Ah the city of Portland! Named after well…being a port city? Located in the Pacific Northwest, it is another beautiful area known for their natural parks, forests, and stunning mountaintops. It has previously been named as one of “America’s greenest cities” by Times New Magazine.
They’re also known for coffee.
And Big Foot.
I fucking love Big Foot.
Here’s a brief list of a couple places I’d recommend checking out if you ever find yourself in Portland, based off of my trip back in 2021!
The Historic Columbia River Highway
Honestly our only goal was to check out the famous Multonomah Falls but because I absolutely suck at driving and am for some reason incapable of taking the correct exit, we had a happy little accident and discovered there entire highway is a scenic drive filled with mini hikes, bridges, and waterfalls! We learned that this approximately 75 mile highway is America’s first ever scenic highway and is a national landmark dubbed as the “King of Roads.”
It’s a great low-cost (as long as you don’t go crazy on the souvenirs!) activity that is family friendly and absolutely breathtaking to witness.
You can read more about it on the USDA Forest Service website here.
Powell’s City of Books
An independent bookstore spanning over an entire city block! Has both old and new books for sale, and has that gorgeous (not-so-allergy friendly) smell of books. It’s basically a bookworm’s dream.
Pittock Mansion
A French Renaissance-style château located in Portland’s West Hills, the views this mansion offers is absolutely stunning (inside and out!). There is an entrance fee to get in, but luckily it isn’t too steep:
| Adult | $14.50 |
| Senior | $12.50 |
| Youth | $10.50 |
| Under 6 | $0.00 |
FYI it’s pay to park (just $2/hr), unless you park on the side road just before the mansion.
Portland Art Museum
Yet another gorgeous art museum that hosts different styles of art from all regions loaded with beauty and history. Depending on how much you love art, make sure you give yourself ample time to go through this museum!
Voodoo Doughnut
You may already be familiar with Voodoo Doughnut as they do have a couple other locations in other states. But in case you aren’t, let me tell you all about the hype!!!!!! Hot take: the doughnuts are MID. As every Asian out there would say about desserts…way too sweet!
BUT their designs are so incredibly creative and hilarious. It’s worth trying at least once, and a very unique (edible) souvenir to take home for your friends and family.
International Rose Test Garden
Located in Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden is home to over 10,000 rose bushes and of course during the time we went, THERE WERE NO ROSES.
Portland’s roses are typically in bloom around late spring to early fall. We went in the winter but honestly… it do be like that sometimes.
During peak bloom seasons, Washington Park offers free shuttle service running thoughout the park for visitors that stops at every major attraction every 15 minutes.
- March – September 9:30AM – 7:00PM daily
- October 10:00AM – 4:00PM daily
- November 10:00AM – 4:00PM weekends only
Portland Japanese Garden
Also located within Washington Park and directly above the International Rose Test Garden, is the Portland Japanese Garden. For admissions ranging from $13.50-18.98, you’ll get to experience a variety of Japanese art exhibitions that showcase both history and modern day traditions.
The garden is absolutely beautiful, although smaller than I would have expected.
Warning: It’s a bit of a hike to get up here
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Cute little public square in the heart of downtown Portland is a hub for events, concerts, and festivals.
As always, if you’re looking for a place to stay and would prefer a hostel feel free to use my affiliate link with HostelWorld. I have used HostelWorld to book accommodation for several of my past trips so I do trust them!
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