Planning a visit to Portland? Enjoy this wonderful and vibrant city, filled with friendly, creative folks. Here are ten of the best things to do in Portland.
Get the lay of the city on the Portland, Oregon City Tour. This small-group tour led by a local expert will introduce you to the many parks and neighborhoods of this vibrant city, snacks included.
Spend a full day exploring the rocky northern coastline on an Oregon Coast Tour from Portland. An expert guide provides ongoing commentary as you trace the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying stops at beaches and state parks along the way. On this one of the best Portland tours, you’ll be traveling on an air-conditioned coach with snacks and refreshments provided for you.
Make your own souvenir during an unforgettable glass blowing session at Live Love Laugh Art. A professional glassblower will help your whole family create their own works of art.
Foodie families shouldn’t miss the Portland Food Cart Tour, where you’ll get to try food from up to seven of Portland’s famous food carts, plus a local brewery. A local guide will introduce you to the owners and chefs that you meet along the way, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.
If your family prefers more interactive adventures, try your hand at a Portland Scavenger Hunt. Race against the clock as you try to find Portland attractions and collect points. Play against each other, or together against virtual teams, and learn about the city while having fun.
Explore Portland’s Forest Park, with over 5000 acres of unspoiled northwest native forest. There are more than 80 miles of trails that bring you closer to nature and wildlife, and trailhead access at more than 40 points throughout the city.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the largest independent bookstore in the nation, Powell’s Books. Housed in a five-story building that spans an entire city block, Powell’s lives up to its motto “City of Books”(don’t worry, they’ll give you a map at the desk). They sell both new and used books, and are home to one of the best coffee shops in town.
No visit to Portland is complete without a trip to the International Rose Test Gardens. From May through October over 10,000 rose bushes bloom in this world-famous park. Summer also brings free concerts and some of the best views of Portland and Mount Hood.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the city over a weekend, be sure to check out the Portland Saturday Market. The longest continuously running open-air market in the US, this is the place for the very best handmade arts, crafts and food.
Take a break from city adventures by ducking over to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, situated along the Willamette River. It’s a great place to bring a lunch and do some people watching. It’s also home to the Oregon Maritime Museum, a terrific place to visit with the kids.