There are so many things to do in Portland, Oregon that I never get tired of visiting. Since it’s under three hours driving from Seattle, we visit often, and I’m always finding new reasons to love the City of Roses. There’s art, museums, parks, music, shopping, and my favorite, excellent foodie-centric restaurants for every palate.
Portland is one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations in the Pacific Northwest because it’s big enough to keep you busy, but not too big to leave you overwhelmed and exhausted. If you’re ready to tackle your Portland bucket list, keep reading for my ultimate guide on planning your next PDX getaway!
26 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
In this post, I’ll list off my favorite activities to do in Portland, Oregon and highlight what makes them special. I’ll also share tips on getting the most out of your experience.
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Is Portland, Oregon worth visiting?
Yes! Portland is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to explore, whether it’s a new food cart pod or shop cluster. This means you can quite literally never stop discovering new things to do in the city.
What is Portland, Oregon famous for?
Portland is known for being a quirky, artsy city that marches to its own beat. If you’ve ever watched the show Portlandia, you’ll know that its residents tend to be eco-friendly liberals who give a damn about small businesses, the environment, and all communities no matter their race or gender identity. In terms of specific attractions they’re best known for, you can expect to find plenty of these in PDX:
- Food cart pods
- Locally-roasted coffee
- Thrift shops
- Art museums
- Craft beer
- Independent music
What is there to do in Portland, Oregon?
Now to the fun part, all the fun things to do in PDX! Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more things to do in Portland, OR as I discover them!
Quintessential things to do in Portland, OR
There are certain things Portland is notorious for, but they’re not always worth it. These are the quintessential PDX activities that I think are worth the time.
Visit Washington Park
website | neighborhood: Arlington Heights (get directions) | price: free to enter, with some attractions charging admission | best for: huge park
Washington Park is one of the oldest parks in the city, originally developed in the 1870s. With over 410 acres, it’s one of the city’s most bustling parks with tons to do. There are even hiking trails and a free shuttle to transport you around the park.
Here are some of my favorite places to visit within Washington Park.
International Rose Test Garden
From late May through October, check out the over 600 rose varieties blooming in the park. The International Rose Test Garden has been utilized since WWI as a testing ground for new rose varieties. While the war was raging, growers sent roses from around the world to test in the gardens. About 10-12 varieties are replaced each year, so there are always new species to check out.
Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden includes 12 acres with eight unique garden styles. The garden was founded at the heels of WWII as a healing moment for Japanese citizens during the turmoil. Today, it’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Note, there is a fee to enter the park.
Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum was developed to protect endangered species and educate the community. There are 12 miles of hiking trails and thousands of tree species, including multiple species of Redwoods.
Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is perfect for families hoping to spend a few hours casually observing the animals. Over 200 species from around the world are represented, and they even have all ages Zoo Nights in the summer with food trucks and live music.
Tour Pittock Mansion
website | neighborhood: Kings Heights (get directions) | price: ~$12-16pp | best for: historical mansion
Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style château built in 1914 as a private home for the famous Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana. Today, it’s a romantic historical mansion that offers tours and a glimpse into Portland’s early history. If you don’t want to pay to enter the mansion, the grounds are worth checking out in and of themselves. They offer beautiful views of the Portland skyline with Mt. Hood in the distance!
Pro tip: You can hike here from Washington Park via the 3.6-mile Wildwood Trail (7 miles roundtrip). It can be difficult in areas, but it weaves through overgrown forest through ravines!
Walk Through Forest Park
website | neighborhood: Northwest Portland (get directions) | price: free | best for: hiking
Forest Park has 80+ miles of trails, including the popular Wildwood Trail. It offers a refuge from the city thanks to the hundreds of native wildlife and plant species. One of my favorite hikes is to Witch’s Castle, a former bathroom turned “haunted” cobblestone ruins covered in graffiti that’s considered a Portland rite of passage.
Experience the food carts
No trip to Portland is complete without eating at the food carts. Many of the best places to eat in Portland Oregon are food carts, trucks, and pods. I’d argue it’s the thing that Portland is best known for.
There are a ton of pods to choose from. For example, Matt’s BBQ Tacos is a stand-out for their Texan breakfast tacos. Tokyo Sando has classic Japanese sandwiches. Egyptian Bros offers comforting Mediterranean food. All of them are located in bustling pods perfect for a self-guided food crawl!
Check out Waterfront Park
website | neighborhood: Pearl District (get directions) | price: free | best for: waterfront
Formerly a bustling highway, Waterfront Park features 36 acres of strollable, bikeable public park trails alongside conveniently-located waterfront restaurants and shops. There are even picnic tables and benches poised for boat watching.
Peruse the Portland Saturday Market
website | neighborhood: Old Town (get directions) | price: free | best for: food and crafts
The Portland Saturday Market is a who’s who of local craft and food vendors. It’s more craft and food focused than a farmer’s market, though you’ll likely catch a flower vendor in peak season, and you’ll surely walk away with some unique gifts for family. It can be a bit touristy, but its right near the water and makes for a nice stop after walking along the river.
Relax at the Lan Su Chinese Garden
website | neighborhood: Pearl District (get directions) | price: ~$16pp | best for: Chinese culture
The Lan Su Chinese Gardens are a mix of botanical gardens featuring rare plants native to China and part homage to Chinese architecture. There’s decorative stonework, a tea shop, and a relaxing pond for meditating and koi peeping. During Lunar New Year, they adorn the gardens with colorful lanterns and animal sculptures that light up the paths at night.
Fun things to do in Portland, OR
Now onto the activities that are truly fun for the whole family. Here are my top creative activities everyone will enjoy!
Bike around the city
Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, even more than Eugene, Oregon. Since one of my favorite things to do in Eugene Oregon is to ride the trails, you can imagine how much fun you’d have biking around PDX.
As for trails, Springwater Corridor is one of the best. It’s a scenic 21-mile paved trail that takes you from downtown Portland to Boring, Oregon. It’s wide and separated from the main road, so it’s ideal for families or towing the little ones in a trailer. If you want to extend your bike, head to the Eastbank Esplanade that weaves along the Willamette River in downtown Portland.
Prefer a guided bike tour with rentals included? Check out these tour options:
- Essential Portland Oregon Bike and E-Bike Tour
- Bike Around Portland Oregon: Art, Culture, Bridges, Poetry
- Portland Oregon Foodie Field Trip By Bike and E-bike
Snap a pic of the Portland sign from Burnside Bridge
One of the most iconic pictures of Portland is of the Portland sign. You can access it from the north side of the Burnside Bridge sidewalk. I suggest going after dark so you can see it illuminated.
Explore the breweries on a self-guided tour
Portland is a craft beer-centric city, with over 70 in the Portland area alone. This self-guided tour includes the must-visit breweries in downtown Portland, along with add-ons like the iconic Voodoo Doughnuts or the Saturday Market.
Prefer an inclusive guided tour? Book one of these:
- Weird Portland Pub Tour
- Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings
- Portland Oregon Breweries By Bike and E-bike
- Haunted Pub Tour
Shop around trendy neighborhoods
I’ve discovered many of my favorite antique shops and gift shops in Portland, which makes sense given the number of trendy neighborhoods in the city. Here are some of my favorite Portland neighborhoods for shopping:
- Alberta – Independent shops, galleries, and crafts
- 23rd Ave in Nob Hill – Hub for vintage clothes and local makers
- Downtown Portland – Mainstream clothing stores mixed with indie shops
- Mississippi Ave – Boutiques, independent shoe stores, and plant shops
- Buckman – Vintage and upcycled gems
- Division – Antiques and consignment
Visit the farmers markets
Portland farmers markets are not to be missed, and many rival the best Seattle farmers markets. My favorite market is the PSU Farmer’s Market that’s open on Saturdays. It’s huge and there are rows of fresh produce and unique crafts.
If you can’t make it to PSU’s, there’s the Shemanski Park Farmers Market and Kenton Farmers Market on Wednesdays, and the King Farmers Market and Lents International Farmers Market on Sundays.
Catch views at Council Crest and Mt. Tabor
Viewpoints are kinda my thing, and Portland has plenty to boot. The best view by far is the one from Council Crest Park that overlooks the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier. There’s also Mt. Tabor Park, which offers unfettered views of the Portland skyline and Mount Hood. Or, for a more hidden gem spot, check out Joseph Hill Wood Park.
Play at the Hopscotch Museum
website | neighborhood: Buckman (get directions) | price: ~$15-24pp | best for: immersive experience
Hopscotch is an immersive art experience that brings local and traveling artists together to collaborate and tell stories through different mediums. Interactive installations and introspective exhibits are designed to encourage exploration and entertain in unique ways. This interactive museum has a ton of photo moments, so get your camera ready!
Experience the Winter Light Festival
website | neighborhood: various | price: free | best for: winter fun
If you’re visiting Portland in February, take the family around town to explore the Light Festival. The city comes alive at night with illuminated art installations, live events, fire sculptures, and more. It’s all free, so it’s the perfect way to spend an evening.
What to do in Portland, Oregon when it rains
Portland is a rainy city, rainier than Seattle even. Thankfully, there’s still plenty to do in this city despite the dreary weather. Here are the best rainy day activities in Portland.
Visit Powell’s City of Books
website | neighborhood: Pearl District (get directions) | price: free to enter | best for: independent bookstore
Powell’s Books is a Portland institution. It’s the world’s largest independent bookstore, occupying an entire city block. Plan on needing at least an hour or two to fully experience the store, more if you’re traveling with a bookworm.
Pro tip: The Burnside Street location is the OG, but there’s also one on Hawthorne and Cedar Hills in Beaverton.
Learn at the OMSI
website | neighborhood: East Portland (get directions) | price: ~$15-20pp | best for: family-friendly science museum
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is basically a kid’s dream come true. In addition to interactive science exhibits, there’s a Lego model of Jurassic Park, a planetarium, and even a submarine tour.
Visit the Portland Art Museum
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | price: ~$25pp | best for: art museum
In addition to being the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, the PAM is prized for its encyclopedic collection and special exhibits. There are over 42,000 art pieces, with strengths in PNW art, Native Northwest Coastal art, and post-WWII American photography.
Treat yourself to a spa day
Oftentimes, the highlight of my vacation is discovering a new spa, and Portland is teeming with them. Cascada is part hotel, part wellness sanctuary, and offers thermal springs, massage, and luxury spa treatments.
Knot Springs is a high-end health club with fitness classes, thermal pools, a sauna, and a massage studio. Or, dip in the soaking pool at the McMenamin’s Ruby Spa Salon at Edgefield in Troutdale, then book a couple’s massage and organic facial.
Catch a sports game
If you’re into sports, you’ll be pleased to know Portland boasts some great leagues. The Portland Trail Blazers basketball league plays at the Moda Center. Or, there’s the Portland Timbers (men’s soccer) and the Portland Thorns (women’s soccer) playing at Providence Park.
Listen to live music
While Seattle may be known for its music scene, Portland is not that far behind. Mississippi Studios is owned and operated by musicians, for musicians. Dante’s offers live music from local and traveling artists nightly, or check out the Alberta Rose Theater, a former movie theater turned bumping music venue with incredible acoustics.
Explore the coffee scene
I’m not too proud to admit that I’m a coffee snob, but that’s okay because Portland has my back. The best Portland coffee roasters maintain the ideal balance between flavor and aroma of the coffee, along with the overall vibe of the shop.
Upper Left Roasters is a PDX community hub, and their small-batch single-origin coffees are expertly paired with their freshly made sandwiches. Cafe Zamora is another favorite for their unique story and reasonably priced, self-grown beans from Guatemala.
More to do in PDX
Want more ideas for things to do in Portland, Oregon? Check out my other guides to the Rose City and nearby areas:
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