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Things to do in Portland

Top Things to Do in Portland

Things to Do in Portland

Ways to tour Portland

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Top Attractions in Portland

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Day Trips

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.
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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

  • Mike P
    Efland, NC411 contributions
    Review of: International Rose Test Garden
    Wonderful experience
    We didn't have much free time to explore in Portland but we were really glad that this was one of our stops. There is so much to see and everything is so well kept. The fact that this is a free exhibit too is amazing. Definitely worth a visit.
    Written 16 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RickDCNY
    Boston, MA8 contributions
    Review of: Portland Japanese Garden
    A lovely place in Portland
    What a delight
    Definitely a place to visit during your trip to Portland. A lovely homecoming for anyone who ever visited Japan. For everyone else a quiet beautiful garden so characteristic of Japan. The shop offered many lovely items to purchase and enjoy at home
    Written 14 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marina Stein
    Vancouver, Canada30 contributions
    Review of: Washington Park
    Great park
    Great big green park. We have been in Zoo, Rose garden, Japanese garden, Umami cafe. All places were great, and I know there are much more great places in this park.
    Written 3 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim W.
    Atlanta, GA986 contributions
    Review of: Pittock Mansion
    Imposing house, beautiful gardens, and a spectacular view of Portland
    We had planned to stop here during our trip, but had stayed flexible on where to work it into our itinerary. We were on our final day in Portland where it made sense to try to visit this place (en route back from our day trip to Mount St. Helens) so we didn't have as much time or energy at that point. Had we visited earlier in the day, we might have toured the mansion also. As it was, we just toured the grounds, which is free.

    To get to the mansion, you climb several hilly roads, eventually making a very sharp turn onto the final street. That leads to a narrow driveway (I wondered aloud if it was 1-way until we saw as 'share the road' sign...). This widens a bit an leads to...another sharp turn into the parking lot. All of this is more challenging as you meet an oncoming (thankfully slow) vehicle, but is still navigable.

    The parking lot is fairly large. You have to pay to park here, which was the only expense we incurred. Also, I think there was a trail at the far end of the lot connecting to Washington Park, so you may be able to hike here from the park (you should research this if you want to pursue it).

    We checked out the gift shop briefly before advancing to the mansion. If you are jus touring the grounds / gardens, you can circle around either side of the house. There are various flowers, shrubs, and trees all around. Most of the flowers seemed to be on the far side of the house. This was also where the lawn was located, which sloped down to a bluff overlooking the city. You could also see Mt. Hood clearly from there. It seemed to be a popular place for picnics.

    The lot has a pronounced slope, so be prepared to climb stairs or a sloping asphalt path as you circle the house.

    Depending on your schedule and your level of interest in old mansions, a tour of the house might be worthwhile (I think it cost on the order of $10 per person, but check their website). This was a nice stop with beautiful scenery. We probably toured all of the grounds in 45 minutes. It is worth checking out.
    Written 4 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim W.
    Atlanta, GA986 contributions
    Review of: Lan Su Chinese Garden
    Tranquil garden and tea house close to downtown Portland
    Our flight arrived in Portland a bit after noon on a Sunday. After picking up our rental car, this was our first stop, mostly as we were not as concerned with crowds here vs. some other places we wanted to see (the International Rose Test Garden, for instance). Parking was just on-street, though this was easy to find. The garden covers a full city block within Portland's Chinatown area.

    When we arrived (Maybe around 2:30 p.m.) the surrounding area seemed deserted, other than a homeless person walking down the middle of one street. The garden had a steady stream of visitors, though. Admission was around $15 per person.

    There is a large central pond that has a few extensions out towards the perimeter walls. The garden is segmented into a number of courtyards, such that each one has a more private feel than the central area. There is a small pavilion built over one part of the pond and some bridges over other parts. There are also about 3 'tea house' type structures spread around the complex - one is the gift shop, one houses some artifacts and sometimes art demos, and the 3rd is an actual tea house.

    I won't bother to look for or review that separately. Basically they have a limited menu of Chinese food like dumplings or buns, plus (of course) teas. We did get a snack here. They were doing a brisk business (with a few tables on the ground floor, a few out on a small patio, and a few upstairs from which you could see most of the gardens. It is a nice place to get something light to eat and spend a few minutes observing the gardens.

    In terms of plants, they let you borrow a guide to look at as you walk through. There were a decent variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers throughout.

    If you are in the mood for a relaxing and tranquil stroll this is a good bet.
    Written 14 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shirley R
    79 contributions
    Review of: The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
    Amazing, beautiful, and peaceful location
    I visited The Grotto twice because it was so wonderful. There is a church, many different shrines and statues of saints and our Lord. There are also Stations of the Cross and a monastery and it was developed by the Servite priests.
    Written 31 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eva C
    Salt Lake City, UT16 contributions
    Review of: Willamette Valley
    Breathtaking
    Breathtaking scenic area with great wineries. No reservations required for wine tastings which made it easy to enjoy the drive and stop whenever you wished.
    Written 15 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jane801
    Rochester, MN12 contributions
    Review of: Forest Park
    Miles of beautiful hiking trails
    Hard to believe that such a huge and beautiful park is so close to downtown Portland. I stayed in Portland without a car, and walked from my hotel to Pittock Mansion, and then picked up the Wildwood trail. Trails are well maintained and well marked. Dogs are allowed on leash, and bikes are allowed on some trails.
    Written 30 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RBro2014
    Boston, MA117 contributions
    Review of: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
    Peaceful
    This is a peaceful place to visit at any time of year. Nice trails. And a great spot for casual birdwatching.
    Written 12 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James S
    United Kingdom30 contributions
    Review of: Portland Art Museum
    Lovely museum, well worth a visit!
    A surprising range of art styles on display, from traditional and classical to more modern with some really nice individual pieces. Also an entire gallery dedicated to artefacts and artwork from indigenous cultures across the United States which was fascinating! Definitely worth having a look if you're in Portland!
    Written 28 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GitchSup
    Duluth, MN1 387 contributions
    Review of: Hoyt Arboretum
    Absolutely beautiful
    A beautiful place to walk and easy to spend a whole day here. There are so many trails to explore, no matter what time of year it is there is going to be something in bloom on at least a couple of trails. We spent almost a whole day here in two different sections of the park, the other part of the day was spent in the rose garden. I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon! The flowers and green plants were so incredibly lush and we got to see several species of birds we don't see at home. The park also has endangered species of plants that most people never get to see at all. My one word of advice would be to be prepared to download the parking app for Portland if you don't already have it, it makes it super easy to find a spot anywhere in the park and just pay and walk away, you can also set a timer on your phone and pay to extend your parking without going to the meter.
    Written 15 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cynthia C
    Willamette Valley, OR883 contributions
    Review of: St. Johns Bridge
    A very nice side trip
    I would not go to the area just to see the bridge, but that said it is lovely, you must go out to the tower on the riverside to really appriciate it. Pretty sure it was the entrance to the library in The Librarians (2014 TV series).
    Written 3 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeannie D
    Camarillo, CA492 contributions
    Review of: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
    Great place to visit during the rain
    This is a large wonderful science and industry museum in Portland by the river. The exhibits are creative and were exciting for my 8 year old grandson. It would be better if they had a restaurant there as there were only snacks. The gift shop is amazing.
    Written 19 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eva C
    Redmond, WA10 contributions
    Review of: Portland Saturday Market
    Unique vendors
    Great arts & craft market with unique one of a kind items. Lots of vendors along the river and across the street into town.
    Written 2 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kristine from Coeurdalene
    24 contributions
    Review of: Oregon Zoo
    On the way to the coast.
    My family and I have always loved this zoo. Small, easy to navigate, well laid out. It’s been a few years since I have been, and it was disappointing at the lack of animals, and the signs saying sick or tired animal ( means no show). Being an animal lover though, what we did see was sweet, especially the cats. My complaint would be, at a food cart, being told there was no change for a cash purchase, so I get to donate .50 more cents, on top of paying $24 dollars, and my sister paid $ 8 to get her grandson a little arm tattoo, which we thought at first was part the child experience as there was no sign posted with prices. So after paying for parking and of course visiting the gift shop, it’s a little spendy. Will I go again, of course.
    Written 19 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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