Portland OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Portland, Oregon.
1. Washington Park
EXPANSIVE URBAN GREENSPACE
Washington Park is one of Portland's most beloved attractions featuring multiple gardens, museums, and recreational areas. The expansive green space includes the famous International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo, and Portland Japanese Garden. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the various attractions within this 410-acre urban park.
2. Pioneer Courthouse Square
PORTLAND'S LIVING ROOM
Pioneer Courthouse Square is a vibrant public space located in the heart of downtown Portland. Often referred to as the city's 'living room,' it hosts hundreds of events throughout the year and serves as a central gathering place. The square is surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and hotels, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the downtown area.
3. Portland Art Museum
PACIFIC NORTHWEST'S OLDEST MUSEUM
The Portland Art Museum, founded in 1892, is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest with over 112,000 square feet of gallery space. Its collection exceeds 50,000 items, including Native American artifacts, graphic arts, English silver, Asian art, photography, and Northwest art, with Vincent Van Gogh's 'Cart with Black Ox' being a notable highlight. The museum offers free admission on the first Thursday evening of each month, making art accessible to all visitors.
4. Lan Su Chinese Garden
TRANQUIL URBAN OASIS
The Lan Su Chinese Garden opened in 2000 as a cultural exchange with Portland's sister city of Suzhou, China. This tranquil environment spans about 40,000 square feet in central Portland, featuring authentic Chinese buildings and walkways constructed by artisans from Suzhou, along with native Chinese plants. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, special events like mahjong and tai chi, or simply relax at the lovely tea house within the garden.
5. International Rose Test Garden
WORLD-FAMOUS ROSE COLLECTION
The International Rose Test Garden is a world-renowned attraction showcasing over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 610 varieties. Located within Washington Park, this fragrant garden was established in 1917 and has earned Portland its nickname as the 'City of Roses.' Visitors can enjoy free admission year-round, with peak blooming season occurring from late May through September.
6. Portland Saturday Market
VIBRANT ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
Portland Saturday Market is a vibrant marketplace featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, and souvenirs. Despite its name, this popular market operates on both Saturdays and Sundays from March through December in Portland's historic Old Town/Chinatown district. Visitors can browse unique handcrafted items, enjoy diverse food options, and experience live music and entertainment.
7. OMSI
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) is Portland's interactive science museum offering hands-on exhibits and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. The museum features permanent exhibitions on natural sciences, industry, technology, as well as a planetarium, submarine tours, and an IMAX theater. OMSI's engaging approach to science education makes complex concepts accessible and entertaining for families and curious minds alike.
8. Oregon Zoo
CONSERVATION AND WILDLIFE
The Oregon Zoo spans 64 acres within Washington Park and houses more than 2,000 animals representing over 200 species. Established in 1888, it's the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi and has gained recognition for its conservation efforts and naturalistic habitats. Visitors particularly enjoy the zoo's elephant program, Great Northwest exhibits, and the seasonal ZooLights holiday display.
9. Portland Japanese Garden
AUTHENTIC JAPANESE TRANQUILITY
The Portland Japanese Garden is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, spanning 12 acres with eight distinct garden styles. Located in Washington Park, this tranquil space features meticulously maintained gardens, winding pathways, an authentic tea house, and stunning views of Mt. Hood. The garden serves as a cultural bridge between America and Japan through its beauty, events, and educational programs.
10. Forest Park
URBAN WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forest reserves in the United States, spanning over 5,200 acres along the eastern slope of Portland's Tualatin Mountains. The park features more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes, and forest roads for hiking, running, and mountain biking enthusiasts. Wildlife abounds in this verdant sanctuary, offering visitors a true wilderness experience just minutes from downtown Portland.
11. Powell's City of Books
WORLD'S LARGEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
Powell's City of Books is an iconic bookstore that spans an entire city block in Portland's Pearl District. As the world's largest independent bookstore, it houses approximately one million books across nine color-coded rooms and multiple floors. Book lovers can explore new and used titles side by side, discover rare editions in the Rare Book Room, or attend one of the many author events hosted throughout the year.
12. Pittock Mansion
HISTORIC HILLTOP ESTATE
Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style chateau built in 1914 for newspaper publisher Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana. Perched 1,000 feet above the city in the West Hills, the 46-room mansion offers spectacular views of Portland and the Cascade Mountains. Visitors can tour the elegantly furnished rooms that showcase the family's story and early 20th-century Portland life, as well as explore the surrounding 46 acres of manicured grounds.
13. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
RIVERSIDE URBAN RECREATION
Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park stretches along the Willamette River in downtown Portland, offering a strollable, bikeable, and dog-friendly public space. This former bustling highway now features historical and cultural monuments, open lawns, and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year including the Portland Rose Festival and Oregon Brewers Festival. The park provides beautiful views of the city skyline, bridges, and river activities, serving as a recreational hub for both locals and visitors.
14. Columbia River Gorge
BREATHTAKING NATURAL WONDER
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a spectacular river canyon stretching for over 80 miles just outside Portland. This natural wonder features dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and dozens of cascading waterfalls, including the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, scenic drives, windsurfing opportunities, and historic sites like the Vista House at Crown Point along this magnificent landscape carved by the Columbia River.
15. Portland Union Station
HISTORIC RAILWAY HUB
Portland Union Station is a renowned train station situated near the western shore of the Willamette River in Old Town. This historic landmark is famous for its elegant architecture, 150-foot tall Clock Tower, and cheerful 'Go by Train' neon sign. The station serves as a major transport hub for the Portland metropolitan area, with connections to MAX Light Rail, the Portland Streetcar, local buses, and Amtrak's long-distance trains including the Coast Starlight and Empire Builder.