Best 20 things to do in Portland, United States

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Portland, where keeping it uniquely quirky is the norm! In this article, we have carefully curated a list of the best 20 things to do in this city that embraces its offbeat charm with open arms. Whether you start your day by devouring mouthwatering donuts at Voodoo, embark on a quest for the elusive Portlandia statue, or join the unicycle gang casually cruising down the bike lanes, Portland promises to delight your senses and leave you begging for more. Get ready to indulge in the endless food carts, passionate musicians on every street corner, and an unparalleled appreciation for all things craft beer. Cheers to venturing into the land of hipsters and keeping it wonderfully weird!

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1. Visit the Pittock Mansion

4.6 (6573)

3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, USA

Prepare to be awestruck, amused, and mildly envious when you visit the Pittock Mansion in Portland! This historic gem perched atop a hill offers not just a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of a bygone era, but also a solid reminder that humblebragging has been around for centuries. From the breathtaking panoramic views of the city (making your Instagram followers seethe with jealousy) to the grandeur of the mansion itself (making you fully embrace your inner "Downton Abbey" fantasies), a visit to Pittock Mansion is the perfect opportunity to thank the universe for your tiny, yet cozy, apartment.

pittockmansion.org

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2. Shop at the Portland Saturday Market

4.5 (4265)

2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, USA

Welcome to the Portland Saturday Market, a whimsical wonderland where weird meets wonderful, in the heart of the City of Roses. Stroll through this open-air bazaar and immerse yourself in a blissful sensory overload of vibrant colors, eclectic aromas, and a cacophony of laughter and music that would make even the most serious sourdough turn into a dancing baguette. Prepare to be transported into a world where artisans spin magic out of thin air, turning quirky curiosities into must-have treasures, because let's face it, life is just too short to be surrounded by boring!

www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com

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3. Enjoy live music at the Crystal Ballroom

4.4 (3521)

1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Welcome to the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, where the music vibes are so groovy, you'll think you stepped into a time machine stuck in the 60s. This iconic venue is practically a rock 'n roll museum with its vintage decor, retro chandeliers, and walls that have seen more guitars than a music store. Get ready to dance your socks off and unleash your inner Mick Jagger as you sway, dip, and twirl to the beats that make this place the heart and soul of Portland's live music scene.

www.crystalballroompdx.com

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4. Discover the International Rose Test Garden

4.8 (6734)

400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Nestled in the heart of Portland, the International Rose Test Garden is a floral paradise that will leave you feeling like a bee in a candy store. With over 10,000 roses from around the world, it's a grand spectacle that will make any hopeless romantic bloom with excitement. Whether you're a botany aficionado or simply seeking a fragrant escape, this garden will have you frolicking through petals, posing for selfies, and silently praying that your allergies don't crash the party.

www.portlandoregon.gov

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5. Explore the Portland Children's Museum

5 (1)

4015 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, USA

Welcome to the Portland Children's Museum, where imaginations run wild and parents secretly wish they could be kids again (without the tantrums, of course). Embark on an adventure-filled day as you navigate through creative exhibits that could possibly make even the grumpiest adult crack a smile. From the quirky treehouse made entirely of recycled materials to the whimsical puppet theater, this place is guaranteed to bring out your inner child or at least provide ample entertainment for your actual little ones.

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6. Explore the Oregon Zoo

4.5 (19521)

4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, USA

Welcome to the wild world of Oregon Zoo in Portland! Prepare to embark on a roaring adventure where you'll encounter more animals than a Dr. Dolittle family reunion. Discover the land of flamboyant flamingos, where even the introverted puffins have a hard time resisting a high-five from visitors. Don't forget to bring your sense of humor - the monkeys here are surely plotting to steal your sunglasses and turn them into the latest fashion trend in the animal kingdom!

www.oregonzoo.org

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7. Take a walk across the St. Johns Bridge

4.7 (669)

8600 NW Bridge Ave, Portland, OR 97203, USA

Embark on an adventure across the magnificent St. Johns Bridge, situated in enchanting Portland! As you step onto this architectural marvel, prepare to have your socks knocked off by its striking Gothic style, reminding you of the times when bridges were not just meant for crossing rivers, but for warding off dragons as well. Take in the grandeur of the sweeping vistas, where you can wave at the friendly locals in passing kayaks who will undoubtedly cheer you on with a "You're not bridge-ing around, you brave soul!"

www.portlandoregon.gov

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8. Visit the Oregon Historical Society

4.5 (312)

1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Welcome to Portland, where the Oregon Historical Society lies in wait like a knowledgeable historian in a fancy bookstore, ready to transport you through time. Step inside and embrace the glorious cacophony of stories, presented by a diverse cast of exhibits that will make your jaw drop faster than a pretzel at Oktoberfest. From ancient artifacts to neon signs that scream retro charm, it’s a journey that will leave you speaking more Oregon history than the local sasquatch.

www.ohs.org

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9. Go on a food tour in the Alberta Arts District

Welcome to the Alberta Arts District in Portland, where taste buds reign supreme and culinary adventures await! Jump headfirst into this food tour and prepare to dance with delicious flavors that will have your inner foodie doing the happy salsa. From hipster cafes serving avocado toast to food trucks dishing out gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, this district is a tasty playground where eating your way through the neighborhood is the ultimate win-win situation.

10. Visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory

4.5 (26035)

4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA

Welcome to the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Portland, where the curds get funky and the milk definitely doesn't cry over spilled whey! Take a tour that promises mind-blowing cheesy revelations, as you witness the birth of the creamiest cheddar in a factory that's practically a Cow Disneyland. Don't be surprised if you leave humming cheesy tunes and contemplating a career change to professional cheese taster!

www.tillamook.com

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11. Explore the Portland Japanese Garden

4.5 (6440)

611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Welcome to the Portland Japanese Garden, where tranquility and slightly misplaced Zen vibes await you! Prepare yourself for a soothing stroll amidst perfectly manicured greenery, providing the perfect opportunity to contemplate profound life questions, like why your neighbor insists on mowing their lawn at the crack of dawn. Don't forget to make a detour to the koi pond, where these majestic fish swim gracefully, reminding you that you'll never be as elegant as a fish in a kimono.

japanesegarden.org

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12. Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

4.5 (7980)

1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA

Welcome to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in the quirky city of Portland, where scientific wonders blend harmoniously with the quirkiness of hipsters on unicycles! Delve into a world of mind-boggling exhibits and captivating demonstrations that will make your inner child burst with joy, while seriously wondering if those bearded physics professors are secretly wizards. Be prepared for adventure as you navigate through exhibits like the "Bubblemania" where you beg the question, can science solve all your problems, or just save you money on bubble bath?

omsi.edu

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13. Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden

4.6 (3129)

239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Welcome to the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, where urban chaos magically melts away into a tranquil haven of serenity. Stroll through the garden and immerse yourself in an exotic wonderland, leaving behind the bustling city and its questionable fashion choices. Be prepared to dodge ninja squirrels as they perform death-defying acrobatics, but fear not, for they are a quirky addition to the garden's ambiance and won't hesitate to share their martial arts secrets...or their snacks!

lansugarden.org

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14. Take a hike in Forest Park

4.7 (10)

2900-3500, NW Forest Ln, Portland, OR 97229, USA

Welcome to Forest Park, where the trees are taller than basketball players and the squirrels have mastered advanced strategies in tree hopping. Lace up your hiking boots and prepare to venture into this urban wilderness that's so densely forested, even GPS signal gets mesmerized. As you embark on your hike, keep an eye out for hidden forts built by mischievous woodland creatures and be ready to answer the crucial question whispered among the tree leaves: who wears socks with sandals here?

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15. Check out the Portland Art Museum

4.7 (5109)

1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Welcome to Portland, the city where hipsters combine their love for craft beer and art! Be sure to check out the Portland Art Museum, where painting and people-watching collide in an epic kaleidoscope of creativity. Stroll through the halls of this cultural hot spot and marvel at the masterpieces, but beware of the occasional art enthusiast who takes abstract interpretations a little too far and tries to blend in with the exhibits.

portlandartmuseum.org

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16. Visit Powell's City of Books

4.9 (31004)

1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Welcome to Powell's City of Books in Portland, the literary wonderland that's practically a city of its own, complete with a population of bookworms. Step inside this mammoth bookstore and watch in awe as readers scuttle through the aisles like caffeinated ants searching for their literary treasures. Grab a map at the entrance, resist the urge to shout "hasta la vista, social life!" and prepare to embark on a grand adventure through this maze-like paradise, where losing yourself amidst the words is far more enjoyable than trying to find your way out… not that you'd want to leave anyway!

www.powells.com

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17. Explore Washington Park

4 (3)

4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, USA

Welcome to Washington Park in Portland - where adventure awaits and nature is, well, pretty darn green. Take a stroll through the stunning International Rose Test Garden, where even the bees can't help but stop and smell the roses. And hey, don't forget to unleash your inner Tarzan at the charming Japanese Garden, where you can master the art of Zen while trying not to fall into the koi pond.

explorewashingtonpark.org

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18. Stroll along the Portland Waterfront

4.5 (6198)

98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, USA

Welcome to the Portland Waterfront, where you can experience a stroll that's more delightful than discovering a forgotten bag of potato chips at the back of your pantry! Start your adventure by meandering along the Willamette River, accompanied by the gentle breeze that will gladly fix your hair like a personal stylist you never knew you needed. Marvel at the quirky sculptures along the way, which prove that even art can appreciate a good dad joke.

www.portlandoregon.gov

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19. Discover the Portland Aerial Tram

4.4 (228)

3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239, USA

Welcome to the Portland Aerial Tram, where you can soar above the city like a majestic seagull on roller skates! Experience the joy of gliding through the air, suspended by cables that definitely aren't held together by duct tape. Marvel at the panoramic views of Portland's charming neighborhoods, iconic bridges, and the occasional rogue squirrel contemplating if it's time to learn to fly too.

www.gobytram.com

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20. Explore the Mississippi Avenue District

4.6 (1935)

3939 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA

Welcome to the quirky and charming Mississippi Avenue District in Portland! Brace yourself for a delightful adventure filled with vintage shops, hip eateries, and an endless parade of unique characters. Prepare for a laugh-out-loud-worthy journey as you weave through a whimsical wonderland, where trendy bearded artists and organic-loving hipsters roam freely. Don't forget to pack your sense of humor, as this district has more eccentricities per square inch than the world has avocado toast!

www.mississippistudios.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Portland, United States by plane is by flying into Portland International Airport (PDX). Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest operate flights to PDX from major cities across the United States.

Car

Driving to Portland, United States is an excellent way to explore the Pacific Northwest region. You can take Interstate 5 (I-5) south from Seattle or north from San Francisco, depending on your starting location. The drive to Portland takes about 3 hours from Seattle and about 11 hours from San Francisco.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no passenger train services that operate to Portland, United States. Therefore, train is not a recommended mode of transportation to get to Portland.

Boat

Traveling to Portland, United States by boat is not a convenient way of transportation. However, there are some cruise lines that operate seasonal routes to the city, such as Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. The cruise ships dock at the Port of Portland, which is located in the city center.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Portland, United States by bus is by taking the Greyhound bus service. Greyhound operates daily services to Portland from several cities in the United States, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Greyhound buses arrive at the Portland Bus Station.

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Explore Portland's Culture and Nature on a Budget

Portland offers a thriving art, music, and food scene on a limited budget. Take advantage of the city's free and low-cost events, such as exploring the incredible local parks or visiting the Portland Art Museum on its free admission days. Savor the unique cuisine at the city's food truck pods and local breweries, which offer affordable dining options.

Portland Delight: A Romantic Day Trip Guide

A romantic trip to Portland, United States promises a delightful blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Take a walk through the picturesque Portland Japanese Garden, indulge in a foodie experience with the city's famous food trucks, or sip on handcrafted cocktails at one of the city's cozy bars. With its charming neighborhood streets and scenic waterfront, Portland is the perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic escapade.

Discover Portland: A 2-Day Budget Adventure

With a limited budget, a trip to Portland can still be a fun and affordable experience. Take a stroll through the city's many parks, such as Washington Park or Forest Park, which are free to visit. Explore the city's food truck scene for tasty and inexpensive eats, and visit museums and galleries that offer free admission or pay-what-you-wish options.

Portland on a Budget: A 5-Day Adventure

Experience the eclectic lifestyle of Portland without breaking the bank on a limited budget trip. Enjoy organic food trucks, microbreweries, and food carts for a pocket-friendly culinary tour. Explore the natural beauty of the city by hiking, cycling, or walking along the Oregon Coast Trail or through Forest Park at no cost.