Fun-filled 4-Day Adventure in Portland, USA
Discover the unique charm of Portland - a city that perfectly blends nature, art, and culture.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
As a tourist visiting Portland, you can expect to experience a unique blend of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and avant-garde cuisine. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Hood, stroll through the lush Lan Su Chinese Garden, and indulge in some of the best craft beer and coffee in the country. Be sure to explore the city's thriving arts and music scene, and don't miss out on the charming street fairs and festivals.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check-in at Hotel Monaco, a funky boutique hotel with animal-print robes and a nightly wine hour.
- Have breakfast at Tasty n Alder, a thriving spot for brunch where you can enjoy everything from bacon-wrapped dates to shakshuka.
- Visit the iconic Powell's City of Books, the world's largest bookstore that requires a map to navigate.
- Take a stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden, a lush oasis that offers breathtaking views of the city and Mount Hood.
- Enjoy dinner at Ned Ludd, a cozy restaurant that specializes in wood-fired cooking using locally-sourced ingredients.
- Start your day with Stumptown Coffee, Portland's most famous coffee roaster that takes their craft seriously.
- Visit the Museum of the Oregon Territory to learn about the state's history and enjoy stunning views of the Willamette River.
- Head to the Rogue Brewery to experience Portland's beer culture and enjoy their great selection of brews.
- Walk through the charming Alberta Arts District and stop at Salt & Straw for unique ice cream flavors like honey lavender and pear with blue cheese.
- Have dinner at Le Pigeon, a French-inspired restaurant that's a favorite among locals for its ever-changing menu and inventive dishes.
- Start your day with breakfast at Screen Door, where you can indulge in Southern comfort food like chicken and waffles or praline bacon.
- Take a hike in Forest Park, the largest urban park in America and home to over 70 miles of trails.
- Visit the International Rose Test Garden, where you can see over 10,000 rose bushes and breathtaking views of the city.
- Have lunch at Pine State Biscuits, a biscuit joint that serves up hearty sandwiches and biscuits with gravy.
- End your day at Multnomah Falls, a stunning waterfall that's a short drive from Portland and one of the most popular natural attractions in the state.
- Start your day with brunch at Screen Door, the perfect place to fuel up before a day of exploring.
- Visit the Portland Art Museum, which features a vast collection of contemporary and modern art from around the world.
- Go to Voodoo Doughnut, Portland's famous doughnut shop that serves up funky creations like the Bacon Maple Bar and Portland Cream.
- Walk through the Eastside neighborhoods like Belmont and Hawthorne, where you can find quirky shops and street art.
- Enjoy your final dinner in Portland at Ava Gene's, an Italian spot that's known for its handmade pasta and unique flavors.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.