Top 10 Things to Do in Portland
Portland, Oregon, is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, history, or fun, you will find it in this vibrant and diverse city. From visiting historic mansions and museums to exploring lush gardens and forests to sampling delicious doughnuts and craft beers, you will never run out of things to do in Portland. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best attractions and activities Portland offers.
Pittock Mansion
What is it?
A historic house museum that was once the home of Henry Pittock, a prominent businessman, and publisher of The Oregonian newspaper. The mansion was built in 1914 and features stunning architecture, elegant furnishings, and panoramic views of the city and mountains.
Why should you go?
You should go to Pittock Mansion if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Portland, admire the craftsmanship and artistry of the mansion, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings. You can take a self-guided tour of the mansion, explore the grounds and gardens, and visit the gift shop.
A historic house museum that was once the home of Henry Pittock, a prominent businessman, and publisher of The Oregonian newspaper. The mansion was built in 1914 and features stunning architecture, elegant furnishings, and panoramic views of the city and mountains.
Why should you go?
You should go to Pittock Mansion if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Portland, admire the craftsmanship and artistry of the mansion, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings. You can take a self-guided tour of the mansion, explore the grounds and gardens, and visit the gift shop.
International Rose Test Garden
What is it?
A public garden that showcases over 10,000 roses of more than 650 varieties. The garden was established in 1917 and is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States. The garden also features a Shakespeare Garden, a Miniature Rose Garden, and a Gold Award Garden.
Why should you go?
To see a dazzling display of colors, shapes, and fragrances. You can stroll through the garden, take photos, and smell the roses. You can also join a free guided tour, attend a rose show or festival, or volunteer at the garden.
A public garden that showcases over 10,000 roses of more than 650 varieties. The garden was established in 1917 and is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States. The garden also features a Shakespeare Garden, a Miniature Rose Garden, and a Gold Award Garden.
Why should you go?
To see a dazzling display of colors, shapes, and fragrances. You can stroll through the garden, take photos, and smell the roses. You can also join a free guided tour, attend a rose show or festival, or volunteer at the garden.
Powell's City of Books
What is it?
A legendary independent bookstore that occupies an entire city block and sells new, used, rare, and out-of-print books. The bookstore was founded in 1971 and is one of the world's largest and most famous bookstores. The bookstore also hosts author events, book clubs, classes, and workshops.
Why should you go?
You should go to Powell's City of Books if you are a book lover and want to browse through millions of books in various genres, languages, and formats. You can also buy or sell books, get recommendations from staff, or enjoy a coffee or snack at the café. You can also explore the different rooms and sections of the bookstore, each with its own color code and theme.
A legendary independent bookstore that occupies an entire city block and sells new, used, rare, and out-of-print books. The bookstore was founded in 1971 and is one of the world's largest and most famous bookstores. The bookstore also hosts author events, book clubs, classes, and workshops.
Why should you go?
You should go to Powell's City of Books if you are a book lover and want to browse through millions of books in various genres, languages, and formats. You can also buy or sell books, get recommendations from staff, or enjoy a coffee or snack at the café. You can also explore the different rooms and sections of the bookstore, each with its own color code and theme.
Portland Art Museum
What is it?
A renowned art museum that houses a diverse collection of artworks from ancient to contemporary times. The museum was founded in 1892 and is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest.
Why should you go?
To see masterpieces from different cultures, periods, and styles. You can view paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, ceramics, textiles, and more. You can also join a docent-led tour, listen to an audio guide, or participate in a family activity.
A renowned art museum that houses a diverse collection of artworks from ancient to contemporary times. The museum was founded in 1892 and is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest.
Why should you go?
To see masterpieces from different cultures, periods, and styles. You can view paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, ceramics, textiles, and more. You can also join a docent-led tour, listen to an audio guide, or participate in a family activity.
Forest Park
What is it?
A natural urban forest that covers more than 5,000 acres and offers more than 80 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding. The park was established in 1948 and is one of the largest urban forests in the United States.
Why should you go?
To experience the beauty and tranquility of the forest, breathe fresh air, and exercise your body. You can also discover the history and ecology of the park, spot birds and animals, or join a guided walk or event.
A natural urban forest that covers more than 5,000 acres and offers more than 80 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding. The park was established in 1948 and is one of the largest urban forests in the United States.
Why should you go?
To experience the beauty and tranquility of the forest, breathe fresh air, and exercise your body. You can also discover the history and ecology of the park, spot birds and animals, or join a guided walk or event.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
What is it?
A classical Chinese garden that reflects the style and design of the Ming Dynasty gardens. The park was built in 2000 as a collaboration between Portland and its sister city Suzhou in China. The garden features a lake, pavilions, bridges, rocks, plants, and art.
Why should you go?
You should go to Lan Su Chinese Garden if you want to experience a piece of China in Portland. You can admire the beauty and harmony of the garden, learn about Chinese culture and history, and enjoy tea, music, calligraphy, or tai chi.
A classical Chinese garden that reflects the style and design of the Ming Dynasty gardens. The park was built in 2000 as a collaboration between Portland and its sister city Suzhou in China. The garden features a lake, pavilions, bridges, rocks, plants, and art.
Why should you go?
You should go to Lan Su Chinese Garden if you want to experience a piece of China in Portland. You can admire the beauty and harmony of the garden, learn about Chinese culture and history, and enjoy tea, music, calligraphy, or tai chi.
Voodoo Doughnut
What is it?
A quirky doughnut shop that serves creative and delicious doughnuts with unusual names and toppings. The shop was opened in 2003 and has become a cult favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Why should you go?
To try some of the world's most original and fun doughnuts. You can choose from flavors such as bacon maple bar, voodoo doll, dirt, grape ape, and more. You can also take photos with the giant doughnut sign, the pink boxes, or the coffin full of doughnuts.
A quirky doughnut shop that serves creative and delicious doughnuts with unusual names and toppings. The shop was opened in 2003 and has become a cult favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Why should you go?
To try some of the world's most original and fun doughnuts. You can choose from flavors such as bacon maple bar, voodoo doll, dirt, grape ape, and more. You can also take photos with the giant doughnut sign, the pink boxes, or the coffin full of doughnuts.
Washington Park
What is it?
A large and scenic park that contains many attractions, such as the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, the World Forestry Center, the Hoyt Arboretum, and the Children's Museum. Established in 1871, the park is one of the oldest and most visited parks in Portland. The park also offers playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, and a rose garden.
Why should you go?
Washington Park is a perfect place if you want to explore a variety of activities and sights in one place. You can see animals, plants, art, and culture from around the world, learn about forestry and conservation, or have fun with your family and friends. You can also ride the free shuttle bus, the MAX light rail, or the Washington Park and Zoo Railway to get around the park.
A large and scenic park that contains many attractions, such as the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, the World Forestry Center, the Hoyt Arboretum, and the Children's Museum. Established in 1871, the park is one of the oldest and most visited parks in Portland. The park also offers playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, and a rose garden.
Why should you go?
Washington Park is a perfect place if you want to explore a variety of activities and sights in one place. You can see animals, plants, art, and culture from around the world, learn about forestry and conservation, or have fun with your family and friends. You can also ride the free shuttle bus, the MAX light rail, or the Washington Park and Zoo Railway to get around the park.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
What is it?
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a science and technology museum that offers interactive exhibits, hands-on labs, planetarium shows, IMAX theater films, and submarine tours.
Why should you go?
Founded in 1944, the museum is one of the leading science centers in the nation. You can explore topics such as chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and astronomy and experiment with gadgets, machines, robots, and rockets. You can also visit the USS Blueback submarine, the Kendall Planetarium, or the Empirical Theater.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a science and technology museum that offers interactive exhibits, hands-on labs, planetarium shows, IMAX theater films, and submarine tours.
Why should you go?
Founded in 1944, the museum is one of the leading science centers in the nation. You can explore topics such as chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and astronomy and experiment with gadgets, machines, robots, and rockets. You can also visit the USS Blueback submarine, the Kendall Planetarium, or the Empirical Theater.
Oregon Zoo
What is it?
A zoo that showcases more than 2,000 animals from 232 species, including elephants, lions, penguins, bears, and monkeys.
A zoo that showcases more than 2,000 animals from 232 species, including elephants, lions, penguins, bears, and monkeys.
Why should you go?
If you love animals and want to see them up close and personal, you should definitely go to the Oregon Zoo. You can watch animal feeding sessions, keeper talks, and demonstrations. You can also ride the zoo train, the carousel, or the aerial tram. And make sure to attend the Zoo's special events such as ZooLights, Summer Concerts, or BrewLights.
If you love animals and want to see them up close and personal, you should definitely go to the Oregon Zoo. You can watch animal feeding sessions, keeper talks, and demonstrations. You can also ride the zoo train, the carousel, or the aerial tram. And make sure to attend the Zoo's special events such as ZooLights, Summer Concerts, or BrewLights.
More things to do in the US
WeGoTrip
Support
Partnerships
© 2023 WeGoTrip
WeGoTrip app
