Portland, Oregon Sightseeing: 25+ best things to do (2024)
If you’re visiting or new to Portland, you’re going to want to read this. I’m going to share with you today everything you’ll need to know about Portland, Oregon sightseeing.
Being Oregon born and raised, and having lived in the greater Portland area for over a decade, I’ve enjoyed exploring all the city has to offer. From museums and tours, to gardens and parks, with plenty of great food along the way, there are so many great things to do in Portland.
So if you’re planning a visit to Portland and are wondering what to see and do, then this guide was written explicitly for you: The Ultimate Tourist’s Guide to Portland, Oregon Sightseeing.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
But first, a note about Portland…
It’s true what you’ve heard, Portland hit a bit of rough patch through the pandemic years. But it’s striving to recover, and people are starting to make their way back to the city.
That being said, if you’re planning on some Portland, Oregon sightseeing, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take safety precautions as you would in any other large city.
Where to stay in Portland
My top recommendations on where to stay in Portland include one unique stay, and one luxury hotel. Both are conveniently located in downtown Portland.
My personal favorite is the McMenamin’s Crystal Hotel. I love the building’s iconic flatiron shape and its quirky, eclectic decor.
The rooms are reasonably priced and the location is walking distance from the concert venue The Crystal Ballroom, as well as a fun record shop, and several great restaurants. If you eat at Hal’s Cafe, AKA Zeus Cafe, be sure to try the truffle fries. You’ll thank me later.
⭐️ Click here to check availability at McMenamin’s Crystal Hotel ⭐️
My luxury recommendation is The Sentinel, located in the West End. This classy hotel combines a hint of vintage charm with modern comfort. It’s walking distance to Powell’s City of Books, as well as some great restaurants and coffee shops, like Kell’s Irish Restaurant and Pub or the 1927 S’mores Company.
⭐️ Click here to check availability at The Sentinel Hotel ⭐️
Still not sure where to stay? The map below includes all the major spots for Portland, Oregon sightseeing, as well as hotels around the city. Use the map to find the best place to stay based on what you plan on doing in Portland.
How to get around Portland
Portland is generally a pretty walkable city, with good side walks, and lots of great restaurants and bars in the downtown area.
Plus, the public transit system here is relatively good, and easy to use. You can likely get to most places using the Max (Portland’s tram) and bus system. Über and Lyft are also available in Portland.
However, if you’re hoping to do some Portland, Oregon sightseeing, or any day trips from Portland, you may want to rent a car to get around. If you do plan to rent a car, read more here for tips on driving in Portland before your visit.
⭐️ Click here to find a car rental in Portland from Rentalcars.com ⭐️
The 25 best things to do for Portland, Oregon sightseeing
1. PDX Airport Carpet
First thing off the plane, you’ve got to take the obligatory PDX airport carpet photo, like a true Oregonian. I know, it’s a bit quirky, but Oregonians have a real obsession with this carpet! It’s a whole thing. The airport carpet is basically a celebrity at this point.
The original carpet represented the intersecting north and south runways at Portland International Airport. What you see pictured above is the 2015 reincarnation of the original carpet—similar, but not quite the same. We still love it anyway.
However, if you’ve flown through Portland here recently, you may have noticed the airport is undergoing some renovations. And with those renovations, they’re bringing back the OG carpet design! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited.
Whichever version of the PDX carpet you manage to catch, this iconic photo op is a must. It’s a fun and instantly identifiable piece of Portland to remember your trip by.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free (other than the price of your airfare, of course!)
How long to spend there: 5 minutes
Location: Portland International Airport, 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR
2. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an exciting, permanent, and new (ish) art exhibit, just opened in June 2023. Over 40 artists, both local and international, came together to create this immersive and interactive art experience. It’s comprised of 14 rooms, or “galleries”.
From a giant glowing ball pit, to a trampoline, to laser graffiti on a brick wall, Hopscotch appeals to the young and old alike. Its melding of light, sound, and art provides a fun and unique experience you won’t want to miss.
There are a few important things you’ll want to know before your visit though. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. And be sure to be on time, because if you’re more than 15 minutes late, you may not be permitted entry.
Make sure you’re wearing socks for the ball pit! But try to leave everything else that isn’t necessary at home. There are no lockers for bags and valuables, and you’ll want to be free to play, explore and experiment! Food and beverages are available for purchase on site.
Hours: 10 am to 10 pm, Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays)
Price: $24 for adults (age 16 and over), $15 for kids, age 3 and under free
How long to spend there: 1 to 1.5 hours
Location: 1020 SE 10th Ave in Southeast Portland
3. Shanghai Tunnel Tour – Portland’s Underground
Visit one of the most haunted places in the US, right in the heart of Portland! Although the Portland Shanghai Tour isn’t quite as extensive (or staged) as the Seattle Underground Tour, it’s still a fun, spooky, and intriguing experience.
The Portland Shanghai Tunnel Tour gives you a peak into Portland’s hidden underground history. You’ll be entertained by ghost stories, learn about what it meant to get Shanghaied in Portland’s early days, and be treated with a beer tasting afterwards.
A few tips before you go. The tour starts and ends at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, so be sure to bring your appetite and eat dinner there (before or after your tour). The pizza there is delicious! If you’re trying to decide when to go, the tour is fun any time of year. However, it’s a particularly great way to celebrate Halloween in Portland.
And lastly, this is not a friendly activity for younger children, given the topics discussed in the tour. Also note that this is not a friendly tour for those with mobility concerns.
Some of the stairs are extremely steep and there is not an elevator. Plus, in some places the ground is an uneven, hard packed dirt. And there is a section you’ll need to be able to duck under some pipes.
Hours: The first tour begins as early as noon, with the last tour beginning as late as 8 pm, depending on the day of the week. Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday (no tours offered Mondays or Tuesdays)
Price: $38 per adult (21 and older), $35 for teens (13 to 20 years old, 2 pm & 3 pm tours only)
How long to spend there: 90 minutes for the tour and beer tasting; add another hour if you plan to eat dinner there
Location: Old Town Pizza in Downtown Portland, 226 NW Davis St, Portland, OR
⭐️ Click here to book tickets for the Portland Shanghai Tunnel Tour ⭐️
4. Portland Spirit River Cruise
The Willamette and Columbia Rivers are a defining element of Portland’s landscape and identity. In fact, Portland is nicknamed “Bridgetown” for the many bridges that criss-cross these two rivers.
So a boat cruise down one of these rivers is an excellent way to experience the city. Plus, this is where you can find some of the best views of Portland.
You can enjoy Portland’s sights along the cruise over brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour. Or if you’re wanting to save money, there’s also a sight seeing only option.
Plus, there’s live piano music at brunch and dinner, and narration about Portland’s sights on the outer deck for all cruises. Cruises typically lasts anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Hours: Brunch cruises vary most, starting at 10 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm, or 2:30 pm, depending on the time of year. Lunch cruises are 11:30 am to 1:30 pm year round. Dinner Cruises are 6 or 7 pm to 8:30 or 9:30 pm, depending on the time of year. Happy hour cruises are 3:30 pm to 5 pm year round.
Price: $29-99 for adults, $33.50-79 for youth (ages 1-12), and Free to $10 for infants (ages 0-1)
How long to spend there: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Location: Boarding is at Salmon Street Springs (1010 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR) or Carothers Landing (110 SE Carothers St, Portland, OR).
⭐️Click here to book tickets for the Portland Spirit River Cruise⭐️
5. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and Submarine Tour
OMSI is an interactive, hands-on science museum, located in downtown Portland just off the Willamette river. It’s easily one of Portland’s best attractions, with something fun and interesting for kids of all ages, from 1 to 99!
You can visit their planetarium, immerse yourself in a movie at the IMAX theater, tour a submarine, or explore one of their rotating exhibits. Some of my favorite rotating exhibits over the years were Body Worlds, King Tut, and Pixar production.
If you tour the submarine, plan to spend about an hour on the tour alone. The USS Blueback submarine was in service for our Navy from 1959 to 1990, and has been at OMSI since 1994. It’s fascinating to experience firsthand the cramped corridors men lived in there!
Another fun event series to check out here is OMSI After Dark. It’s tailored to an adult audience, and these events cover a wide range of topics and experiences, many of which highlight Portland’s foodie culture.
Some of the OMSI After Dark events review the science behind pickling or brewing, where you’ll get to taste a few samples. Or you can learn about pollinators, Portland’s geology, and more. They even offer laser music shows in the Planetarium!
Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays)
Price: $20 per adult (14 and older), $15 for youth (3 to 13 years old)
How long to spend there: 1 to 4 hours (average time spent is 2 hours)
Location: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR
6. Portland Art Museum
Another one of Portland’s top attractions is the Portland Art Museum, located in downtown Portland. Founded in 1892, it’s now the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest.
This art museum is particularly well known for its impressive collection of Japanese and Chinese artwork. Their Asian art collection also includes Korean works, and is showcased on the main floor of the museum, displaying almost 4,000 works combined.
In addition to the Asian collection, the permanent collection includes European, American, and Native American artwork, highlighting many of the major cultural influences in the PNW. Art mediums on display range from painting to sculptures, ceramics, and more.
The museum also features rotating exhibits on loan. My favorite exhibit they’ve had on loan was the Frida Kahlo exhibit in 2022. Other highly notable artists currently on loan include Monet, Matisse, and Picasso.
TIP: Every first Thursday of the month, admission is free!
Hours: 10 am to 8 pm on Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday through Wednesday)
Price: $25 per adult, children are free (17 and younger)
How long to spend there: 2 to 3 hours
Location: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR
7. Voodoo Doughnuts
The infamous Voodoo Doughnuts is located in Portland’s Old Town. And the way they quickly became a household name in Oregon, it’s surprising to realize they’ve only been around since 2003. So what’s their secret ingredient? They claim their “magic is in the hole!”
This quirky doughnut shop offers an astounding 50 different flavors, including 25 vegan options. Of course they offer the basic doughnut flavors, but they’ve got some surprisingly tasty and off-the-wall concoctions as well.
For example, their iconic voodoo doll doughnut is filled with a raspberry jelly, appropriately so! Or you can try a doughnut topped with your favorite breakfast cereal. They’re also responsible for introducing the maple bacon bar to world!
Voodoo Doughnuts has spread to 6 other states since opening their original Portland location. When you visit, be sure to leave with their signature pink box, full of tasty desserts to take home for later.
Hours: 5 am to 3 am, daily
Price: $1.50-4.50 for a single doughnut, $22.50-32.50 for a dozen
How long to spend there: 30 minutes or more (depending on the line)
Location: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR
8. Lan Su Chinese Garden
The Lan Su Chinese Garden occupies an entire city block, situated on the edge of Chinatown and surrounded by Portland’s downtown skyscrapers. And yet, when you step through the gates and stand behind its white plaster walls, the hubbub of the city seems to disappear.
It’s truly a multi-medium work of art. The garden incorporates sculpture, painting, wood carving, architecture, gardening, poetry, and more. And all of these pieces come together to create a serene and holistic experience you won’t want to miss.
Lan Su is heralded as one of the most authentic traditional Ming dynasty gardens outside of China. The garden was created through a collaboration between Portland and her sister city Suzhou.
I highly recommend the guided tour through the garden. The guides share a bounty of interesting information about the garden’s history, its construction, and Chinese culture. And be sure to save time to enjoy a cup of tea and treats in the tea house before you leave!
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Must arrive by 5:30 pm at the latest.
Price: $16 per adult, $13 per youth (ages 6 to 18), children age 5 and younger enter for free
How long to spend there: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Chinatown, 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR
9. Powell’s City of Books, Used Bookstore
Powell’s City of Books may be the most well known attraction when it comes to Portland, Oregon sightseeing. Covering an entire city block, it’s the world’s largest used bookstore. And with roughly 1 million books for sale over 1.6 acres, it’s the ultimate book lover’s heaven.
While you’re there browsing, be sure to visit the Rare Books Room. You’ll have to stop by the Pearl Room information counter across the way to grab a pass first, as only 14 people are allowed in at a time. But it’s well worth the effort.
Whereas the majority of the bookstore is utilitarian in decor, the Rare Books Room is all class. Antique furniture is scattered throughout, and dark wood shelves hold a collection of rare, beautiful, collectible, and first edition books.
Now of course, no bookstore is truly complete without a coffee shop. The in-house coffee shop, Guilder Cafe, has a subtle Princess Bride theme, serving up brunch, lunch, and coffee. So you can feed your addiction to caffeine and books all in one stop!
Hours: 10 am to 9 pm, daily
Price: $? Free to enter, but depends on how bad your book addiction is!
How long to spend there: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Pearl District, 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR
10. Washington Park
Washington Park is a beautiful and vast place to explore. Within it, you’ll find the Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, International Rose Test Garden, Vietnam Memorial, Hoyt Arboretum, and World Forestry Center.
The park also offers tennis courts, a playground, an archery range, picnic tables throughout, and 15 miles of trails. We especially loved visiting Washington Park in the spring to see the cherry blossoms.
TIP: Use Washington Park’s free shuttle year round to navigate the park. It runs every 15-30 minutes, from 9:30 am to 7 pm April through September, and 10 am to 4 pm October through March.
The shuttle is wheelchair accessible. Note that pets are not allowed on the shuttle, except for service animals.
Hours: 5 am to 10 pm, daily
Price: Entrance to the park is free, however some attractions within may charge admission
How long to spend there: 1 hour to 1 day
Location: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR
11. Portland Japanese Garden
Another must-see Portland attraction is the Portland Japanese Garden, located in Washington Park. The garden is claimed to be the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. It encompasses 12 acres and highlights 8 different traditional Japanese garden styles.
These gardens are stunning to visit any time of the year, but there are a few peak times of special interest. One of the best times to visit the Portland Japanese Garden is in early spring, to see the cherry blossoms. The other peak season to visit is for the fall foliage.
The garden holds one of the most photographed trees in the world. And come autumn, visitors flock from all over the world to see this Japanese maple tree aflame in its autumn attire. But one of my personal favorite times to visit is in late June, for the iris blooms.
From the garden’s Pavilion Gallery, you’ll discover an excellent aerial view of Portland, with Mt. Hood in the distance. And be sure to save a little extra time to enjoy tea and snacks at the Umami Cafe before you leave.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays). Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Price: $21.95 for adults, $15.95 for youth (ages 6-17), and free for children 5 years and under
How long to spend there: 1 to 2 hours
Locations: Washington Park, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR
12. International Rose Test Gardens
“City of Roses” is another one of Portland’s well earned nicknames. Come May and June, roses adorn front yards, freeways, and parking lots across the city. But as beautiful as these blooms are, it’s the International Rose Test Garden that’s the city’s crowned jewel.
Over 10,000 rose bushes cover this nearly 7 acre garden. That includes over 610 different varieties of roses, with 10 to 20 varieties changed out yearly to test new ones.
The rose garden happens to be one of the best dog-friendly things to do in Portland! And the best time to visit this stunning garden spans from late May through October, dependent on weather variations from year to year.
A little side note: The Portland Rose Society was established in 1889 by Georgiana Pittock, wife of Henry Pittock (read about Pittock Mansion below). The Portland Rose Society inspired and influenced the beginnings of the Rose Festival and is involved in maintaining the Rose Test Garden today.
Hours: 5 am to 10 pm, daily (Closed 5 am to 10 am every other Wednesday, May through August)
Price: Free
How long to spend there: 1 to 2 hours
Locations: Washington Park, 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR
13. Portland Rose Festival
One of the major highlights of the year is the Portland Rose Festival. The festival typically runs a little over two weeks, from late May through early June.
The main events of the festival include 3 parades—The Grand Floral Parade, the Starlight Parade, and the Junior Parade in the Hollywood District. The Grand Floral Parade is the second largest all-floral parade in the States, and the Junior Parade is the largest children’s parade in the world!
The festival also includes Fleet Week, where military ships line the docks at Tom McCall Waterfront. And there’s also the CityFair (a carnival along the Portland waterfront), summer nights lit up with fireworks, and dragon boat races on the Willamette River.
The Portland Rose Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the coming longer days and warmer nights of summer. In its one-hundred plus years, it’s become an integral part of Portland culture and one of Portland’s top attractions.
Hours: Varies by event
Price: Varies by event
How long to spend there: Varies by event
Location: Varies by event
14. Oregon Zoo
Lions, tigers, and bears, the Oregon Zoo has them all! See the sloth in slow motion, the polar bears and penguins swimming, and the hippos peeking through the water. The flamingos stand out, flamboyant and exotic, and the otters are curious and playful.
Opened in 1888, the Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi. It’s located in Washington Park and covers 64 acres. It’s divided into several different general sections, including the Great Northwest, Pacific Shores, Primate Forest, Africa, and Elephant Lands.
Wandering through this zoo feels like a walk in the park. The paths meander in and out of tree cover as they pass from habitat to habitat. And along the way, interactive displays educate visitors about the animals and conservation efforts.
Visiting the Oregon Zoo is always fun, but it’s also a place you can feel good about visiting. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how they constantly strive to improve the habitats and quality of life of the animals they care for. Plus, they’re one of the nation’s leaders in animal care, conservation, and environmental practices.
Hours: Open daily. Hours vary from season to season. Summer hours are 9 am to 6 pm (closes early at 4pm on Fridays). See here for full schedule.
Price: $24 for adults (ages 12 and older), $19 for children (ages 2 to 11), infants are free (ages 0 to 1)
How long to spend there: 2 to 4 hours
Location: Washington Park, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR
15. World Forestry Center Discovery Museum
The World Forestry Center is another fun Portland attraction located in Washington Park. This interactive museum is dedicated to exploring the relationship between people and trees, and providing education about sustainable forests.
The exhibits cover everything about trees, from different types of forests and the wildlife that live there, to the environmental, economic, and social benefits we receive from them.
In addition to the indoor exhibits, there’s also an old, retired locomotive located outside. They call her “Peggy the Train,” and it’s believed she’s hauled roughly 1 billion feet of lumber! Visitors are invited to climb aboard and explore this old antique train.
TIP: After visiting the World Forestry Center, bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic at Hoyt Arboretum next door!
Hours: 11 am to 4 pm, Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Price: $8 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 3 to 18), free for infants (ages 0 to 2)
How long to spend there: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Washington Park, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR
16. Hoyt Arboretum
Arboretum is really just a fancy name for a forested park, or a garden of trees. However, Hoyt Arboretum is so much more than that! Befitting for Oregon, it’s more of an outdoor museum of trees.
Twelve miles of dog-friendly hiking trails weave through the arboretum’s six-thousand-plus trees. That’s over 2,300 species of trees, including some rare and endangered!
And like a museum, there’s a method behind Hoyt Arboretum’s layout. It’s arranged by collection, so you can select your experience here like selecting a book by genre off the library shelf.
For example, I hiked through the cherry trees this past April to see the spring cherry blossoms. And I plan to find the maple trees in October to watch the leaves change color this fall.
There are red woods, bamboo, magnolia trees, and so much more! A map near the visitor’s center will help you find specific families of trees and decide where to go.
Hours: 5 am to 10 pm, daily. Visitors’ Center hours are 10 am to 4 pm, daily.
Price: Free
How long to spend there: 1 to 4 hours, depending on how much hiking you want to do.
Location: Washington Park, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR
17. Pittock Mansion
This 1914 French Renaissance style mansion sits nestled in the West Hills, overlooking the city of Portland. And on a clear day, you can see all the way from Pittock Mansion to Mt. Hood.
Built for Henry and Georgiana Pittock, its construction took five years. Unfortunately, the married couple was only able to enjoy their new home for a handful of years before their passing, in 1919 and 1918 respectively.
However, during their lifetimes, both Henry and Georgiana played major roles in shaping and developing the city of Portland. Henry Pittock was a prominent businessman in the area. He took over The Oregonian newspaper in late 1860 and turned it into the success it is today.
And Georgiana was extensively involved in community service. She also founded the Portland Rose Society, whose activities inspired the beginnings of the Portland Rose Festival. It was through of her love of gardening and roses that Portland eventually came to be known as the “City of Roses.”
As you wander through Pittock Mansion, you’ll learn a lot about Portland’s early days. And strolling through the grounds, you’ll enjoy one of the best views of Portland you can find.
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Sunday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Tuesday, July through October. 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Sunday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Tuesday, November through June.
Price: $15.50 for adults, $11.50 for youth (ages 6 to 18), and free for children under 6 years
How long to spend there: 1 to 2 hours
Location: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR
18. Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in Portland culture and creativity. Located at Waterfront Park, the main highlight of this market is the local artisans and their handcrafted goods.
You’ll find handmade jewelry, clothing, home goods and decor, art, and so much more! And as you wander through the market, you’ll likely notice the enticing aromas of local food vendors, and the melodies and rhythms of local musicians.
When we last visited, we had our faces painted in fanciful colors. And I found the sweetest little handmade dress, unlike anything you’ll find in stores.
The creative energy at the Saturday Market is tangible all around you, and the market feels almost festive. It’s a Portland attraction you won’t want to miss!
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 4:30 pm on Sundays, March through December
Price: Free
How long to spend there: 1 to 3 hours
Location: 2 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR
19. The Witch’s Hut in Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, making it a top Portland attraction you won’t want to miss. There are over 80 miles of hiking trails through its 5,200 acres, including the famous 30 mile Wildwood Trail.
However, if you enjoy a little mystery and mysticism, I recommend the hike to the Witch’s Hut. The Witch’s Hut in Forest Park has been called many things, such as the Witch’s Castle or the Stone House, among other names.
Its actual history falls a little flat. This Forest Park ruin was once no more than a ranger station and bathroom. Still, some claim it’s haunted by old ghosts. And it is fun to explore while day dreaming wild back stories about this place.
Plus, the hike there is absolutely gorgeous. You can find the Witch’s Hut by parking at Lower Macleay Park. The Witch’s Hut is just under a mile in from the Lower Macleay Trailhead.
Turn back around at the Witch’s Hut for an easy 1.6 mile out-and-back hike. Or you can hop onto the Wildwood Trail at the Witch’s Hut and head 2.5 miles south (mind you, it’ll be uphill!) to Pittock Mansion, for a more moderate hike and a stunning view of the city.
Hours: 5 am to 10 pm, daily
Price: Free
How long to send there: 1 to 3 hours
Location: Forest Park, accessed from Lower Macleay Park at 2960 NW Upshur St Portland, OR
20. Portland Aerial Tram
If you love great views and city skylines, you’ll want to include this Portland attraction in your itinerary. The Portland Aerial Tram takes you to the top of Marquam Hill, where you’ll find a viewing platform, patios and cafes from which to enjoy the view.
On clear days, you’ll be able to see Mt. Hood and Mount St. Helen’s from this vantage. And Summit Espresso is a little cafe located at the top, just inside OHSU. There are also some excellent hiking trails at the top of Marquam Hill worth checking out.
Cabins leave about every 5 minutes. And the trip takes about 4 minutes one way, as it climbs an elevation of 500 feet and a distance of 3300 feet.
Note that this is one of only two commuter aerial trams in the US! As such, it does get very busy at rush hours on weekdays from 7 am to 9 am, and again from 4 pm to 6 pm. Avoid the crowds by planning your visit on a weekday between 10 am and 3 pm or 6 pm and 9 pm, or on a Saturday.
Hours: 5:30 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, closed Sundays and major bank holidays
Price: $8.50 per person, round trip
How long to spend there: 30 minutes
Location: 3303 S Bond Avenue, Southwest Portland, OR
21. Cathedral Park
The St. John’s bridge may be the most beautiful and iconic bridge in Portland. And at the time it opened in 1931, it was the longest suspension bridge in the Western United States.
Cathedral Park stands at the base of the St. John’s bridge on the eastern bank of the Willamette River, its name inspired by the bridge’s gothic style archways. These elegant and stately bridge supports serve as the focal point of Cathedral Park.
This park offers a great place to enjoy the river views, have a picnic, go bird watching, or take your pup for a stroll. There’s even an off-leash area for dogs.
The Cathedral Park Loop trail is an easy, paved path that winds throughout the park. It’s about 2 miles long, and takes about 40 minutes to walk.
Hours: 5 am to midnight, daily
Price: Free
How long to spend there: 30 to 60 minutes
Location: St. John’s Neighborhood, N Edison St and Pittsburg Ave, Portland, OR
22. Oaks Park
Oaks Park is an amusement park with a long history. It sits right on the Willamette River, in the Sellwood neighborhood. Open and operating since 1905, it is now one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the US.
It’s also one of the last trolley parks in the US. Trolley parks became popular in the late 1800s, constructed by streetcar companies to increase their ridership on the weekends. These parks were a space of leisure and entertainment, where people could come to unwind after the work week. (The most famous trolley park is Coney Island.)
Trolley parks eventually evolved into amusement parks. Today at Oaks Park, you can ride a roller coaster or the Ferris wheel. Play carnival games at the midway, enjoy a game of mini golf, race the go-karts, or check out the escape room. We went skating at the roller rink there a couple of years ago, and it took me right back to my childhood!
Of special note, Oaks Park is also home to the historic Herschel-Spillman Noah’s Ark Carousel. This stunning carousel includes 46 hand carved animals, from zebras and ostriches, to giraffes, lions, and even a kangaroo. It gets its name from the fact that many of the animals occur two-by-two.
Whatever your age or interests though, there’s sure to be something fun to do at Oaks Park. Between its long history and its vibrant carnival atmosphere, it’s definitely one of Portland to attractions.
Hours: Hours vary by activity and by season. See here for current hours.
Price: Individual pricing for each activity. For full price guide, visit Oaks Park’s website.
Ride bracelets are $44-$49 for adults, or $23-$26 for guests under 4 foot tall
How long to spend there: 3 to 4 hours
Location: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR
23. Mt. Tabor Park
Mt. Tabor is a beautiful, 176 acre park, with some of the best views of Portland. It’s also an urban volcano, one of only 4 actually within city limits in the entire U.S.! But don’t worry, it’s been long extinct.
The park is excellent for walking. Wide, paved paths offer plenty of space for strollers, wheelchairs, and walking side by side with friends. Note that there are some flat areas good for a leisurely stroll, as well as some decent hills, sure to give you a good workout.
Mt. Tabor also has a series of unpaved trails that are great for hiking. There’s even an off-leash area for dogs near Division Street.
The park offers picnic areas, a children’s playground, and a volleyball, tennis, and basketball court. And the Caldera Amphitheater holds concerts on warm summer nights.
Two historic reservoirs overlook Portland at the base of the park, near 60th Ave. And tall trees provide ample shade throughout the park.
Hours: 5 am to 10 pm for vehicles, 5 am to midnight for pedestrians and bicyclists
Price: Free
How long to spend there: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Southeast Portland, 60th Ave and Salmon Street, Portland, OR
24. Leach Botanical Garden
Portland is full of stunning urban parks and gardens. One of my favorites is Leach Botanical Garden.
This was once the home of Lilla and John Leach, a local botanist and pharmacist. They lovingly named their plot of land “Sleepy Hollow,” and the resulting garden we see today grew out Lilla’s passion and knowledge of plants.
What initially drew me to this particular garden was the aerial tree walk. I was excited to check it out when it was built in April 2021. And 35 feet off the ground, it does offer some gorgeous views of the garden.
But I found there’s a lot more to Leach Botanical Garden than the tree walk. In late summer, the pollinator garden was in full bloom, with black eyed Susan’s and other bright blossoms.
And when we visited in the autumn, the trees were brilliant in their fall colors. We followed the trails winding through the trees and along the creek. And we found a section they call “The Back 5,” an area dedicated to habitat restoration, conservation and education.
The garden now covers 16 acres, straddling Johnson Creek. A little stone cabin sits on the south side of the creek. And the Leach historic Manor House, built in 1936, sits on the north side of the creek.
Both structures are full of character, charm, and relics of bygone days. And you can tour both buildings. However, the stone cabin is by appointment only, since the footbridge over Johnson Creek washed away in a flood several years back.
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday (Closed Mondays)
Price: $5 per adult and youth, free for children 5 and under
How long to spend there: 1 hour
Location: Southeast Portland, 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR
25. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Another beautiful Portland garden worth visiting is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Although rhododendrons look like they could be an exotic tropical flower, they’re actually native to the PNW and the Cascade range.
Given the right conditions, these stunning plants can grow to be the size of a house. So it’s understandable when they get mistaken for a tree, but they’re actually a large flowering bush!
The garden is full of all variety and colors of rhododendrons (as the name would suggest), as well as azaleas, and other companion plants. Peak bloom is typically between April and June, making late spring one of the best times to visit.
We walked under a great cascade of light pink blossoms when I visited the garden a couple springs ago, and the effect was absolute magic. Another popular time I’m excited to visit is in the fall, as the leaves start to change.
Crystal Springs is an excellent place to go birding, as 90 different species of birds call it home. We enjoyed watching all the wildlife there, including a great blue heron and a mama duck with her ducklings!
Wide paths sweep through the 9.5 acre garden, over intricate bridges and gentle hills, and under towering rhododendrons. The trails are generally easy and accessible, with a mixture of paved and pea gravel surfaces.
Plus, the garden is dog friendly. Just note that parking is extremely limited. So try to arrive early, carpool, take public transit, or be prepared to walk a bit!
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Thursday through Tuesday, 1 pm to 5 pm on Wednesdays
Price: $8.95 for general admission, $5.95 for students (ages 6 to 21), and free for children 5 and under
How long to spend there: 1 hour
Location: Near Reed College in Southeast Portland, 5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR
More sightseeing near Portland, Oregon: Best Day Trips from Portland
When it comes to Portland, Oregon sightseeing, there are a few must-see sights that are close to, but not strictly located in Portland. And if you have time for a day trip from Portland, it’s definitely worth adding these sites into your itinerary.
1. Multnomah Falls/Waterfall Alley/Columbia River Gorge
About an hour east of Portland along I-84, there’s a stretch of the Columbia River Gorge nicknamed “Waterfall Alley.” The Gorge holds over 100 waterfalls, most of them on the Oregon side.
Exactly how many of those waterfalls are on the Oregon side varies from source to source, but it seems to be somewhere between 70 to 90 waterfalls! Hence the nick name, Waterfall Alley.
The tallest and easily most notable of those waterfalls is Multnomah Falls, one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. This two-tiered beauty is an astounding 620’ tall.
You can view the waterfall from the parking lot, just off the freeway, or hike to the top for a spectacular view of the falls and the Gorge. Then enjoy a meal at the Multnomah Falls Lodge before heading back to the city.
Just note that parking is extremely limited here, so it’s best to get an early start if possible.
2. Mt. Hood
Mt. Hood is another amazing Oregon Wonder worth seeing, just an hour east of Portland. And there’s something fun to do there every season of the year.
This mountain getaway is perhaps most known for its great ski conditions. In fact, Timberline Lodge, near the summit, has one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S.!
But beyond that, there’s some stunning wildflower and waterfall hikes during the late spring and summer. Alpine lakes like Frog Lake or Trillium Lake offer camping, swimming, fishing, and boating in the warmer months.
And the Hood River Fruit Loop at the base of the mountain is must in the summer and fall. This 35 mile loop passes by apple, pear and cherry orchards, wineries, and farm stands, just to name a few highlights.
3. The Oregon Coast
Ruggedly beautiful, Oregon’s coastline is an absolute must-see. And if you have time, an Oregon Coast road trip along Highway 101 is an unforgettable experience. But if you’re short on time, at least consider a day trip to one of these coastal towns.
Two of the closest and most popular places to visit from Portland are Seaside and Cannon Beach. Seaside is a bit more touristy, with a classic boardwalk vibe and no end of fun things to do.
Cannon Beach is more of a locals’ go-to, but can still get pretty busy like Seaside. Here you’ll find the iconic Haystack Rock, great restaurants, beautiful hikes, and a secluded surfing spot.
Another popular coastal town to visit is Tillamook. Stop in at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for some delicious ice cream, and feel the ocean breeze against your skin at the Cape Meares Lighthouse.
However, if you’re looking for somewhere more off the beaten path, you might consider visiting Pacific City, which also has a Haystack Rock. Or stop in Rockaway Beach for a coastal scenic train ride and the original Pronto Pup.
Final thoughts on top Portland, Oregon Sightseeing
There are so many interesting and unique things to do when it comes to Portland, Oregon sightseeing. It’s a fun city to explore, whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here a while and have decided to play the tourist in your own city.
The city is full of outdoor adventures with beautiful green spaces, artsy and eclectic shops, and delicious food. And if you have the time for a day trip or two, there’s a lot of stunning places to visit near Portland as well.
So if you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to stop off in Portland for a day or two. And add a few of these spots to your itinerary!
Pin It For Later
