Things To Do
International Rose Test Garden
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Unofficially known as the Portland Rose Garden, the space features more than 10,000 roses. The garden also offers spectacular views of downtown and Mount Hood. This garden is free to visit, and from Memorial Day through Labor day individuals, families and small groups can take a daily tour at 1 pm which meets at the Rose Garden Store. Parking is limited, so taking Trimet Bus Route 63 or walking is recommended.
Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum is Portland's free botanical garden, conservation lab, nature education hub, and tree museum in Washington Park. Hoyt Arboretum’s grounds are open from 5am to 10pm daily. Guided tours are available on the weekend for a $5/person fee, which are available on the website. There are two pay-to-park lots at the Visitor Center and one by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Parking costs $2/hour or $8/day and is enforced from 9:30am to 8pm daily, including holidays. Visitors can also ride the MAX light rail blue or red line to the Washington Park MAX Station, located over 200 feet underground, and take the elevator to the surface. The Trimet #63 route provides direct service between Washington Park’s north end – near the International Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden – and Pioneer Courthouse Square on SW 6th & Yamhill daily on the hour, every hour from 10 am-6 pm. The Free Explore Washington Park shuttle is running daily from 10am to 4pm daily.
Forest Park
At 5,200 acres, Portland's Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. With more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads, Forest Park stretches for more than seven miles along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, overlooking Northwest Portland and the convergence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Forest Park offers an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to experience a true Northwest forest without leaving the Portland city limits. The park is open every day of the year from 5am until 10pm. Maps with trailheads can be found on the website.
Mount Tabor
Portland is home to more than 200 delightful parks of all sizes and styles — but only one is built atop a volcano. In fact, Portland is one of six American cities with an extinct volcano within its limits, thanks to the 636-foot-tall (194 m) Mount Tabor. Experience this novelty by exploring 191-acre (77 ha) Mt. Tabor Park, a century-old public space known for its open-air reservoirs, annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone. This popular park features expansive views of the surrounding Portland area, picnic areas, natural-surface and paved paths, a dog off-leash area, a playground and a performance stage, plus tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. Parking is available within the park, but limited. Public Transit is available either via a Trimet 71- with accessibility from the MAX Green Line- or Trimet 15, accessible from all Trimet and Street Car lines in downtown. Open every day 5 a.m. - Midnight
Oregon Zoo
Advance online ticket reservations are required for all guests, including members and infants, and are available starting 10 days in advance of your visit. Tickets are emailed to you, along with information about preparing for your visit, parking and getting to the zoo, zoo amenities, admission terms and conditions and more. Tickets are $24 for 12 and up, $19 for ages 2-11. Tickets are not refundable. While parking is available, public transportation can also be used via the MAX blue and red lines, with direct access at the Washington Park station.
Portland Japanese Garden
When His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, visited Portland Japanese Garden, he proclaimed it to be “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” Designed in 1963, it encompasses 12 acres with eight separate garden styles, and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. Hours are Wednesday – Monday: 10:00am – 3:30pm. Tours are available at 10:15am and 12:15pm Wednesday-Monday and limited to 10 people and reservations are required via https://secure.japanesegarden.org/events?k=tours&view=list. PRICES (Tickets are Non-refundable): Adult: $21.95 Senior (65+): $18.95 Student (with ID): $17.95 Youth (6-17): $15.95 Note that parking is limited; taking the Trimet #63 bus is recommended.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Opening in September 2000, Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city famous for its beautiful Ming dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou and is one the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. It’s an inspiring, serene setting for meditation, quiet thought, and tea served by The Tao of Tea in the authentic Teahouse at Tower of Cosmic Reflections. Lan Su also offers 1-2 interpretive public tours led by expert horticulturalists daily. Tours are 45-60 minutes in length. Free with membership or admission; no registration required. Open 10 AM to 7 PM daily. Admission: Free — Members $14.00 — Adult (age 14-61) $13.00 — Senior (age 62 & over) / Student (18+ with I.D.) $11.00 — Youth (age 6-18) Free — Child (5 and under)
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Since 1950, the American Rhododendron Society (later the Portland Chapter) developed, designed and continues to steward the collection of rhododendrons and companion plants at Crystal Springs in partnership with the Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau. A unique 9.5-acre garden, Crystal Springs contains an outstanding collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and other lesser-known ericaceous plants, as well as many companion plants and unusual trees. Parking is limited. Public transportation is available via Trimet Bus 19, accessible via the Orange Line Hours: Thursday-Tuesday: 10 AM- 3:30 PM Wednesday: 1 PM- 3 PM Admission: 10+: $5, Free admission on Monday
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is a historic house museum in Portland, Oregon operated by the Pittock Mansion Society in collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation. It's famous for its views of the city and Mt. Hood. Summer Hours are 10am–5pm (12pm-5pm on Tuesdays). Ticket Prices (Note these are for the home only, and do not include the grounds): Adults: $14.50 Seniors (65+): $12.50 Youth (ages 6–18): $10.50 Parking is available but, due to the site's popularity in the summer, ride share is recommended.
Portland Saturday Market
Nationally recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country, PSM is proud to provide a marketplace for local small businesses creating handmade arts, crafts and foods from the Pacific Northwest. Open Saturdays 10 AM - 5 PM. Ride the MAX blue or red lines or TriMet bus (routes 12, 16, 19, 20) and exit at the Skidmore Fountain Station, or park at the nearby Naito & Davis Parking Garage. Receive a free return ticket or 2 hours validate garage parking for a minimal $25 purchase from our vendors at the red information trailer.
Providence Park
Home of the Portland Timbers MLS and Portland Thorns NWSL teams. Timber's tickets start from $25-$40. Note that the Thorns do not seem to be playing a home game during the time period of the wedding.
Powell's City of Books
Powell's Books is a chain of bookstores in Portland, Oregon, and its surrounding metropolitan area. Its flagship store in Downtown Portland, dubbed Powell's City of Books, claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. It occupies a full city block between NW 10th and 11th Avenues and between W. Burnside and NW Couch Streets. It contains over 68,000 square feet (6,300 square metres), about 1.6 acres of retail floor space, and has nine color-coded rooms and over 3,500 different sections. In 2016, CNN rated it one of the "coolest" bookstores in the world. Open every day 10 AM- 9 PM
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum has 240,000 square feet, with more than 112,000 square feet of gallery space. The museum’s permanent collection has over 42,000 works of art. PAM features a center for Native American art, a center for Northwest art, a center for modern and contemporary art, permanent exhibitions of Asian art, and an outdoor public sculpture garden. The Northwest Film Center is also a component of Portland Art Museum. The museum is easily accessible via Portland Street Car. Parking is also available nearby. HOURS: Wednesday- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ADMISSION: Adults: $25 Seniors (62 – up): $22 College Students (18 – up, with Student ID): $22 Children (17 – younger): Free
Portland Aerial Tram - Lower Terminal
The Portland Aerial Tram connects the city's South Waterfront district and the main Oregon Health & Science University campus located in the Marquam Hill neighborhood. It is one of only two commuter aerial tramways in the United States, the other being New York City's Roosevelt Island Tramway. The tram travels a horizontal distance of 3,300 feet and a vertical distance of 500 feet in a ride that lasts three minutes, with scenic views of the city, Willamette River, and, on clear days, Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens. At the top, an observation deck adjacent to the Tram allows visitors to see the surrounding region as well as the unique, colorful design of the Marquam Hill Tram Terminal. Access is available via the NS Street Car transferring at OSHU station. It is recommended not to visit during Rush Hour. Hours: Weekdays 5:30am to 9:30pm Saturdays: 9am to 5pm Fare is $7 round trip, free for 6 and under.
OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a science and technology museum in Portland, Oregon, United States. It contains three auditoriums, including a large-screen theatre; a planetarium; five different specialized exhibit halls with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits focused on natural sciences, industry, and technology; a planetarium; and a submarine exhibit. Parking is available for $5/day in the OMSI lot. Public transport access is also available via the Red and Blue Street Car lines and MAX Orange lines. Summer Hours: Sunday to Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. General admission: Adult (14+) $12.00 Youth (3-13) $8.00 Senior (63+) $10.00 Submarine Tour: $8.50 Planetarium Show: $7.50 Movie Ticket Admission: Adult (14+) $7.50 Youth (3-13) $6.00 Senior (63+) $6.50
Music Millennium
The Pacific Northwest's Oldest Record Store, open since 1969. It also has one of the largest collections of New and Used Vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays in the city. Also offering merchandise such as posters, toys, games, and other novelties. As people who know and love music, Music Millennium has also hosted an array of in-store performances and autograph appearances over the years, including the likes of Richard Thompson, Luscious Jackson, Loreena McKennitt, Maureen McCormick (aka "Marcia Brady"), Blue Rodeo, Shonen Knife, Matthew Sweet, Soundgarden, Mike Watt, Don Walser, Sheryl Crow, Randy Newman, Everclear, Jewel, Little Feat, Susannah Hoffs and Cheap Trick to name a few. Be sure to check out the events calendar to see who's coming next! Hours: Mon-Sat : 10 am - 10 pm Sun : 11 am - 9 pm Parking is limited. Public transportation is available via the Trimet #20 bus.
Goose Hollow Inn
Goose Hollow Inn is a classic Portland tavern (so don't call to book a room) opened in 1967 by former mayor Bud Clark. The pub is going strong and is still owned and operated by the Clark Family. Locally famous for its Ruben sandwich and for having a MAX stop placed directly in front of it by the mayor during planning, Budweiser once credited the Goose Hollow Inn with selling more of their beer per square foot than any other tavern in the United States. Open every day 11 AM- 10 PM.
RingSide Steakhouse
Recognized as the leader in Portland steakhouses since 1944, RingSide Steakhouse has garnered more than 40 regional and national awards throughout its history. On a National level, RingSide has not only garnered accolades in the wine world but has been awarded with Tom Horan’s America’s Top Ten Hall of Fame; Great Steakhouses of North America and the much coveted DiRoNA Award of Excellence – from Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Most famous are the onion rings, which James Beard of the James Beard Award fame once claimed to be "…the best I’ve ever had.” Hours: 4:30PM - 9:00PM MON - THURS 4:00PM - 9:30PM FRI & SAT 4:00PM - 9:00PM SUN
Lardo
Starting life as a food cart in SE Portland, rarely has a spot been so aptly named. Rocking an ancient charcuterie moniker that truly serves as a harbinger of things to come, Lardo is a sandwich shop that worships at the altar of bovine & swine. Pushing a menu that features pork drenched double burgers, a giant meatball Banh Mi, and hand-cut french fries (again) smothered in pork, Lardo also has beer. Lots of beer, actually. Rotating taps of knee-buckling craft brew greatness, backed-up with a refreshing mix of premium cocktails. Operating on both sides of the river, Lardo serves as a mecca for those seeking a uniquely smash-mouth deli experience. Open 11 AM- 10 PM
Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town
This iconic Portland doughnut shop with the catchphrase "The Magic is in the Hole" sells inventive doughnuts topped with ingredients like bacon and bubblegum. This cozy corner shop attracts lines of doughnut worshippers from breakfast until last call. A social scene unto itself, the line for Voodoo can wrap around the block and is packed with anxious eaters. They come to sink their teeth into raised yeast treats like the Bacon Maple Bar (a multi-flavored handful, topped with rich frosting and crunchy meat candy), the Oh Captain, My Captain (a circular celebration crowned with Captain Crunch cereal) and the Old Dirty Bastard (a guilty pleasure piled high with chocolate frosting, crushed Oreos and peanut butter). HOURS: Mon: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Tues: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Wed: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Thurs: 7 a.m. - 3 a.m. Fri: 5 a.m. - 3 a.m. Sat: 5 a.m. - 3 a.m. Sun: 5 a.m. - 3 a.m.
Huber's Cafe
Established in 1879, Huber's is Portland's oldest restaurant. Continuing with the tradition of preparing turkey dinners since the 1800s, Huber's prepares around 100 pounds of turkey each day to make "at least a dozen different dishes including the classic turkey dinner, hot and cold sandwiches, turkey marsala, cordon bleu, piccata, gumbo, drumsticks and wings, and Chinese barbecue turkey." panish coffee has become the signature drink of Huber's, introduced by Jim Louie after "stealing" the idea from a bar in Milwaukie known as Fernwood Inn. Spanish coffee is made tableside with "great flair" and consists of rum, triple sec, Kahlúa, coffee, whipped cream, and nutmeg. In 1990, Huber's earned the distinction as the largest user of Kahlúa in the United States by an independent restaurant. Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:00pm Friday - Saturday: 11:30am - 11:00pm Sunday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm Happy Hour: 4pm - 6:30pm and 9pm - Close
Lovely's Fifty/Fifty
Featured in Netflix's Chef's Table: Pizza, Lovely's Fifty/Fifty specializes in pizza and ice cream featuring Oregon-grown fruits, vegetables, and flour for hearty, flavorful pies that change on a week-to-week basis. Hours are 5-10 PM Daily
Eem
At this rollicking, sweat-inducing, “Thai barbecue cocktail” joint on North Williams, the bar turns loose umbrella drinks fused with cocktail classics, often adorned with orchids, embedded with flashing lights, or sloshing in vintage sea creature mugs. (Don’t miss the no proof drinks: shaken, salty-maple Coca-Cola to an egg-rich, nutmeg-cloaked Thai tea flip.) Curries are the high point of the menu—five lip-tinglers, three of them tangled with daily-smoked meats from food cart-phenom Matt Vicedomini. The star is the white curry with brisket burnt ends is the star around which Eem revolves, its easy-to-love Thai broth (creamy, hot, sweet) teeming with smoky charred meat from the Austin school of barbecue. Hours: Friday-Saturday 11AM–3PM, 5PM–12AM Sunday-Thursday 11AM–3PM, 5–10PM
Ken's Artisan Pizza
Named the second best pizza in the world by travel website Big 7 Travel and one of the top 20 pizzerias in the US by travel publication Trips to Discover and Italian pizza publication 50 Top Pizza all in 2022, this 16-year-old wood-fired pizzeria offers 12 inch pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients, such as braised oxtail and fennel, and served with a beautifully blistered crust. Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 5 pm to 9 pm Friday & Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm Sunday from 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Kachka
Kachka sparked a Russian food revolution when Bonnie and Israel Morales opened their Portland restaurant in 2014. James Beard Award nominated Chef/Co-Owner Bonnie Morales cooks the food of the former Soviet Union, including many dishes inspired by those she grew up eating in her Belarusian family. Kachka is considered by many to be the best Russian restaurant in the country, and is the only Portland restaurant to be included in America’s Essential Restaurants of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 by Eater. Kachka was named one of GQ’s Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2015 and Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurant nominees in 2015, and was a semifinalist for 2015’s James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. The restaurant is also well known for replace tipping with a 22% service fee in order to provide a minimum wage of $25 per hour and free healthcare for all employees. Hours: Dinner Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Northwest 23rd Avenue
NW 23rd avenue, also known as Nob Hill, is a perfect neighborhood to explore on foot with lots of one-of-a-kind boutiques, national retailers, and delicious eateries. Best of all, two blocks away on NW 21st avenue, there are more opportunities for strolling, shopping, and eating. Restaurants range from St. Jacks and Papa Haydn to The Pharmacy Bar PDX and Ken's Artisan Bakery— and don't forget to sample a deliciously uncommon ice cream flavor at the famously quirky Salt & Straw. You can also visit the Nob Hill Food Carts, with the famous Bing Mi and Farmer and the Beast food carts, the latter considered one of the best burgers in Portland. Unique shops include Paxton Gate, Sloan Boutique, Portland Leather Goods, Tender Loving Empire and Betsy & Iya jewelry. And don't forget to take a look at the strange and the weird at The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum!
Alberta Arts District
If you’re looking for delicious food, art, a creative vibe, cool boutique shops, and awesome murals, take a stroll along with the Alberta Arts District. This district in Portland, Oregon, has a distinctively independent feel with vibrant murals and wood-framed and historic shopfronts. When passing through Alberta Arts District, almost all bars, restaurants, and dress shops function as galleries with several artists represented on every wall. These depict the district’s devotion to art. The Alberta Arts District exudes earth tones which are relatively distinct from other places in the city, reflecting its Asian, African-American, and Latino sensibilities. The district is not typically considered a neighborhood. However, its dynamic and unique vibe are qualities that attract visitors from all over the city.
Boise
North Portland’s Boise neighborhood is one of liveliest and most desirable enclaves in all of PDX. One of the most unique and most popular close-in Portland neighborhoods. Williams and Mississippi Avenues have become bustling residential and commercial areas over the past decade, lined with all manner of quirky local businesses and much-loved bars and eateries, and a large food cart pod at the top of it. Plus the neighborhood is just a few blocks from the MAX Train on Interstate- there is a footbridge that goes over I-5 to Interstate and the stop is right there! Head over to the Prost Marketplace Food Carts and avoid any breakfast, lunch, or dinner indecisiveness! There’s something for everyone (even the little ones) from Koi Fusion, Native Bowl, and Matt’s BBQ for meals, to Bloodbuzz for handcrafted cocktails. Check out classic bars like The Rambler or Bar Bar, or have try some beers and unique hot sauce at Alefire!
Sellwood - Moreland
Come check out this quirky little town located within Portland's borders! Located just three miles south of downtown Portland, the Sellwood Moreland neighborhood is brimming with unique shops, tasty food and fabulous adventures. Stroll through a verdant riverfront park, catch a raucous roller derby match, enjoy the revival of historic buildings, shop vintage markets, and admire flourishing flora and fauna in Sellwood-Moreland. With several major thoroughfares -Southeast Milwaukie Avenue, Southeast 13th Avenue and Southeast Bybee Boulevard- at the edges of these quiet residential streets, the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood is packed with restaurants, food cart pods, bars and cafes, with an impressive array of international fare. Just off the Sellwood Bridge and on the riverfront find Oak Amusement Park. Since 1905 this quaint amusement park has been providing rides, carnival games and food, a roller rink, and a perfect place for family fun.
Hawthorne
When most people think of Portland they picture an area full of happy hippy's, quirky independent little shops and restaurants, and lots of other stereo types. Hawthorne is this area. “Bohemian” might be a good word to describe the area, but nobody really uses that word anymore since it’s slightly vague and kind of old-fashioned. Just think of it as that cool area with thrift stores and bike lanes and lots of eccentric artsy people among its population. SE Hawthorne Boulevard is the main artery running through the district. If you’ve seen any episodes of Portlandia, there’s a decent chance you’ve seen scenes that were set in this area. Spanning 43 blocks, in old storefronts find thrift shopping, cozy bookstores, fine and casual dining, and a perfect espresso as you wander this locally beloved So neighborhood. And the Hawthorne District offers a nature escape at Mount Tabor, the extinct volcano in Portland that has hiking trails, tennis and basketball courts, and a view of downtown.
Multnomah Falls
The tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon, Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million visitors stopping by each year to take in the views. A waterfall as magnificent and memorable as any in the country is located just a 30- minute drive outside of Portland. Visiting Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring, awe-inspiring cascade of icy water, lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close and with ease. From the parking area off of I-84, a 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls. Access is available via shuttle. Provided by Columbia Area Transit (CAT), the Columbia Gorge Express offers $10 daily service from East Portland’s Gateway Transit Center to Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River, Mosier (by request only) and The Dalles.
Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is celebrated for its more than 700 wineries, recently named the "Next Napa" by Time Magazine in its list of "World's Greatest Places", one of only five places in the US to make the list. Yet Oregon Wine Country is home to so much more. The Willamette Valley is comprised of four regions: -The northern Willamette Valley teems with rolling hillsides that showcase the region’s agricultural roots in towns like Canby and Yamhill. -The heart of the Willamette Valley provides a mix of the region's best features with farm and food trails along the Willamette River through towns like Salem and Corvallis. -Check out the historic covered bridges and larger-than-life murals in towns like Eugene and Cottage Grove in the Southern Valley. -Finally, go to the West Cascades area for some of the United States’ best mountain bike trails, along with whitewater rafting and fantastic hiking in towns like Silverton and Blue River.
Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock towers on the shoreline, a massive towering rock formation off the coast, with adjacent stone “needles”, vibrant tidepools, and flocks of seabirds adorning the landmark. Waterfalls cascade onto the sand at Hug Point. Nearby Ecola State Park is perched dramatically on the edge of a headland and offers panoramic coastal views, easy walking paths to scenic picnic areas, and extensive hiking trails. It’s no wonder National Geographic listed Cannon Beach as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world in 2013. Cannon Beach is a famous, picturesque small-town village by the sea. It’s been recognized as the “best overall beach in Oregon”, and one of the world’s most beautiful places. Known as one of the Northwest’s top art towns, Cannon Beach is replete with art galleries, specialty shops, cafes, and fine dining restaurants. Visitors can watch glass blowers at work in their studio or attend year-round live theater performances.
Astoria
With Victorian-era homes etched into hills overlooking the Columbia River, this picturesque settlement (the oldest west of the Rockies) is a port city with Scandinavian flavor. Surrounded by forests, boasting three rivers and situated a stone’s throw away from the Pacific, Astoria is a fishing village-meets-Victoriana, chockablock with forts, museums and great local brews. Astoria has been through boom and bust times more than once, weathering the collapse of both the Columbia River fishery and Oregon timber industry. It has risen once again as a cultural haven, often referred to as “little San Francisco.” Astoria is an old place that is newly hip. Here, Victorian mansions and maritime relics live in harmony with chef-driven restaurants and tattoo parlors. Make sure some time out to pass by the home from "The Goonies" and "Free Willy" as well!