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Planning a trip to Portland, Oregon? You’re in the right place!
We loved exploring the City of Roses. From its quirky history and thriving food scene to its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic coastline, Portland is packed with unforgettable experiences. But with so much to see and do, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming!
After plenty of time wandering Portland’s streets, hiking its trails, and indulging in its famous donuts, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you want to uncover the city’s offbeat past, hike to Multnomah Falls, or soak up the beauty of Cannon Beach, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did near Portland was this waterfall tour! We got to visit the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, and several hidden spots, all without the hassle of driving.
The views were unreal, and the short hikes made it feel like a real adventure!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice
- Things to do in Portland, Oregon
- 1. Discover Portland’s quirky history with a local guide
- 2. Go hiking at Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge
- 3. Visit the beautiful Cannon Beach
- 4. Find Portland’s best donuts
- 5. See Portland’s best sights on a bicycle tour
- 6. Take a day trip to Mt Hood and Hood River
- 7. E-bike to gorgeous Columbia River Gorge waterfalls (including Multnomah Falls!)
- 8. Taste your way around Portland
- 9. Learn about Portland's Underground Shanghai Tunnels and try local beer
- 10. Go wine tasting in Oregon’s famous Willamette Valley region
- Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Portland, Oregon
1. Discover Portland’s quirky history with a local guide
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1:30 pm, or 4 pm
- Highlights: Director Park, South Park Blocks, the Portland Building, Pioneer Courthouse Square
- Inclusions: Certified guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Portland, this walking tour is it! We did this on our first day in Portland and it really helped us to get our bearings in the city, as well as get acquainted with its unique and quirky character.
We met our guide, Shannon, on a crisp morning at Director Park. She was an engaging storyteller with a clear passion for her home city. She took us on a stroll through the South Park Blocks, where we discovered the history behind Portland’s urban planning and the creative visions and missteps of the city’s early designers. It was so interesting!
At the Portland Building, we also learned about the controversial architecture of these government offices. Meanwhile, one of my favorite moments was stopping by Pioneer Courthouse Square to learn how this now-beloved gathering place was once a battleground over public space, hippie culture, and city identity. Honestly, the stories were as colorful as the square itself!
Throughout the tour, Shannon pointed out public art installations, quirky details I’d have otherwise missed, and little-known facts about Portland’s evolution. By the end, I felt like I had truly seen Portland’s unique culture, history, and personality. And I’m not the only one who loved it—check out all of the 5-star reviews here!
Book this walking tour here with FREE 24-hour cancellation!
2. Go hiking at Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the Columbia River Gorge area, hiking at Multnomah Falls, visiting Latourell, seeing the iconic Vista House, Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, exploring Bridal Veil Falls State Park
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned transport, bottled water, snacks, professional guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Not for nothing is this Columbia River Gorge tour our top pick for things to do in Portland! We had the best time exploring this scenic area, and booking a guided tour meant that we didn’t have to deal with the hassle of hiring a driver ourselves.
We were especially glad to have Ana as our guide—she knew all the best stops and had so many fun stories to share. At Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall, we had plenty of time to snap photos and take in just how massive it is up close.
Next up was Latourell Falls, where we hiked a beautiful 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) loop through mossy forest while Ana kept us entertained with the legend of the Beaver princess. At Vista House, her storytelling brought the Columbia River Gorge’s history to life, from Indigenous traditions to the early road builders who carved this route through the cliffs.
We wrapped things up with a short hike down to Bridal Veil Falls—a dreamy cascade framed by lush greenery. The whole morning was the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and local insight.
By the time we returned to Portland, I felt like I had truly experienced the wild beauty of Oregon. If you want to explore the Gorge without the hassle of driving, this tour is the way to go! After all, 1,500 5-star reviews can’t be wrong!
Book our favorite Portland tour here and enjoy FREE cancellation!
3. Visit the beautiful Cannon Beach
- Duration: 8–9 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Enjoying ocean views and wildlife at Ecola State Park, exploring the town of Cannon Beach, free time for lunch, looking for nesting seabirds at Haystack Rock, stopping at Hug Point State Park or Oswald West State Park (time permitting)
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, bottled water, light snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The best part about this Oregon Coast tour was definitely the flexibility! Our guide, Jim, knew exactly how to tailor the day based on the weather, tides, and our group’s energy, making sure that we got the best experience possible.
We started our adventure by visiting Ecola State Park, where we watched the mist roll in over the Pacific. Jim also took us to a secret spot where we were able to get a glimpse of some bald eagles flying overhead! He said that, depending on the conditions, he sometimes takes groups on a short hike here, but our group went for extra time at Cannon Beach instead.
There, we wandered through charming shops, grabbed a fresh seafood lunch, and marveled at Haystack Rock, where puffins were nesting. Since the tide was low, we even got to explore the tide pools, which were teeming with colorful sea stars and anemones. How cool is that?
Next up, we went to visit Hug Point to see hidden sea caves and a seasonal waterfall that cascaded right onto the sand. Then our final stop, Neahkahnie Mountain, offered a panoramic view of the coastline. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day!
I loved how Jim adjusted the itinerary to make the most of the conditions. It felt like a really personalized experience, even though it was a shared tour. If you want to see the best of the Oregon Coast without stressing about logistics, this is the way to do it!
Grab your spot on this Oregon Coast tour here!
4. Find Portland’s best donuts
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Various slots between 9 am and 3 pm
- Highlights: Visiting Portland’s best donut shops, trying out famous spots, discovering locally beloved hidden gems, sampling the best options at each location
- Inclusions: Local guide, all donut tastings, vegan and gluten-free options available at some stops
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who appreciates a little sugar-fueled adventure, this donut tour is a must! But trust me, you should book it in advance because this one ALWAYS sells out.
We signed up for this tour for all of the delicious donuts, but it ended up being an awesome way to get to know Portland’s offbeat, quirky character as well. Not only did we hit the iconic Voodoo Doughnuts (because how could we not?), but we also got to discover some hidden gems that locals swear by and tourists usually miss.
Our guide, Kayla, had an infectious energy that made the tour even better. She shared hilarious tales from Portland’s history, some lesser-known donut lore, and even a few conspiracy theories about why this city is so obsessed with fried dough!
Along the way, we got to sample some perfectly glazed classic donuts as well as some local artisanal specialties. I even tasted a blueberry basil donut! We also got to try some “doughssants”, which are essentially what would happen if a croissant and a donut had a baby. They were amazing!
Along with devouring our weight in donuts, we explored Portland’s coolest neighborhoods and got great local tips, especially on coffee spots! Whether you’re a donut fanatic or just want a fun way to see the city, this tour’s a hit. Just make sure to book early because this tour is super popular and you don’t want to miss out!
Book this popular donut tour here, before it sells out!
5. See Portland’s best sights on a bicycle tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Cruising around the city on a multi-speed cruiser bike or e-bike, Waterfront Esplanade, Park Clocks, Pearl District, learning about the spirit of Portland, seeing the Willamette River
- Inclusions: Local guide, use of bike or e-bike, helmet, rain gear (if necessary)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to experience Portland like a true local, then you’ll need to hop on a bike. After all, Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America! But it can be tough to know where to start when it’s your first time in a new place, which is why we highly recommend this bicycle tour!
You can choose between a multi-speed cruiser bike or an e-bike if you’d like a little more assistance with the pedaling! Either way, this tour is one of the best ways to explore the city.
We kicked things off in Old Town, where our guide gave us a crash course on the city’s past with tales of Portland’s wild early days. From there, we cruised along the scenic Waterfront Park and the floating bike paths of the Eastbank Esplanade. We even caught a glimpse of Mount Hood in the distance as we crossed the Tilikum Bridge!
One of the highlights of this tour was definitely gliding through the Park Blocks. If you book the Saturday morning tour, you’ll even get to hit the legendary Portland Farmers Market!
Our tour wrapped up in the trendy Pearl District, which is home to cool cafes, shops, and the city’s thriving art scene. Needless to say, we were very happy about this!
If you’re looking for a fun, active way to see the city, this is a must-do. Just be sure to book in advance. There is a reason this one sells out so fast!
Grab your spot on this fun bike tour here!
6. Take a day trip to Mt Hood and Hood River
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Multnomah Falls, Timberline Lodge, free time for lunch in Hood River, driving through the Columbia River Gorge, Benson Bridge viewpoint, Vista House, Rowena Crest Viewpoint, Draper Girls Country Farm
- Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop-off from downtown, local guide, luxury sprinter van transport, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re in Portland and want to experience the absolute best of Oregon’s natural beauty, this Mt. Hood day trip is an absolute must. It’s a jam-packed adventure through waterfalls, mountain views, charming small towns, and the iconic Timberline Lodge.
Our day began with an early morning pickup, and before we knew it, we were cruising along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Our first stop was the famous Multnomah Falls. We visited the Benson Bridge, which offers insane views of the towering falls. We were in awe!
From there, we continued along the Historic Columbia River Highway and made a quick stop at the Rowena Crest Viewpoint. We then enjoyed some free time in Hood River for lunch, then, later on, we got to enjoy Oregon’s famous “Fruit Loop” drive. I don’t know what it is about the Oregon soil, but the pears and cherries that we tried here were some of the best I’ve ever had.
On our way to the mountain, we stopped at Trillium Lake to get some scenic shots before making our way to the legendary Timberline Lodge. Perched on the south side of Mt. Hood at 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) above sea level, the views here are epic, but that’s not the only reason it’s famous. The lodge was also used for the Overlook Hotel in The Shining!
With over 550 5-star reviews, this tour is certainly popular. It always sells out, so book ASAP to avoid missing out!
Grab your spot on this full-day tour here before it sells out!
7. E-bike to gorgeous Columbia River Gorge waterfalls (including Multnomah Falls!)
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, or 2 pm
- Highlights: Cruising along the Waterfall Corridor on an e-bike, self-guided experience, Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls State Park, Horsetail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Latourell Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, Crown Point State Park
- Inclusions: Use of e-bike, helmet, bike lock, digital route map
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We totally understand wanting to explore the Columbia River Gorge independently, but all of the research and planning can be overwhelming. That’s why this self-guided e-bike tour is such a game changer! You get a planned route that takes you to the most breathtaking waterfalls without the stress of parking or navigating traffic.
We loved cruising along the open roads of the Waterfall Corridor, taking in the breathtaking views. The route was planned to perfection and covered all of the must-see spots, starting at Multnomah Falls, which are just breathtaking.
From there, we cruised down smooth, evergreen-lined roads towards Bridal Veil Falls and Wahkeena Falls. Here, we stopped for some short but rewarding hikes to the stunning cascades! However, Latourell Falls was probably my favorite of them all. Standing beneath its 290-foot (88-meter) drop felt surreal.
Meanwhile, the ride up to Crown Point Vista House was so worth it for the sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge. Plus, the e-bike made the hill climbs almost effortless! We loved having the freedom to explore without totally exhausting ourselves.
But what we loved most of all about this tour was the flexibility. We were able to take our time, stop for a quick swim when we fancied it, and we even stopped at a few hidden spots suggested by the rental team. This is an absolute must for adventurous travellers, and all of the glowing reviews certainly attest to that.
Check availability and book this e-bike tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Taste your way around Portland
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 11 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Exploring Portland’s coolest neighborhoods with a local guide, sampling Portland’s specialty treats, visiting locally beloved hotspots and Pine Street Market, exploring the fashionable Pearl District
- Inclusions: All food samples amounting to a full lunch, local foodie guide, drinks
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Portland’s food scene has a reputation for being one of the best in the country, and this walking food tour really showed us why! We had so much fun exploring Portland’s coolest neighborhoods, and it was such a great way to avoid the tourist traps and visit the spots that Portlanders love!
We started on a high with a housemade sausage and fried egg sandwich on buttery sourdough. Then, as we walked through the charming Pearl District, we stopped for a local drink and a soft, chewy pretzel with a yummy dipping sauce. We were in heaven!
Next up, we tried some rich tonkotsu ramen and then just when we thought we couldn’t eat any more, our guide revealed the secret dish. We won’t spoil the surprise but we promise you’re in for a treat! We capped off the tour with a bright pink Simpsons-themed donut and finished up with a coffee at a cozy cafe.
Beyond the food, I loved how our guide wove in stories about Portland’s history, architecture, and vibrant food culture. It felt like getting an insider’s tour of the city while eating my way through its best bites. If you’re visiting Portland, this tour is a must, but please come hungry, because you’ll leave absolutely stuffed!
Grab your spot on this top-rated food tour here!
9. Learn about Portland’s Underground Shanghai Tunnels and try local beer
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Various time slots between 2 pm and 8 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Exploring Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels, learning about the historic passageways, hearing chilling ghost stories, tasting samples at a top brewery in Old Town
- Inclusions: Guided tour of the Shanghai tunnels, local historian guide, three beer samples, pint of local craft beer
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Looking for a unique and slightly spooky way to dive into Portland’s past? This Shanghai Tunnels tour is a must-do. It blends local legends, dark history, and craft beer into one unforgettable experience.
These tunnels used to connect lots of hotels and taverns to the Willamette River waterfront to make it faster to move goods from cargo ships to the businesses’ basements. Oh, and they’re also said to be haunted! Standing in the dimly lit tunnels, it’s easy to imagine what life was like down here—and what still might linger in the shadows.
Our guide, Natasha, led us through the narrow passageways and shared eerie stories from the tunnels’ past. Unsurprisingly, they were also used for some pretty nefarious purposes! We loved learning about Nina, the resident ghost who is said to haunt these tunnels.
After we resurfaced from the tunnels, we ended the tour on a lighter note with a guided beer tasting. We got to sample three of the Old Town’s award-winning brews, and then capped it off with a full pint of our favorite one. It was the ideal way to unwind after our eerie adventure!
All in all, this tour was fun, a little spooky, and a unique way to uncover Portland’s hidden past. It’s the kind of quirky experience that makes the city stand out. We’d especially recommend it to anyone into history, ghost stories, or craft beer!
Grab your spot on the Shanghai Tunnels tour here, with FREE cancellation!
10. Go wine tasting in Oregon’s famous Willamette Valley region
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Exploring the Willamette Valley wine country, visiting up to three different vineyards, sampling local wines, learning about grape production, picnic-style lunch at a winery
- Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop-off, lunch, professional guide, all transport, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Whether you’re a wine lover like me or a casual enthusiast, this full-day tour of Willamette Valley wine country promises an epic experience. We had the best day ever cruising through the rolling hills and lush vineyards of this famous wine region, and we loved hearing stories about the valley’s winemaking history.
We visited three incredible wineries, each of which offered a unique tasting experience. The wine samples were on our own account, but we actually appreciated this as it meant we got to pick the tastings that we wanted to try!
At every stop, we tasted a wide range of wines, including pinots, chardonnays, and rieslings, each with distinct notes and characteristics that showcased the valley’s terroir.
Best of all, we enjoyed a gourmet picnic-style lunch of artisan produce at one of the wineries, with amazing views to boot. With fresh bread, local cheeses, and lots of fresh fruit, we really couldn’t have asked for more!
Each stop on this tour not only introduced us to fantastic wines but also provided a deeper understanding of sustainable viticulture and the art of winemaking in Oregon. We moved at a leisurely pace so we never felt rushed, and we had plenty of time to savor the wine and soak in the beautiful scenery.
We would do this tour again in a heartbeat, and judging from the glowing reviews, we’re not the only ones.
Read all of the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Related Read: Make the most of your time and follow our 3-day Portland itinerary. It includes these top activities, and a few of our favorite hidden gems!
Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon
Now that you’re all caught up on the best things to do in Portland, you just need to figure out where to stay! In our opinion, Downtown Portland is the best area to stay in because it’s a lively and walkable area that’s home to most of the city’s top attractions!
The Downtown area is also incredibly convenient for getting around. Many tours offer free pickup from the area, and you’ll have easy access to Portland’s extensive public transport network, so getting out to explore other areas won’t be a problem. To make your stay even easier, we’ve listed some of the best hotel options in Downtown Portland for every budget.
Luxury – $$$
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland is a luxurious 5-star hotel ideally located just a short walk from some of the city’s top attractions, like the Portland Art Museum and Lan Su Chinese Garden. The hotel boasts elegant rooms featuring air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. But my favorite thing about this hotel is the stunning indoor rooftop infinity pool, which offers spectacular city views through its floor-to-ceiling window. Trust me, you’ll struggle to tear yourself away!
Prices at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland start from $500 per night. Check out all of the options and book this luxurious stay on Booking.com now!
Mid-range – $$
The Heathman Hotel is a charming hotel located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Downtown, just a short walk from the Portland Art Museum and Powell’s City of Books. It offers modern spacious rooms, and we love the library-themed hotel restaurant! Plus, with a 24-hour gym, free WiFi, and some pet-friendly rooms, you’ve really got everything you need here!
Rooms at the Heathman Hotel typically range between $150 and $250 during peak season. Check availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com!
Budget – $
The Moxy Portland Downtown hotel offers an amazing location at an affordable price. We think that this hotel is modern and fun, with comfortable rooms and even a quirky on-site coworking space and bar. We love its industrial-chic design and the fact that there’s free WiFi, a games room, and a fitness center on site. It really is a home from home!
Prices at Moxy Portland Downtown start at $100 per night. Check out all the options and this hotel’s availability on Booking.com now!
Check out all of Portland’s listed hotels here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
That’s our complete guide to the best things to do in Portland, Oregon! From waterfall hikes and coast day trips to donuts and underground tunnels, this city truly has something for everyone. We had an amazing time uncovering both the well-known highlights and the quirky corners that give Portland its charm.
If you’re planning more trips around the Pacific Northwest or beyond, be sure to check out our other USA travel blogs for more ideas. We’ve also linked a few favorite nearby destinations below to help you keep the adventure going!
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