Portland, OR

Oregon

United States

North America

Portland is one of the most interesting, dynamic cities in the United States. It's the quintessential Pacific Northwest city, with a thriving art scene and a diverse community. The downtown area is home to all sorts of attractions ranging from serene parks and gardens to magnificent museums and Kafkaesque strangeness.

Portland is one of the most fascinating, dynamic cities in the United States. It's the quintessential Pacific Northwest city, with a thriving art scene and a diverse community. The downtown area is home to all sorts of attractions ranging from serene parks and gardens to magnificent museums and Kafkaesque strangeness. There are a number of unusual, unique activities and destinations that promise to be the most fun you'll ever have while completely bewildered. It's not a coincidence that the city motto is 'keep Portland weird.'
<h2>Visit St. Johns Bridge and the Cathedral Park</h2>
The St. Johns Bridge is a stark, imposing steel suspension bridge that’s as impressive as it is massive. The bridge itself has a distinct, gothic style that characterizes every part of the structure. Beneath the bridge, you can visit the beautiful Cathedral Park—an excellent, unusual spot to relax in the sun or enjoy a picnic with friends or family. It derives its name from the artistic flair of the bridge supports, which bear a resemblance to cathedral arches of the medieval era.

[caption id="attachment_34205" align="alignnone" width="2119"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34205" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-1037852454.jpg" alt="Autumn in Portland, Oregon, St. Johns Bridge." width="2119" height="1415" /> <br />Nick Wiltgen / Getty Images.[/caption]


<h2>Find serenity at Portland’s Japanese Garden</h2>
Within Washington Park, you will be greeted by 12 acres of colorful Japanese Maple and beautiful cherry blossom trees. The Portland Japanese Garden is the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the seasons and the tranquility of a well-tended garden. The carefully manicured bushes, traditional architectural works, and collection of lush foliage make for a stunning and extremely photogenic sight. You’ll definitely need to take your camera on any visit here.

[caption id="attachment_34177" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/141572575.jpg" alt="A Japanese maple at the heart of Portland's Japanese Garden" width="1200" height="800" /> tvphoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Let the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium horrify you</h2>
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium is an art museum dedicated to the macabre and strange, complete with an ice cream parlor and a gift shop. The reserved, frontier design and hot pink paint job clash dramatically and let you know that you’re in for a strange experience when you enter. The exhibits are filled with fake-gory scenes, bizarre ‘facts’ about things like organ donation, and remarkably strange artwork. Watch out for the Sasquatch when you leave—you might want to take a picture with it.

[caption id="attachment_34206" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34206" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-108268166.jpg" alt="Sasquatch Sighting " width="2121" height="1414" /> RichVintage / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Walk the Shanghai Tunnels of Old Portland</h2>
Portland may be the City of Roses now, but it once had a more foreboding nickname. Known as the Forbidden City, Portland was a Western smuggling capital for all sorts of illicit goods; smugglers utilized an extensive network of underground tunnels to get around the city undetected. Nowadays, you can walk the Old Portland Underground—also known as Shanghai Tunnels—and go underneath the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood through these passages.

[caption id="attachment_34208" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34208" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-1140112625.jpg" alt="Old underground ruined red brick historical vaulted tunnel" width="2121" height="1414" /> <br />Vladimir Zapletin / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Experience science at OMSI</h2>
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry—or OMSI for short—takes many different sciences that are regarded as "boring" and then uses them to create inspiring and interactive lessons for all ages. The Planetarium exhibit offers some of the most fun you’ll ever have while learning about the solar system while the great exhibit on mummification is endlessly fascinating. In all, OMSI is a must-visit for families and individual visitors alike.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34209" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_540488998.jpg" alt="OMSI ,museum of science and industry. C" width="1000" height="607" />


<h2>Enjoy amazing pastries at Doe Donuts</h2>
Everyone knows Voodoo Donuts is a must-stop destination in Portland. However, locals often agree that this low-key alternative beats out Voodoo Donuts in terms of quality. To double down on their super-local charm, Doe Donuts sources all of its ingredients fresh from local suppliers. The donuts themselves have an incredibly delicate, almost cloud-like texture and are positively bursting with flavor. As an extra plus, the donuts are vegan—probably the best vegan donuts you’ll ever eat.

[caption id="attachment_34248" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34248" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-1183294288.jpg" alt="Fresh glazed apple and chocolate donuts sitting on a wooden table at a local donut shop." width="2121" height="1414" /> <br />Jen Lobo / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Take a tour of the Portland Art Museum</h2>
If you consider yourself an art lover, you need to visit the Portland Art Museum. It boasts an impressive and diverse collection of artwork from recent centuries. The Color Line exhibit pays homage to W.E.B Dubois’ work on portraying the lives of African Americans at the turn of the century. The frontier-era portraits range from excellent to surreal and provide a compelling glimpse into the past.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34232" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_328132127.jpg" alt="Portland Art Museum sign outside the well known brick building in downtown Portland, Oregon." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>Visit Portland’s Historic Rose Festival</h2>
Portland isn’t known as the City of Roses for nothing; the city has the perfect climate for roses and practically grows forests of them. The Rose Festival runs throughout June and the centerpiece of the festival is the June 8th Rose Festival Parade, where floats parade through the main street. There are also markets, fireworks, carnivals and all sorts of fun for the whole family. As a whole, the festival is a delightful and eccentric celebration of Portland’s unique place in the fabric of American culture.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34249" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_1329442937.jpg" alt="Beautiful roses at the Portland International Rose Test Garden in Oregon." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>Stroll through the Lovejoy Fountain Park</h2>
The Lovejoy Fountain Park is a memorial to one of the founders of the city, Asa Lawrence Lovejoy. It’s a hidden gem that’s tucked away from the busy streets of Portland. Despite being located in the middle of a loud, exciting urban center, the park it’s as peaceful and quiet as it is gorgeous.

[caption id="attachment_34184" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/185327901.jpg" alt="The iconic Lovejoy Fountain in Portland " width="1200" height="795" /> gregobagel / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>See Portland’s boom through the eyes of the Pittock Family</h2>
The Pittock Mansion Museum uses the viewpoint of one of Portland’s most influential families to teach the history of the city. One of the most iconic exhibits, The Permanent Collection is filled with period furniture, clothing and other authentic remnants of the city's frontier days. The museum’s exhibits serve to present Portland's history through the eyes of the past and to celebrate the people who call the city home.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34187" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_515563033.jpg" alt="Originally built in 1909, Pittock mansion is a French Renaissance-style chateau in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon." width="1000" height="667" />

Revel in the Unique Charm of Downtown Portland

Portland is Oregon's biggest city. Conscious of its effect on the environment and its residents, it's one of the greenest cities in the world.

Whether you know Oregon from its Trail or <em>Portlandia</em>, you should also know that some of the best things to do in Portland are free. Portland is Oregon's biggest city. Conscious of its effect on the environment and its residents, it's one of the greenest cities in the world. So much so, Portlandians eat green - at their famous farmer's markets. In Portland, you're more likely to see people cycling than driving. Walking is also huge in Portland, and understandably so. There are so many beautiful forest walks and parks scattered around the city to visit.
<h2>1. Walk Through Forest Park</h2>
Just outside of Portland, in the Tualatin Mountains, is Forest Park. Stretching for 8 miles, over 5,000 acres, Forest Park is one of the biggest urban forest reserves in the country. With more than 70 miles of trails for people of all ability levels to explore, the beauty of Oregon is rampant in this beautiful park. It truly gives you a feel of the state without having to wander too far from Portland. In part overlooking the Willamette River, the park's pure beauty will steal your heart. Bird watchers will also be in their element and should bring their binoculars. You never know what incredible species you'll see.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/966584886-1024x683.jpg" alt="966584886" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Morgan Somers / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Visit The Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry</h2>
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, also known as OSMI, is a world-renowned science center. Initially hosted in businessman Ralph Lloyd's dwelling, it boasted the first planetarium in the Northwest. It was such a popular attraction that when the house was set to be demolished, Oregon City Council stepped up. Leasing land in Washington Park, 400 volunteers helped to make the museum what it is today. OSMI offers a barrage of hands-on science exhibits for kids and adults alike as well as exciting temporary exhibits. Serving more than a million visitors per year, the museum is one of the most popular in the Northwest.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/478029144-1024x592.jpg" alt="478029144" width="1024" height="592" /><span class="image-caption">jose1983 / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Relax in Washington Park</h2>
Covering over 400 acres of land, Washington Park is home to most of Portland's best attractions. As well as the science museum, there's a children's museum, a zoo, and an arboretum. For those who don't want to spend time with lots of other people, there are plenty of other activities. With picnic areas, playgrounds, and a large plot of green land and forest, there's something for everyone in Washington Park. Hikers can indulge in more than 15 miles of trails where they can walk or jog, and some of the trails connect to landmarks like Pittock Mansion.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/465645826-1024x683.jpg" alt="465645826" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Ronoster / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Venture to the Gorgeous Pittock Mansion</h2>
The Pittock Mansion sits in the hills to the west of the city. Built in 1909, it was originally the home of Oregon pioneer Henry Pittock and his wife. With 46 rooms, the French Renaissance-style property sits within 46 acres of land. The city of Oregon now owns the mansion which became open to the public in the 60s. These days, around 80,000 people visit the home every year. If you think the building looks familiar, that might be because you've seen it before. Pittock Mansion was a star in several movies. TV aficionados might also recognize it as the finish line for the 13th season of <i>The Amazing Race</i>.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/120494905-1024x683.jpg" alt="120494905" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">timnewman / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Hang Out in Portland's Living Room</h2>
The highlight of downtown Portland is Pioneer Courthouse Square. Known by locals as Portland's Living Room, this public square has tons of cool features. At approximately 40,000 square foot, there's a lot of room for attractions, and it certainly doesn't let anyone down. In the center of the square, there's an area that looks like an amphitheater, and performances do happen there. There's also a fountain, an outdoor chess table, and plenty of spots to hang out with friends at any time of day.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/468880862-1024x683.jpg" alt="468880862" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">carterdayne / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Meet the Animals at Oregon Zoo</h2>
Ask anyone in Oregon what their favorite attraction is, and they'll probably say Oregon Zoo. The zoo was opened in 1888 after a private animal collector donated all of his animals to the City. There are now nearly 2000 animals to see at the zoo. 21 of the zoo's 232 species are on the endangered species list, and so the zoo has them on a breeding program. One notable success is the breeding of the African elephants who are the zoo's most popular residents.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/534862259-1024x683.jpg" alt="534862259" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Png-Studio / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Indulge Your Arty Side at The Portland Art Museum</h2>
One of Portland's slogans is, "Keep Portland Weird!" and its art museum reflects that in all its glory. The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum on the West Coast. To this day, its mission is to enrich the diversity of Portland's communities through art. Open six days a week, there's ample time to visit this expansive museum housing pieces by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Renoir. Alongside these incredible works, the Portland Art Museum is also home to one of Monet's Water Lilies paintings.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/457971663-1024x683.jpg" alt="457971663" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Silvrshootr / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Spend the Night in a Historic Portland Landmark</h2>
A mere 6-minute walk from Portland's Living Room, The Benson Hotel is an upscale historic hotel. Originally called the New Oregon Hotel, The Benson is one of Portland's finest hotels and the 7th largest in the city. The Benson's most lavish suites offer city views of the highest caliber. Other rooms in the hotel have flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, and free WiFi throughout. With its elegant lobby, cigar bar, and live music, guests may never want to leave the hotel at all. If you're looking for a luxury stay in the heart of Portland, look no further than this beautiful building.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/865183098-1024x683.jpg" alt="865183098" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">thyegn / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Walk with Nature in the Hoyt Arboretum</h2>
Nature lovers will never be lost for things to do in Portland. On a ridge in the west hills of the city, Hoyt Arboretum is just two miles west of downtown Portland. Hosting 6000 trees and shrubs of over 2000 species from all over the world, the Arboretum also has a gorgeous magnolia collection. The arboretum's extensive conifer collection includes a dawn redwood, which is one of the only conifers that lose their leaves in the winter. Although it was once thought to be extinct, the specimen was rediscovered in China during WWII. The arboretum even has a bamboo garden that features more than 30 species of the plant.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9697" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/shutterstock_1274782582.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" />

<h2>10. Feel at Peace at the Portland Japanese Garden</h2>
Experience a day in a scenic traditional Japanese garden right in the hills of Portland. The Portland Japanese Garden is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan and a haven of tranquility. Featuring an authentic Japanese tea house, streams, and intimate walkways, you might think there's nothing else left to see. You'll also be wrong. Along with the beautiful maples, there's also a view of Mount Hood unlike any you'll see anywhere else.

<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/07/141572575-1024x683.jpg" alt="141572575" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">tvphoto / Getty Images</span>

&nbsp;

Portland, OR

Oregon

Top Stories

Revel in the Unique Charm of Downtown Portland

10 of the Best Things to Do in Portland