Things To Do
Eat, Drink, Shop, Stroll: Mississippi Ave
We lived over here for quite some time, so we're biased, but N Mississippi Ave has it all. This historic avenue is a haven for those seeking a blend of indie boutiques, cozy cafes, lively bars, and a rich tapestry of street art. We recommend Lovely's Fifty Fifty for pizza, Gravy for brunch, and Matt's BBQ for a food cart pod experience. If you want to shop Worn Path, Paxton Gate, and Flutter are all quintessential Portland shops. If you want to 'Sip crawl we'd start with margs at Por Que No, a seasonal cocktail at the Uncanny, a shot of Malort & round of pool at Crow Bar, Moloko for truly the weirdest vibes you'll ever encounter, and Prost for a stein.
Stroll: Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a 12.5-acre urban oasis in Washington Park, renowned as the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. It features eight distinct garden styles, including the Strolling Pond Garden, Flat Garden, and Sand and Stone Garden, along with an authentic Japanese Tea House. The garden offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, with meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a view of Mount Hood. It's also across the street from The International Rose Test Garden, so a trip to one makes a trip to the other rather convenient. Note: tickets are required for entry and we recommend purchasing them online for a specific time slot.
Stroll: International Rose Test Garden
The International Rose Test Garden is a public rose garden and testing ground located in Washington Park, known for being the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the U.S.. It features over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 610 different varieties. The garden is known for its fragrant blooms and panoramic views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood. It's also across the street from The Portland Japanese Garden, so a trip to one makes a trip to the other rather convenient. Entry is free!
Stroll or Hike: Forest Park
Not many cities back right up against 5,200 acres of wilderness full of old-growth trees and 80 miles of hiking trails. If you're looking for a quick taste of Oregon nature without hiking boots, the Wildwood and Lower Macleay Trail that starts at Lower Macleay Park offers a 3 mile, low-elevation out and back walk through towering trees, babbling creeks, and the mossy "Witches Castle". The best part is it's a 10 minute walk to a slice and pint at Queer-Owned Pizza Thief/Bandit Bar (where you can find Vic every Monday night after Dodgeball with their teammates). Check out the link for a list of other trails if you're looking for a less-crowded or more challenging adventure.
Shop: Powell's City of Books
Powell's Books the world's largest independent bookstore, known for its vast selection of new, used, and rare books. Their flagship store, Powell's City of Books, occupies an entire city block in Portland, Oregon, boasting over 1 million books. We highly recommend a visit if you're headed downtown.
Shop: Memory Den Vintage Mall
Memory Den Vintage Mall is one of our favorite date spots. It's the city's largest vintage mall, located in a two-story 1937 warehouse and houses over 160 local vendors offering a wide variety of vintage items, including clothing, furniture, home goods, toys, and art. Beyond shopping, Memory Den offers a unique experience with a bar, giant chess, and a library. If you love to vintage shop like we do, we recommend leaving some space in your suitcase ;)
Relax: CASCADA Thermal Springs
Even if you're not staying at Cascada, they've got a unique underground thermal spa experience offering a variety of amenities including a 3-hour thermal spa session, a social conservatory with a warm pool, and a silent underground sanctuary with mineral pools and other thermal features.
Eat: Food Cart Pods
Food cart pods are collections of food carts clustered together in a single location, often with designated seating and other amenities, offering a diverse culinary experience for everyone in your group. They are a hallmark of Portland's food culture! The one pictured here is the Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart pod but wherever you're staying, you can just search 'food cart' on your map and if multiple pins pop up in one place, that's likely a pod too!
Drink: Bar Nina FKA Les Caves
Wine Bar Basement (David-approved).
Eat: Bamboo Sushi
Bamboo Sushi is a sushi restaurant known for its sustainable practices and commitment to using responsibly sourced ingredients. Bamboo offers a variety, including nigiri, sashimi, and signature rolls, along with other Japanese-inspired dishes like wagyu burgers and fried rice.
Eat, Drink: C'est Si Bon! Bistro+Vins
One of Southeast Portland's Central Eastside's best restaurants, C'est Si Bon! Bistro+Vins is a cozy and casual fine dining French restaurant that specializes in thoughtful, modern French bistro cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients. (Wines are also David-approved.)
Drink, Snack: Scotch Lodge
Whiskey-focused cocktail bar with elevated Pacific Northwest-inspired small plates & a vintage vibe.
Eat: Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw is known for its unique, chef-driven ice cream flavors made with local ingredients, served in freshly made waffle cones. Even just walking past is worth the whiff.