Portland, Oregon is a great place for those who love to explore a fun city while still having access to the outdoors. It’s a vibrant city with amazing food, culture, and stunning scenery. There’s no shortage of things to do in Portland and near the city. Here are some of my favorite things I did along with some helpful tips for your trip.
Things To Do in Portland, Oregon & Nearby
This post is divided into two sections: activities just outside the city, including destinations up to a couple of hours away, and things to do within Portland.
Things To Do in Portland, Oregon
Here’s your guide to things to do in the city!
Get Lost at Hopscotch, an Immersive Art Experience
Hopscotch is an immersive art exhibit where you can let your inner child play! They also serve up tasty dishes and cocktails. This is a great spot for anyone looking for a fun and unique experience.
Ride a Biketown PDX Bike
There’s plenty to do and see in Portland. A fun and inexpensive activity is to rent a Biketown PDX bike and ride around the city. You’ll have to download the app and you can choose between a single ride or a day pass and there’s also an annual pass option. Bikes are located all over town and you can check locations on the app.
Visit the Rose Test Garden
The Rose Test Garden is a large garden within Washington Park with an extensive list of types of roses. The garden is open to the public between 7:30 am-9:00 pm and free public tours are offered daily at 1:00 pm, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Meet at the Rose Garden store at least 10 minutes before the start of the tour.
Check out Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s Bookstore is a Portland icon. It’s the world’s largest independent bookstore and a must-stop for book lovers. Whether you’re in the market for a new book or simply want to browse this store is definitely worth the visit.
Get Your Zen On at the Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Washington Park, just across from the Rose Test Garden. The garden is open to the public and admission for adults is $9.50. The garden offers a special rate for seniors, students, and youth. Their hours vary depending on the season so check the website for the most accurate information.
Admire the Architecture and City Views at Pittock Mansion
The Pittock Mansion is an estate once owned by Henry Pittock, a man who came to Portland on a wagon and built an empire. He was an outdoorsman and climbed Mount Hood multiple times. It’s a nice drive up to the mansion. And be sure to check out the grassy area and enjoy the clear view of the city and Mount Hood in the distance.
The mansion is open to the public and is $10 for adults with different rates for seniors, students, and youth. Children six and under are free.
Visit China in Portland at Lan Su Chinese Garden
Lan Su Chinese Garden is an authentic Chinese garden located in Portland’s Chinatown. I was quite impressed with the garden. It doesn’t feel like you’re in Portland at all once you’re in there. Enjoy tea and mooncakes at the teahouse.
The Garden offers an array of events and is open to the public. Admission is $10 for adults. Children five and under are free.
See the City from Above on the Portland Aerial Tram
The Portland Aerial Tram is anything but a tourist attraction. In fact, most who ride the tram are commuters and people who are going to Oregon Health Science University, Shriners Hospital for Children Portland. It’s a three minute ride that connects Marquam Hill and the South Waterfront. A round trip ride is $8.50 and the tram runs every six minutes. Hours vary, so check the site to ensure it’s running.
Ride the tram and enjoy the views, then admire the views from the hospital.
Get Spiritual at The Grotto
The Grotto is a Catholic shrine and botanical garden. It is open to all and masses are held daily (see website for mass times). Although it is very much a religious attraction it’s a beautiful place that an outdoor enthusiast can enjoy.
There’s a lot to see on the lush green grounds and you can really take your time and relax. The Grotto is open daily from 9am – 5pm and is $9.95 for adults with discounted rates for seniors, military, students, and youth. Children six and under are free.
Snap A Photo at Portland’s White Stag Sign
The famous Portland White Stag Sign is a neon sign that is located by Pacific Highway and the Burnside Bridge. We parked by the Burnside Skatepark and walked over the bridge to get some shots of the sign. We got there just after sunset so it was getting dark fast which made for great night shots of the sign.
Things to Do Near Portland, Oregon
Want to explore more beyond the city? Here are some of the best things to do near Portland. Some of these suggestions are anywhere from a 45-minute drive to around 2 hours outside the city.
Experience Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge
Just outside Portland lies the Columbia River Gorge, a scenic canyon that stretches for miles between Oregon and Washington. Driving east from Portland on I-84, you’ll travel alongside this stunning gorge. Along this route, you can visit Oregon’s most famous waterfall, Multnomah Falls, as well as other beautiful falls like Bridal Veil and Wahkeena.
Wahkeena Falls, a smaller and less crowded waterfall, is a short half-mile hike from the road and very close to Multnomah. The other waterfalls typically require about a three-mile hike. If you have the time and enjoy hiking, I highly recommend exploring your favorite falls along the way.
Renting a car is your best bet for an outdoor adventure outside Portland. You’ll have the freedom to stop and go as you please. However, if you’re only looking to visit Multnomah Falls there is a bus line called the Columbia Gorge Express that runs every day. There is a lot of traffic around Multnomah Falls so try to get there as early as possible to beat the crowds.
Other Waterfalls & Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
Punchbowl Falls & Tunnel Falls
Beyond Multnomah Falls there is plenty more to explore. Keep heading east on the I-84 to head to Punchbowl Falls, a 4-mile roundtrip hike. This picturesque waterfall and natural pool is a great place to hang out. Bring a swimsuit and some snacks, it’s a great place for a dip. If you don’t want to get wet you can always watch people cliff jumping.
If you’re up for a challenge, hike to Tunnel Falls. This is a 12-mile hike that takes you through a tunnel in back of a massive waterfall. The hike is rated as “hard,” has an 2,142 ft elevation gain, and takes an average of around 6 hours to complete. However, the trail is well maintained but very rock so wear comfortable and sturdy hiking boots and good socks because it’s a long one!
Need to know how to get to Punch Bowl Falls or Tunnel Falls? To get to the falls you’ll exit Eagle Creek Lane off the I-84 and head to the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Don’t forget to purchase a pass at the trailhead; daily passes are $5 or you can use an America The Beautiful National Parks pass.
Mountain Views and Lakes Near Portland
Mount Hood Views at Trillium Lake
For a clear view of Mount Hood, head to Trillium Lake. This beautiful lake offers a stunning reflective view of the mountain when the water is still. It’s a scenic stop and perfect for photography.
Kayaking at Lost Lake
For a kayaking adventure head to Lost Lake Resort. They have kayak and canoe rentals. You can also go fishing and they have gear available to rent This is more of a family-friendly type of place so if that’s your vibe then this is perfect!
Mount Hood Territory Wineries
Head to Grateful Vineyard for wine flights, food, and epic views of Mount Hood. There are other wineries in the area but I loved Grateful Vineyard for the fun vibes, the option of indoor or outdoor seating, and food options.
Willamette Valley Wineries
If you don’t want to wander too far from Portland, check out Willamette Valley. This is about an hour from Portland and there are many amazing wineries in this area. Abbey Road Farm is a vineyard and there’s also a cool B&B made from a silo. for an upscale experience opt for a tasting at Archery Summit.
And don’t forget to take in the views of Mount Hood while you’re driving around!
Eat Some Mountain Food
If you’re hungry, stop by the Mount Hood Village area. The Zig Zag Inn serves dinner and offers live music on select days and times throughout the year.
Take A Day Trip Out to the Coast
Another activity to do if you want to explore more of Oregon outside Portland and the Columbia River Gorge is heading to the coast. Visit Cannon Beach and enjoy lunch at Mo’s. And don’t forget to see the famous Haystack Rock.
From Cannon Beach, head to Cape Disappointment to see the lighthouse and wander the surrounding area. There are plenty of lighthouses on the Oregon coast but Cape Disappointment was anything but a disappointment.
Eating in Portland
There’s so much to do in Portland and plenty of amazing food to eat. You don’t need to go far to enjoy the food treasures within the city. With a fantastic public transportation system combined with the accessibility of ride-sharing apps like Uber you can easily navigate the city without a car.
Breakfast:
If you’re in the downtown area, head to Mother’s Bistro for a hearty breakfast. Omelets, pancakes, and waffles… oh my!
If you’re staying in Southeast Portland head to Carts on Foster for breakfast at The Egg Carton. There are a ton of food carts in Portland but who doesn’t love eggs for breakfast? These heavenly plates will leave you happily full.
Lunch
Cheese and Crack is a fun spot in Southeast Portland, offering an artisanal twist on classic cheese and charcuterie boards. This eatery serves an array of delectable cheeses, cured meats, and house-made crackers. And don’t skip on the soft serve ice cream.
My favorite restaurant for lunch has to be Olympia Provisions. They have a couple of restaurants in Portland and we ate at the southeast location. I had a Spanish board and “The Randy” sandwich. If you love meats and charcuterie boards, this is the place for you.
If you love Vietnamese food with a modern twist you’ll enjoy Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen.
Southpark Seafood is a great place for happy hour drinks and snacks. And if you love seafood, this is the place for you. And their Happy Hour is from 3-5 pm daily where all menu items are 15% off.
Drinks
Looking for a rooftop bar with a view? Head to Departure Restaurant + Lounge was situated on the 15th floor. Opt for outside seating to enjoy a view of Mount Hood in the distance. The decor is very sleek and modern with a mysterious travel vibe.
Check out the views of Portland from the rooftop patio
Teardrop Lounge was our first stop after arriving in Portland. With classic cocktails and their own specialty menu, there’s a little something for everyone. I enjoyed my John Wood.
Late Night
Food Carts/Pods and Voodoo Donuts
Food Carts and Pods in the Downtown area are great for late-night snacks. The original Voodoo Donuts is also in the same vicinity and makes for a fun stop. Who doesn’t like donuts at 3am and listening to some great music? It’s a donut party and everyone is invited.
There’s so much to do in Portland. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it. There’s always more and that’s always a reason to come back. And if you’re visiting during the wintertime, check out my Things to Do in Portland During the Winter post.
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