From strolling through Chinese and Japanese gardens to taking part in a naked cycle ride 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 1 of the most popular in the U.S and as before long every bit you visit, information technology is easy to run across why. The people are friendly; they are environmentally witting (virtually residents ride their bikes through the city as opposed to taking a cab), plus there are plenty of fun activities.

And then there are your typical city attractions such as splendid dining, a groovy bar scene and thrilling historical monuments that will keep you busy throughout your stay. If you haven't been yet, hither are some of the best reasons why you should add Portland, Oregon to your bucket list.


The Best Attractions, Activities and Fun Things to Exercise in Portland, Oregon


WHAT TO Meet + Do

1. Nourish the Naked Bike Ride

Have you ever seen a streaker run past you? At present imagine hundred, if not thousands, of naked people leisurely riding on bikes through the urban center! The Naked Bike Ride is a wear-optional event that is an unique once-in-a-lifetime attraction not to be missed, fifty-fifty if you are not participating. Showing support for the event is showing support for man powered transportation and minimizing our carbon footprint..


two. Practise an Escape Room

Portland Escape Room is known to offer alive games where participants are locked in themed rooms for an hr and left to solve puzzles in guild to discover their way out. They offer an immersive, fun, and entertaining way of engaging your encephalon as you compete with other participants.


three. Savour at Portland's Shakespeare in the Park

Portland Actors Ensemble is one of the oldest theater groups in this city, and on of their best shows is Shakespeare in the Park. They are renowned to feature actors who accept the power to transform lives with their plays. The entire content usually features heartbreaking, hilarious, and thrilling plays with powerful illusions.


iv. Enjoy The Thrill Of Racing At Portland International Raceway

For a little adrenaline blitz, head over to Portland's International Raceway to sentinel the cars whiz effectually the runway. They host unlike racing cars including the NASCAR and IndyCar races, in improver to many others.

Enjoy The Thrill Of Racing At Portland International Raceway


5. Explore Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion is a sandstone beauty that was home to 2 of Oregon's most iconic pioneers (Henry and Georgiana Pittock) and it is breathtaking in its own right. Congenital in 1914, this 22 room mansion features a combination of Victorian design and a heavy touch of French-Renaissance.

The guided tours of the mansion will give you clear insight on how the high life was enjoyed in Portland a few decades back. There are 46 acres of lush basis around the belongings and mind-bogglingly beautiful views of Portland, Mount St. Helens equally well as Mount Hood. Information technology is definitely worth a visit, if for aught else but the cute selfies opportunities y'all will find.

FYI: The Portland City Tour will make a stop at that place, PLUS Pearl Commune, Pittock Mansion, Alberta Arts Commune!


six. Explore Portland by Cycle

With the availability of bike rentals and diverse bicycle routes, there is no better way to explore the districts and small locales in this urban center than doing it on two wheels. This volition give yous a great opportunity to cycle every bit you lot accept in the expansive views with different backgrounds.

Explore Portland by bicycle


vii. Explore the Districts

There are almost 100 districts in Portland, and each offers their ain fun things to practice, but it will be hard to visit all the attractions and activities, and so only do a few. The top 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 between 1850 and 1941 Portland was known as the "Forbidden City of the Due west." This is because it was one of the most unsafe ports in the U.S, if not the world. Inside this period, a series of tunnels, known as the Shanghai Tunnels was developed under the urban center streets.

These tunnels linked a wide spider web of hotels and basement bars to each other and to the docks at the Willamette River. They were also used to ferry goods, people, supplies as well equally a host of other illicit activities to and from the ships that visited the docks at Portland. For a fourth dimension, able bodied men were drugged and smuggled through these tunnels to work on forced labor footing as coiffure men on ships that needed the workforce. This elaborate web of tunnels is surrounded by fantastic legends of horrific tales that volition transport a arctic down your spine.


9. Feel the Peace at the Grotto

With the chaos of life that surrounds us every day, sometimes information technology's just right to take a reanimation and residual. If yous are looking for a peaceful thing to do in Portland, then The Grotto is a great avenue where yous can experience serenity. The national sanctuary has a peace garden, meditation chapel, rose garden, and fifty-fifty shrines. This is where you lot can get your soul nourished and rejuvenated in a natural manner.


10. Go A Glimpse Of Life On A Submarine

Have you ever imagined how life is while you are in a submarine? Well, this Oregon city gives you the best opportunity to view life from a different angle at the Oregon Museum of  Science and Industry. The tours will have y'all a peek into crew life, plus you will get to await through the periscope and even impact a torpedo!

Get A Glimpse Of Life On A Submarine


11. Become Lost in Powell's Books

Powell Books is on simply almost every Things to Do in Portland listing, and you may wonder what could be so special about a book shop. Well Powell's is way more than than your average shop, their flagship location is home to more than one 1000000 books! The cookbook section, consummate with a vintage pick, would be enough to keep me coming back to Powell's.


12. Go to a Brewpub Movie Theater

What's better than a night at the movies with buttery popcorn? A nighttime at the movies with buttery popcorn and BEER. McMenamins Bagdad Theater is a relic of Hollywood's golden age and a place to savour a slice of pizza while drinking a cold, hand-crafted ale. Don't worry if you are a wine lover like me, they have that too.


13. Go to the Oregon Historical Museum

With three floors of exhibits, the Oregon historical Museum is filled with over 85,000 artifacts and documents related to Oregon and America. While there, don't miss seeing the famous Portland Penny that was used to make up one's mind the proper name of the urban center.


14. Run across a Portland Centre Stage Show

Portland Centre Stage is the biggest theater company in this urban center and information technology'south known to produce professional person theatrical content for the surrounding community. Though the company was established in 1988, its home is at The Arsenal which was originally congenital in 1891. Besides the incredible entertainment, the buildings Romanesque revival compages style is too sight to behold.


15. Have Fun in 'Portland'southward Living Room'

The Pioneer Courthouse Square is a 40,000-square-foot city block in the middle of the city where people gather for ane of their 300 planned events or just hang out and socialize. Described as Portland'due south living room, this urban gathering space is i of the most visited places in Porland.

Signages at Pioneer Courthouse Square


sixteen. Hike the Columbia River Gorge

Hiking gets interesting, challenging, and of course, fun as yous navigate the Columbia River Gorge. Just 30 miles due east of Portland yous'll notice this is a cute area filled with waterfalls, vistas and ballsy hikes.

Hike the Columbia River Gorge


17. Hike to The Witches Castle at Forest Park

Portland has some weird, yet interesting things going on, and this is one of them. An easy one-half-mile hike from the Upper Macleay Parking lot nearly the Portland Audubon Society, or a slightly longer three-quarter mile jaunt starting from the Lower Macleay Parking lot at NW 30th and Upshur will pb you up to the Witches Castle at Forest Park.

Despite its proper noun, the Witches Castle has cypher to do with witches. Although the ruins have a long history of tragedy dating back to the 1800's, information technology was dubbed the Witches Castle by High Scholars who started holding kegger parties there in the 1980's.


18. Make a Quick Stop at Starks Vacuum Museum

In downtown Portland, in that location is a store called Stark'south Vacuum Cleaner Sales & Service that does a lot more than than just sell you vacuum cleaner. Tucked abroad in a corner of the store is an interesting collection of aboriginal vacuum cleaners that volition highlight the sharp dissimilarity between mod solar day engineering and that of yesteryears.

If you are a history buff (or just looking for some quick amusement), then you will admittedly love the more than than 300 different types of vacuum cleaners lined up on the walls. There is fifty-fifty one that required two people to operate!

Annette at The Starks Vacuum Museum


xix. Partake in a River Float

Leap and summertime periods are incomplete in Portland if you don't catch your inner tube and partake in a river float. This is nigh like a ritual for the residents also as visitors who honey the livery that the river tubing activities and kayaking expeditions that the river floats offer.

Some of the best places to practise your float include Sandy River, Clackamas River, E Fork Lewis River, and Deschutes River.


20. Pay tribute at Oregon Holocaust Memorial

You can pay homage to those who lost their precious lives during the Holocaust menstruum by visiting the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. This Oregon Jewish Museum is also the all-time place for yous to share your loved ane's memory .


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

The Glowing Greens is a black lite miniature golf risk good for the unabridged family. The glow in the dark neon is certain to add a new twist to a regular game of mini golf. Plus, it's a bucket list bonus if yous become a hole in one!


22. Portland Free Walking Bout

A walking tour provides a fun mode to explore Portland and get to know all its little secrets. The Secrets of Portlandia offers a complimentary walking tour will not only take y'all to the tiny unknown corners and to the lowest degree traveled streets, plus requite you insider tips for attractions, restaurants and activities not to miss.


23. Pose Under the Keep Portland Weird Sign

The Go on Portland Weird  slogan is meant to cover the uniqueness of the metropolis and back up local businesses. Y'all will see the saying on bumper stickers throughout the town, but no sticker is quite as impressive equally the huge painted wall located just South of the Burnside bridge.

Bucket List bonus: Voodoo Doughnuts is right across the street!


24. Gawk at the Paul Bunyan Statue

The huge Paul Bunyan Statue, of the famous mythical logger, sits in Portland'southward Kenton neighborhood (see map). The gigantic novelty is made of metallic and concrete, and is an attention grabber that deserves to feature in your camera roll.


25. Ride the Aerial Tram

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

A view in an Aerial Tram in Portland


26. See a Performance at Revolution Hall

Revolution Hall is a globe-class venue and the ultimate stone n' ringlet high school,  since is located within the quondam Washington Loftier Schoolhouse. The 830-seater hall normally features top-notch performers with unlike genres of music and amusement.


27. See the Belmont Goats

This is definitely one of the top things to do in Portland Oregon. The Belmont Goats provide the public with a quirky and carefree way to bond with animals. They are normally interested in man attending, from fur brushing to scratching.

Belmont Goats in Portland


28. Run across The Cherry Bloom Blossom At Tom McCall Waterfront Park

To perfectly see the crimson blooms, then head over to the Steel Bridge. At that place are 100 Akebono-cherries that line the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and when they blossom, the whole area comes to life. This spot is ordinarily packed during the jump season, so brand sure that yous arrive early to shell the traffic.

See The Cherry Blossom Bloom At Tom McCall Waterfront Park


29. See the Jetliner in the Forest

There are private planes that are so luxurious they even make for ameliorate homes than your typical one thousand thousand dollar mansions…and then at that place is the Jetliner in the Forest. Mode out there in the forest of Oregon'southward wine country, is a 727 jetliner that has been transformed into a dwelling house by the owner, Bruce Campbell. An attraction in itself, this massive air arts and crafts makes for proficient story telling as y'all begin to wonder how he got information technology up there and why he would want to.

See the Jetliner in the Woods


30. See the Oldest Working Drag Queen at Darcelle Xv Showplace

Darcelle XV is the oldest female person impersonator on the West Coast. He's an accented legend when information technology comes to Portland's entertainment space. Together with his company, they are known to entertain the audience with comical skits and plays that are full of Las Vegas-style glitz and glamor.


31. See the Smallest Park in the World

At the intersection of two streets in Southwest Portland, located in the center separate, you will findMill Ends Park. At a whopping 452 square inches it is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the smallest park in the earth.

The spot was actually meant for a light pole, just when that failed to happen information technology was turned into this minuscule piece of prime real estate. The mural sporadically changes, only on the day I went information technology was a single, teeny tree surrounded past a trio of miniature green bushes.


32. See the Works at Portland Art Museum

Portland Fine art Museum is i of the best places where you lot will experience the ability of art in the city. The internationally renowned museum offers an exciting experience with major exhibitions that is rich in Northwest and Native American collections.

See the Works at Portland Art Museum RF 3


33. Seek out Street Art Around the City

One thing that's a guarantee when you are out in Portland Oregon is that you volition come across a wide range of art collections. This metropolis's streets consist of a booming art scene and with the availability of walking and biking lanes, y'all can explore all the hidden spaces. Employ this map to discover some of the all-time!


34. Sit down Ringside at a Roller Derby Bout

A roller derby tour at Rose City Rollers is filled with hard hits, fast feet and sometimes absolute with alterations betwixt the female person players. This rowdy indoor sport will get your center pumping while you root for your favorite team member.


35. Olfactory property the Roses at a Rose Test Garden

Portland'southward International Rose Test Garden is the oldest public garden of its kind with a primary purpose of testing rose varieties. Earlier visiting I idea I wasn't a rose girl, but these aren't your typical supermarket flowers. They come in all shapes, colors, sizes and have unique names like Hot Tamale, Walking on Sunshine and K Affection.

PS: you could sign upwardly for the half-day city bout that takes you to the garden plus Pittock Mansion!


36. Soak in the Puddle at Kennedy School

Not just is the soaking puddle at McMenamins Kennedy School ideal for optimal relaxation, it is also a ceramic work of fine art! The pretty pool is located where the teachers lounge used to exist and is surroundings by gardens.


37. Stroll Though the Japanese Garden

Portland's 5.five acre Japanese Garden is influenced by Shinto, Buddhist, and Taoist philosophies. It is comprised of 5 garden styles, each one more beautiful than the last. Strolling through this environs will ship you to the gardens in Japan.

Make a day of information technology: The Japanese Garden is next to the International Rose Test Garden, so visiting both in one day is possible.


38. Stroll through Lan Su Chinese Garden

Dubbed by many as 'the most authentic Chinese garden exterior of China, the Lan Su Garden is serenity personified. This walled garden will instantly transport you out of the U.South to China as presently every bit you lot walk through the gates.

Lan Su Garden can be loosely translated to mean the "Garden of the Enkindling Orchids." That is exactly what y'all will experience as you explore Chinese civilisation, see their style of thinking and learn a bit well-nigh their history.

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


39.Accept a Road Trip to Multnomah Falls

Technically, this is not in the Portland city limits, just it is and then bucket list worthy that you volition want to take the twoscore minute drive East to the Columbia River Gorge to see it. It is one of the best things to practise in Portland! Multnomah Falls is dissever into ii sections for a total of 611 feet and every inch is stunning. It is quite a sight from the ground floor, but you tin also take a hike to walk beyond the bridge and on to the summit.

These highly rated tours volition accept you lot there:

  • Half-Day Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia River
  • Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Solar day Tour

40. Take Pictures in the Photo Booth at Ace Hotel

At first, this might not sound like anything spectacular. Later all, we have all been to a photograph booth or two in our lives before, then what's so special almost this i? Well, the photo booth at the Ace Hotel in Portland is ancient. We are talking photographic engineering from a hundred or so years ago. It uses the same procedure that was used way dorsum when silver picture show was the rage.

You accept to wait merely a few minutes for the images to develop and it is quite an experience, so leave your iPhone in your room and take selfies in the photo booth at Ace Hotel.17.


41. Visit Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

This is an internationally recognized garden with a scenic spring-fed lake that surrounds it. The Crystal Springs Rhododendron is ideal for recreation too every bit events. Have fun here during the day exploring different plant species including the vibrant rhododendrons in their full bloom.


42. Visit Some Willamette Valley Wineries

Renowned to exist dwelling house to over 700 wineries and ane of the leading vino producers in Oregon, Willamette Valley is the best identify to take a vino tour. It'southward most a twoscore infinitesimal bulldoze from Portland, simply it is a must-practise if you are a vino lover like me! In that location are plenty of wineries to choose from (you tin can find your favorites on the Williamette Wines website, but if you have a hard time picking just the right one, then bank check out Vino Land'southward top eight Wiliamette wineries not to miss.

The v-Hour Willamette Valley Wine Bout with Tastings will give you a great sampling of local wines or opt for the Wine and Waterfalls Twenty-four hour period 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 every bit 1931. Designed to conserve the endangered species in Oregon and brainwash the community, Hoyt Arboretum is likewise a 190-acre arboretum that'southward perfect for outdoor activities including hiking trails.


WHAT + WHERE TO Swallow

44. Exercise a Spirit Tasting at a Distillery

Amongst industrial warehouses and businesses in Portland lies a scattering of distilleries which produce an array of unique liquors. This frequently visited area is known as Distillery Row and once you demand a suspension from the downtown pubs, you must venture to do a spirit tasting at a Portland Distillery.

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, yous select a few varieties from the menu to compare and dissimilarity. The flight can be all black teas, like the Lord Bergamot or all herbal infusions, like the Large Hibiscus. If you are unsure of what to choose, inquire the knowledgeable staff to guide you with your selections.


46. Potable a Cup of Stumptown Coffee

Stumptown Coffee is all the rage in Portland and I did due diligence by hunting for others, butStumptown always came out on top. They source the best coffees from all over the world and you can taste it in every loving cup.

Drink a Cup of Stumptown Coffee


47. Drink a Flaming Spanish Coffee

A Flaming Castilian Coffee at Huber'due south consists of Bacardi 151 rum, Kahlua, Bols Triple Sec, coffee, fresh whipped cream and a touch on of nutmeg on meridian. But, what makes this drink a special thing to practice in Portland is the execution that involves a fire-filled show, prepared table-side and with lots flair.

Drink a Flaming Spanish Coffee


48. Drink Liquor in Detention

McMenamins Kennedy School is an one-time elementary school turned into an entertainment haven. You tin sleep in one of their guest rooms, eat in the Boiler Room and sentry a movie in the comfortable theater. Plus, if yous have ever been late to grade or offended a teacher you are able to pay your penance in the Detention Bar where they will serve y'all beer, wine, 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 opportunity to accept your photo taken getting an alien autopsy or viewing a dollhouse where one of the rooms had a encarmine massacre. Not simply is it bizarre (and free ), merely when I was there you could also lodge a Issues Eaters Delight sundae before leaving. It is topped with real bug larva and if you dare to eat it your photograph volition brand it onto the Insectarian Club Hall of Fame. Wait for my movie there!


50. Eat a Voodoo Doughnut

I will admit that the base of Voodoo Doughnut'due south taste just similar the rest to me, but what makes this the hot spot in Portland is the unique flavors that that take. The Marshall Mathers is covered in M&Ms to signify the rapper Eminem, the Loop Donut is covered in Fruit Loops and the Dirty Snowballs have marshmallow topping dipped in kokosnoot and topped with peanut butter.

Everyone talks about the Maple Bacon donut, but my favorite is the Old Muddy Bastard that is covered in crumbled Oreo cookies and peanut butter. If you lot caput over to the Original Location on tertiary Ave., the 'Keep the Portland Weird' sign is right across the street.

If you are the ultimate donut lover, then hop on the Surreptitious Donut Tour that will take you sampling four of the best shops in boondocks.

Eat a Voodoo Doughnut - Portland Bucket List


51. Snack on Dirty Fries

What makes dirty chips at Lardo muddy? Pork scraps, marinated peppers, fried herbs and parmesan. These fries tin can be the perfect side for their popular Pork Meatball Banh Mi or are large enough for a repast on its own.


52. Eat the Biscuits at Pine State Biscuits

If yous love a buttery, flaky, homemade biscuit, and then go your butt to Pino Land Biscuits asap! Whether you lot order a perfect biscuit sandwich or a more than archetype biscuits & gravy, your in store for a treat.

A good plate of Pine State Biscuits


53. Food Truck Hop

The food truck scene in Portland continues to boom. You tin can visit a cluster of them that take upwards a foursquare block in the city or a solo one in the middle of a retail street or, my favorite, a small-scale corner that contains five-10 with picnic tables in the eye. There are and then many options it will be difficult to choose, but for a tasty towering sandwich, hit up Pastrami Zombie for one of their savory ones served on sour rye with coleslaw, Swiss, and your house Russian. Or caput or over to indulge in the Poutine chips at Spud Champion.

In that location'due south so many to choose from it's probably just easier to volume a tour, like the Portland Food Cart Walking Tour


54. Go a Taste of Republic of india at Bollywood Theater

If you are a fan of sumptuous and mouth watering curries and other spicy, flavorful dishes, then the Bollywood Theater is the best place for you to accept a sense of taste of India. Its premium street food is unmatched thanks to the alloy of unlike organic spices.


55. Become Unique Ice Cream at Salt & Straw

Table salt & Straw has what you need to cool that summer oestrus while you are outdoors, simply it's so good that you'll want it every season. The chef-driven parlor features delicious small batches of ice creams, handmade using various local ingredients. With flavors similar p ear & blue cheese and salty donut guava + cheese you'll want to try them all!


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

But like food trucks, the craft beer scene in Portland is booming! There's almost lxx breweries which could make it difficult to cull which ones to do your drinking at, but TravelPortland.com tin can assistance.  Even easier, the Portland'southward Eastside Craft Brewery Walking Tour will take you to multiple breweries!

A beer toast


57. Shop at the Sabbatum Market

Portland's Saturday Market place is recognized as one of the biggest open-air markets in the state, and provides pocket-size local businesses with an ideal way of showcasing their crafts and edibles, especially from the Pacific Northwest region.

. . .

From fun activities to quirky attractions to breathtaking nature, there is no shortage of cool things to exercise in Portland, Oregon. In fact, I advise you lot to brand a listing of your favorite must-do things before you visit. Otherwise yous may get sidetracked and miss out on a few of the about exciting bucket list activities in Oregon.


Essential Tips for Visiting Portland

Getting There: PDX is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. Yous can easily bank check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner. You can also use choose 'cheapest month' every bit the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination.

Where to Stay in Portland: It's near e'er all-time to stay in a popular district or at to the lowest degree near public transportation. The Porter Portland(luxury) and The Duniway Portland(moderate) are good choices in downtown Portland. For a truly unique saucepan list experience stay at Tiny Digs(budget), a budget-friendly hotel of tiny houses. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you lot're looking for more of a home temper (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for hire in every price range.

Getting Around: If you want to do a lot of exploring then renting a car would be best (that's what I usually do) andRentalCars.com has some peachy deals. If you are non renting a car, there are plenty of options. Both Lyft and Uber are available all over the city, plus almost of the major attractions can be accessed with the Hop-On Hop-Off Motorcoach. They also accept a neat lite rail and double-decker system, acquire more about them here.

Top Tours: Yous can detect some of the top tours at Get Your Guide. Here are some that I recommend:

  • Full-Day Wine & Waterfalls Bout
  • Underground Portland two-Hour Walking Tour
  • Best of Portland 2-Hour Walking Bout
This post may contain affiliate links. If y'all brand a purchase through my links, I earn a committee that helps to keep this blog running—at no actress cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.

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Resource

Portland Tours with Get Your Guide
Streetwise Porland Map