Portland On Us Map: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Portland On Us Map: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Welcome to Portland, Oregon – a city known for its natural beauty, creative culture, and adventurous spirit. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a fun-filled getaway, Portland has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, hidden gems, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, and more to help you plan a memorable trip to Portland.
Top Attractions
No trip to Portland is complete without visiting some of its top attractions. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
Powell’s City of Books
The world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s City of Books, is a must-visit for any book lover. With over a million new and used books, you can easily spend hours browsing the shelves and discovering new titles.
The Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the Pacific Northwest, featuring over 42,000 works of art. From contemporary to ancient art, there’s something for everyone to admire here.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and step into the tranquil oasis of the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This garden was built by artisans from Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, and features traditional Chinese architecture, art, and plants.
Hidden Gems
While Portland’s top attractions are definitely worth visiting, there are also many hidden gems to discover. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Grotto
The Grotto is a peaceful sanctuary located in Northeast Portland. This Catholic shrine and botanical garden is a popular spot for meditation, reflection, and prayer.
The Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful space located in the heart of Portland. It features traditional Japanese landscaping, including a koi pond, tea house, and stunning views of Mount Hood.
The Kennedy School
The Kennedy School is a quirky and unique hotel that was once an elementary school. Each classroom has been transformed into a cozy guestroom, and the hotel features a movie theater, brewery, and soaking pool.
Food Scene
Portland is known for its vibrant food scene, with an abundance of restaurants, food carts, and breweries to choose from. Here are a few must-try spots:
Pine State Biscuits
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, head to Pine State Biscuits. Their biscuits and gravy are a local favorite, and their breakfast sandwiches are not to be missed.
Pok Pok
Pok Pok is a popular Thai restaurant that has received national acclaim. Their fish sauce wings are a must-try, and their pad thai and papaya salad are also delicious.
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut is a Portland institution, known for their wacky and creative doughnut flavors. From the classic bacon maple bar to the grape ape, there’s a doughnut for everyone here.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Portland can be an expensive city, but there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are a few budget-friendly tips:
Take Public Transportation
Portland’s public transportation system, TriMet, is reliable and affordable. A day pass costs just $5 and gives you unlimited rides on buses, trains, and streetcars.
Visit Free Museums
Several museums in Portland offer free admission, including the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society Museum, and the Pittock Mansion.
Eat at Food Carts
Portland’s food carts offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable cuisine. You can find everything from tacos to sushi to grilled cheese sandwiches, all for a fraction of the cost of a sit-down restaurant.
Outdoor Adventures
Portland is a city that loves the outdoors, with plenty of parks, trails, and waterways to explore. Here are a few outdoor adventures to add to your itinerary:
Forest Park
Forest Park is the largest urban forest in the United States, with over 80 miles of trails to explore. Whether you’re hiking, running, or mountain biking, you’ll find plenty of scenic routes here.
Kayak the Willamette River
The Willamette River runs through the heart of Portland, and kayaking is a great way to see the city from a new perspective. You can rent kayaks from several outfitters along the river.
Visit Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a stunning 620-foot waterfall located just outside of Portland. You can hike to the top for a panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge.
Family-Friendly Activities
Portland is a great city for families, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions and activities. Here are a few ideas:
The Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is home to over 2,600 animals, including elephants, lions, and penguins. Kids will love the petting zoo and the train ride through the zoo.
The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum that encourages learning through play. Kids can explore a kid-sized city, climb a treehouse, and even launch a rocket.
The World Forestry Center
The World Forestry Center is a museum that teaches visitors about the importance of forests and sustainable forestry. Kids can explore virtual forests and learn about different tree species.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, Portland has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover. Here are a few ideas:
The Shanghai Tunnels
The Shanghai Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels that were once used for human trafficking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can take a guided tour to explore the tunnels and learn about their dark history.
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium is a museum of oddities and curiosities, featuring exhibits like a giant chicken skeleton and a mermaid in a jar. It’s definitely not your average museum.
The UFO Festival
Every May, the town of McMinnville, just outside of Portland, hosts the UFO Festival. The festival celebrates a famous UFO sighting that occurred in the town in the 1950s, and features speakers, parades, and other extraterrestrial-themed events.
Natural Wonders
Portland is surrounded by natural beauty, from the rugged Oregon coast to the majestic Mount Hood. Here are a few natural wonders to add to your itinerary:
The Oregon Coast
The Oregon coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that features rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint seaside towns. Be sure to visit Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.
Mount Hood
Mount Hood is the highest peak in Oregon, and offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round. In the winter, you can ski and snowboard; in the summer, you can hike, bike, and fish.
The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a dramatic canyon that stretches for over 80 miles. It features several stunning waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Vibrant Nightlife
Portland is a city that loves to have fun, with a vibrant nightlife scene to match. Here are a few spots to check out:
McMenamins
McMenamins is a local chain of brewpubs that feature quirky and unique decor, like a movie theater in a former church. Each location also has its own microbrews to try.
The Crystal Ballroom
The Crystal Ballroom is a historic music venue that has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to Nirvana. They also host dance parties and other events throughout the week.
The Doug Fir Lounge
The Doug Fir Lounge is a popular music venue and restaurant that features local and national acts. They also serve up delicious brunch on the weekends.
Local Markets
Portland has several local markets where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Here are a few to check out:
The Portland Farmers Market
The Portland Farmers Market is the largest farmers market in the city, featuring over 200 vendors. You can find everything from artisanal cheese to fresh flowers here.
The Saturday Market
The Saturday Market is a weekly outdoor market that features local artisans selling handmade crafts and jewelry. There’s also live music and food carts to enjoy.
The Made Here PDX Market
The Made Here PDX Market is a pop-up market