15 Best Things to do in Portland, Oregon 

Planning a trip to Portland, Oregon? You’re in the right place!

Portland is full of surprises, from stunning rose gardens to its quirky history and thriving food scene. Oh, and I can’t forget the epic outdoors-filled day trips at your fingertips! I grew up in Oregon and know the city well, and I also know how many bucket list experiences you might be trying to cram into your itinerary. 

Not to worry, though – I’m here to guide you through Portland! This list narrows down the top experiences you can’t miss on your trip to the City of Roses. I’ve included iconic sights, local hidden gems, and more food stops than your belly can handle. Let’s get to it!

Portland at a Glance

Portland is a super easy city to explore, but a few local tips can make your trip even smoother!

TriMet, Uber, and Google Maps: The MAX Light Rail, buses, and streetcars connect most of the city’s top attractions, and Google Maps works really well for planning routes. Unless you’re taking day trips to places like Cannon Beach or Multnomah Falls on your own, you may not need a rental car at all. Uber can help fill in the gaps, and I’d recommend using it at night over public transportation.

Bring layers—even in summer: Portland weather can change quickly, and it’s not uncommon to have a few rainy days and cool nights even in summer. Packing layers will keep you comfortable whether you’re exploring the city, visiting waterfalls, or heading to the coast.

Explore beyond downtown: Some of Portland’s best neighborhoods aren’t in the city center. Areas like the Pearl District, Mississippi Avenue, and Alberta Arts District are packed with great restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and local character, so leave some time in your itinerary to wander.

How I would spend 3 days in Portland

Three days in Portland is just enough time to experience the best of this quirky Pacific Northwest city. I’ve packed your itinerary with incredible food, local breweries, stunning waterfalls, and even a day trip to the Oregon Coast. So, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, here’s how I’d spend three days in Portland!

🚲Day 1: Start your time in Rose City with an e-bike tour to all of its top sites. Then, spend your afternoon wandering through the Japanese Gardens and the world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s! End the day on Mississippi Ave, famous for cool bars, restaurants, and live music. 

🌲Day 2: See one of the West Coast’s most impressive waterfalls, Multnomah Falls, while hiking the Columbia River Gorge. Refuel in the afternoon with this food cart tour around the city, and spend the night enjoying the Pearl District.

🌊Day 3: Take a full-day tour to the Oregon coast, and see Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Haystack Rock with a naturalist guide. Back in Portland, see a comedy show at the city’s best comedy club, and enjoy a farewell drink at the Library Bar.

For even more details, see my 3-day Portland itinerary with my local recommendations!

Things to do in Portland, Oregon

1. See Portland’s best sights on a bicycle tour

Exploring a city on two wheels is one of my favorite ways to experience it. You cover so much more ground and get to see it from a totally different perspective. Plus, riding a bike is just fun! This Portland bike tour checked all those boxes and more, and even as an Oregon native, I learned so much about the city.

You can choose between an e-bike or a multi-speed. I opted for the e-bike, but honestly, the multi-speed would have been just fine. We never faced any hills, and since it’s city biking, I really didn’t pick up much speed.

After meeting the tour and getting acquainted with our bikes, we cruised through Old Town and towards Waterfront Park. This is where the famous Portland Farmer’s Market is located! From there, we crossed the historic Steel Bridge, which is one of the few in the country that operates with a vertical lift. 

This tour was cool because the river splits Portland into quadrants, and we hit all four. Besides historic buildings, we saw street art, the best food cart pods, and rolled through a charming little neighborhood. Our guide even had us stop to smell the roses planted in community gardens all around the city. No wonder Portland is nicknamed the “City of Roses”. 

We finished by crossing Tilikum Bridge and spotting Mount Hood in the distance, an iconic Portland view! 

This tour was relaxed and packed with information. It’s accessible to most travelers, as long as you can ride a bike! I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to make the most of their time in Portland and really get to know the city.

2. Go hiking at Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge

As an Oregonian, I’m a bit spoiled for the outdoors, but I can’t deny how iconic Oregon’s tallest waterfall is! Luckily for you, it’s just a short drive from Portland, and this half-day tour makes it easy to reach. 

This tour is great because you can visit four waterfalls and see the stunning Columbia River Gorge without the hassle of renting a car or figuring out the logistics yourself.

Our first stop was the Vista House, which our guide told us the local nickname is the “$100,000 outhouse”. Regardless of the name, the views over the Columbia River were stunning, and the marble structure was also beautiful. 

Our next three stops were all about waterfalls, each one higher than the last. Latourell Falls is 225 feet (69 meters), Shepherd Dell Falls is a 300-foot-long waterfall (91 meters), and Wakeena Falls is 500 feet (152 meters) tall! All of these “hikes” were more like strolls, all less than 0.25 miles (400 meters) each way and nothing too strenuous. The guide, James, was a wealth of information, explaining history, ecology, foraging, and all sorts of tidbits of knowledge. 

Finally, we made it to the main event: Multnomah Falls! Here, we had about 40 minutes to explore on our own. There are trails that weave up towards the 620-foot (189-meter) waterfall, as well as a gift shop and coffee shop. While you could easily spend a full day hiking here, a short visit is enough to enjoy the scenery and stand in awe at the size of this waterfall!

If you’re looking for a short, sweet, jam-packed afternoon outside the city, don’t hesitate to book this tour!

Related Read: For more info on this tour (including pros and cons!), check out my honest review of this Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Tour!

3. Explore Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s City of Books is a true Portland institution, and something locals are incredibly proud of. As the largest independent bookstore in the world, it spans an entire city block and feels almost like its own little world of books tucked into the Pearl District.

Inside, you can spend hours wandering its four floors of shelves, with thousands of sections and genres to get lost in. It’s the kind of place that perfectly captures Portland’s quirky, independent spirit, complete with an on-site coffee bar and plenty of quiet corners to linger in, especially on a rainy day.

On the third floor, you’ll find the coolest part of the whole store: the Rare Book Room. Filled with first editions, signed copies, and high-cost rare prints, this room is a can’t-miss when visiting. 

Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing and reading. You can access the Rare Book Room from 10 am to 5 pm by getting a pass from the Pearl Room Information Center. 

4. Visit the beautiful Cannon Beach

If you’ve never experienced the Oregon coast, you’re missing out! This isn’t like a California beach, but it’s stunning in a completely different way. The best way to experience it while visiting Portland is on this full-day Oregon Coast tour! 

The coast can be unpredictable, so having a guide who can tailor your day to weather, tides, and group preferences is a huge win. 

We started the adventure at Ecola State Park, which offered incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. You might even get lucky enough to spot a bald eagle here! Depending on the weather, you can do a short hike or spend more time at Cannon Beach. I chose the latter, because I love the beach! 

At Cannon Beach, I had plenty of time to stroll and see the famous Haystack Rock, which looks even bigger in person. I recommend wandering through the charming shops and grabbing some clam chowder for lunch. If the tide is low, you can see the tide pools, which are teeming with colorful starfish and sea anemones! 

We stopped at Hug Point to explore hidden sea caves and a seasonal waterfall that cascades right onto the sand. Then the final stop is Neahkahnie Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the coastline. I’ve been to the Oregon Coast more times than I can count, and I had never experienced either of these places before, so it was a true hidden gem! 

5. Find Portland’s best donuts

Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who appreciates a little sugar-fueled adventure, this donut tour is a must! But trust me, book in advance because this one ALWAYS sells out.

I signed up for this tour for the delicious donuts, but it also turned into an awesome way to get to know Portland’s offbeat, quirky character. We hit the iconic Voodoo Doughnuts (because how could we not?), and we also discovered hidden gems 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 sampled perfectly glazed classic donuts and local artisanal specialties. I even tasted a blueberry basil donut! We also tried some “doughssants”, essentially what happens when a croissant and a donut have a baby. They were amazing!

Along with devouring our weight in donuts, the tour explored Portland’s coolest neighborhoods with 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. Book early; this tour is super popular, and you don’t want to miss out!

6. Find some beauty at the Portland Japanese Gardens and Rose Test Gardens

If I had to describe the climate in Portland, “lush” is the first word that comes to mind. Beyond the city, plenty of natural green spaces offer an escape, but a pair of manicured gardens deserves a standing ovation for their beauty: the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden.

Starting at the Japanese Garden, you’ll immediately feel the calming surroundings. The intentional balance of water, shapes, blooms, and pathways truly seems to ease any worries as you stroll through this majestic space.

After finding zen at the Japanese Gardens, I love taking a short walk to the Rose Test Gardens to wander through over 10,000 blooms and the best aromas on earth. You’ll find seemingly endless gardens of every color rose imaginable and get to see different varieties being tested for commercial use in real time. We even saw a bright golden rose that seemed to glow in the sunlight.

Tickets to the Japanese Gardens are $22.50 USD and can be purchased online, and admission to the Rose Test Gardens is completely free!

7. Discover Portland’s quirky history with a local guide

If it’s your first time in Portland, this city tour is a fantastic introduction. It covers many of the city’s most iconic sights, including Pittock Mansion and the International Rose Test Garden, while giving you insight into Portland’s unique history and culture along the way.

Right off the bat, you’ll visit Pittock Mansion and wander its incredibly preserved grounds. Originally home to the famous publisher Henry Pittock, the French Renaissance-style mansion impresses with its grand architecture, ornate interiors, and sweeping views of Portland.

You’ll pass by several Portland staples like Powell’s City of Books, Old Town, and the Pearl District, hearing all about the city’s rough history and beginnings. No wonder it’s so quirky and charming; the city definitely has some grit to it! 

One of the most memorable stops on the tour is the International Rose Test Garden. Rows upon rows of vibrant roses fill the 5-acre garden with color and fragrance, making it easy to see why it’s one of Portland’s most beloved attractions. Take your time wandering the paths, admiring the different varieties, and soaking in the views of the city beyond.

Shakespeare fans will get a kick out of the garden’s dedicated Shakespeare Garden section. Here, you’ll find roses and fruit trees named after characters from some of William Shakespeare’s most famous works. Yes, Romeo and Juliet have their own roses here—a tragic love story and all! 

This tour feels like discovering the heart of Portland while sightseeing comfortably and getting a history lesson all in one. 

8. Take a day trip to Mt Hood and Hood River

If you’re in Portland and want to experience the absolute best of Oregon’s natural beauty, this Mt. Hood day trip is a must. It’s a jam-packed adventure through waterfalls, mountain views, charming small towns, and the iconic Timberline Lodge.

The day begins with an early morning pickup, and before you know it, you’re cruising along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Your first stop is the famous Multnomah Falls. Guides take you to the Benson Bridge, which offers views of the towering falls. It’s an absolutely stunning sight. 

From there, you’ll continue along the Historic Columbia River Highway and make a quick stop at the Rowena Crest Viewpoint. Then, enjoy some free time in Hood River for lunch before getting to experience the flavors of Oregon’s famous “Fruit Loop” drive. This portion is filled with multiple u-pick fruit orchards and street stands! If you’ve never experienced Oregon-grown fruit, you’re in for a real treat. 

On your way to the mountain, you’ll stop at Trillium Lake to get some scenic shots before making your 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 HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews, this tour is certainly popular. It always sells out, so book ASAP to avoid missing out!

9. Taste your way around Portland

Portland’s food scene has a reputation for being one of the best in the country, and this walking food tour really showed me why! As I mentioned, I grew up in Oregon but not in Portland specifically, so I had so much fun on this deep dive into the city’s trendiest spots that most outsiders never see!

We started strong with a house-made sausage-and-fried-egg sandwich on buttery sourdough. Then, as we walked through the charming Pearl District, we stopped for a local beer and a soft, chewy pretzel with a yummy dipping sauce. I was in heaven!

Next, we tried rich tonkotsu ramen, and just when I thought I couldn’t eat any more, our guide revealed the secret dish. I won’t spoil the surprise, but we promise you’ll love it! We capped off the tour with a bright pink, Simpsons-themed donut and finished with 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. If you’re visiting Portland, this tour is a must, but please come hungry, because you’ll leave absolutely stuffed!

10. Visit the Grotto

There’s so much running around involved when trying to discover new sights. It can be completely exhausting; that’s why I love to visit the Grotto while in Portland for some much-needed peace in nature. 

Officially known as The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, The Grotto is a Catholic shrine and botanical garden nestled in the heart of the city. The sanctuary covers 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush forest. Its focal point is an impressive Catholic shrine carved out of a 110-foot (35.5-meter) high cliff, which houses a large marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà. Regardless of religious affiliation, it feels remarkably quiet and secluded, a rare sense of calm within the city. 

Around the chapel and outdoor shrine, you’ll find multiple walking paths and hiking trails, stunning gardens, breathtaking views, and ornate statues made of marble, wood, and bronze.

Admission to the lower-level gardens is completely free, including parking. However, we recommend purchasing an admission ticket to the upper gardens as well. It’s only $10.95 USD and includes access to the meditation chapel with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the Columbia River and Mount Saint Helens on clear days. 

11. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Willamette River

Want a totally unique perspective of Portland? This dinner cruise on the Willamette River is a wonderful way to spend an evening relaxing in the city. 

Climb aboard The Portland Spirit, a small cruise ship equipped with space for up to 280 passengers. You’ll get a reserved table, and although window seats are not guaranteed, you can still enjoy the views on the outer deck before and after dinner! While you’re out there, take a listen to the historical narration provided; it’s full of Portland tidbits about the landmarks you’re actively passing. 

You’ll pass under several of Portland’s most iconic bridges, including the Hawthorne, Marquam, Morrison, and Burnside, each with its own distinct design and skyline views worth stopping for a photo. Other highlights include cruising by a barbel-class submarine in the U.S. Navy, Oaks Amusement Park, Elk Island, and Moda Center, home to Portland’s biggest concerts and sports events. 

Enjoy a full, 3-course, freshly prepared meal as you glide along the Willamette. Live piano adds to the already special ambiance, making for a truly romantic evening enjoying Portland along the water. 

If you’ve never experienced a dinner cruise, make this one your first! The whole experience is quite memorable – just check out the hundreds of raving reviews! 

11. Hike to Pittock Mansion from Forest Park

City days in Portland are never dull, but sometimes, you need a little fresh air. Forest Park is the perfect place to get it! Spanning 5,200 acres (2,104 hectares), it’s a vast network of trails with lush forest cover, wildflowers, and the occasional hidden structure.

With over 80 miles (129 km) of trails, it can be difficult to choose just one to explore, so we narrowed it down to our favorite route: the hike from Lower Macleay Park up to Pittock Mansion, a scenic trail that naturally ends at one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints and the historic mansion above it. 

This 2.5–3 mile (4–5 km) trail winds through dense forest before gradually opening up to sweeping views of Mt. Hood and downtown Portland from Pittock Viewpoint. From here, it’s a short final stretch to Pittock Mansion itself, perched high above the city.

Originally built in 1914, the mansion features 23 uniquely styled rooms and an elegant circular marble staircase. After taking in the views from the grounds, you can step inside to explore the interior, which feels like a reward after the climb. Tickets are $16 USD per adult and can be purchased in advance or on site.

From here, you have a couple of options: either retrace your steps and hike back down through the forest (mostly downhill on the return), or make things easier and grab an Uber or rideshare back into the city, if you don’t feel like going the extra distance.

13. See Portland from above on a scenic flight

Whenever I fly into a city, I pop open the shade and study the land below. Little lives hustle down there while I’m soaring above. I’ve always appreciated these views and wished for just a little longer to observe. That’s why when I found this downtown Portland air tour, I knew I just had to experience it! 

This tour has multiple timing options, but I wanted to catch the sunset, so I chose the 9 pm take-off time. Arriving promptly 20 minutes prior to flight time, the jitters and anticipation were primed! After check-in and a quick safety video and introduction, it was time to fly. 

The flight is only about 20 minutes, but it was pure bliss to soar over popular landmarks like Moda Center, Providence Park, and the Portland, Oregon, sign. Each pass-by was met with fun facts and history from our guide. 

I felt like a pilot for those 20 minutes of communicating through the headsets they provided! The views offer incredible photo opportunities you couldn’t capture from a jetliner. 

Flying above Portland at sunset makes an excellent date night, family outing, or solo adventure!

14. Go wine tasting in Oregon’s famous Willamette Valley region

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! I’m actually from this region, and I think it’s a must for anyone visiting Portland.

The Willamette Valley wine region is home to hundreds of vineyards, but our guide handpicked three for us to visit. 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. 

This tour is great not only because it includes a designated driver, letting you sample as much wine as you’d like, but also because it makes it easy to experience another side of Oregon’s beauty! We paid for the samples ourselves, but it really opened up how much and what we could taste. 

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. This region is famous for pinot noir, so be sure to sample a few to compare. 

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, I really couldn’t have asked for more!

I would do this tour again in a heartbeat, and judging from the glowing reviews, I’m not the only one.

15. Find your favorite food cart and craft beer

No visit to Portland is complete without eating at a food cart pod. The city essentially pioneered the modern food truck movement, with food carts becoming a major part of Portland culture in the early 2000s. 

Today, Portland is widely considered one of the best food truck cities in the country, and these aren’t just random trucks parked on a street corner. Most pods have dozens of vendors, plenty of covered seating, and even bars pouring local beer, cider, and wine.

One of my favorite stops is Hawthorne Asylum, a bustling food cart pod on Portland’s east side near the Hawthorne District, where you can sample everything from Ukrainian and Burmese dishes to Korean and Lebanese specialties. Hinterland Bar & Food Carts, located in southeast Portland, offers a more local and relaxed vibe with plenty of great food options. Piedmont Station is another excellent choice if you’re spending time in northeast Portland.

The best part? Many food cart pods double as a great introduction to Portland’s famous craft beer scene. Grab a meal and pair it with a locally brewed IPA, lager, or cider while you soak up the atmosphere. 

Beer lovers looking to dive deeper should check out iconic breweries like Great Notion, Wayfinder, and the rising star Brujos. Not a beer fan? Portland’s cider scene is just as impressive, with Portland Cider Co. being one of our favorite stops. You’ll love their rotating seasonal ciders!

Related Read: Make the most of your time and follow my 3-day Portland itinerary. It includes these top activities and a few of my favorite hidden gems!

Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon

After all that exploring, having the right place to stay makes a huge difference—and Portland has plenty of great options depending on your style and budget. In my opinion, Downtown Portland is the best place to stay because it’s lively and walkable, and it’s home to most of the city’s top attractions!

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 windows. 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 Mark Spencer Hotel is comfortable and full of character. It sits right on the edge of Downtown and the Pearl District, so it’s in a top-notch location within walking distance of some of the best shops, restaurants, and attractions in the city.

The hotel has a classic, elegant feel, with spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a really solid choice if you want a reliable stay in a great location without spending too much. Rooms here usually start at around $200 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here.

Budget – $ 

The Moxy Portland Downtown hotel offers an amazing location at an affordable price. I think that this hotel is modern and fun, with comfortable rooms and even a quirky on-site coworking space and bar. I 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!

Related Read: Need help deciding on which area to base yourself in? Check out my Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon guide for a full breakdown of the city’s best areas and hotels!

Thanks for reading!

That’s my complete guide to the best things to do in Portland, Oregon! From waterfall hikes and coast day trips to donuts and bicycling, this city truly has something for everyone. No matter how many times I visit Portland, there is always something new to uncover, so enjoy exploring it for yourself!

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. I’ve also linked a few favorite nearby destinations below to help you keep the adventure going!

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