With Portland straddling the banks of the Willamette River, it may be tempting to cozy up on a river walk bench and just soak in the beauty with your friends or family. But the city has equally fascinating and even more quirky attractions nestled around it! Look at any travel guide for Portland and you'll see award-winning microbreweries and food carts, majestic natural sites and farm-to-table restaurants all with a laid-back sensibility.
Explore, Learn and Get Inspired
A trip to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a sure ticket to brighten a rainy day or really any day. Known as OMSI, the museum has mind-captivating, hands-on exhibits that appeal to all-age groups. Along with a planetarium and giant screen theater, the museum is home to a retired Navy submarine featured in the movie The Hunt for Red October. One mile west, soak up inspiration at the Portland Art Museum. View internationally recognized art collections indoors, then head outside to a sculpture area. The museum's Native American Gallery has artifacts from more than 200 different tribes.
Stroll, Shop and Eat
Shop for unique gifts made by local artisans at the Portland Saturday Market or head to the open-air market on the banks of the Willamette River every Saturday and Sunday from March through December. You can browse a variety of booths while listening to live music. You'll also find plenty of great restaurants and food trucks around town.
Get Outdoors
When you get some fresh air, Portland has many local parks to choose from. At Washington Park, you’ll smell the floral fragrances of the Japanese and Rose Test gardens Listen to the music of the chiming fountain in the park's main circle as water drips between bronze plates. Washington Park lies next to Forest Park, the largest urban forest in the country with 5,157 acres of woodlands. Get some exercise in on the forest’s more than 80 miles of trails and forest roads. Want more adventure? Check out elephants, penguins and other wildlife at the Oregon Zoo.
Go Where the Locals Go
Your Portland hotel stay may only be for a few days, but you can still get the feeling of what it's like to live here. Get advice from a local on the best places to visit to get a taste of Portland life—from downtown brew pubs and rooftop restaurants to day-trips along the Oregon Coast.