Things to Do in Portland
Some of the best activities in Portland include walking in nature and visiting beautiful gardens, which is unsurprising for a city that cares so much about the environment.
Individuality and creativity are celebrated: all over town you’ll also spot ‘Keep Portland Weird’ on bumper stickers, murals, and signs. Moreover, the thriving downtown is packed with great coffee, independent stores, and a diverse food culture, creating the perfect mix of urban life and nature in one compact city.
Explore Powell’s City of Books
As the largest independent bookstore in the country, Powell’s City of Books spans an entire block and contains more than a million titles across 3,500 different sections. It is a bibliophile’s delight, with multiple floors and color-coded rooms. Visitors can grab a map and lose themselves among the stacks of new, used, rare, small-press, special-edition, and out-of-print selections. Spending an entire day here is an easy feat, especially with the store acquiring more than 3,000 used books daily, ensuring fresh inventory to peruse.
Cinema for Cinephiles
If you’re a movie buff, swap multiplexes for historic theaters showcasing first- and second-run flicks, indie and art-house gems, documentaries, and foreign films. These neighborhood establishments offer a cozy atmosphere brimming with character, often with ticket prices that are considerably lower. Furthermore, many theaters, such as the Hollywood Theatre, provide delicious snacks, including pizza and craft beer on tap. In March, the city celebrates the Portland International Film Festival, which showcases around 100 films from over 30 countries.
Appreciate the Gardens at Washington Park
Within the 410 acres of manicured Washington Park, one can marvel at the plethora of rose blooms in the International Rose Test Garden. With more than 700 varieties on display, visitors are treated to breathtaking city views. Further uphill lies the serene Japanese Garden, proclaimed as one of the most authentic you’ll find outside of Japan. This peaceful oasis features a tea house, wooden pavilions, winding stone paths, and cascading streams, perfect for tranquil contemplation.
Bargain Hunting at Saturday Market
As the largest and longest-running open-air craft market in the U.S., Portland’s Saturday Market features hundreds of vendors carefully selected by a jury. While its name suggests a Saturday-only affair, it’s also open on Sundays. Visitors can easily spend hours wandering through craft stalls selling a variety of goods, from clothing and jewelry to local art and homewares. Moreover, one can enjoy delicious bites from the many food carts while taking in the antics of street performers—making it one of the best spots for people-watching in the city.
Wander Tom McCall Waterfront Park
On the west bank of the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park stretches across downtown Portland, housing many of the city’s notable monuments and sights, such as the Japanese American Historical Plaza. This scenic waterfront path is perfect for strolling, jogging, and cycling, and during springtime, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully along the path. Named after the governor who established Oregon’s urban growth boundary system to protect green spaces, the park hosts numerous festivals and events, including the Waterfront Blues Festival and LGBTQ Pride.
Experience Unique Festivals
Portlanders love a celebration, from parades and rallies at Pioneer Courthouse Square to diverse festivals and free events throughout the year. The Portland Rose Festival is a grand affair featuring a carnival, fireworks, and parades. In August, the quirky PDX Adult Soapbox Derby sees costume-clad participants racing down Mt. Tabor in homemade gravity-powered vehicles. Additionally, summer brings Pedalpalooza, a celebration of Portland’s cycling culture, along with the World Naked Bike Ride.
Queer Portland
Portland hosts the second-largest LGBTQIA+ community in the U.S., trailing only San Francisco. Unlike many progressive cities, Portland lacks a definitive ‘gayborhood’; however, the overall atmosphere is generally welcoming and empowering. Rainbow flags adorn countless businesses and homes. In 2016, city commissioners made two-thirds of public restrooms gender-neutral. Despite some closures due to the pandemic, the city still thrives with events such as the annual PDX Pride Parade, drag shows, and queer film screenings.
Hike Forest Park
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without really leaving the city, Forest Park is an outstanding option. It is the largest urban park in the U.S., boasting more than 70 miles of scenic trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The paths weave through lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant flora, providing a perfect backdrop for exploration. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting various species throughout this verdant area.
Sample Portland’s Specialty Coffee
Rainy days in Portland create the ideal atmosphere for enjoying the local cafe culture. With more roasters and cafes per capita than any other U.S. city, Portland has crafted a thriving independent coffee scene since the 1990s, driven by Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Portland’s focus on small-batch roasting and third-wave coffee has set trends that continue to influence the national coffee landscape. There are numerous cafes around the city to experience a quality brew.
Discover Portland’s Microbreweries
With over 60 breweries, Portland is a paradise for beer enthusiasts. Craft beer connoisseurs can discover an impressive variety of microbrews at every turn. Even smaller establishments offer top-notch selections. Consequently, high-quality brews have become a hallmark of this city, and breweries like Hopworks Urban Brewery take their craft seriously, focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Visit Cultural Institutions Around South Park Blocks
Just a couple of blocks southwest of Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland’s major cultural attractions await exploration, including the Portland Museum of Art, the Oregon Historical Society, and Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. This area is often referred to as Portland’s ‘extended family room,’ while Pioneer Courthouse Square serves as the city’s ‘living room.’ The Portland Art Museum features a diverse collection of art, including First Nations carvings, Asian art, and photography. Additionally, the museum houses the Whitsell Auditorium, where international films are screened regularly. At the southern end of South Park Blocks lies Portland State University, the largest university in the city.
