30 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, exudes a unique blend of Pacific Northwest cool, lush green spaces, and a fiercely independent spirit. Known for its thriving food scene, craft breweries, and quirky culture, the city offers endless exploration opportunities, including fantastic free things to do in Portland like wandering through vast urban parks or browsing vibrant street markets. Nestled between rivers and within reach of mountains and coast, Portland provides a dynamic urban experience grounded in nature.
This guide presents 30 distinct ways to dive into the essence of Portland, covering everything from iconic bookshops and stunning gardens to unique neighborhoods and delicious eats. Whether you’re seeking outdoor escapes, cultural discoveries, or simply want to soak up the city’s laid-back vibe, these suggestions will help you craft an unforgettable Rose City itinerary. Prepare to embrace the weird and wonderful.
Parks, Gardens & Urban Greenery
International Rose Test Garden: Wander through Washington Park to find this stunning garden featuring thousands of vibrant rose bushes. Enjoy breathtaking city and mountain views alongside the beautiful blooms, especially from late spring through fall.
Portland Japanese Garden: Find tranquility within this authentic Japanese garden, considered one of the finest outside Japan, also located in Washington Park. Explore its various garden styles, peaceful pathways, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Forest Park: Hike or run on miles of trails within one of the country’s largest urban forests, offering a lush, green escape right on the edge of the city. Discover diverse plant life and enjoy the feeling of being miles away from downtown.
Lan Su Chinese Garden: Step into an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden occupying a full city block downtown. Admire the beautiful architecture, tranquil pond, and traditional plantings for a peaceful cultural immersion.
Washington Park: Explore this expansive urban park beyond the gardens, home to the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, and miles of trails. It’s a hub for recreation and cultural attractions easily accessible from downtown.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Stroll, bike, or relax along the Willamette River in this downtown park, home to festivals, the Saturday Market, and the Salmon Street Springs fountain. Enjoy river views and easy access to the bridges connecting east and west sides.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: Explore this beautiful garden in Southeast Portland, especially stunning during peak rhododendron and azalea bloom in the spring. Enjoy meandering paths, waterfowl on the lake, and a colorful floral display.
Iconic Portland Experiences
Powell’s City of Books: Get lost browsing the endless shelves spanning an entire city block at this legendary independent bookstore. It’s a book lover’s paradise offering new, used, and rare titles across multiple floors.
Pittock Mansion: Tour this historic French Renaissance-style château perched high in the West Hills, offering insight into Portland’s past. Enjoy unbeatable panoramic views of the city skyline and Cascade Mountains from the grounds.
Portland Saturday Market: Browse unique arts, crafts, food, and enjoy live music at the nation’s largest continuously operated outdoor arts and crafts market (Saturdays and Sundays, March-December). Located at Waterfront Park, it’s a vibrant showcase of local creativity.
Keep Portland Weird Sign: Snap a photo with the iconic mural on the side of the building housing Voodoo Doughnut downtown. It captures the city’s unofficial motto and quirky spirit.
Ride the Portland Aerial Tram: Take a scenic ride connecting the South Waterfront district with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) on Marquam Hill. Enjoy spectacular city and river views during the quick ascent.
Neighborhood Exploration
Alberta Arts District: Stroll along NE Alberta Street, known for its colorful murals, independent boutiques, diverse eateries, and art galleries. Visit during Last Thursday (monthly art walk, seasonally) for an especially lively street scene.
Mississippi Avenue: Explore this vibrant North Portland street lined with unique shops, music venues like Mississippi Studios, hip restaurants, and bars. It offers a great mix of local flavor and nightlife.
Hawthorne District: Wander SE Hawthorne Boulevard, known for its vintage shops, Powell’s Books branch, quirky cafes, and the historic Bagdad Theater. It embodies Portland’s bohemian and laid-back vibe.
Nob Hill / NW 23rd Avenue: Browse upscale boutiques, national retailers, and enjoy excellent dining options along this chic street in Northwest Portland. Admire the beautiful Victorian houses on the surrounding streets for a charming urban walk.
Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood: Discover antique shops, local boutiques, family-friendly parks, and Oaks Amusement Park in this charming Southeast Portland neighborhood. It offers a more relaxed, small-town feel within the city.
Food, Drink & Local Flavors
Explore Food Cart Pods: Sample diverse and delicious cuisine from the numerous food cart pods scattered throughout the city. It’s an essential Portland experience offering affordable and creative culinary options.
Voodoo Doughnut vs. Blue Star Donuts: Try unique, often playfully decorated doughnuts from Voodoo Doughnut or opt for the gourmet brioche-style creations at Blue Star Donuts. Comparing the city’s famous doughnut shops is a tasty debate.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Grab a meticulously crafted coffee from one of the pioneers of Portland’s renowned third-wave coffee scene. Experience the city’s dedication to quality coffee.
Visit a Craft Brewery: Explore Portland’s thriving craft beer scene (“Beervana”) by visiting one of its dozens of breweries. Enjoy brewery tours, tastings, and find your favorite local IPA or seasonal brew in a casual pub setting.
Sample Local Spirits: Tour and taste spirits at one of Portland’s craft distilleries, part of the growing “Distillery Row” scene. Discover locally made gin, whiskey, and unique liqueurs for a different kind of tasting experience.
Culture, Music & Unique Stops
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Engage with interactive exhibits, watch films in the Empirical Theater, or explore a retired submarine on the waterfront. OMSI offers hands-on science fun for all ages.
Portland Art Museum: Discover diverse art collections spanning centuries and continents, including significant holdings of Native American and Northwest art. It’s the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest.
Music Millennium: Browse new and used vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia at one of the oldest independent record stores on the West Coast. It’s a great spot for music lovers to explore.
Crystal Ballroom: Catch a concert or dance the night away on the famous “floating” dance floor of this historic music venue downtown. Check the schedule for diverse musical acts in a unique setting.
See a Portland Timbers or Thorns Game: Experience the passionate soccer culture by attending a Major League Soccer (Timbers) or National Women’s Soccer League (Thorns) match at Providence Park. The dedicated fans, known as the Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters, create an electric atmosphere.
Sauvie Island: Escape the city for farm stands, U-pick berries (seasonal), beaches along the Columbia River, and wildlife areas just north of Portland. It’s a popular spot for seasonal harvests and nature walks.
Tillikum Crossing, Bridge of the People: Walk or bike across this unique cable-stayed bridge dedicated solely to pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit (no private cars). Enjoy great river views and admire its modern design, especially when lit up at night.
