Sitting on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers under the watchful gaze of Mount Hood, Portland is Oregon’s most famous city. Renowned for its micro-breweries, botanical gardens, and thriving arts scene, Portland attracts visitors from near and far to sample its treasures.

We have put together this comprehensive list of all the top things to do in Portland to help you get your vacation off to a cracking start.

As the city’s unofficial slogan, “Keep Portland Weird” is a kind introduction to the types of unique activities and sights you’ll see during your adventure to one of America’s most hipster cities — true fact!

It’s an extra bonus for trendy travelers who will love uncovering its secrets. Go on a ghost tour (yup, you read that right), hike in a forest park enclothed by moss, get “fezzy” during wine tastings at vineyards, see alpacas or find your inner zen at the Grotto Sanctuary.

From foodies to cool kids to families in search of a city with a plethora of unique attractions that steer away from the mundane, The City of Roses (its local nickname) is the ideal place to start!

1 – Tuck into the best donuts

donut tours in Portland, Oregon

Donuts are a bit of an institution in Portland. There are even tours dedicated to tantalizing your taste buds with these sweet, sticky dough balls.

Stop at different specialist shops around the city and see if you can demolish maple bacon and lavender donuts without licking your lips. Challenge accepted? Then up the game with a blueberry bourbon or Mexican hot chocolate donut.

donut tours in Portland

2 – Watch a sports game at the Moda Center

Moda Center Sports Center in Portland, Oregon — credit to Moda Center

Calling all sports junkies, if a classic American sporting game has been on your bucket list of things to do while touring the USA, look no further than the Moda Center.

Serving as the city’s main indoor sporting arena, this is where the local ice hockey and basketball action happens, and the center is home to the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team who often plays home matches here in season.

Apart from the sports scene, the complex is utilized for big concerts, Cirque Du Soleil masterpieces, theatrical performances and shows, even some on ice.

Watch some of the funniest and most famous comedians perform like Kevin Hart or a musical act instead from the likes of The Eagles to Bruce Springsteen (gigs change monthly).

FYI, in case you’ve traveled to Portland before back in the day, the Moda Center was known as the Rose Garden arena until it changed its name in 2013.

Moda Center tickets

3 – Explore Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge, Portland

Feel the spray on your face as you stand beneath majestic waterfalls in the heart of Columbia River Gorge. This dramatic canyon is one of the most photographed scenic reserves in the US, with towering basalt cliffs and endemic wildlife to spot.

Wind your way along the legendary Columbia River Highway, stopping at stunning viewpoints to drink in unrivaled panoramas. Remember to pack the camera!

hiking in Portland

4 – Go wine tasting in Willamette Valley

Willamette Valley, Portland, Oregon

Portland’s premier wine region is awash with traditional farmsteads and forested backcountry drives. Hiking trails meander past waterfalls and take in epic vistas of the Cascade Mountains, but the real highlights are the sprawling vineyards.

Go behind the scenes at local wineries in the Willamette Valley, with wine tastings of rich cabernets and crisp chardonnays included. Buy a bottle to enjoy back home.

Willamette Valley tours

5 – Shop till you drop in the Pearl District

Pearl District shopping, Portland, Oregon

No visit to Portland is complete without an afternoon checking out the famous Pearl District. This hip and happening shopping destination is crammed with independent boutiques, art galleries, and the famous Powell’s City of Books.

Want to rest your weary feet? Then refresh yourself in the bars, craft breweries, and restaurants that are housed in reclaimed historical warehouses.

6 – Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland, Oregon

Sitting pride of place in Portland’s Chinatown district, this Ming Dynasty-style garden takes horticulture to a whole new level. Stroll over bridges and through pavilions as you explore this serene urban oasis.

You can even indulge in a bit of meditation and take tea in the traditional way at the café. Visit during winter to see the spectacular Chinese New Year festivities.

Directions in Google Maps

7 – Take a tour around Downtown

Portland Downtown, Oregon

Take a guided city tour of Downtown Portland and discover a world of indie boutiques and eclectic food cart dining. There are plenty of green spaces here too, with a highlight being the Waterfront Park with its cooling fountains and riverside paths.

Continue your explorations at the Portland Art Museum, or visit the farmers’ market for a real taste of Oregon.

An amalgamation of city urban feels and nature; take some time out to chill at Keller Fountain Park. Constructed out of concrete, these man-made falls were built in 1970, and every minute, 49,210 liters of water cascade down the multiple artificial platforms and terraces.

After a few hours exploring downtown, refuel with an excellent coffee from one of the specialty coffee shops around.

When the sun sets, watch live music at the historic McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, and there are one or two more music venues located in this part of Oregon.

city tours in Portland

8 – Smell the flowers in the International Rose Test Garden

International Rose Test Garden, Portland, Oregon

There are over 10,000 rose bushes in this Washington Park garden, so prepare for a sensory overload as you wander around the manicured flower beds. The International Rose Test Garden often trials new rose varieties, so keep an eye out for unusual blooms.

The best time to visit is between April and October when the roses are at their finest.

Directions in Google Maps

9 – Splash about at the North Clackamas Aquatic Park

North Clackamas Aquatic Park, Portland, Oregon — credit to the North Clackamas Aquatic Park

Bring the little ones and come splash around at the North Clackamas Aquatic Park, or if swimming is your form of therapy, clock in the laps at the 22-meter-long swimming pool (half the size of an Olympic pool).

Besides the swimming pool, a main feature of the park is the Big Surf Recreation Swim area, filled with water slides ranging in size and lengths to whizz and swoosh down, landing in the shallow pool. There is also a dedicated kiddies pool.

Hit the wave pool with its 1.2-meter-high artificial wave and try bodysurfing, and there is a large hot tub — available for adults-only. If you’d prefer to stay dry during your time here, check out the rock climbing wall. Reaching nearly nine meters, there are three different routes to attempt on the wall. On-site lockers and shower facilities are available.

10 – Go wild at Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo, Portland — credit to the Oregon Zoo

Come face to face with painted dogs and black rhinos at the oldest zoo in the West. The cheeky lemurs will keep you on your toes and the warty pigs never fail to amuse younger explorers.

There are several different habitats to discover, with talks and feeding events giving you closer encounters with the wild inhabitants. Will the elephants or orangutans be your favorites?

11 – Discover Portland by bike

bike tours in Portland, Oregon

Embrace the power of the pedal as you wheel through the streets of Portland. You will be cycling around the historic west side, cruising through Chinatown, and checking out the trendy Pearl District.

Stop to refuel at one of the city’s food carts or visit the farmers’ market for some local grub. The bike tour will swing by Waterfront Park too for superb river views.

bike tours in Portland

12 – Take photos of Mount Hood

Mount Hood, Portland, Oregon

Mount Hood is actually a dormant volcano, with plunging slopes and a snow-capped peak making it the most photogenic mountain near Portland. Surrounded by a thick national forest, this is the great outdoors at its most impressive.

Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon’s highest peak has several walking trails to enjoy. Or admire it from afar at scenic viewpoints along the majestic highway.

Mount Hood tours

13 – Fly over the Columbia River Gorge

flying in Portland, Oregon

Strap in for a wild ride over the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge and see the canyon from a new angle. You will soar over popular landmarks and see the glinting river as it snakes through the Cascade Mountains.

This is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Portland, with moments of low flying so you can get those close-up shots.

airplane tours in Portland

14 – Spot wildlife in Tryon Creek

Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland Oregon — credit to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

There is no shortage of green spaces to enjoy in Portland, but Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a real favorite with locals. Occupying a forested ravine just south of the city, Tryon Creek was once home to several indigenous Chinook tribes.

Today you can walk beneath the towering Doulas firs, keeping your eyes peeled for foxes, woodpeckers, and Pacific tree frogs.

Directions in Google Maps

15 – Encounter alpacas

Alpaca farms in Portland, Oregon — credit to the Marquam Hill Ranch LLC

Visiting an alpaca farm is one of the more unusual things to do in Portland. Families love joining in at feeding time and interacting with these strange fluffy animals from South America.

You can take a tour of the hill ranch and discover why alpacas thrive here in the Pacific Northwest. Pop into the shop for some rather unique souvenirs, courtesy of the woolly inhabitants themselves.

16 – Solve puzzles on a scavenger hunt

scavenger games in Portland, Oregon

Pull on your thinking caps for a self-guided mission around Portland, figuring out clues as you go. The handy app will reveal secrets of the Bohemian arts district, with stops at the Pioneer Courthouse Square and Powell’s Books along the way.

This is a fun way to discover the city’s top sights at your own pace, at a time of your choosing.

scavenger games in Portland

17 – Taste craft beers at Portland breweries

craft beer tasting in Portland, Oregon

Portland is home to several specialist breweries, where you can learn the secrets behind the colorful local craft beer. Tours and tastings are some of the most fun things to do in Portland, with the Eastside industrial neighborhood providing a charming backdrop.

Guided walking tours and bike excursions are the best way to visit the breweries, and some stops include snacks!

Covering a few kilometers of city ground, learn about and sample local crafts from Imperial IPA to dry hops, Northwest pale ales and creamy stouts from a select few breweries.

During brewery bike tours, visit more of Portland’s microbreweries in three hours as you cycle from one area to the next by bicycle. Cruising to the Pearl District, Downtown and Northwest District, stop for beer tastings at top breweries like Lucky Labrador, Rogue and Deschutes.

Fun fact: Portland has over 70 breweries! Happy sampling!

beer tasting in Portland

18 – Go hiking in Forest Park

Forest Park, Portland, Oregon

The rolling green pastures of Forest Park are a welcome respite from the city heat. This is one of the largest urban forests in the US, with over 80 miles of trails to explore.

Venture deep into the woods to find the legendary Witch’s Castle – old stone ruins that are enshrouded in tales of murder and mystery. Will you dare to visit?

Directions in Google Maps

19 – Visit Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon

Heralded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Asia, this tranquil park is a haven of waterfalls and pavilions.

There are five areas to explore, including the Tea Garden and the Strolling Pond Garden, each with their own serene vibe.

Stop by the traditional teahouse to try some sake and enjoy prime views of Mount Hood from the raised walkways.

Directions in Google Maps

20 -Come play at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar in Portland, Oregon — credit to the Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar

Combining two festive activities into one, the Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar is one of the super fun things to do in Portland where adults can feel like a kid again.

Designed as a classic arcade, find all your favorite childhood games — and that includes video games and pinball machines!

In fact, if you consider yourself a champion in the field, monthly pinball tournaments are held here.

Make your way through more than 100 games dating from the 70s all the way to more modern times, listen to sweet tunes playing in the background and grab a cocktail from the bar.

If you’ve worked up an appetite whilst battling it out, the restaurant serves food too, including vegan options.

21 – Admire St. Johns Bridge

St. Johns Bridge, Portland, Oregon

This historic steel suspension bridge is a real whopper, spanning the Willamette River and connecting two of Portland’s major neighborhoods.

Just as striking as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, St. John’s is a beloved city landmark.

You can drive over the bridge during a tour of Portland, or head to Cathedral Park to snap up some iconic vacation photos.

Directions in Google Maps

22 – Hike in Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park in Portland, Oregon — credit to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

This vast forested park carpets an extinct volcano, with tranquil reservoirs and hiking trails giving you your fresh air fix. Intrepid walkers can conquer Mount Tabor using well-marked paths, rewarding efforts with spectacular views across Portland.

Children love having fun in the play areas, while sports enthusiasts can shoot some hoops on the basketball court. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

Directions in Google Maps

23 – Take a Food tour

food tours in Portland, Oregon

The best way to discover a city is through its belly, so join a food tour to reveal what really makes Portland tick. Savor fresh seafood and local wine in upmarket eateries, before heading to the market for seasonal farm treats.

Stop at food carts for street eats like tacos and rice bowls, then chow down on pizza and ice-cream sandwiches if you have room.

food tours in Portland

24 – Enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise

dinner cruises in Portland, Oregon

Ramp up the romance with a dinner cruise through Downtown Portland and along the Columbia River Gorge. This is just the ticket after a long day of sightseeing, so sit back and relax as the sun goes down.

Tuck into a hearty feast of local cuisine as you journey down the Willamette River, enjoying live entertainment for an evening to remember.

dinner cruises in Portland

25 – Watch all the action from the Portland International Raceway

Portland International Raceway, Oregon — credit to Portland International Raceway

Witness motorheads put the pedal to the metal at the Portland International Raceway — a motor racing facility open since 1960 where sports car and drag racing are the main highlights to see.

Hosting local and international events, travelers with a passion for cars will love it here. Catch a motorcycle race, there are car shows to visit that are set up here, IndyCar events, motocross and even bicycle racing on the tracks.

Learn how to race yourself at the Racing School or master driving skills required on the tracks during their High Performance Driving Course sessions.

26 – Go horseback riding

horse riding in Portland, Oregon — credit to Sauvie Island Stables

See the city in a new light with a horseback riding tour through the local woodlands or even along the beach. Lessons are available for beginners and those who want to learn new tricks, while trail rides will give you a taste of life in the saddle.

Your trusty steed will take you through scenic landscapes and along rivers, making you feel at one with nature.

Established in 1936, Corbett Farm is a special experience, whether you’re an equestrian or a hippophile. Arriving at the small private farm, enjoy a 40-minute trail ride through their forestry and gardens, passing by fruit trees and viewpoints on the journey.

Feeling nervy? Take a lesson prior in either the indoor or outdoor areas. However, what sets the riding center apart from the rest is its incredible horse therapy sessions.

Did you know that horses have a naturally calming demeanor and are often used as facilitators for mental health issues? Under the guidance of a trained professional, Corbett Farm offers Equine Therapy.

27 – Try indoor skydiving

indoor skydiving in Portland, Oregon

Ever wanted to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane? Then you will love indoor skydiving – it is one of the most thrilling things to do in Portland.

Feel the adrenaline rush as you float in an 800-horsepower vertical wind tunnel alongside your instructor. Will you be able to keep your balance when the 175 miles-an-hour winds hit?

indoor skydiving in Portland

28 – Bounce around at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone Trampoline Park Gresham, Portland, Oregon — credit to Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Want to burn off some energy? Then practice your ninja-warrior moves as you jump around Portland’s Sky Zone indoor trampoline park. See if you can balance on the Battle Beam and tackle the Warped Wall if you dare.

The parkour-inspired obstacle course is one of the most thrilling activities to enjoy in Portland, while extreme dodgeball will keep you on your toes.

29 – Take a day trip to the Oregon coast

coast tours in Portland, Oregon

Leave the city behind and head out to the rocky coastline for fresh sea air and beautiful scenery. You will be cruising along the dramatic Highway 101, passing through charming beach towns and stopping at picturesque viewpoints.

Leave your footprints in the sand in secluded bays and visit Ecola and Oswald West State Parks to exercise the legs and the camera.

Oregon coast tours

30 – Catch a show at Portland’5 Centers for the Arts

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Oregon — credit to the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts

Get cultured during a night out at the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts — home to five spaces involved in the performance arts.

As one of the largest of its kind in the country, there’s always a theatrical, musical or dance show happening.

For an evening of melodic tunes from jazz to gospel, a dance show or a screening of travel films, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall hosts all. Here for the spectacle, also marvel at the building’s architecture — first built in 1928. Established as the city’s first public theater, it’s now one of the last-standing Broadway theaters.

Constructed in 1917, the Keller Auditorium (home of the Portland Opera and the Oregon Ballet Theatre) is where all the classics are performed from ballet to opera to Broadway productions.

Inside the Antoinette Hatfield Hall discover the three remaining major theaters: the Winningstad Theatre, the Newmark Theatre (favored for its Edwardian-style design) and the Brunish Theatre which is usually reserved for intimate shows or small conferences.

31 – Visit Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls, Portland, Oregon

Multnomah Falls is the most popular natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to its beautiful hiking routes and plunging waterfalls. Situated in the Columbia River Gorge, the falls themselves are nothing short of spectacular.

Feel the sheer power of nature as you stand at the foot of this roaring cascade, or walk up the trail to the bridge which spans the falls.

Multnomah Falls tours

32 – Enjoy a sailing adventure

sailing tours in Portland, Oregon

Take to the water and see Portland in a new light on a waterfront sailing excursion. Relax on deck as the city skyline passes you by – keep your camera handy for the iconic views.

Want to head out of town? Then harness the wind and glide down Columbia River Gorge, and get hands-on as an honorary crew member. Small-group and private tours are available.

If you’ve always wanted to be the captain of your own ship, visit the Portland Sailing Center, and the sailing school is based on the Columbia River.

Learn the ropes and be taught how to sail a keelboat, and recreational sailing boats range in size, from smaller water vessels to longer keelboats reaching 11 meters.

The center offers a variety of different classes (and courses), from the basics to those for seasoned recreationists. Topics that the course covers include ‘fundamental sailing maneuvers’, ‘steering by wind and sails’, ‘setting sails for speed and comfort’ and more.

You can also rent and charter your own sailboat for the day from Portland Sailing Center.

sailing tours in Portland

33 – Travel back in time at Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon

This French Renaissance-style mansion was once a private home built like a castle for publisher Henry Pittock. Located in the hills outside Portland, Pittock Mansion boasts some of the best views of the city so remember to pack your camera.

Check out the historical exhibits about 20^th-century life in Portland, and admire the flamboyant architecture as you stroll through the rooms.

Directions in Google Maps

34 – Be brave on a ghost tour

ghost tours in Portland, Oregon

Looking for spooky things to do in Portland? Then join a ghost tour and discover the chilling secrets and haunting legends behind the city’s most visited sights.

Your guide will regale you with tales of gruesome murders and audacious kidnappings as you wander through the dark streets. Keep your wits about you as paranormal activity is an everyday event here in Downtown Portland.

ghost tours in Portland

35 – Play games at King Pins

King Pins in Portland, Oregon

Let your hair down and have fun with all the family at the King Pins entertainment center.

Whether you fancy a bit of competitive bowling or like your chances of winning in the arcade, there is something here to keep everyone amused.

Be transported back to your childhood with vintage games, or venture into a new world with virtual reality headsets and laser tag.

36 – See vintage steam engines at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Oregon Rail Heritage Center, Portland

Learn something new during a visit to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, uncover the city’s locomotive past, and see the development of trains throughout the passing decades.

This railway museum is home to three real-life locomotives, each at a time used on railways. After not running for some time, the trains were brought over to the center where they have since been restored to their former glory.

On that note; visit the Machine Shop where you can see mechanics, and volunteers, working on train machinery; welding, grinding and painting away. At the live museum, investigate three locomotives, two of which still run.

The Spokane Portland and Seattle 700 (built in 1938) and the Southern Pacific 4449 (built in 1941) operate expeditions now and then, and the Oregon Rail and Navigation 197 (built in 1905) is currently undergoing restoration to get it back up and running again.

37 – Embrace nature at Washington Park

Washington Park, Portland, Oregon

Portland’s headline nature park is packed with gardens, museums, and plenty of wild space so you can escape the crowds of the city. Kids love visiting the Washington Park Zoo, where sea lions and elephants are the stars of the show.

For something more serene, stroll around the manicured Japanese gardens, or travel to forests around the world at the unusual Discovery Museum.

Laden with over 2,300 tree species from around the globe, the Hoyt Arboretum living museum is a genuine Eden. One of the best ways to explore the ins and outs of this forested area is by tackling one of the walking or hiking trails within its grounds.

The Overlook Trail, Bristlecone Pine Trail and Visitor Center Loop are examples of accessible paved trails to trek.

Other activities to engage in at the park are the archery range, the International Rose Test Garden filled with 10,000 roses, Rose Garden Children’s Playground and tennis courts.

Directions in Google Maps

38 – Discover Portland Art Museum

Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon

The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest in the US, with galleries dedicated to Native American and Northwest collections.

Here you will find everything from 19^th-century European art to thought-provoking modernist pieces, with changing exhibitions throughout the year.

The museum is housed in historically significant buildings, including an old Masonic temple which has retained many of its original features.

39 – Hike and kayak in Oxbow Regional Park

Oxbow Regional Park, Portland, Oregon — credit to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Oxbow Regional Park and enjoy the scenic Sandy River with its cliffs and beaches. If you fancy hiking, there are several trails meandering beside the water and traversing steep ridges.

Alternatively, paddle down the river by kayak and watch out for mink and beavers along the banks. You can even camp overnight if you feel adventurous!

Directions in Google Maps

40 – Step into the world of the spooky at Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, Portland

Are you obsessed with all things weird and wonderful? Become enthralled at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium … an art gallery like you’ve never seen before!

Dedicated to all sorts of oddities, the museum was founded in 1967 and its exhibition displays kooky memorabilia from comics to books to artwork to shirts to stickers and so much more.

Not just on show, you can also purchase all sorts of zany items from the Peculiarium. Snap photographs alongside bizarre installations and freaky interactive displays. An hour or so is a good amount of time for this Portland activity.

41 – Reflect on life at the Grotto Sanctuary

The Grotto Sanctuary, Portland, Oregon

Sitting on top of a cliff in Northeast Portland, the Grotto Sanctuary is a peaceful woodland with 62 acres of botanical gardens to explore.

Pathways lead to hidden Catholic shrines, where the ancient forest surrounds give a meditative vibe. Explore the outdoor cathedral cave, and pop into the Chapel of St. Mary to admire the Cascade Mountains through a glass wall.

42 – Be entertained at the Jack London Revue

Jack London Revue, Portland, Oregon — credit to the Jack London Revue

Get your evening off to a swinging start at this speakeasy-style jazz club. Tucked away in a cozy basement, the Jack London Revue hosts acts from near and far on its intimate stage.

Whether you prefer energetic guitar solos or saucy burlesque, there is always something on that will tickle your fancy. Cocktails and snacks seal the deal.

Jack London Revue tickets

43 – Photograph Portland’s White Stag Sign

White Stag Sign, Portland, Oregon

Everybody loves an iconic destination sign to feature in their vacation snaps, and Portland has one of the best. The White Stag Sign can be found near the Burnside Bridge beside the waterfront and was originally made by a sportswear company.

If you visit during winter, see if you can spot the stag’s nose which lights up red as a compliment to Rudolf.

Directions in Google Maps

44 – Have fun visiting Oaks Amusement Park

Oaks Amusement Park, Portland

Providing all the thrills to guests since 1905, the Oaks Amusement Park has been in operation for more than 110 years and continues to provide a fun day out for both young and old in Portland. An amusement park it has been since its earliest days; the attractions and activities have changed a bit throughout the years, keeping up with the times.

Starting with the rides; there are 24 to choose from, some suited for the whole family (for example, the antique Ferris Wheel or the speedy Scrambler) whilst others are for those after a serious adrenaline rush, like the AtmosFEAR.

Experience go-karting, bring the teeny tots to the kiddies’ rides or try your hand at classic carnival games to win prizes at the Midway Games section.

Go rollerskating the old-school way at the Oaks Park Roller Rink or play a round of putt-putt at Chipper’s Woods Miniature Golf. How’s that for hours of fun?!

45 – Go climbing at Movement Climbing

rock climbing in Portland, Oregon — credit to Movement Climbing Gyms

Test your strength on the indoor climbing wall at Movement Climbing Gyms and see if you can scale the dizzying heights of the 55-foot route. Negotiating overhangs and vertical drops is just all part of the experience.

Back on the ground, there is a bouldering area for you to practice your moves, as well as yoga classes if you fancy a gentler form of exercise.

46 – Take a Pink Trolley City Tour

Pink Trolley City Tour, Portland, Oregon

Cruise the streets of Portland on an open-air and open-top trolley bus. This fully narrated excursion takes you past some of the city’s top landmarks on a scenic and informative drive.

Highlights include the Old Town and Saturday market, the South Waterfront Park, and the iconic Pearl District. Make a note of places to return to for further exploration.

Portland trolley tours

47 – Be creative at Live Laugh Love Art

Live Laugh Love Art, Portland, Oregon

Discover your inner artist at Live Laugh Love Art, a crafty workshop in the heart of Portland. Try your hand at glassblowing or candle-making for a truly special vacation memory, learning from the experts as you go.

Pottery painting is fun and therapeutic, with everything from bowls to figurines up for grabs. Want something more traditional? Then make like Van Gogh and paint a canvas.

48 – Visit Save the PT Boat Museum

PT Boat Museum, Portland, Oregon

The world’s last working PT boat from World War II can be found here in Oregon. This historic torpedo vessel has been restored and can often be seen powering along the Willamette River.

The living memorial has a small museum dedicated to war memorabilia and the restoration journey. Tours and rides are available on selected dates throughout the year.

49 – Explore the Oregon Maritime Museum

Oregon Maritime Museum, Portland

Housed inside a historic sternwheeler boat, the Oregon Maritime Museum gives you a taste of river life in times gone by.

Tour the engine room and discover how the boat was operated, then head to the pilot house for superb river views. There are maritime artifacts and model ships to enjoy, as well as tales of the mariners who once sailed these waters.

50 – Smell the flowers at the Leach Botanical Garden

Leach Botanical Garden in Portland, Oregon — credit to the Leach Botanical Garden

Meander through gorgeous gardens dotted with fragrant florals, rare blooms and woodlands of heritage trees at the Leach Botanical Garden. And just because you’re in Portland … the botanic garden has a distinctive whimsical charm.

Entering the Pollinator Garden, be treated to vistas of the sweetest ‘prairie style’ garden set up, where plants used as food pollinators for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds grow.

For a bird’s eye view over the garden, wander along the Aerial Tree Walk, and then explore the original stone and brick Manor House.

Other cute and interesting gardens to mosey around include The Far Meadow and the Historic Hillside Garden.

Some of the heritage trees and rare plant species to spot within the Leach Botanical Garden are the Hawthorn Tree, Black Bamboo and Devil’s club.

51 – Smell the flowers at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Portland, Oregon

Swathes of colorful blooms and a flurry of wildfowl greet you at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in southeast Portland. Originally established as a test garden for rhododendrons, today there are over 2,500 plants to admire.

Self-guided tours of the park are a great way to see the highlights, with the best time to visit being between February and July.

Directions in Google Maps

52 – Discover the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland — credit to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

See science brought to life with interactive exhibits and mind-boggling displays in the vast galleries of Oregon’s Museum of Science and Industry.

Witness live lab demonstrations, take a stroll on a submarine, and explore distant galaxies in the giant planetarium. Young visitors will enjoy seeing the ancient dinosaur fossils and getting creative in the hands-on science playground.

53 – Sample the best Portland gins

gin tasting in Portland — credit to Westward Whiskey

The craft gin scene is roaring in Portland, with several micro-distilleries for curious drinkers to visit. You can tour production facilities on Distillery Row, discovering the secret ingredients and of course tasting the results.

Westward Whisky is the place to go for botanical gins, or head to the New Deal Distillery where spicy flavors like Hot Monkey Vodka will awaken all your senses.

54 – Tour the Mississippi neighborhood

Mississippi neighborhood, Portland, Oregon

This hip district is one of Portland’s top spots for live entertainment and dining out. There are dozens of fashionable bars and music venues, as well as mobile food carts dishing up inventive cuisine.

Shopping is a real treat here, and for creative souls there are living art workshops to try. Come in July for music, beer, and parades at the annual Street Fair.

Directions in Google Maps

55 – Have fun bar hopping

pub crawl in Portland, Oregon

Wet your lips and quench your thirst at some of Portland’s coolest bars around town.

With bottles of liquor on full display, the Victoria Bar opens from mid-morning till late and has won awards for the best cocktail bar in town.

Offering indoor and outdoor seating, whiskey is the hero at Paydirt. Order a flamboyant rare Japanese whisky, or try one of their unique signature cocktails, including draft cocktails!

Sporting trendy interiors and a pastel palette, Bar Diane is a natural wine bar that also makes a mean cocktail. Sip back on a Li’l Buck Hot Toddy or Dirty Blonde.

Tropicale is a fresh and funky bar that’s all about bringing the “island vibrations”, inspired by the Caribbean and Latin American. Naturally, the drinks (and food) pop with color!

For a sophisticated night out drinking, visit Stem Wine Bar where they offer wine tastings too, and indulge in fine wines from around the world.

56 – Eat at Portland farmer’s market

Portland Farmers Market, Oregon

Foodies will love browsing the 140 stalls laden with fresh local produce at the Portland Farmer’s Market. You can buy specialist delicacies to take home, and learn about the traditional cuisine of Oregon.

Eating here is one of the most popular things to do in Portland, and you will find everything from hearty tranches of pizza to grilled duck rolls and kimchi dogs.

Directions in Google Maps

57 – Marvel at street art

street art in Portland, Oregon

Portland has some of the most imaginative street art in the US, with almost 2,000 pieces of public art and murals adorning the sidewalks. The Alberta Arts District has a mile of walkable street art to enjoy, while Downtown Portland is another popular spot.

Take a self-guided tour and see if you can spot slithering snakes, talking robots, and even a stampeding rhino.

58 – Visit Powell’s City of Books

Powell's City of Books, Portland, Oregon

The world’s largest new and used bookstore is one of central Portland’s most treasured landmarks. Visitors come from far and wide to browse the eclectic offerings on the shelves, where ancient tomes and shiny modern prints sit side by side.

You can wander at will or use the color-coded map to navigate the 3,500 different sections. Then grab a brew in the café to keep your energy levels in check.

How to get to Portland?

Portland’s main airport is the Portland International Airport where international flights land. Before you arrive in the hip city, pre-organize airport transfers so that you have nothing to worry about upon arrival except for the usual admin, like baggage collection.

After you touch down and are ready to leave the airport, your private driver awaits you, ready to transport you directly to your accommodation in a private vehicle. Eliminate the stress of haggling taxis and travel in comfort and ease to your stay.

Where to stay in Portland?

Ensure that your time in Portland is extra comfortable by checking in to some of the city’s best hotels. And, just like its vibe, there are epic stays to choose from.

In the heart of Portland, and nearby to many must-see attractions, The Heathman Hotel is full of charm — plus, the lobby library is a great entrance to arrive at! The super spacious rooms, suites and studios at the Hotel DeLuxe are vintage-inspired with touches of European elegance. By the same brand (Provenance Hotels) in Portland is the Sentinel, designed within two historic buildings.

Boasting super funky design and interiors with a distinctive Southern-esque feel, The Hoxton, Portland is ultra trendy. Grab sundowners at the rooftop taqueria and bar.

Done up in monochrome, the stylish Woodlark is a great pick for business travelers, even the loft option.

Like a board off of Pinterest, all that’s current in the interior design world you’ll spot inside the rooms and hallways of the Hotel Grand Stark — from the cane and rattan finishes to the walls decorated in ceramics.

For travelers who prefer a bit of character in a hotel stay, fall in love with the eclectic decor and extra comfortable and luxurious rooms at The Royal Sonesta Portland.

best hotels in Portland

Where to go next?

Considering your next destination on your US adventure? There are many other things to do in Seattle, a two-hour and 45-minute drive from Portland, Oregon. Go chasing waterfalls, catch a baseball game, tour underground city passages or go on an awe-inspiring whale-watching excursion!

You can travel from Portland to Seattle by car, or there are daily trains that run between the two cities. The train journey is 3.5 hours. Ideal for a day trip, or an overnight stay, travel from the state of Oregon to Washington in a few short hours!

Final thoughts

From outdoor adventures to trendy dining experiences to ancient mansions and old-school arcades, the bountiful things to do in Portland make this weirdly wonderful city a hotspot in Oregon.

Considered a “hipster city”, investigate the streets to judge for yourself, but one thing remains true; it certainly isn’t short of unique activities and sightseeing opportunities.

Where are some of your must-visit spots in Portland, or attractions at the top of your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments.

As always, happy and safe travels!

58 Fun and Unusual Things to do in Portland, Oregon