Things to do in Portland: a 3-day adventure

We recently spent 4 days and 3 nights in Portland, the biggest city in Oregon. As a Pacific Northwest neighbor, Portland can be overcast, rainy, and gray. We lucked out, however, as we had 4 days of sunshine and warmth. Portland has something for everyone, whether you like getting into the great outdoors or enjoying local food and breweries.

Borrowed from their friends in Austin, one of Portland’s unofficial slogans is “Keep Portland Weird”, which you can find incorporated in public art and local goods. The city is also nicknamed Rose City, with its origins dating to the 1880s thanks to an explosion of rose plants across the city.

Getting there: travel to Portland

Portland is easily accessible by air, car, or even bus:

• By Air: Portland International Airport (PDX) is well-connected to major cities in the U.S. and abroad. It’s a quick 20-minute drive from downtown, making it a convenient gateway for visitors.
• By Car: If you’re coming from nearby cities like Seattle or San Francisco, driving to Portland is a scenic experience. The city is about 3 hours south of Seattle and 10 hours north of San Francisco, with beautiful routes through the Pacific Northwest’s lush forests.
• By Bus or Train: Portland is also easily accessible via Amtrak or Greyhound for those looking for more budget-friendly options.

Where to stay

Portland has a wide range of accommodations to suit every travel style. From chic boutique hotels to cozy, budget-friendly options, there’s something for everyone:

• Downtown: The heart of the city, close to major attractions like Powell’s Books and the Portland Art Museum. Consider staying at The Nines, a luxury hotel offering a sleek, modern vibe.
• Eastside: Known for its vibrant neighborhoods and cool, artistic vibe. Check out The Jupiter Hotel for a laid-back atmosphere with a touch of Portland’s quirky style.
• Pearl District: A trendy neighborhood perfect for those who want to be near the best food, galleries, and boutiques. The Hoxton offers stylish rooms and a great rooftop bar.

Things to do in Portland

With so much to explore, here are a few must-see spots:

• International Test Rose Garden: Home to over 10,000 rose bushes and more than 600 varieties, this is the perfect place for rose enthusiasts. While entry is free, some attractions like the zoo and Japanese Garden do require a fee.
• Hoyt Arboretum: Adjacent to the Rose Garden, the Hoyt Arboretum offers 2,300 species of trees and 12 miles of hiking trails, all within the city. It’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of Portland.
• The Wishing Tree: Located in a residential neighborhood, this magical tree allows visitors to write down their wishes and contribute to the growing branches. It’s a sweet, whimsical experience.
• Powell’s City of Books: You can’t visit Portland without stopping by Powell’s, the world’s largest independent bookstore. With its sprawling space covering an entire city block, it’s easy to get lost in the stacks. Grab a map and start your literary adventure.
• Washington Park: Spanning 400 acres, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs. It’s home to several popular attractions, including the Portland Japanese Garden, one of the most authentic outside of Japan, and the Oregon Zoo, where you can see wildlife from all over the world.
• Portland Art Museum: If you’re a fan of art, this museum is not to be missed. The museum offers a vast collection of Native American and contemporary art, and it’s a great place to soak in Portland’s creative spirit.
• Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Located along the Willamette River, this scenic park is perfect for a stroll, bike ride, or picnic. It offers beautiful views of the river and city skyline, and you can enjoy seasonal events like the Portland Rose Festival and the Saturday Market.
• The Pearl District: This charming neighborhood is packed with art galleries, trendy boutiques, and excellent dining options. It’s also home to the Portland Center Stage, where you can catch a theater performance.
• Portland Saturday Market: Open on weekends from March through December, this open-air market features over 250 local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet food. It’s a great spot for picking up unique Portland souvenirs.
• Voodoo Doughnut: You can’t visit Portland without trying this iconic doughnut shop. Famous for its creative and outlandish doughnuts, including the signature bacon maple bar, Voodoo Doughnut has become a Portland staple. Be prepared to wait in line, but the treat is worth it!
• Lan Su Chinese Garden: A peaceful, authentic classical Chinese garden in the heart of Portland, Lan Su is a stunning place to explore. Stroll through lush landscapes, koi-filled ponds, and hidden courtyards, or enjoy a traditional tea at the on-site tea house.
• Forest Park: If you’re looking for more outdoor adventure, head to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S. The park offers over 80 miles of trails, perfect for hiking, trail running, or a peaceful nature walk just minutes from downtown.

Things to do in Portland: where to eat

Portland is food cart city and there are pods all across the city covering any type of food you can imagine. Here are some of the ones we enjoyed:

• Fried Egg I’m in Love – in their words, they make “Portland’s best breakfast sandwiches”. We didn’t try all the breakfast sandwiches in Portland, but based on the tastes of these, we’re inclined to agree. We tried the Yolko Ono and the ‘Rito Suave – add the hash brown onto the sandwich, trust us.
• Bake on the Run – we heard about this Guyanese food truck run by a mother & son prior to our visit because we’d recently watched Top Chef Portland, where they were featured on an episode showcasing Portland’s pan-African cuisine. They were incredibly generous sharing the history of Guyanese food and providing samples to try. Get the bake, dough that is fried, which is their namesake and filled with delicious Chana Aloo. We also really enjoyed the Dahi – a yellow pea soup.
• Bing Mi – serves up a Jian Bing, Chinese crepe with egg, chili sauce, and bean paste. You can add on with other types of protein and spiciness. There is now a brick-and-mortar location of Bing Mi focusing on noodles and dumplings, but the food cart is where the Jian Bing are made.
• Matt’s BBQ – featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Matt’s BBQ makes Texas-style BBQ in the PNW. They do sell out of certain items, so if you want to try their famed brisket, go early on weekends.

Have you visited Portland? We’d love to hear about your favorite spots! Whether it’s the food, the culture, or the outdoor beauty, Portland is a place that always leaves a lasting impression.