A visit to Portland is a must for anyone who enjoys eating, drinking and exploring the outdoors. A city promoting such liberal ideas as sustainability, locally-sourced, farm-to-table restaurants, and of course, craft beer. Get started with our Top 10 Things To Do In Portland.
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Portand Aerial Tram
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The Portland Aerial Tram opened to the public in 2007. Since then, it has made more than 217,000 trips carrying nearly six million riders on the popular aerial conveyance. The cabins, named Walt and Jean, travel 3,300 linear feet between the South Waterfront terminal at 3303 Southwest Bond Avenue, and the upper terminal at OHSU’s main campus. The Tram cabins rise 150 meters (500 ft) and will provide you with unique views. The Portland Aerial Tram, part of the City’s public transportation system, is one of only two used for urban transit in the U.S.
Pittock Mansion
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Pittock Mansion is full of rich history and remarkable stories of one of Portland’s first and most influential families. Nestled high in the West Hills, Pittock Mansion overlooks the city’s skyline from 300 meters (1,000 ft) up – the perfect place to learn how Portland became what it is today.
Portland Saturday Market
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Operating since 1974 the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation. Located in Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza in Portland’s historic Old Town the Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for local handcrafted goods. The Market offers a unique opportunity for customers to meet the artist as well as see one of a kind pieces created in the artist’s booth. Over 250 small businesses and individual artists from across the NW region gathers each week for the Saturday/Sunday event with live music and a plethora of exotic foods that will satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Craft Beer Festival
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The Portland Craft Beer Festival (PCBF) is an annual opportunity for the legal-drinking-aged public to taste a substantial representation of beers originating from Portland breweries. Only beers, plus ciders and wine, crafted within the city limits of Portland are featured at the PCBF which makes it unique and different from other beer festivals. Per both Travel and Leisure and Beer Connoisseur, Portland is the best beer city in the world. With more than 58 breweries within its boundaries and counting, Portland has more grassroots beer houses than any other city on earth. Breweries include some nationally known brands, such as Widmere, as well as small brew-pubs with suds known only to locals.
Portland Mercado
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The Portland Mercado is the first Latino public market in Portland and a place that brings people together through food, art, and entertainment. Come here for events, cultural activities, shopping, dining and exploring the flavors of Latino culture.
Multnomah Falls at Columbia River Gorge
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With 100 established trails, the 137 km-long (85 miles), 1,219 meters (4,000 ft) deep Gorge is a recreational wonder and a popular destination for hikes and picnics. The Columbia River Gorge has something for every mood, from a kid-friendly hike to a 30 meter (100 ft) waterfall to a workout hike that will leave your legs burning. Make sure to visit Multnomah Falls, only 30 minutes away from Portland. It is easily the Columbia River Gorge’s most famous waterfall and could very well be Oregon’s prime waterfall attraction. Multnomah Falls are widely known as the 4th tallest waterfall in the United States, they are usually cited as dropping 189 meters (620 ft), 165 meters (542 ft) in the upper and 21 meters (69 ft) in the lower tier.
Portland Japanese Garden
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The Japanese Garden in Portland should be on every visitor’s list. It stretches out over five and a half acres and is split into five very distinct areas. The thinking behind the Japanese garden is that one should feel peace, harmony and tranquillity when they enter. Japanese gardens have a lot of culture and history to them. As you move from one area to another the feeling of tranquility follows you. Many hours can be spent exploring the garden and admiring the beautiful ponds, trees, and bridges. Source: thecrazytourist
Tour Distillery Row
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Portland is definitely a beer town, and you can’t wrong stopping by any of the numerous craft breweries in town. But for something unique – and that you probably haven’t done before – check out Distillery Row, a small section of Southeast Portland featuring seven independent distilleries. Go on a tour, taste some craft spirits, and learn how liquor is made. Source: twotentwice
Powell’s City of Books
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Covering an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books is more than a great bookstore: It’s a microcosm of Portland, packed with smart and eclectic offerings, passionate people and, naturally, its own coffee shop. Powell’s City of Books is a book lover’s paradise, the largest used and new bookstore in the world.
Tilikum Crossing
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There are many beautiful and unique bridges crossing the Willamette River in Portland, and some of them provide a perfect trip with magnificent views. The best experience, for bikers and walkers, is crossing the new Tilikum Crossing (Bridge of the People). It is the first new bridge to be built across the Willamette in over 40 years, and one of the only spans in America where every mode will be allowed except for private cars. Consider to Join the Providence Bridge Pedal – a non-competitive community bicycling event. Bicycle pedalers and walkers cross Willamette River bridges including spectacular views from atop the Marquam and Fremont bridges.
Just So You Know…
- There’s no sales tax in Oregon, so make sure you know how to calculate a tip based on the actual bottom line.
- Every year thousands of people take part in the World Naked Bike Ride that highlights the vulnerability of cyclists everywhere and decries society’s dependence on pollution-based transport.
- Portland was named by the flip of a coin. If it had landed on the other side, Portland would be known as Boston, Oregon.
- Portland has more strip clubs, per capita than any other city in the US.
- Portland also has the smallest park in the world: Mill Ends Park, measuring in at a whopping 452 square inches.
- Check out Distillery Row, a small section of Southeast Portland featuring seven independent distilleries. Go on a tour, taste some craft spirits, and learn how liquor is made.
- Try one of the best donuts in the world at Voodoo Doughnut, they serve creative donuts in colorful, quirky environs.
- Tour Portland By Segway – Glide through Portland, Oregon’s exciting downtown while riding on the newest version Segway with an experienced adventure guide.
- Take a romantic tour with Pedal Bike Tours and experience local culture on two wheels.
- Portland welcomes LGBT community, proven by abundant choices of top gay friendly hotels in Portland.
- Make the most out of your vacation by choosing to stay at one of the 11 Best Hotels in Portland.
- Movies like “Free Willy” was shot in Astoria. Visit the town and stay at one of the 11 Best Hotels In Astoria, Oregon.
- Portland, and most areas in Oregon, boasts its coastal beauty. Explore it and stay at one of the 11 Best Hotels in Oregon Coast.
Get Some Culture:
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry – One of the top science museums in the US, offers brain-powered fun for everyone.
- Portland Art Museum – The Portland Art Museum is the seventh oldest museum in the United States and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest.
Grab A Bite:
- Holdfast – A unique, creative fine dining experience by culinary superheroes.
- El Gallo Taqueria – Serves authentic Mexican street food made from scratch with real, honest ingredients in the heart of SE Woodstock.
