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This Ultimate Guide to Visiting Portland will help you plan every aspect of your trip! There’s everything from where to stay and how to get around, to the best places to get a good beer and most importantly, where to eat!
Where do I even begin with writing an ultimate guide to visiting Portland, Oregon – one of my favorite cities in the U.S.?! Portland is a city nestled in the Pacific Northwest greenery with an overabundance of amazing restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities. I’ve been to Portland countless times. My husband and I even lived just outside the city for a bit and still own a home up there!
While I’ve written quite a few posts on visiting the city, I wanted to pull everything together into one easier-to-read guide, showcasing the best Portland has to offer. And when I say this is an ultimate guide to visiting Portland, I really mean it. Here, you’ll find my recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and what to do in this quirky and beautiful Pacific Northwest City.
Buckle up – this is a long guide!
Getting Around Portland
Portland is an very easy city to get around in. Not only are many of the neighborhoods extremely walkable, there are numerous options for public transportation.
Flying into PDX Airport
Flying into the PDX airport is a breeze, and just happens to be one of my favorite U.S. airports! It’s easy to navigate and has a lot of food options to sample while you wait for your departing flight.
Rent a Car
Car rentals at the airport are extra easy with the car rental facilities on the lower level of the airport. No need to take a shuttle or bus to get to an offsite rental facility.
I recommend and use Avis often as they are one of the few agencies where you can add a spouse as an extra driver for no charge. They also have a Preferred Customer program which makes picking your car up even easier!
Driving in Portland: I’m typically intimidated when driving around in unfamiliar cities but was surprised to find Portland easy to navigate and not too stressful to drive in. However, Rush Hour traffic has gotten pretty bad, especially on I-5 (at least it was pre-COVID) so just keep that in mind.
The MAX Light Rail
The MAX is a light rail system operated by TriMet that runs on different routes throughout the city and beyond. You can even catch the Red Line from the airport into Downtown if you aren’t planning to rent a car during your stay.
It’s a clean and efficient way to get around and a great way to avoid car traffic. We’ve taken the MAX a couple of times and I can 100% say it so much better than the BART system we have in the Bay Area.
Read more about The MAX here: https://trimet.org/max/
Ride Sharing
We use Uber and Lyft regularly in Portland to get around the city when we don’t feel like walking. It is especially handy when you’re thoroughly enjoying the beer scene and need to make sure you get around safely!
Where to Stay in Portland
Portland has a wide range of accommodations, ranging from pristine hotels to eclectic private vacation rentals. Here are a few recommendations for places we’ve personally stayed at.
Hotel Rose
Hotel Rose | 50 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204
Hotel Rose is by far my favorite place we’ve stayed at in Portland, primarily because of its location in Downtown Portland, as well as its modern and fun vibes. This hotel is also a StayPineapple Hotel, and their branding is evident all throughout the rooms and lobby. We even got a welcome pup on our bed! I appreciate the small touches like these that make people feel right at home.
Read More: A Stay at Hotel Rose in Portland
Everett Street Guest House
If hotels aren’t your thing, you can check out Airbnb or VRBO/Home Away, which we’ve used a couple of times on different visits. My favorite one so far was the Everett Street Guest House located in the Kerns Neighborhood. It’s a private cottage tucked away on the property of a cute Craftsman home within walking distance to some awesome places.
Do keep in mind that there is a three-night minimum for this property.
Book this property at these links:
I would also suggest locating accommodations in the Alberta Arts District (think murals, shops, and great restaurants!).
Check Out more Places to Stay in Portland
Best Brunch in Portland
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You cannot visit Portland without brunching, at least once! I’ve written a few other articles solely dedicated to brunching in Portland, but for the sake of simplifying this guide, I’m listing my top five.
1. Pine State Biscuits (Alberta)
Pine State Biscuits | 2204 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
What to Get: The Reggie; Veggie Biscuits & Gravy; Hash Ups
Pine State is absolutely one of my favorite, if not ultimate favorite, brunch spots in Portland. If you like biscuits and gravy, this is the place to come (and they even have vegetarian B&G!). For you meat lovers, they’ll pile biscuits high with delights like fried chicken and pulled pork, and smother it in a thick comfy blanket of gravy. I also recommend the Hash Ups covered in melted cheese and mushrooms, and the fried green tomatoes.
Bonus Points: The Alberta Pine State location is next door to one of my favorite breweries, Great Notion Brewing.
2. Jam on Hawthorne
Jam on Hawthorne | 2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
What to Get: Killer Vegan Bloody Mary; Cheech & Chong Tofu Scramble
Jam on Hawthorne comes in at a close second for me and it’s really because of all the delicious vegetarian options they have to choose from! Their tofu scrambles are so flavorful, and even better when wrapped up into a burrito. They also make some delicious Bloody Marys, which are so welcomed after waiting an hour in line.
3. LeChon
LeChon | 113 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
What to Get: Brisket Chilaquiles; Cheese Empanadas; Torta Espanola
LeChon is a little South American gem located right across the street from the waterfront in Downtown Portland! We were able to walk right in with no wait and snag the window seat with a beautiful view of the waterfront. The views are especially wonderful in April when the cherry blossoms are blooming.
Their piping hot cheese empanadas are the perfect starter, and the brisket chilaquiles has made my husband’s top five brunches of all time. That’s saying something!
4. Tin Shed
Tin Shed | 1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
What to Get: Everything Naughty (Carnivore & Herbivore options)
Tin Shed is one of the first spots we visited in Portland for brunch, and it has created a lasting impression on my ever-hungry stomach! Perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, they have delicious grits, biscuits and gravy, scrambles, sausages, and even a small menu for your four-legged furry friend. It has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, and happens to be in my favorite neighborhood (Alberta Arts). You can’t go wrong here!
5. Screen Door
Screen Door | 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
What to Get: Chicken & Waffles
Screen Door is a Southern-style restaurant located in the heart of the Kerns neighborhood (in fact, it was only a couple blocks away from our Everett Street vacation rental mentioned above!). Meals here are hearty and filling (and often very fried!). Top options to choose from here are the Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles, hush puppies, and biscuit breakfast sandwiches. Be prepared to walk off a few calories after indulging here!
Where to Eat – Lunch/Dinner
Portland has such a great array of different dining experiences that represent cultures from all over the world. There are also food carts galore, with “pods” all over the city and its surrounds for those looking for casual, affordable meals.
There are more restaurants in this city than I could ever dream of visiting! Each time we return, we add a few more. Sadly, we’ve seen some real gems close their doors amidst the COVID pandemic but I’m happy to see many of our favorites are still hanging in there.
Tamale Boy – Dekum
Tamale Boy | 1764 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211
What to Eat: Oaxacan and Norteno tamales (vegetales and rajas both are delish!)
Tamale Boy has a couple locations, but Dekum is a chill spot – and not far from PDX airport. While they specialize in tamales, they also have seasonal specials like tacos and flautas, and even serve a Sunday brunch.
Oaxacan tamales are moist (cooked in banana leaf) and the Norteno are more what we’re used to with a firm corn masa. It’s cool to get a little taste of both to see the difference. I highly recommend the veggie versions of both.
Bollywood Theater (Alberta)
Bollywood Theater | 2039 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
What to Get: Aloo Tikki, Vada Pav & Bhel Puri
Indian street food is one of my all-time favs, and Bollywood Theater delivers on huge flavors in a casual setting! There are tons of vegetarian-friendly items to choose from, like the Aloo Tikki potato patties or the refreshing Bhel Puri with potatoes and tons of veggies. For meat eaters, you can’t go wrong with anything cooking in their delicious vindaloo sauce.
Bamboo Sushi (Southeast)
Bamboo Sushi | 310 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
What to Get: Nigiri & Sashimi
Bamboo Sushi is a small, sustainable chain of restaurants with several locations in Portland, and a handful of other scattered throughout the West Coast. Even though it’s a small chain, flavors are fresh and clean and they have a great happy hour!
PDX Sliders (Sellwood)
PDX Sliders | 1605 SE Bybee Blvd #5714, Portland, OR 97202
What to Get: The Broadway, The Burnside & The Steel
Can’t decide what to get? No worries. Sliders make it easy to choose a variety! These little babies are a real treat and I find it hard to imagine making a bad choice here.
Deciding on a favorite is tough, but I give the number one spot to The Steel (American cheese, bacon, caramelized onions & aioli on brioche). The flavors are classic and simple, and burgers are nice and juicy. They do have veggie burger and portobello sliders for vegetarians as well.
Pambiche
Pambiche | 2811 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232
What to Get: Camarones al Ajillo plate; Empanadas; Plato Cubano
When I think of how to describe Cuban food, some words come to mind: fun, colorful, and flavorful! Fun = just looking at our plates of food makes you want to do a little happy dance. Color = no explanation needed. They know how to dazzle you to eat with your eyes first! Flavor = I mean, you just have to try it. I dream about visiting again just to dig into that plate of garlicky shrimp.
Por Que No (Hawthorne)
Por Que No | 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
What to Get: Tamale plate, guac & chips and any of the tacos!
Mexican food is the top contender for my all-time favorite cuisine so it’s no question why we made our way to Por Que No. They make a killer tamale plate, have delicious margaritas and tacos, and their guac and chips are the perfect snack.
Note: this is a casual establishment where bussing your own tables is required.
White Owl Social Club
White Owl Social Club | 1305 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
What to Get: Mac and Cheese; Vegan Beet Burger
White Owl is such a fun place to hang out, have a beer, and chow down some good pub grub. Their vegan beet burger is amazing, and I highly recommend trying the mac and cheese. At the time we visited, they had a special with green chiles (shown above). One of the best in my life!
Ecliptic Brewing
Ecliptic Brewing | 825 N Cook St, Portland, OR 97227
What to Get: Vegan Burger, Beet Melt, Ecliptic Burger & Chicken Drumsticks Confit
Not only is Ecliptic a good brewery (which I cover in the beer list below), but they also have excellent pub food! Their veggie burger has evolved over the years, but it has always been very tasty and the beet melt is so unique and is a must try. And if you’re a chicken wing lover, my husband loves their Chicken Drumsticks Confit!
Khao Niew at Cully Central
Khao Niew | 4579 NE Cully Blvd, Portland, OR 97218
What to Get: Nam Khao (crispy rice “salad”) & Larb Gai
Ever had Laotian food? Khao Niew started out as a food cart that we would frequent at the Happy Valley Station, but they have since closed the cart and opened up a brick and mortar location in the Cully Neighborhood.
We go to Khao Niew specifically for the Nam Khao. I don’t know how they do it, but this is one of those dishes I constantly crave. Nam Khao is crispy rice seasoned with lime juice and herbs (ask for it spicy), served with romaine lettuce leaves to create your own “wraps.” You can either get it with pork or you can get the vegetarian version (they just leave out the pork). So. Delicious.
Stammtisch
Stammtisch | 401 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
What to Get: Maultaschen; “Wurst” Sausage Sampler
Story time: I had a phase where I was on the hunt for every vegan restaurant I could find when visiting Portland, but sometimes plans go otherwise. We ended up at Stammtisch and I was totally indignant that my husband would suggest we visit a German meat-forward establishment when I clearly was not into eating meat! (Spoiler alert…I eat meat now).
Well, unbeknownst to me, I would have one of the most delicious meals during that trip at Stammtisch! That dish is called Maultaschen, which is pasta filled with leek fondue, topped with Brussels sprouts & mushrooms in white wine sauce (when I had it, it came with green beans instead of the Brussels). That white wine sauce was gold and I slowly savored every bit of that meal. I couldn’t believe how this dish turned my frown upside down!
Not only do they have great food, it’s just a fun spot with a great beer bar vibe.
Cartlandia (Food Cart Pod)
Cartlandia | 8145 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266
A great option for finding cheap eats in Portland is to check out one of the many food cart pods in Portland. One of our favorites is Cartlandia, which we have frequented numerous times. There’s something there for everyone! They do have various seating areas throughout the pod, both covered and uncovered, and we’ve never had trouble finding a spot to sit and chow down.
Food carts do rotate out so be sure to check out their website for current cart offerings.
Happy Valley Station (Food Carts)
Happy Valley Station | 13551 SE 145th Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97015
Alright everyone – I’m adding in a little side quest for you to take out to the Portland suburb of Happy Valley!
Happy Valley Station is a food cart “pod” (more like facility), and it is the cleanest and most modern collection of food carts I’ve ever been to! They even have a beer bar where you can get 40 fresh beers and ciders on tap. Our home up in Oregon is not far from HVS, so we would frequent it quite often when we lived there. Carts do rotate out occasionally, so be sure to check their website for current tenants.
Some of our favs:
- Wasabi Sushi (Get the sushi B-rittos! Our favorites are the Blue Ocean & Ahi Mango Poke)
- Phatz Philly Cheesesteaks (they have a veggie version!)
- Christina’s Cartel (one of the best fried chicken sandwiches around)
- Fuego All Day – get the Papas Rellenas!
Valley Public House (Happy Valley)
Valley Public House | 12960 SE 162nd Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Valley Public House, also in the Happy Valley suburb, is a great place to visit in the Portland area. The owners opened up this amazing space in 2020 amidst the COVID pandemic and have provided such a beautiful spot for people to come together and enjoy good food and drink!
What you’ll find here: a Tamale Boy outpost (on the list of our favorite eateries in Portland), Ranch Pizza (their pizza is amazing!), and the Whiskey Barrel Lounge. In addition, Valley Public House has an extensive tap list, pouring beer, wine, kombucha and hard ciders!
You could be enjoying a tamale plate or piping hot slice of square pizza while sipping on a freshly-poured beer next to the outdoor firepits. Or, you can cozy up in the Whiskey Barrel Lounge, sample whiskeys from around the world, and dig into hearty plates of comfort food.
Where to Eat – Sweets
If there’s one sweet that comes to mind when I think of Portland, it’s donuts (or doughnuts – whatever floats your boat). You might as well call it Donutlandia instead of Portlandia! Of course, there are other sweets around town you might be interested in too. Here are a few that stand out.
Voodoo Doughnut – Old Town
Voodoo Doughnut | 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
What to Get: Maple Bacon Bar; Cock and Balls (yes, you read that right)
Voodoo might be a little gimmicky but you’ve gotta go at least once and wait in line while visiting Portland. It’s an institution! They have a lot of fun donuts, which are fully loaded with sugar. I highly recommend sticking to the more simple items if you don’t want to give yourself diabetes.
A word to the wise…there is a homeless problem in the immediate area and they may or may not harass you while you are waiting for your sweet treats (speaking from experience).
Blue Star Donuts
Blue Star Donuts | Multiple Locations
What to Get: Passion fruit with cacao nibs
Blue Star is the other main player in the Portland donut scene, and typically beats out Voodoo in that they use better quality ingredients and have a more modern take on donut flavors (like passion fruit & chocolate chili). There are several locations through Portland (and even one at the airport!), but we’ve visited the location on Mississippi specifically.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw | Multiple Locations
Salt & Straw is pretty synonymous with Portland. I’m sure everyone and their mother will tell you to go here, even though they have branched out and opened up locations all over the States now! Their ice cream is mighty delicious, and they have amazing seasonal flavors that are just too creative to pass up!
They generally do have at least one dairy-free flavor that has a coconut milk base (I’ve tried a few and they are very good).
Wish List Eats
I always like to include a wish list of eateries in my posts that I haven’t made it to yet, but are on my list! Hopefully I can knock these out on future visits. Is there anything you think is missing from this list?
- Departure | 525 SW Morrison St 15th floor, Portland, OR 97204
- Guero | 200 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
- Canard | 734 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
- El Gaucho | 319 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Stretch the Noodle | 223-269 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97204
- Podnah’s BBQ | 1625 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211
- Apizza Scholls | 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
- Pip’s Donuts | 4759 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213
And so, soooo many more….
Wine & Spirits in Portland
Portland is a big beer city (which I’ll get into below in a separate section). However, if you aren’t a big beer drinker, there’s still a lot of boozy activities to enjoy in the city!
Multnomah Whiskey Library
Multnomah Whiskey Library | 1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205
The Multnomah Whiskey Library is such a unique experience for lovers of whiskey. The library is simply stunning with wall-to-wall shelves filled with all the whiskey and spirits your heart could ever desire. The whiskey libations (aka cocktails) on the menu are generally under $20, and they do serve a small (but full) menu of snacks and dinner.
While it is a membership-based establishment, non-member visitors have two options for getting in:
- Wait in long lines for a chance to visit (this is what we did – a long wait in line, followed by another wait in The Green Room (we were able to have a drink in here at least))
- Purchase a Hall Pass for $25 per person, which allows you to make a reservation
It is definitely worth the wait and/or the cost of the Hall Pass to guarantee you entry to this experience!
Saké One
Saké One | 820 Elm St, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Saké One was the first place to really make me appreciate the world of saké. If you aren’t familiar with saké, it’s a wine made from rice! I’m not an expert on the process, but you can read more about how saké his made here. I prefer my saké chilled and clear, but you can get different varieties served warm and cloudy.
My Favorites: g joy Genshu & g fifty Genshu
Did you know that different sakés go with just about any type of food? At Saké One, the tasting comes paired with a small plate of cheeses and meats to help open up the world of saké to your palate.
Although Saké One is located out in a Portland suburb called Forest Grove, if you’re looking for a unique tasting experience, I would definitely put this on your list! You could even pair your visit here with a stop at the Beaverton Farmer’s Market or one of the local wineries.
Wine Tasting
I’m ashamed to admit this but I have yet to really explore the Oregon wine scene! South of Portland, you’ll find the Willamette Valley Wine Region, known largely for production of Pinot Noir Wines. If you have some extra days in Portland, I would recommend planning out a tour to visit the region and experience all the Valley has to offer.
You can find more info on visiting Willamette Valley Wineries here.
Breweries & Cideries
As I mentioned above, Portland is a beer-centric city. Some people visit Portland just to drink beer (not gonna point any fingers…). On our very first visit here years ago, we visited so many breweries, I lost count!
Like the restaurant industry, the beer scene is ever-changing and has certainly evolved over the years. Older established breweries have bowed out, while new craft breweries have popped up and thrived.
Since this guide is already a beast, I’m just going to list my favorite picks (in no particular order) for breweries and cideries to visit in Portland.
1. Great Notion Brewing
Great Notion | 2204 NE Alberta St #101, Portland, OR 97211
Great Notion earns one of the top spots in my heart for favorite breweries in Portland. Not only do they make the haziest and juiciest of beers, they are spot on with their fruited sours (Blueberry Muffin fruited kettle sour, anyone?). You can never go wrong here. Plus, they have a location next to my favorite brunch spot – Pine State Biscuits in the Alberta neighborhood.
Beer Favorites: Everything. We’ve never had a bad beer here!
*Great Notion does have several brewery sites in the Portland area now. We’ve only been to the Alberta location.
2. Gigantic Brewing
Gigantic Brewing | 5224 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Before visiting the tap room in Portland, we had been drinking Gigantic beers for a while. I’ve always loved their quirky bottle designs, and that fun carries over into the design of their taproom also. It’s not a huge place, which makes it a great spot for a cozy visit. We paired our visit here with a trip to the nearby Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (which I wrote about here).
Beer Favorite: Pipewrench Gin Barrel Aged IPA
3. Ecliptic Brewing
Ecliptic Brewing | 825 N Cook St, Portland, OR 9722
Behind Ecliptic is a “craft brewing icon” – John Harris – whose decades of beer industry experience stem from the likes of Deschutes Brewing, McMenamins, and Full Sail Brewing. He decided to open up his own galactical brewery in the heart of the city – and we love it! Not only do they make good beer and have a groovy theme (outer space), they also have really good pub food.
Beer Favorites: The Starburst IPA & Carina Peach Sour are regular favorites, but be sure to get a tasting flight!
4. Breakside Brewery
Breakside Brewery | 820 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211
One could say that Breakside helped spark my beer wanderlust…and that’s probably because their flagship beer is dubbed Wanderlust IPA. While they have three taprooms in the Portland area, we love to visit the Dekum location. It’s small and cozy and they serve up a great plate of nachos.
5. Cascade Brewing
Cascade Brewing | 939 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Cascade Brewing aka “The House of Sour” is a must stop if you love sour beers! This is the perfect place to get some samplers and see just how far you can push the limits of your taste buds.
Beer Favorites: The Kriek and Apricot Sours
They also do serve a small menu of food items too, and make suggestions of which sours pair best with your meal.
6. Ruse Brewing
Ruse Brewing | 4784 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Ruse has some delicious beer, and is a must-stop for any IPA lover. Their hazy IPAs are some of the best in Portland!
7. Bent Shovel Brewing (Estacada)
Bent Shovel Brewing | 20179 S Springwater Rd, Estacada, OR 97023
I’m throwing this one in even though it’s south of Portland in a small town called Estacada because I just love the atmosphere here. Bent Shovel is located inside a giant red barn in the middle of the Oregon forest and it is so relaxing! If you’re looking to escape the city, this is a great stop.
On the way there (or back), you can also visit Breakside’s Milwaukie taproom, Portland Cider Co., Happy Valley Station or Valley Public House.
8. Portland Cider Co.
Portland Cider Co. | 8925 SE Jannsen Rd Bldg F, Clackamas, OR 97015
Cider has really gained a lot more momentum in the last several years, and I for one am glad to have a break from beer every now and then. While south of Portland, the Clackamas location is nice and cozy and they have tasty appetizers to help soak up that cider!
Cider Favorite: Kinda Dry (I like ciders on the less sweet side)
We’ve been to the Clackamas location only, but they do also have the Portland Cider House in Portland city limits.
9. Schilling Cider
Schilling Cider | 930 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
If you’re really looking to experience the world of cider, Schilling is a great stop as they have 50 ciders on tap! Yes, 50 ciders to choose from. Good luck.
Cider Favorites: Rhubarb Pear and the Ginger
Schilling is located across the street from Cascade, and down the block from Modern Times, which make up an excellent trifecta for a brewery crawl.
What to Do in Portland
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden
- Browse Farmers’ Markets (like in Beaverton or the Portland Saturday Market)
- Walk Along the Waterfront (especially in April for the cherry blossoms!)
- Wander the Alberta Arts District to check out murals
- Drive out to Multnomah Falls & The Vista House
find more things to do in portland with getyourguide!
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden | 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205 (Washington Park)
The Portland Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens I’ve been to and is definitely worth exploring on your visit to the city. Caretakers of the garden spare no intricate detail, and it’s such a calming and relaxing activity.
Admission in 2023 is $21.95 per person
- Photography: they do have specific rules on photography (i.e. no tripods or portrait photo sessions). Be sure to check the website out for further details.
The International Rose Test Garden is also located nearby in Washington park and is completely free!
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ Markets in Portland are some of the best I’ve ever been to! You’ll find tons of stalls with art, crafts, and food goodies (my favorite part), and even samples of liquid libations like local hard cider or spirits.
The Portland Saturday Market has a lot more crafts and shopping (it’s much larger), while the Beaverton Market seems more food-oriented and less crowded. If you only have a few days in the city, stick with the Portland Saturday Market. However, if you end up branching out (say to visit Sake One or some wineries west of the city), give the Beaverton market a try!
The farmers’ markets are seasonal so be sure to check opening dates and times below.
- Beaverton Farmers Market: https://www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com/
- Portland Saturday Market: https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/
Walk the Waterfront
If the weather is nice and you feel like stretching your legs, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a great place to do just that. Walk along the river and check out the views of all the different bridges!
Cherry Blossoms: If you happen to visit in the spring, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom (April is a perfect month for that).
Alberta Arts Murals
My absolute favorite neighborhood in Portland is the Alberta Arts District. Not only are some of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood, there are countless colorful murals at almost every corner. It’s pretty much like going to a free outdoor art gallery! Set aside some time on your itinerary for a little self-guided walking tour through this neighborhood.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is certainly a beautiful sight and not to be missed on a visit to Portland!
Getting There: Multnomah falls is about a 45-minute drive from the center of the city. Do note that parking here can be a little tricky as the falls are a popular destination for visitors, especially in the summer. Alternatively, you can take the Columbia Gorge Express from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland to avoid having to worry about parking! Just be sure to book your round trip ticket in advance on their website.
If you have a car, you can also pair your visit here to the historic Vista House or take it even further and make a day trip out to Hood River!
Day Trips from Portland
If you have extra time in Portland, here are a couple of day trip destinations to get you out of the city.
Hood River
Hood River is a great choice for a day trip as the drive takes you past the iconic Multnomah Falls and out to the Windsurfing Capital of the World! There are several breweries based in Hood River to visit as well – we recommend pFriem Brewing for some good beers and an excellent lunch.
Read More: Portland to Hood River: A Drive Through the Columbia River Gorge
Tillamook (Oregon Coast)
Tillamook is a small coastal town about 1 hour and 20 minutes west of Portland. If you like ice cream and cheese, you’ve got to visit the Tillamook Creamery! You can take a self-guided tour, sample some cheese, dine in their cheese-centric café, and get a heaping scoop of their famous ice cream. Tillamook is by far one of my favorite brands of ice cream in the U.S., and a visit to the creamery gives you the chance to sample flavors you may never see in stores (blood orange, where art though?!).
There are also some little taprooms to visit such as Pelican Brewing and de Garde Brewing, which I made it to on a bachelorette trip semi-recently. Or, you can just chill at the beach and enjoy beautiful coastal views.
Read More: Girls’ Weekend Getaway to the Oregon Coast
Astoria
Astoria is a cute historical town located about 2 hours northwest of Portland. Truth be told, we first visited Astoria to see the Goonies House on a day trip to the coast. Sadly, you can’t get close to the house anymore. However, Astoria is totally worth a visit if you’re a beer and seafood lover. Check out Fort George Brewery for awesome beers and sit out on the patio of Bridgewater Bistro, have a bowl of clam chowder, and take in the views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Prepare for the Weather
Late spring and summer in Portland can be quite warm and beautiful. In fact, summer is my absolute favorite season in Portland. The days can get hot, but you’ve got plenty of daylight to galivant about the city.
If you’re visiting any time from fall through early spring, the Pacific Northwest will treat you to what keeps everything so lush and green – rain! But even though it rains frequently, it doesn’t always stick around forever. Many days, you might find it simply overcast with light sprinkles; other times rain, hail, and even snow in the winter! If you aren’t visiting in the dead of summer, be sure to prepare for all seasons and dress in layers.
What to Pack for Warm Weather
- Sandals that are comfy and cute for walking around the city
- Hydroflask to stay hydrated when brewery hopping!
- Sunnies to keep the sun at bay
- Summer dresses for style and comfort (they allow for a lot of room to grow while you’re eating!)
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
What to Pack for Cool Weather
- Light rain jacket with a hood for sporadic showers
- Umbrella for heavy rains (native Portlanders may disagree with me on this!)
- Waterproof backpack (I have this one and love it!)
And that’s a wrap! Thanks for checking out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Portland, Oregon. If you have suggestions for me to visit on my next trip to Portland, drop them in the comments below!
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