Portland, Oregon, is a city shaped by its parks, distinct neighborhoods, and focus on sustainability. Whether you’re visiting well-known spots or discovering something new, this guide will help you explore and enjoy the endless things to do in Portland, Oregon, aka ‘City of Roses.’

What Is Portland Most Famous For?

People know Portland primarily for its modern, green thinking. It also has a creative attitude and a relaxed feeling. In fact, it goes by the short name “City of Roses” due to its mild climate, which is ideal for rose gardens, such as those shown in its International Rose Test Garden. Yet, the city’s appeal goes beyond flowers.

Many people also know Portland for its coffee culture, microbreweries, and increasing farm-to-table food area. Portland, proud of its strong community and love for greens, offers a unique mix of craft beer, fresh food, and green spaces. As a result, its locals highly value protecting the environment and creativity.

Visit Powell’s City of Books

For book lovers and curious travelers, a tour of Powell’s City of Books is a definite must, along with other things to do in Portland, Oregon. Not only is it the largest independent bookstore in the world, occupying a whole city block, but it also holds over one million books.

Visitors can wander through rooms of color-coded books, both new and used, spanning many genres, from classic literature and sci-fi to hard-to-find, no longer published editions. With its in-store comfortable cafe, Powell’s lets you sit with a cup of coffee and disappear into your latest find. It is more than a bookstore; it is a place of discovery and an important place for both locals and tourists alike.

Explore the Portland Japanese Garden

Visitors often say that the Portland Japanese Garden is the most real Japanese garden outside Japan. Located in Washington Park, this 12-acre garden is truly a beauty. It shows koi ponds, trickling streams, and carefully groomed plants, creating a peaceful place. It reflects Japanese design principles, focusing on harmony and serenity.

Additionally, it has five different garden styles, including a tea garden and a strolling pond garden, which display the colors of fall leaves and the beautiful cherry blossoms that flower in spring. Another major attraction in the Japanese Garden is the cultural village, celebrating some of the best traditional arts and crafts. This is, indeed, a masterpiece that anyone looking for peaceful things to do in Portland, Oregon, should not miss.

Hike to Pittock Mansion in Forest Park

Set high above the city, Pittock Mansion offers a special blend of history, architecture, and amazing views that will take your breath away. In 1914, Oregon’s early settlers Henry and Georgiana Pittock built this beautiful French Renaissance mansion. Not only is it a gateway to Portland’s history and culture, but it also provides a beautiful hike through Forest Park. The trails wind through lush forests, leading to a view of the city skyline with Mount Hood standing tall behind it. Once you reach the mansion, you may explore its inside, featuring old furniture and historical items.

This destination is interesting to both history enthusiasts and nature lovers as it perfectly blends Portland’s heritage with its natural beauty.

Tour the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

OMSI, which stands for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, is a must-do for everyone visiting Portland. It is a family-friendly museum that shows science in a hands-on form. During your visit, you tour fun exhibitions on physics, nature, and tech. You also see an Oregon Museum Planetarium astronomy show. Lastly, you visit a former U.S. Navy submarine moored along the Willamette River. OMSI features live demos, changing exhibits, and a huge IMAX screen, offering learning and relevant things to do in Portland, Oregon for all ages. It’s a great spot for families or anyone who enjoys discovering and learning.

Walk Through the Pearl District

Perhaps Portland’s most vibrant neighborhood, the Pearl District, was once a factory site but is now a lively arts and shopping district. Here, the Pearl offers trendy small shops, art galleries, and great restaurants.

Visitors are drawn to its creative energy and modern chic. With high-end stores, independent shops, and unique places to eat filling these historic warehouses, the neighborhood gains a distinctive flavor. Spending the day browsing local art, crafted goods, and fresh, locally sourced meals is a delightful fun thing to do in Portland, Oregon.

Shop at Portland Saturday Market

One of the best places to take in some of Portland’s local art and food is, without question, at Portland Saturday Market. This outdoor market, which runs every Saturday from March to December, is located by the waterfront. Known as the country’s largest outdoor market, it has over 250 vendors selling handmade jewelry, clothing, unique art, and unique souvenirs.

Moreover, the market is a fantastic spot for street food and live entertainment. It’s the ideal place to pick up an unforgettable souvenir from Portland while supporting local artisans.

See the International Rose Test Garden

The International Rose Test Garden is, without a doubt, one of Portland’s top attractions and an excellent example of why it’s called the “City of Roses.” Opened in 1917, this beautiful garden in Washington Park covers over 4.5 acres and is home to 10,000 rose bushes. As one of the oldest public rose test gardens in the U.S., it tests new rose varieties for color, fragrance, and disease resistance. Guests can stroll through the colorful rose beds and enjoy their scents. They can also see downtown Portland and Mount Hood. The best time to visit is in late spring or early summer when the roses are in full bloom and there are plenty of fun things to do in Portland, Oregon.

Drive to Multnomah Falls

One of the must-see things to do in Portland is the short drive to the amazing, 620-foot, two-tiered Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon State. It’s a must-see destination for many visitors. Walking across the famous Benson Bridge, which spans the lower falls, offers an extraordinary view of the flowing water. Various trails lead up the mountain to the falls and around the forest, letting explorers continue their journey. Multnomah Falls is an amazing spot to experience Oregon’s natural beauty, just a short drive from Portland.

Taste Local Beers at Deschutes Brewery

Since Portland is a haven for craft beer culture, a visit to Deschutes Brewery is one of the best ways to sample local beer. Located in the Pearl District, this brewery has a comfortable taproom where visitors can try a range of great brews, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Additionally, the menu of pub fare is crafted to complement their beers perfectly. You can also take a brewery tour to learn more about the brewing process or simply relax with a pint.

Explore Lan Su Chinese Garden

In downtown Portland, the beautiful Lan Su Chinese Garden awaits. This traditional, cultural gem was originally a joint project with Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, in China. Now, it has a real, peaceful atmosphere. Its winding paths take you through lush landscapes, koi ponds, and carefully designed pavilions. Inside the garden’s tea room, visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese teas and snacks.

Expert Tips for Visitors in Portland Oregon

Here are some helpful tips that will definitely help you make the most of your visit to Portland and ensure everything goes smoothly.

• Take Advantage of Public Transit: Portland’s transit system is both quick and easy to use. Therefore, you can reach most places in the city using buses, light rail, and streetcars. It’s very suggested to get a day pass for all your travels.
• Plan for the Weather: Since Portland’s weather can be highly changeable, it’s best to wear clothes in layers. Additionally, carrying a lightweight rain jacket during fall and winter is always wise. During summer, the weather is usually warm and dry, the perfect time for outdoor events.
• Support Local Businesses: PDX is home to many small, independent businesses. These include cafes, bookstores, shops, and, of course, food carts. Shopping locally not only helps you experience Portland’s unique culture but also supports the community.
• Stay Connected with Yoho Mobile eSIM: Since Portland’s attractions are spread out, consider using a Yoho Mobile eSIM to stay connected and have GPS access without needing to change SIMs. This is particularly ideal for international travelers. So, don’t miss the opportunity to do great things to do in Portland Oregon with the Yoho Mobile company.