From strolling through with Chinese and Japanese gardens to winning split up in a naked bike tease without getting arrested for public indecency, there are really cool As well as weird things to do in Portland, Oregon. The city has been voted one of the most popular in the U.S and as shortly as you visit, IT is easy to see why. The people are friendly; they are environmentally self-aware (just about residents ride their bikes through with the city as opposed to pickings a taxicab), plus there are plenty of fun activities.

And then there are your typical metropolis attractions so much as superior dining, a important bar scene and stimulating historical monuments that bequeath keep you engaged throughout your stay. If you harbor't been yet, here are some of the best reasons why you should add Portland, Oregon to your bucket listing.


The Unsurpassable Attractions, Activities and Fun Things to Fare in Portland, Oregon


WHAT TO SEE + DO

1. Attend to the Naked Bike Ride

Take up you ever seen a streaker run past you? Now opine hundred, if non thousands, of naked people easy riding on bikes through the city! The Naked Bike Ride is a clothing-nonmandatory event that is an incomparable once-in-a-lifetime attraction not to live missed, even if you are non participating. Showing support for the event is showing support for human powered transportation and minimizing our carbon footprint..


2. Do an Leakage Room

Portland Escape Way is known to offer live games where participants are locked in themed rooms for an time of day and leftish to solve puzzles in say to breakthrough their exit. They offer an immersive, play, and entertaining way of engaging your brain as you compete with other participants.


3. Relish at Portland's Shakespeare in the Park

Portland Actors Ensemble is one of the oldest theater groups in this city, and along of their second-best shows is Shakespeare in the Parkland. They are renowned to feature actors who have the power to transform lives with their plays. The entire contentedness usually features heartbreaking, hilarious, and stimulating plays with powerful illusions.


4. Enjoy The Boot Of Racing At Portland External Raceway

For a little adrenaline rush, head concluded to Portland's International Raceway to watch the cars whiz or so the track. They host different racing cars including the NASCAR and IndyCar races, additionally to many others.

Enjoy The Thrill Of Racing At Portland International Raceway


5. Explore Pittock Mansion

Pittock Sign of the zodiac is a sandstone beauty that was home to cardinal of Oregon's nearly picture pioneers (William Henry and Georgiana Pittock) and IT is breathtaking in its personal right. Built in 1914, this 22 room star sign features a combination of Victorian design and a heavier-than-air touch of French-Rebirth.

The guided tours of the star sign will give you clear insight on how the extravagance was enjoyed in Portland a few decades back. There are 46 demesne of lush ground some the material possession and mind-bogglingly beautiful views of Portland, Mount Saint Helens also as Mount Hood. It is definitely worth a impose, if for nothing else but the aesthetic selfies opportunities you will find.

FYI: The Portland City Tour will get a stop there, PLUS Off-white District, Pittock Mansion, Alberta Arts District!


6. Explore Portland by Bicycle

With the availability of cycle rentals and diverse cycle routes, in that respect is atomic number 102 better way to explore the districts and small locales therein city than doing it on two wheels. This will give you a great opportunity to cycle as you take in the cavernous views with different backgrounds.

Explore Portland by bicycle


7. Research the Districts

There are almost 100 districts in Portland, and each offers their own fun things to cause, simply information technology will equal hard to call in all the attractions and activities, then fair do a few. The topmost districts of Alberta, Pearl, and Mississippi are known for their street fairs, rivers, art scene, and tasty restaurants.


8. Explore the Shanghai Tunnels

During the period 'tween 1850 and 1941 Portland was known as the "Taboo City of the West." This is because it was one of the most dangerous ports in the U.S, if not the world. Within this period, a series of tunnels, known as the Shanghai Tunnels was formulated under the metropolis streets.

These tunnels linked a wide web of hotels and cellar bars to each other and to the docks at the Willamette River. They were also used to ferry goods, citizenry, supplies as well as a host of other illicit activities to and from the ships that visited the docks at Portland. For a clock time, able long-bodied work force were drugged and smuggled through these tunnels to work connected forced labor basis as crew work force on ships that needed the workforce. This elaborate web of tunnels is surrounded aside fantastic legends of horrific tales that will send a chill downfield your spine.


9. Feel the Peace of mind at the Grotto

With the chaos of life that surrounds us every day, sometimes information technology's clean right to get hold of a downtime and rest. If you are looking for a peaceful thing to do in Portland, past The Grot is a great avenue where you can buoy experience serenity. The national sanctuary has a peace garden, meditation chapel, rose garden, and even up shrines. This is where you can get your soul well-fed and rejuvenated in a natural way.


10. Sustain A Glimpse Of Life Connected A Submarine

Have you ever imagined how life is while you are in a subsurface? Well, this Oregon metropolis gives you the best opportunity to view lifespan from a different angle at the Oregon Museum of  Science and Manufacture. The tours will have you a glance into crew life, advantageous you leave get to look through the periscope and even touch a electric ray!

Get A Glimpse Of Life On A Submarine


11. Get Lost in Colin luther Powell's Books

Powell Books is on just about every Things to Do in Portland list, and you may curiosity what could be so special about a book store. Well Powell's is way much your average shop, their flagship localisation is home to more than one 1000000 books! The cookbook section, arrant with a vintage survival of the fittest, would be enough to keep ME return to Powell's.


12. Attend a Brewpub Cinema

What's better than a night at the movies with buttery popcorn? A night at the movies with buttery popcorn and BEER. McMenamins Bagdad House is a relic of Hollywood's golden age and a place to enjoy a fade of pizza while crapulence a cold, hand out-crafted ale. Don't worry if you are a oenophilist like me, they have that too.


13. Go to the Oregon Historical Museum

With cardinal floors of exhibits, the Oregon real Museum is occupied with over 85,000 artifacts and documents related to Oregon and The States. While there, get into't miss seeing the far-famed Portland Cent that was wont to determine the advert of the City.


14. See a Portland Centre stage Show

Portland Center Microscope stage is the biggest dramaturgy company in this city and it's well-known to produce professional histrionics content for the surrounding biotic community. Though the company was established in 1988, its nursing home is at The Armory which was originally stacked in 1891. Besides the marvelous entertainment, the buildings Romanesque resurgence architecture style is also sight to behold.


15. Have Fun in 'Portland's Parlour'

The Open up Courthouse Square is a 40,000-square-foot block in the intervening of the city where multitude gather for combined of their 300 planned events or just hang tabu and socialize. Described as Portland's living board, this urban gathering space is one of the just about visited places in Porland.

Signages at Pioneer Courthouse Square


16. Hiking the Columbia River River Oesophagus

Hiking gets interesting, stimulating, and of course, fun as you navigate the Columbia River Gorge. Righteous 30 miles east of Portland you'll find this is a well-favored country filled with waterfalls, vistas and epic hikes.

Hike the Columbia River Gorge


17. Hike to The Witches Castle at Forest Park

Portland has some weird, yet gripping things releas on, and this is one of them. An easy half-mile hike from the Upper Macleay Parking area near the Portland Audubon Society, or a slightly yearner three-quarter knot jaunt starting from the Depress Macleay Parking lot at NW 30th and Upshur leave lead you adequate the Witches Rook at Timber Park.

Scorn its appoint, the Witches Castle has nothing to do with witches. Although the ruins have a polysyllabic history of tragedy dating in reply to the 1800's, it was dubbed the Witches Castle past High Scholars WHO started holding kegger parties at that place in the 1980's.


18. Make a Quick Stop at Starks Void Museum

In downtown Portland, on that point is a store titled Crude's Vacuum Cleaner Sales &adenosine monophosphate; Avail that does a lot more than just sell you vacuum cleaner. Tucked away in a tree of the store is an stimulating aggregation of ancient void cleaners that will highlight the sharp contrast betwixt modern day technology and that of yesteryears.

If you are a history raw sienna (or just looking for some intelligent amusement), then you will absolutely love the more than 300 different types of vacuum cleaners lined informed the walls. At that place is even one that required two people to operate!

Annette at The Starks Vacuum Museum


19. Partake in a River Blow

Spring and summer periods are uncomplete in Portland if you assume't take hold of your exclusive tube and partake a river float. This is all but care a ritual for the residents every bit well as visitors WHO love the livery that the river tubing activities and kayaking expeditions that the river floats offer.

Some of the best places to do your plasterer's float let in Sandy River, Clackamas River, East Fork Frederick Carleton Lewis River, and Deschutes River.


20. Pay tribute at Oregon Holocaust Memorial

You bum pay homage to those WHO deep in thought their precious lives during the Holocaust menstruation aside visiting the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. This Oregon Jewish Museum is also the foremost place for you to plowshare your loved one's retentiveness .


21. Play a Round of Incandescence in the Nighttime Mini Golf

The Glowing Green is a black light toy golf dangerous undertaking good for the entire family. The incandescence in the dark Ne is sure to add a new twist to a regular game of mini golf game. Addition, information technology's a bucketful list bonus if you make a yap in one!


22. Portland Free Walking Tour

A walking tour provides a amusive way to explore Portland and get to know all its little secrets. The Secrets of Portlandia offers a free walking tour will not only take you to the tiny chartless corners and least traveled streets, plus give you insider tips for attractions, restaurants and activities non to miss.


23. Pose Under the Keep Portland Weird Sign

The Keep Portland Weird  shibboleth is meant to embrace the uniqueness of the City and underpin local businesses. You will escort the saying on bumper stickers passim the town, but nary sticker is quite as impressive A the huge painted wall located just S of the A. E. Burnside bridge.

Bucket List incentive: Voodoo Doughnuts is flop crosswise the street!


24. Gawk at the Paul Bunyan Statue

The huge Apostle Paul Bunyan Statue, of the famous fabulous logger, sits in Portland's Kenton neighborhood (realize map). The gigantic novelty is made of metal and concrete, and is an attention grabber that deserves to feature in your camera ringlet.


25. Ride the Aerial Tram

The Aerial Tram is a unique transport system that offers amazing high views of the metropolis and the area beyond. The tram usually operates on load and go, with cabins departing approximately every 5 transactions.

A view in an Aerial Tram in Portland


26. See a Performance at Revolution Hall

Revolution Hall is a world-class venue and the ultimate tilt n' drift high school,  since is located within the other Washington High School. The 830-seater hall normally features top of the inning-notch performers with different genres of music and entertainment.


27. See the Belmont Goats

This is definitely one of the top things to liquidate Portland Oregon. The Belmont Park Goats provide the unexclusive with a quirky and carefree way to bond with animals. They are unremarkably interested in human attending, from fur brushing to scratching.

Belmont Goats in Portland


28. Experience The Cherry Blossom Bloom At Tom McCall Waterfront Park

To perfectly see the cherry blooms, then head ended to the Steel Bridge. There are 100 Akebono-cherries that line the Tom McCall Waterfront Ballpark and when they unfold, the whole area comes to life. This spot is usually packed during the take shape season, so make sure that you arrive early to beat the traffic.

See The Cherry Blossom Bloom At Tom McCall Waterfront Park


29. See the Jetliner in the Woods

There are private planes that are so luxuriant they flush make for better homes than your typical million dollar sign mansions…and then in that location is the Jetliner in the Forest. Outlet in that location in the forest of Oregon's wine country, is a 727 jetliner that has been changed into a home by the owner, Bruce Campbell. An attraction in itself, this massive free-flying craft makes for good story telling as you begin to enquire how he got it up there and why he would want to.

See the Jetliner in the Woods


30. Date the Oldest Working Tangle Queen mole rat at Darcelle XV Showplace

Darcelle XV is the oldest female imitator on the West Coast. He's an absolute legend when it comes to Portland's entertainment space. Together with his company, they are noted to think of the interview with comical skits and plays that are full of Las Vegas-style meretriciousness and glamor.


31. Witness the Smallest Park in the Earthly concern

At the intersection of deuce streets in Southwest Portland, placed in the center fraction, you will findMill Ends Park. At a whopping 452 transparent inches it is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the smallest park in the world.

The spot was actually meant for a light ro, but when that unsuccessful to happen information technology was turned into this minuscule piece of prime material estate. The landscape sporadically changes, merely along the day I went it was a single, wee tree surrounded by a trio of little sick bushes.


32. See the Works at Portland Art Museum

Portland Art Museum is uncomparable of the best places where you wish experience the mightiness of artwork in the City. The internationally renowned museum offers an glamorous experience with major exhibitions that is rich in Nor'-west and Native American collections.

See the Works at Portland Art Museum RF 3


33. Seek out Street Art Or so the Metropolis

One thing that's a ensure when you are come out of the closet in Portland Oregon is that you will descend across a wide range of art collections. This city's streets consist of a booming art prospect and with the availability of walking and biking lanes, you can explore all the hidden spaces. Use this mapping to find some of the best!


34. Sit out Ringside at a Roller Derby Bout

A tumbler pigeon derby turn at Rose wine Metropolis Rollers is filled with hard hits, fast feet and sometimes accented with alterations between the female players. This rowdy indoor sport will develop your heart pumping while you ascendent for your favorite team up member.


35. Smell the Roses at a Rose Psychometric test Garden

Portland's External Rose Screen Garden is the oldest public garden of its kind with a primary purpose of examination rose varieties. In front visiting I thought I wasn't a rose girl, only these aren't your typical supermarket flowers. They get in all shapes, colors, sizes and have unique name calling like Wanted Tamale, Walking connected Temperateness and Extraordinary Amore.

Postscript: you could sign up for the half-day metropolis tour that takes you to the garden addition Pittock Planetary house!


36. Plume in the Pool at Kennedy School

Not only is the soaking pool at McMenamins Kennedy Educate ideal for optimal repose, information technology is also a ceramic exploit of art! The pretty pond is settled where the teachers lounge used to be and is surround by gardens.


37. Stroll Though the Japanese Garden

Portland's 5.5 Akko Nipponese Garden is influenced by Shinto, Faith, and Taoist philosophies. It is comprised of five garden styles, from each one 1 much comely than the live on. Strolling through this environment will transport you to the gardens in Japan.

Make a day of it: The Japanese Garden is next to the International Rose Test Garden, so visiting both in unmatched twenty-four hour period is possible.


38. Stroll through Local area network Su Chinese Garden

Dubbed by many as 'the most authentic Chinese garden outside of Republic of China, the Lan Su Garden is serenity personified. This walled garden wish instantly transport you out of the U.S to Red China as soon as you walk through the gates.

Lan Su Garden can be loosely translated to mean the "Garden of the Waking up Orchids." That is exactly what you leave experience as you explore Chinese culture, run across their way of thinking and learn a flake about their chronicle.

For something super incomparable, take the Downtown Ghost Tour that starts at Lan Su Garden.


39.Call for a Roadworthy Trip to Multnomah Falls

Technically, this is non in the Portland city limits, only it is so bucketful list worthy that you will want to take the 40 minute drive East to the Columbia River Gorge to see IT. IT is one of the outdo things to do in Portland! Multnomah Falls is split into two sections for a total of 611 feet and every edge in is stunning. It is quite a mess from the ground floor, but you can as wel take a hike to walk across the bridge and on to the whirligig.

These highly rated tours bequeath take you there:

  • Half-Day Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia River
  • Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Glut Half-Sidereal day Tour

40. Take Pictures in the Photo Booth at Ace Hotel

At get-go, this might non sound like anything spectacular. After all, we have all been to a photo booth or two in our lives before, so what's so peculiar about this one? Well, the pic kiosk at the Ace Hotel in Portland is old. We are talking photographic applied science from a hundred Oregon so years ago. It uses the same procedure that was used way back when silver film was the craze.

You have to wait just a few transactions for the images to develop and it is quite an an experience, thus leave your iPhone in your elbow room and take selfies in the photo booth at Whiz Hotel.17.


41. Visit Watch crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

This is an internationally accepted garden with a scenic spring-Federal Reserve lake that surrounds it. The Crystal Springs Rhododendron is ideal for recreation as well as events. Possess amusing Hera during the mean solar day exploring divergent plant species including the spirited rhododendrons in their full blossom.


42. Call in Some Willamette Vale Wineries

Famed to be home to over 700 wineries and nonpareil of the leading vino producers in Oregon, Willamette Valley is the best place to take a wine tour. It's about a 40 minute drive from Portland, but it is a must-do if you are a wine lover like Maine! There are plenty of wineries to choose from (you can find your favorites on the Williamette Wines website, but if you take over a effortful time picking just the ethical combined, and then check out Wine Country's top eight Wiliamette wineries not to miss.

The 5-Hour Willamette Valley Wine-colored Tour with Tastings will give you a eager sampling of localised wines or choose for the Wine and Waterfalls Day Tour.

Visit Willamette Valley Wineries


43. Walk Through the Towering Redwood Grove Hoyt Arboretum

The Redwood Grove at Hoyt Arboretum is a living museum with almost 70 trees, some planted as far back as 1931. Configured to conserve the endangered species in OR and civilize the community, Hoyt Arboretum is likewise a 190-acre arboretum that's thoroughgoing for outdoor activities including hike trails.


WHAT + WHERE TO EAT

44. Do a Spirit Tasting at a Distillery

Amongst industrial warehouses and businesses in Portland lies a handful of distilleries which grow an array of unique liquors. This frequently visited country is called Distillery Row and once you need a faulting from the downtown pubs, you must jeopardize to do a spirit tasting at a Portland Still.

Spirit Tasting at a Distillery


45.  Do a Tea Tasting at Smith Teamaker

Doing a tea tasting at Smith Teamaker is similar doing one at a local distillery, you select a couple of varieties from the menu to compare and line. The flight can be all black teas, suchlike the Jehova Bergamot or all herbal infusions, look-alike the Gargantuan Hibiscus. If you are unsure of what to choose, inquire the knowledgeable faculty to guide you with your selections.


46. Potable a Cup of Stumptown Deep brown

Stumptown Coffee bean is altogether the craze in Portland and I did due diligence by hunting for others, butStumptown always came out on top. They source the best coffees from all o'er the world and you can taste IT in every transfuse.

Drink a Cup of Stumptown Coffee


47. Drink a Flaming Spanish Umber

A Flaming Spanish Coffee at Huber's consists of Bacardi 151 funny, Kahlua, Bols Triple Sec, coffee, fresh whipped cream and a touch of nutmeg on top. But, what makes this drink a special thing to do in Portland is the execution that involves a send away-filled show, prepared prorogue-side and with lots genius.

Drink a Flaming Spanish Coffee


48. Drink Liquor in Detention

McMenamins Kennedy Schooltime is an old elementary school turned into an entertainment haven. You can live in one of their guest rooms, eat in the Boiler Way and watch a movie in the comfy theater. Plus, if you have ever been of late to course or offended a teacher you are able to pay off your penance in the Detention Bar where they bequeath serve you beer, vino, single malts or bourbons. That sounds like my kind of detention.

An old room where you can drink


49. See the Oddities at Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

WHO wouldn't want to visit a place with a name like the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium?  It is filled with creepy oddities and experiences, like the chance to have your photograph taken getting an foreign autopsy or viewing a dollhouse where one of the rooms had a bloody carnage. Not exclusive is IT bizarre (and free ), but when I was there you could likewise guild a Bug Eaters Enthrall sundae in front departure. It is flat-topped with very microbe larva and if you presume to eat it your photo bequeath take it onto the Insectarian Society Hall of Fame. Look for my picture there!


50. Eat a Voodoo Doughnut

I will admit that the base of Voodoo Halo's taste just like the rest to me, but what makes this the hot spot in Portland is the unique flavors that that have. The Marshall Mathers is covered in M&Ms. to signify the doorknocker Eminem, the Loop Donut is covered in Fruit Loops and the Dirty Snowballs have marshmallow superior dipped in coconut and topped with goober pea butter.

Everyone dialogue almost the Maple Bacon sinker, but my dearie is the Old Dirty Bastard that is covered in crumbled Oreo cookie cookies and peanut butter. If you steer over to the Original Location on 3rd Ave., the 'Keep open the Portland Weird' communicative is powerful crossways the Street.

If you are the ultimate donut lover, and so mount the Underground Donut Tour of duty that will have you sampling 4 of the top shops in town.

Eat a Voodoo Doughnut - Portland Bucket List


51. Snack on Dirty Fries

What makes dirty fries at Lardo dirty? Pork scraps, marinated peppers, fried herbs and parmesan. These french fries can be the perfect side for their best-selling Pork barrel Meatball Banh Mi or are large enough for a repast on its have.


52. Eat the Biscuits at Pine State Biscuits

If you love a buttery, tender, home-brewed biscuit, then get your butt to Pine State Biscuits asap! Whether you order a perfect biscuit sandwich or a more classic biscuits & gravy, your in store for a treat.

A good plate of Pine State Biscuits


53. Food Truck Record hop

The food for thought motortruck picture in Portland continues to boom. You commode visit a cluster of them that strike a square block in the city or a solo unmatched in the midst of a retail street or, my favorite, a small corner that contains 5-10 with pushover tables in the middle. There are soh many options it will be hard to pick out, but for a tasty towering sandwich, hit up Pastrami Living dead for one of their savory ones served happening sour rye with coleslaw, Swiss, and your house Russian. Or head or over to pander in the Poutine french fries at Potato Champion.

There's indeed many to choose from it's plausibly just easier to book a go, like the Portland Food Cart Walk Duty tou


54. Get a Taste of India at Bollywood Theater

If you are a fan of grand and mouth watering curries and other savoury, flavorful dishes, then the Bollywood Theater is the best place for you to have a penchant of India. Its agiotage street food is unmatched thanks to the blend in of different organic fertilizer spices.


55. Get Unique Icecream at SALT & Straw

Common salt & Chromatic has what you need to cool that summertime heat while you are outdoors, only IT's so good that you'll wishing it every flavour. The chef-driven parlor features delicious small batches of ice creams, handmade using various local ingredients. With flavors like p capitulum & bleu and salty sinker Psidium guajava + cheese you'll want to taste them totally!


56. Immerse Yourself in the Craft Beer Culture (AKA: Drinkable Beer)

Just like food trucks, the foxiness beer scene in Portland is booming! There's almost 70 breweries which could arrive at it rough to opt which ones to do your drinking at, simply TravelPortland.com can help.  Even easier, the Portland's Eastside Workmanship Brewery Walk-to Enlistment wish take you to multiple breweries!

A beer toast


57. Shop at the Sat Market

Portland's Saturday Market is recognized as matchless of the biggest open-air markets in the country, and provides small local businesses with an ideal way of showcasing their crafts and edibles, specially from the Pacific Northwest region.

. . .

From fun activities to quirky attractions to breathtaking nature, there is no shortfall of cool things to do in Portland, Oregon. As a matter of fact, I advise you to piss a list of your favorite must-serve things in front you see. Otherwise you may get sidetracked and miss tabu on a a couple of of the most exciting bucket list activities in Oregon.


Essential Tips for Visiting Portland

Getting There: PDX is a major hub and most airlines bequeath fly into it. You can well check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner. You can also use choose 'cheapest calendar month' as the departure to find the last priced dates to fly to your terminus.

Where to Stay in Portland: It's almost always best to stay in a popular district or at least near public conveyance. The Porter Portland(luxury) and The Duniway Portland(moderate) are good choices in downtown Portland. For a truly unique bucket list undergo abide at Tiny Lodgings(budget), a budget-friendly hotel of tiny houses. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you're looking more of a household atmospheric state (or are traveling with a group of people), head o'er to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and justified just a room for rent in every price range.

Acquiring Around: If you want to do a great deal of exploring then renting a cable car would constitute top (that's what I usually do) andRentalCars.com has some great deals. If you are not renting a car, on that point are plenty of options. Some Lyft and Uber are available all over the City, plus most of the leading attractions can be accessed with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. They too have got a great light rail and bus scheme, learn to a greater extent approximately them here.

Top Tours: You stool find some of the top Tours at Get Your Guide. Here are some that I recommend:

  • Complete-Day Vino &adenylic acid; Waterfalls Duty tou
  • Underground Portland 2-Hour Walk Tour
  • Unsurpassable of Portland 2-Hour Walking Circuit
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You Might Also Enjoy

Visit the 611 Foot Multnomah Falls in Oregon
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Do a Liquor Tasting at a Portland Distillery
Eat the Sunset Dirty Bastard at Portland's Voodoo Doughnuts
Eat a Bug Sundae at Portland's Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

Resources

Portland Tours with Get Your Manoeuvre
Streetwise Porland Map