Portland, Oregon is a vibrant city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or delicious food, Portland has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will explore the must-do list of things to do in Portland, Oregon.
Fun things to do in Portland oregon for adults
Explore the Portland Art Museum: As one of the oldest art museums on the West Coast, the Portland Art Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. With its diverse collection of over 50,000 pieces, including works by renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol, there's plenty to see and appreciate.
Take a brewery tour: Portland is known as the "Beer Capital of the World" with over 70 breweries in the city. Join a guided brewery tour and sample some of the finest craft beers that Portland has to offer.
Visit Powell's City of Books: Book lovers will be delighted by Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. Lose yourself in its vast collection of new and used books spanning multiple floors and genres.
Explore Washington Park: Washington Park is a sprawling urban park that offers numerous attractions within its boundaries. Visit the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, or take a leisurely stroll through the Japanese Garden.
Go hiking at Forest Park: Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature at Forest Park. With over 80 miles of trails winding through lush forests and beautiful scenery, it's a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Things to do in Portland oregon today
Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): OMSI is a hands-on science museum that offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. It's a great place to spend a day learning and having fun.
Explore the Portland Saturday Market: If you're visiting on a weekend, don't miss the Portland Saturday Market. This open-air market showcases unique arts, crafts, and food from local vendors.
Take a bike tour: Portland is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, making it the perfect city to explore on two wheels. Rent a bike and join a guided tour to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden: Step into a tranquil oasis at the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the heart of downtown Portland. Admire the beautiful architecture, lush plants, and serene water features.
Enjoy live music at one of Portland's many venues: From intimate bars to large concert halls, Portland has a vibrant live music scene. Check out local listings to find your favorite genre or discover new bands.
Unique things to do in Portland oregon
Take a haunted tour of Portland: If you're a fan of the paranormal, join a haunted tour of Portland's most haunted locations. Learn about the city's dark history and hear spine-chilling stories from experienced guides.
Visit the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium: Step into an eccentric world of oddities at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium. This quirky museum features exhibits on everything strange and bizarre, including aliens, Bigfoot, and more.
Explore the Pittock Mansion: The Pittock Mansion offers stunning views of Portland and is filled with rich history and elegant architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about the Pittock family's influence on the city.
Go urban spelunking: Discover Portland's underground tunnels and hidden spaces with an urban spelunking tour. Uncover secret passages and learn about the city's mysterious past.
Try axe throwing: Unleash your inner lumberjack at one of Portland's axe-throwing venues. Compete with friends or join a league for a unique and exciting experience.
Things to do in Portland oregon with kids
Visit the Oregon Zoo: The Oregon Zoo is a popular attraction for families, featuring a wide variety of animals from around the world. Kids will love getting up close and personal with elephants, lions, penguins, and more.
Explore the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum: The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum offers interactive exhibits that teach children about forests, conservation, and sustainable living. It's both educational and fun.
Play at Oaks Amusement Park: Oaks Amusement Park is a historic amusement park that offers rides, games, and roller skating. It's the perfect place to spend a day with the family.
Visit the Oregon Children's Museum: The Oregon Children's Museum is designed to engage children in hands-on learning experiences through interactive exhibits and activities. It's a great place for young children to explore and play.
Go on a family-friendly hike: Portland is surrounded by natural beauty, making it ideal for family hikes. Check out kid-friendly trails such as Lower Macleay Park or Tryon Creek State Natural Area.
Things to do in Portland oregon this weekend
Explore the Portland Japanese Garden: The Portland Japanese Garden offers a serene escape from the city with its meticulously manicured gardens, tranquil ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture. Spend a peaceful afternoon exploring its beauty.
Visit the Portland Farmers Market: The Portland Farmers Market is a vibrant market that showcases fresh produce, local food vendors, artisan goods, and more. It's the perfect place to stock up on local ingredients or indulge in delicious treats.
Attend a local festival or event: Portland hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, offering a diverse range of activities and entertainment. Check local listings to see what's happening during your visit.
Take a scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge: The Columbia River Gorge is a breathtakingly beautiful area just outside of Portland. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop at viewpoints and waterfalls along the way.
Explore the Portland Waterfront: The Portland Waterfront offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Willamette River. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the waterfront and take in the sights.
Free things to do in Portland oregon
Visit Powell Butte Nature Park: Powell Butte Nature Park offers over 600 acres of natural beauty and panoramic views of Portland. Hike through its trails or have a picnic while enjoying the scenery.
Explore Forest Park: Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country, offering over 5,000 acres of pristine nature to explore. Hike, bike, or simply take a leisurely stroll through its trails.
Attend a free concert or performance: Throughout the summer months, Portland hosts numerous free concerts and performances in parks and public spaces. Bring a blanket and enjoy live music or theater under the stars.
Visit the Portland Art Museum on Free Admission Days: The Portland Art Museum offers free admission on certain days throughout the year. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore its extensive collection without spending a dime.
Stroll through Portland's neighborhoods: Each neighborhood in Portland has its own unique charm and character. Take a self-guided walking tour through neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District or Mississippi Avenue and discover local shops, cafes, and street art.
Unique things to do in portland Or on a rainy day
Visit the Oregon Historical Society Museum: The Oregon Historical Society Museum offers exhibits that showcase Oregon's rich history and cultural heritage. Spend a rainy day exploring its fascinating collections.
Explore the Oregon Maritime Museum: Located on a historic steam-powered sternwheeler, the Oregon Maritime Museum offers a unique look into the state's maritime history. Learn about shipwrecks, navigation, and life at sea.
Take a cooking class: Portland is known for its culinary scene, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn new skills and try your hand at creating delicious dishes. Choose from a variety of classes offered by local chefs and culinary schools.
Visit the Portland Art Museum: Rainy days are perfect for immersing yourself in art and culture. Spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at the Portland Art Museum and discover works by both local and international artists.
Relax at a local coffee shop: Portland is renowned for its vibrant coffee culture. Find a cozy coffee shop, order your favorite brew, and spend a rainy day reading or catching up with friends.
Things to do in portland or on a rainy day for adults
Explore the breweries of the Pearl District: The Pearl District is home to numerous breweries that offer shelter from the rain while serving up delicious craft beers. Hop from one brewery to another and sample their unique offerings.
Take a wine tasting tour: Oregon is known for its exceptional wines, and many wineries in the region offer indoor tasting rooms where you can sample their finest vintages. Join a wine tour and discover new favorites.
Enjoy live music at an intimate venue: Portland has plenty of small venues that offer live music performances in an intimate setting. Check out local listings to find out which artists are playing during your visit.
Visit an escape room: Challenge your problem-solving skills by visiting one of Portland's escape rooms. Work together with friends or strangers to solve puzzles and escape within the allotted time.
Try indoor rock climbing: Stay active and have fun by trying indoor rock climbing. Portland has several climbing gyms that offer a variety of routes for climbers of all skill levels.
Kid friendly things to do in portland oregon on a rainy day
Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): OMSI offers interactive exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for children. From hands-on science experiments to the planetarium, there's plenty to keep kids engaged and learning.
Explore the Children's Museum: The Portland Children's Museum is designed specifically for young children, offering interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and play. Kids can build, paint, climb, and explore to their heart's content.
Go bowling: Bowling is a classic rainy day activity that the whole family can enjoy. Find a local bowling alley and spend an afternoon knocking down pins and having fun.
Visit an indoor trampoline park: Let your kids burn off energy by visiting an indoor trampoline park. These parks offer wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and other attractions that provide hours of entertainment.
Take a cooking class: Many cooking schools in Portland offer classes specifically designed for children. Let your little ones learn new skills in the kitchen while creating delicious treats.
Free things to do in portland oregon on a rainy day
Visit the Portland Art Museum on Free Admission Days: Take advantage of the museum's free admission days to explore its vast collection of art without spending a dime.
Attend a free workshop or lecture: Throughout the year, various organizations in Portland offer free workshops and lectures on a wide range of topics. Expand your knowledge or learn a new skill without opening your wallet.
Explore Powell's City of Books: Powell's City of Books is not only a haven for book lovers but also offers plenty of nooks and crannies where you can curl up with a book and escape the rain.
Visit the Portland Farmers Market: The Portland Farmers Market is free to enter and offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with local produce, artisan goods, and live music.
Take a self-guided walking tour: Grab an umbrella and explore Portland's neighborhoods on foot. Discover hidden gems, street art, and local shops while staying dry.
100 things to do on a rainy day (for adults)
Visit the Portland Art Museum Explore the Oregon Historical Society Museum Take a wine tasting tour Go brewery hopping in the Pearl District Attend a live music performance Try indoor rock climbing Relax at a local coffee shop with a good book Take a cooking class Visit the Oregon Maritime Museum Explore Powell's City of Books Attend a free workshop or lecture Go on a haunted tour of Portland's most haunted locations Visit an escape room and solve puzzles with friends Take a scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge Enjoy a day at the spa or indulge in a massage Explore the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and discover oddities from around the world Spend an afternoon at a local art studio and create your own masterpiece Try your luck at one of Portland's many game bars or arcades Visit one of Portland's many distilleries and sample locally crafted spirits Attend a comedy show or improv performance for some laughs on a rainy dayPortland oregon indoor kid activities
Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Explore the Children's Museum Play at Oaks Amusement Park Go bowling Visit an indoor trampoline park Check out an indoor playground or play center Take a swim at an indoor pool or water park Attend a kids' cooking class Join a dance or martial arts class Visit an indoor climbing gym for kidsBest places to eat in portland oregon
Le Pigeon: Known for its innovative French-inspired cuisine, Le Pigeon offers a unique dining experience with dishes like foie gras dumplings and rabbit loin.
Pok Pok: This popular Thai restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and dishes like the signature fish sauce wings and papaya salad.
Tasty n Alder: Serving up hearty brunch and dinner options, Tasty n Alder offers dishes like Korean fried chicken and cast iron frittatas.
Mother's Bistro & Bar: Mother's Bistro & Bar is known for its comfort food classics with a twist, such as chicken pot pie and macaroni and cheese.
Nong's Khao Man Gai: Nong's Khao Man Gai is famous for its simple yet delicious Thai chicken and rice dish, made with tender poached chicken and aromatic rice.
Fun places to eat in portland oregon
The Old Spaghetti Factory: This family-friendly restaurant offers classic Italian dishes in a fun atmosphere, complete with vintage trolley cars and a charming decor.
Voodoo Doughnut: Known for its quirky donut flavors and unique toppings, Voodoo Doughnut is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Salt & Straw: Indulge in artisanal ice cream flavors at Salt & Straw, where you can find unique combinations like honey lavender and almond brittle with salted ganache.
Pine State Biscuits: Enjoy Southern-style comfort food at Pine State Biscuits, where you can feast on flaky biscuits topped with fried chicken, bacon, and gravy.
The Waffle Window: Satisfy your sweet or savory cravings at The Waffle Window, which offers a variety of mouthwatering waffle creations like bacon and brie or Nutella and banana.
Portland oregon restaurants with a view
Departure Restaurant + Lounge: Located on the 15th floor of the Nines Hotel, Departure Restaurant + Lounge offers panoramic views of downtown Portland and delicious Asian-inspired cuisine.
Portland City Grill: Situated on the 30th floor of Big Pink, Portland City Grill boasts stunning views of the city skyline and serves up classic American dishes with a Pacific Northwest twist.
Chart House: Perched on the banks of the Willamette River, Chart House offers breathtaking views of downtown Portland and a menu featuring fresh seafood and prime steaks.
Salty's on the Columbia: Located on the Columbia River, Salty's offers sweeping views of the water and Mount Hood in the distance. Enjoy seafood specialties while taking in the scenic beauty.
Altabira City Tavern: Situated atop Hotel Eastlund, Altabira City Tavern offers a rooftop patio with stunning views of downtown Portland. Enjoy craft beers and elevated pub fare while enjoying the view.