Best Things to do in Portland

Portland, Oregon is a city with many aliases. Whether you know it as RIP City due to its NBA team or the City of Roses from its links to hybrid roses given as wedding gifts way back in the late 1800s, it’s a city of many faces. From its vibrant culture and beautiful scenery to its wealth of things to do, you’ll never find yourself bored while exploring Portland.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an exciting city break, the Rose City is the perfect destination. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at just some of the best things to do in Portland, from family activities to cultural experiences in popular spots for tourists and locals alike.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a popular destination for science enthusiasts and families visiting Portland. The museum features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live demonstrations that cover a broad range of scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology and earth science.

Visitors can experience everything from a simulated earthquake to exploring a life-size replica of a submarine or enjoy a live science show. The museum also has a planetarium that offers a variety of talks and demonstrations about astronomy and space. Don’t miss the Turbine Hall, which houses a variety of large-scale exhibits, including a giant pendulum that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth.

The museum can be found in the southeast part of Portland, on the banks of the Willamette River, and is easily accessible by car.

International Rose Test Garden

400 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97205

The International Rose Test Garden is a 4.5-acre rose garden in Washington Park in Portland. The garden is home to over 10,000 roses from all over the world and is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring when the roses are in full bloom.

The garden is divided into several themed areas, including the English Garden, the Rose Garden and the Children's Garden. There’s also a gift shop and a cafe on site if you fancy stopping off for a bite to eat. If you’d prefer to dine al fresco, bring along a picnic blanket and set up in a shady spot to enjoy the views of the roses while having a spot of lunch. Short on time? Then sign up for one of the free tours to learn more about the blooms and how they’re cultivated.

The Rose Garden is the largest in the park, while the Children's Garden is a fun and educational space for kids of all ages. 

Portland Japanese Garden

611 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97205

The Portland Japanese Garden is a beautiful and serene space located in the West Hills of the city. It’s one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, and it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and history.

The garden is divided into eight different spaces, each with its own unique design and features. Visitors can amble through the tranquil Strolling Pond Garden, admire the beautiful flowers in the Japanese Tea Garden or relax in the Zen Garden. There’s also a tea house, gift shop and a café if you’re looking for somewhere to rest your feet for after exploring.

The Portland Japanese Garden is a great place to visit for a relaxing afternoon or for something to do on a romantic getaway. It’s also a popular spot for weddings and other special events. The garden is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring when the flowers are at their prettiest.

Portland Art Museum

1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205

The Portland Art Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers. This popular tourist spot can be found in downtown Portland and features an impressive collection of over 42,000 works of art.

Spend a day exploring the museum's many galleries, which showcase a wide range of art from around the world. Whether you want to discover ancient artifacts or take a moment to appreciate contemporary masterpieces there’s something for you. Some highlights of the museum include its extensive collection of Native American art and artifacts, as well as its impressive collection of European and American art. 

Portland Center Stage

128 NW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209

Portland Center Stage is a professional theater company, founded in 1988, that has since produced over 200 productions including classics, new plays and musicals. The company's mission is to ’tell stories that matter’, and it strives to create theater that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Portland Center Stage features two theaters: the U.S. Bank Main Stage and the Ellyn Bye Studio. The U.S. Bank Main Stage seats 590 people, while the Ellyn Bye Studio seats 190. Whether you are a longtime theatergoer or a first-timer, Portland Center Stage is sure to have something for you in its lineup.

Providence Park

1844 SW Morrison Street, Portland, OR 97205

Providence Park is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. It’s home to the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer and the Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League and it’s well worth booking tickets if a game is taking place during your visit.

The stadium has a seating capacity of over 25,000 and is known for its lively atmosphere, with fans creating a sea of green and yellow. You might even see the Timbers Army, a group of passionate supporters who stand behind the north goal and lead chants and songs throughout the game.

As well as soccer games, the stadium hosts other events such as concerts and community gatherings. So, whether you love sports or are just looking to experience the energy and excitement of Portland's vibrant community, you’ll have a great day out at Providence Park.

Portland Saturday Market

2 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR 97204

Portland Saturday Market is an outdoor arts and crafts market held every Saturday from March to December. It’s the largest continuously operating outdoor market in the United States, boasting over 2,500 artists and craftspeople selling their handmade goods, including jewelry, clothing, pottery, woodcarvings and more. There’s also live music, food vendors, and a children's area to enjoy.

The market is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, and the perfect spot to spend a Saturday afternoon whether you’re a tourist or a local. The atmosphere is festive and relaxed with something for everyone to enjoy.

Pittock Mansion

3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210

Pittock Mansion is a 46-room historic house and museum in the West Hills of Portland. It was built in 1914 for Henry and Georgiana Pittock, two of Portland's most prominent citizens. The mansion is a beautiful example of French Renaissance architecture, and it offers stunning views of the city.

On a guided tour, visitors can learn about the Pittock family's history and see their collection of art and furnishings. The mansion also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, weddings and holiday parties.

Witch's Castle in Forest Park

Lower Macleay Trail, Portland, OR 97210

For those who love all things spooky Witch's Castle in Forest Park, Portland, is a historic stone building with a fascinating history. What is now old stone ruins was originally built in the 1950s as a ranger station but was abandoned and left to decay. Over time, it became a popular spot for hikers and thrill-seekers due to its eerie and mysterious appearance – and it’s backstory is one filled with lovers, family fighting, murder and the first legal hanging to take place in the state or Oregon.

Visitors can hike through the popular Forest Park and reach the Witch's Castle, where they can explore the ruins and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The castle is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.

The stone ruins are shrouded in legend, but if history isn’t your thing, you can also enjoy nearby hiking trails and creeks. Visitors can access the park and the castle via several different trails, including the popular Wildwood Trail. 

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, OR 97231

Sauvie Island is the largest island in the Columbia River and is located just 10 miles northwest of downtown Portland. The island is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it offers a variety of activities, including u-pick farms, where visitors can pick their own fruits, vegetables and flowers, hiking and biking trails and wildlife viewing spots.

Lovers of the great outdoors can also fish for salmon, sturgeon, and bass, go boating, visit marinas and camp under the stars.

Portland is a fabulous city that has something to offer for all kinds of visitors. From the serene beauty of the Japanese Garden to the charm of Pittock Mansion, there are endless possibilities to explore and enjoy in this quirky and creative city.

Learn more about Portland

Learn more about Portland and what to enjoy during your visit with our range of in-depth guides.

• Best restaurants in Portland
• Portland driving guide
• Portland’s neighborhoods