Trip Guides
13 Things To Do In Portland Oregon
Discover Portland, Oregon, through scenic parks, diverse food tours, and unique guided adventures like wine tastings, haunted walks, and aerial views.
April 1, 2022
Discover Portland, Oregon, through scenic parks, diverse food tours, and unique guided adventures like wine tastings, haunted walks, and aerial views.
April 1, 2022
Portland, Oregon. There’s a buzz in the air here, like the feeling you get when something good is just around the corner. Maybe it’s the way the clouds break just right, letting the sun slip through after a rain. Or maybe it’s the way the people move—like they’ve got a secret, but they’re happy to share it with you if you ask. This is a city that’s easy to like, with good folks, good food, and a sense of possibility that hangs in the air. Here are the things that make Portland hum.
Washington Park is a place where the roses don’t just grow—they burst into bloom, like they know they’re putting on a show. Wander among them, rows of red, pink, yellow, and you can’t help but smile. Nearby is the Japanese Garden, a spot where peace comes easy.
Powell’s City of Books is one of those places that feels like a gift. Step inside, and it’s warm and welcoming, like an old friend offering you a seat by the fire. Every corner hides a new discovery—books stacked high, stories waiting to be found. It’s a place where you can get lost, but it’s the best kind of lost you’ll ever be.
The Pearl District is polished, but it’s got character. It’s the kind of place where art galleries share the block with breweries, and the streets are lined with trees that seem to sway with the rhythm of the city.
If you want to taste the real Portland, take a food cart tour through the city’s eastside. The Portland Food Carts, Pods, and Patios Tour offers a three-hour walk through flavor. Try poutine made from 1,000 pounds of local potatoes each week and dive into dishes at one of the biggest food cart pods around. You’ll get to meet the folks behind the carts—chefs with larger-than-life stories, cooking up dishes from every corner of the world. It’s a celebration of food, and you leave with a happy belly and a head full of stories.
The Waterfront Park Loop is Portland’s way of giving you a hug on a bicycle. Pedal along the river, feeling the cool breeze and catching glimpses of the city skyline through the trees.
Forest Park wraps around Portland like a blanket, and the Wildwood Trail cuts through it like a ribbon. It’s a place where the city fades away and the air smells like pine and damp earth. Walk through those woods, where the trees stretch high, and the silence is deep.
Portland brings wine country to the city with the Urban Wine Tasting Tour. You don’t need to drive far to taste the richness of Oregon’s vineyards. Over 2.5 hours, stroll through the Pearl District and Slabtown, sipping over ten wines from local wineries, paired with small bites. It’s a way to taste the essence of the Willamette Valley without leaving town. Best of all, you’ll hear stories straight from the winemakers, discovering hidden tasting rooms where you’re welcomed like an old friend.
Just a short drive from Portland, Multnomah Falls spills down a sheer cliff, 620 feet of cold, clear water.
For a perspective like no other, take to the skies with The Portlandia Air Adventure. In about 40 minutes, you’ll fly over Portland’s urban landscape, gliding along the Columbia River and getting unparalleled views of the city’s bridges and Mount Hood. It’s a thrill to see the city from above, whether by day, with the river sparkling below, or at sunset, when the whole skyline glows golden.
Dive into Portland’s darker past with the Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour at Old Town Pizza and Brewing. For 90 minutes, you’ll venture beneath the city streets into the legendary tunnels that once carried secrets and sorrow. Hear eerie tales of the city’s haunted history, including the story of Nina, Portland’s resident ghost. And when you resurface, enjoy a tasting of locally brewed beer to shake off the chill. It’s the perfect blend of history, mystery, and a good pint.
The Portland Art Museum is a treasure chest, full of pieces that tell stories you never knew you wanted to hear. There’s something about walking through those halls, seeing the colors and shapes, that makes you feel like you’re part of a bigger story. It’s a place where history and hope come together, where you can see the past and the future all in the same frame.
Portland’s beer is more than just beer—it’s a celebration. The Keep Portland Weird: Private Neighborhood Culture Tour gives you a glimpse of the city’s quirks and charms, winding through neighborhoods like Alberta Arts, Mississippi, and SE Hawthorne. It’s customizable, so if you’re looking to learn about Portland’s craft beer scene or the best dive bars, just let your guide know. It’s the perfect way to discover Portland’s soul while savoring the flavors of its breweries.
For a change of pace, head out onto the water with the Downtown Bridges Tour from Portland River Tours. Spend two hours on the Willamette River, gliding past the city’s nine iconic drawbridges. You’ll hear stories of the river’s history, catch views of the skyline, and maybe even spot a heron or two. It’s a peaceful way to see the city from a new perspective, where the river runs steady and time slows down.
Portland has a way of making you feel like you’ve stumbled into something special. It’s a city where every corner holds a little joy, where the rain washes away the past and leaves things fresh and new. It’s a town where people are proud of what they’ve built, but they’re always ready to welcome you in. If you find yourself here, stay a while. Let the city’s good news rub off on you. It’s got plenty to share, and a guide who’ll be happy to show you the way.
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