Popular Things to Do in Portland
Portland
coffee shops are wonderful, so you will not want to miss a tour of some of
our most popular local Portland coffee shops. We are known for our fine
coffee and you won't taste better anywhere, plus each Portland coffee house is
unique and worth a visit while pouring over a magazine or local paper, or just
people watching.
Another wonderful pastime in Portland is visiting Powell's book store.
As the largest used and new bookstore in the world, Powell's City of Books has been wowing locals and visitors alike since 1971. This store spans an entire city block, guaranteeing it will take you hours to traverse the nooks and crannies and color coded sections but we know you will love every minute of it!
Visit the Portland Japanese
Garden For a touch of serene beauty, this garden is
popular in the spring, summer, and autumn, when the japanese
maple trees are in their full glory.
If you want to visit a garden that is tucked neatly into a city block
Downtown, then try The Classical Chinese
Garden. This little gem can be found in downtown Portland in the Old Town China Town neighborhood. This authentic Suzhou-style garden is simply breathtaking.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
is a fantastic place to visit if you are looking for things to do in Portland
that are family oriented. features a planetarium, laser shows, submarine and the OMNIMAX Dome Theater.
The Oregon Historical Society is an excellent way to learn the rich history of the Pacific Northwest. Permanent exhibits include: Battleship Oregon: Bulldog of the Navy, Oregon Art and Oregon My Oregon.
Oregon Coast Travel Guide Well, you've come this far-- just head a few hours west and you will experience the gorgeous Oregon coastline.
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort For snowboarding, skiing, tubing, snowshoeing (and more)...Current weather conditions on Mt. Hood, as well as lift information and passes.
During the summer months, The Portland Farmers Market
at PSU (downtown Portland)
is a wonderful way to spend a morning stocking up on local organic produce,
fresh flower, freshly baked breads, locally cultivated
livestock, fish, plants, honey and more.
Located in Portland's Old Town China Town, the Portland Saturday Market is a
must see and one of the most popular things to do in Portland for visitors and
locals, alike. Stands of handcrafted, unique gift items and food carts make this
a fun outing, and it's also a great place for people watching. Now located
along the waterfront in Old Town.
Nestled right above downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is an easy trip via the Max light rail. Delightful old-style trains are a favorite zoo-transport option offering amazing views and relief for your tired feet. We love the elephants, the African rainforest and well, all of it! The kids (big and small) will be in heaven.
Don't miss the Portland Arts and Culture Art galleries in Portland, the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, NW Film Center, shopping in the Pearl District, Alberta Arts District and more...
Of course one of the best things to do in Portland is to go to a major show
or event. Rose Quarter Sports and Entertainment
Also, this is where you can catch popular Portland sports events like the
Portland Trailblazers and Winterhawks.
Planning a ladies night out? Check our
best places in Portland for ladies night out.
Of course we have tons of fine dining, so visit our Best
Portland Restaurants page for some ideas.
Most Popular Portland Neighborhoods when Visiting Portland Oregon
The top neighborhoods that visitors enjoy are listed below. Of course
we think all of our neighborhoods are special, so this list is by no means
inclusive--there are wonderful things to do in Portland in every
neighborhood. Visit each neighborhood page to view maps and get some
more ideas of things to do in Portland.
Downtown
- The museums, theater district, Farmer's Market, Saturday Market, Powell's
Bookstore, summer festivals on the Portland Waterfront (Rose Festival, Blues
Festival, etc.), and easy transportation along the TriMet MAX light rail line.
Old Town China
Town - Classical Chinese Garden and the Portland Saturday Market, as well
as lots of late night clubs and dining. Don't miss a visit to Portland's
VooDoo Doughnut.
NW Portland -
Nob Hill - Trendy little shops, boutiques, and good restaurants located
along the popular strip of 23rd Ave and 21st Ave. Accessible along the
street car line.
Pearl District -
Coffee shops, restuarants, upscale shopping, trendy home furnishings, this is
a city lover's dream.
Alberta
Arts District - Indie shops, unique restaurants, bars, art, and a fun
creative vibe. East of the river.
Lloyd Center -
Home of the Rose Quarter with tons of great Portland events year round.
Sellwood
- Cute neighborhood features shops, antique shops, and independent
restaurants.
Hawthorne
- Fun Southeast Portland neighborhood with fun shops, restaurants, and the
Bagdad Theater.
Don't forget to check our Portland
Events Calendar and blog for more ideas on things to do in Portland.
Become a member and each week you will get the "This Week in
Portland" newsletter on the blog so you will always have new ideas.
