Top Things to Do in Portland - Portland Must-See Attractions
Things to Do in Portland
Exploring Portland's Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden are traveller faves. For a walk on the wild side, head to Forest Park or Columbia River Gorge. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Day Tripsfromper adultR 2 358
Private and Luxuryfromper adultR 1 280
Half-day Toursfromper adultR 1 444
Ghost Toursfromper adultR 457- fromper adultR 2 358
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 3 838
Beer & Brewery Toursfromper adultR 731
Street Food Toursfromper adultR 2 340
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adultR 2 321- from
R 2 376per adult (price varies by group size)R 2 257
Lush rose garden with a variety of award-winning blooms and educational labels. Features pet-friendly paths and a charming gift shop with themed items.
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Tranquil gardens with observation deck, statues, and labyrinth for contemplation. Includes a gift shop with spiritual items and seasonal outdoor Mass events.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic mansion set amidst scenic grounds, displaying period furnishings and significant family history. Features self-guided tours, panoramic city views, and accessible hiking trails.
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Tranquil Chinese garden in an urban neighborhood featuring traditional architecture, calming ponds, and a tea house serving authentic refreshments. Ideal for relaxation and cultural exploration.
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Verdant sanctuary featuring rose and Japanese gardens, along with poignant memorials and playgrounds. Trails and statues contribute to the serene atmosphere.
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Zoo with spacious enclosures, diverse species, and emphasis on conservation. Enjoyable tram rides, a scenic rose garden, and a notable elephant habitat. Focus on educational experiences.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3 738 contributionsAfter a couple of times visiting Portland, I finally got to visit these gardens. Parking had always been the main problem, and of course, it was a hassle again this time. These gardens were first open to the public in 1967. Before that, this was the site of Portland's zoo.
I arrived on a Saturday in June for a 4:00 PM admission and paid the full Adult price of $21.95 to get in. There was no wait in line for me when I arrived. I've been to other Japanese gardens in the country where a veterans discount is offered, but sadly not here. They do, however, offer considerable discounts to low-income families and individuals who receive food stamps so if that's you, you're very much in luck. For all the veterans out there, I'd like to take this time to say, "High speed, low drag, Hooah! Oorah! Semper fi".
Stephen D. Bloom: Offer discounts to veterans!
The parts of the garden that were available on my visit I found to be a peaceful, tranquil, and spiritual getaway from life's busy and hectic day-to-day. When I arrived at the Cultural Village, sadly, there were no activities, performances, nor demonstrations offered that I noticed. I walked around the Japanese Arts Learning Center and looked at some art pieces offered. Some areas were closed and not opened to visitors while I was there. Also, when I visited, and let me just say what a lovely time it was that I picked to visit, there were no offered exhibitions in their Pavilion gallery, located in the Flat Garden. So, nothing to see here either on a Saturday in the middle of June! I'm beginning to wonder where my $21.95 full Adult admission price is going because it didn't seem to be going to me and my visit. Think of others they say! Where is your zen? Is it here? I'm not sure if I can find it.
Serious parking problems to contend with here. Buses don't help if you are a visitor from out of state with a rental vehicle. Again, if I am an out of state visitor and in Portland for one day, I'm not taking a train either. These are public transit options for locals. What about others? I don't have these same problems at The Morikami Museum in Florida, for instance. Plenty of parking right across the street from the gardens, and I don't live in Florida.
No tea ceremony, no exhibitions, no demonstrations, no performances, nothing. Oh, look at the schedule and plan accordingly, you might say. I say offer at least one special thing on a Saturday in June to visitors. So, some may say this is one of the 12 best Japanese gardens in the U.S. I say, it all depends on what day you go.
I hope you enjoy 33 pictures I've provided, and don't try to feed the koi in the koi pond.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3 738 contributionsMy main reason for going to this area in the first place was to visit the Portland Japanese Garden. After waiting forever to find an available parking spot in Washington Park, I then had quite a hike ahead of me to get to the Japanese Garden. This International Rose Test Garden was in my walking route. I didn't know it was there beforehand. Since it was the middle of June, the roses were in full bloom so I stayed awhile here distracted by their beauty. As printed on the brochure, the roses are in bloom from late May through October. Also noted, a $500 fine can be imposed by Portland City Code if anyone tries to pick or remove roses or rose plants so don't even think about it.Written 16 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael B7 contributionsThis place is breathtaking, I was not too sure what to expect but my girlfriend made me come here when we visit Portland and my god it has to be the place that made my Portland experience. The paying extra few bucks to go on top is worth it. Get to see very beautiful statues and alters. The view is to Amazing in the meditation room. Please be quite when in there because when I was there there was people talking and someone chewing with their mouth open like common be quiet and close that damn mouth 10/10 place
They also take Military Discount hereWritten 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AlexJ262Mossbank, UK1 446 contributionsA lovely historic mansion just outside Portland and a welcome reprise from the city centre!
It's only a 10 minute drive or you can take the bus to the end of the road and walk for around 15 mins to the mansion.
The interior is beautifully preserved and there's some really interesting displays on Henry Pittock and his family plus Portland history in general.
The views over the city are outstanding.Written 22 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jen PPortland, Oregon, United States7 contributionsThis beautiful garden has something to offer in every season. Much of the area has covered walkways so even if it’s raining you will be comfortable. You can gaze at the koi, relax and take in the view, or even read a book in the many different tucked away places. The BEST part of the garden though is the tea house! The staff are kind and knowledgeable l, the menu is full of tasty options, and I’ve never felt rushed out. Truly a respite and gem in the cityWritten 24 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3 738 contributionsParking is a nightmare at this park. What is supposed to be a 6 minute drive from where we started, it took about an hour to get to and find a place to park. Drivers grind to a halt on SW Kingston Avenue where you will eventually pass perfectly good parking lots that are all full, then more parking spots all full, pass public restrooms that you need to use but can't because there is nowhere to park, playgrounds for kids but you can't use since you can't park, and then right before a monstrosity of a construction site of some reservoir, you may be able to find a parking spot like we did. After contributing $4.60 to the City of Portland through something called Parking Kitty, the long hiking journey began uphill and eventually on a trail that led to an empty amphitheater. More restrooms were found, but those ones were closed for some reason. Lovely. You can just hold it and like it.
After all, there's beautiful roses in high bloom since it was June. Ooh, pretty! That'll keep your mind off of things. Then, if you can somehow manage to get through the wall of tennis courts, eventually one may finally find the Portland Japanese Garden. I don't know who designed this park, but those tennis courts are just in the way. Maybe, move them further away and provide more parking next to the attractions people come here to see would be a good idea. Is there any common sense left in the world?!
Anyways, the roses were beautiful and the garden peaceful. I love the sound of nature and waterfalls. Nature's beauty far surpass any of these other nuisances.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lyn T23 contributionsWe went to the Portland zoo right after Thanksgiving. We were amazed at how imaginative the zoo was. We were able to see the animals up close and very personal! Beavers and otters in their dens. Penguins swimming. Bald eagles are very close to being natural. Very reasonably priced. We only got to see about half of the zoo. We will go longer next time!!!Written 29 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jen EVancouver, Canada120 contributionsThe science museum itself is fine - lots of stuff for kids to do, but really not for adults. However, the submarine is fantastic! Highly recommended.
Just be aware that everyone needs to be able to step *unaided* through a couple of small doors onboard. That means little kids have to be able to do it themselves. There's a practice door inside the museum and the staff will check that everyone can handle it. A little girl in our tour group was very close to not being allowed to go, but all the other kids in our group worked together to encourage her.Written 26 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Thomas VOakland, CA18 506 contributionsSome extraordinarily beautiful countryside in this agricultural valley noted for excellent wines. We stopped at one simple winery for a good tasting and noted that there were several guest houses nearby. Close to the city.Written 29 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew T324 contributionsThis is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7Written 16 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas VOakland, CA18 506 contributionsThis is the cool part of town and we kept coming back here on our city visit. Lots of places to eat here, emphasis on breweries, craft beer. Some pleasant architecture, lots of good shopping. And lots of coffee.Written 30 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sara G.Saint Louis, MO896 contributionsThe Redwood Observation Deck in Portland, Oregon, is unpopular short hike that you wouldn’t know about. The journey to the deck is enchanting. The trail winds through lush greens and towering redwoods. Their immense trunks and lofty canopies are unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen before. The air is cool and crisp with the heavy scent of pine and earth. As you approach the observation deck, the trail opens up to a panoramic view. Definitely take this short hike if you have 30 minutes.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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