitors Information Center: The Portland Visitors Information Center located in downtown at Pioneer Courthouse Square is replete with relevant guidance and tips in the form of broachers and Portland Visitors maps.

THINGS TO DO

  • Oneonta Gorge: The Oneonta Gorge is sure to mesmerize your senses with its gorgeous view. The gorge is situated between two hills making hiking a part of a visit to this place. One of the things to do in Portland if you are an outdoorsy type.
  • Forest Park: The Forest Park is replete with tall trees, plenty of hiking trails that go from easy to difficult, biking trails, equestrian, trails and vista points. Visiting Portland and not visiting the Forest Park should be considered a crime!
  • Shopping: From established brands to street stalls and souvenir boutiques, shopping in Portland is fun, not only because of the fabulous variety but because Sales Tax is not applicable in Portland. You won’t burn a hole in your pocket while shopping in the city! Some shopping destinations- downtown Portland,  Pearl District, Nob Hill and Lloyd Centre.
  • Nightlife: With many microbreweries and hundreds of bars, Portland’s nightlife is vibrant, exhilarating and intoxicating. Some recommendations- Big Al’s (Sports Bar), Ringlers Pub (live music), Vie de Boheme (winery) and The Alibi Tiki Lounge (Karaoke).

Below we have a list of things to do in Portland and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Portland getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Portland with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Portland

Here is the list of things to do in Portland and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

    Outdoors, Hiking Trail, Scenic Drive

    The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is stretched over 292,500 acres connecting the Sandy River with the Deschutes. The river takes its course through Oregon and three Washington counties which contribute to the serene beauty of this Gorge. Volcanoes and floods effortlessly carved a brilliant path down the steep Rocky Mountains leaving behind the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. The ...Read more
  2. International Rose Test Garden

    Garden, Park

    With the fear of decimation, a responsible citizen had foreseen the threat of the European roses being subject to extinction during the bombing of the First World War. This very thought convinced the government ultimately giving birth to the International Rose Test Garden. In this sumptuous garden, you will get a chance to stroll amidst 10,000 blooming flowers belonging to about 500 different s...Read more
  3. Washington Park

    Museum, Children Museum, Park, Zoo

    This is a massive urban public park, 410 acres in size, with more activities packed into its premises than some small towns have. There are over 15 kilometres of trails criss-crossing a prettily landscaped area of diverse trees and flowers, grassy amphitheatres, ponds, miniature waterfalls, gardens, stone stairs, public art, tennis courts and soccer fields and picnic areas. Frankly, the place l...Read more
  4. Lan Su Chinese Garden

    4.6 (2927 Votes)
    Lan Su Chinese Garden

    Garden, Walking Area

    After the Japanese garden, the city of Portland is also home to a magnificent Chinese garden. At a short distance from the waterfront lies the beautiful Lan Su Chinese Garden which is the largest Suzhou style garden outside the country of China. The garden does complete justice in its attempt to reflect an authentic Chinese garden. The charm of the garden is credited to its lovely blooming flow...Read more
  5. Portland Japanese Garden

    4.5 (4154 Votes)
    Portland Japanese Garden

    Garden, Leisure, Nature

    The Portland Japanese Garden is actually made up of five different gardens namely; Flat Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden and Sand and Stone Garden. Each of these gardens exhibit peace and tranquility while depicting the Japanese tradition and culture. The designers of the garden believe that the quality of stones used in the garden are the prime most element to create a...Read more
  6. Willamette Valley

    4.6 (1586 Votes)
    Willamette Valley

    Food And Drinks, Winery, Valley, Vineyard

    The Willamette Valley has beautiful vineyards that have led to the presence of about 400 wineries. If Pinot Noir suits your taste, you are bound to enjoy your visit to this valley. You can easily sip on your wine amidst the greenery and breathtaking landscape the valley offers. In the valley, you will find an array fine-dine restaurants from where you can grab a delicious bite as well. Some of ...Read more
  7. Forest Park

    4.8 (2044 Votes)
    Forest Park

    Outdoors, Biking Trail, Adventure, Nature

    Portland is reputed of its greenery with ample of tress embracing the residents of the city. I bet as a tourist you won’t be able to neglect the beauty of the lush green vegetation that will lure you with its scenic beauty. The forest park is replete with tall trees, plenty of hiking trails that go from easy to difficult, biking trails, equestrian, trails and vista point. The forest park ...Read more
  8. Nike World Headquarters

    3.5 (467 Votes)
    Nike World Headquarters

    Museum

    Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon serves as an office and a nike museum that hosts various artefacts from Nike journey from more than 50 years ago. Visitors can take a bus to Nikes main campus where the nike headquarters tour begin. The buildings on the Nike campus are named after athletes that have signed various Nike endorsements. As you go on Nike campus tour to explore the places...Read more
  9. Pittock Mansion

    4.6 (2218 Votes)
    Pittock Mansion

    Architecture , Mansion

    The Pittock mansion is a beautiful architectural structure that was home to the pioneers of Portland. The Pittock Mansion reflects life how it was hundreds of years back from the perspective of the Portland pioneers. It’s a French Renaissance styled chateau whose interiors reflect the architectural style of Victorian Turkish and French forms. Trivia: The mansion has appeared in Hollywood ...Read more
  10. St. Johns Bridge

    4.7 (1832 Votes)
    St. Johns Bridge

    Park, Landmark, View Point, Bridge

    St. Johns Bridge is a steel suspension bridge that was built across the Willamette River in the city of Portland in the year 1931. This iconic piece of architecture is designated as a historical landmark in the city. A relaxing walk or a pleasant drive over this bridge would lead you to the historic downtown where the magnificent Cathedral Park and several sophisticated restaurants are located....Read more
  11. Oregon Zoo

    4.5 (2081 Votes)
    Oregon Zoo

    Outdoors, Zoo, Entertainment, Picnic Spot

    Of course, if you are an animal lover you are bound to love this zoo. Moreover you would be delighted to see the wide variety of animal species in the Oregon zoo for sure. Packy, is undoubtedly the highlight of the zoo being the oldest male elephant alive in Oregon. Kids are bound to enjoy this place more. Kids are more likely to enjoy the zoo as there is also a mini train that runs in the zoo ...Read more
  12. Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry

    Science Museum, Exhibition , Specialty Museum

    Age doesn’t matter at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as the museum has something exciting for everyone who walks in. However, kids are bound to enjoy this place more. The museum is home to a planetarium, wide collection of travel exhibits, a giant-screen theater, a navy submarine and a lot more. The museum has its special way of inducing fun with learning by teaming up jug of b...Read more
  13. Portland Art Museum

    4.7 (2040 Votes)
    Portland Art Museum

    Art Museum, Educational Site, Arts And Crafts

    Portland Art museum, also known as the Portland museum of art (PMA) is an old renowned museum with an extensive collection of contemporary art, remarkable holdings of Maine art, exhibitions, commendable American and European art work and a lot more. The museum exhibits an unparalleled display of antique arts that goes way beyond one's imagination. Th...Read more
  14. Pearl District

    Outdoors, Walking Area, Brewery, Restaurant

    Pear district in an area in the city of Portland that is replete with bars, restaurants, a brewery block, fascinating shops, art galleries and more. For those who love beer, the breweries offer a variety of craft beer flavors. The Pearl District area is beautified with street sculptures, while the museums in this part of the town are completely worth visiting. When in Portland do not miss out o...Read more
  15. Hoyt Arboretum

    Outdoors, Park, Hiking Trail, Adventure Sport

    Hoyt Arboretum is a lush green park with beautiful blooming flowers and hiking trails. This park is an ideal place for family outing and romantic evenings. The Arboretum is strategically located in the West Hills of Portland on the top of a ridge. Home to a gift shop, this park is decorated with paved paths while natural beauty abounds this picnic spot. If you are looking for a place to have qu...Read more

Portland
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  • my birthday is the 29th, ill be 30. any ideas on what to do?

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  • I will be visiting Portland next week. Any suggestions of things to do & attractions?

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    • When you are visiting Portland, Oregon, you can visit the Portland Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, Oregon Zoo, Portland Art Museum, International Rose Test Garden, and OMSI Science Store. Pamper your taste buds at Voodoo Doughnut and check if any events are organized at Pioneer Courthouse Square. You can also refer to the list of major tourist attractions in Portland given on this page above. 

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