Here are some exciting things to do in Portland, Oregon this holiday season, apart from regular museums, shopping, and food-hopping sprees! Portland is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Multnomah County.
The 20th century organized crime and racketeering hub, Portland, Oregon has come a long way. With the dawn of the 21st century, its reputation changed to being the 8th most popular city in America.
Spend a day in Washington Park, a 410-acre green space that features some of Portland’s top attractions, including a zoo, children’s museum, Japanese Gardens, and an arboretum.
If you’re traveling with kids, picnic in this park and spend some fun time together!
Get close to nature at the Lan Su Chinese Garden, literally meaning, ‘Garden of the Awakening Orchids.’
One step inside this beautiful walled garden and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to China.
This is, by far, the most authentic-looking Chinese garden outside of China.
Hike to the Witch's Castle, an ancient, dilapidated house that has a creepy vibe inside out.
Located amidst lush forest alongside a river bank, this moss-covered structure is very popular with hikers and adventurers alike!
Commonly known as ‘Portland’s Living Room’, the Pioneer Courthouse Square in Downtown Portland is a beautiful 40,000 square foot space.
Hang out with your friends here; there’s an outdoor chess table, a fountain resembling a cascading waterfall, and a semi-circular central space that looks like an amphitheater.
Don’t miss exploring Downtown Portland, which is rife with shopping areas, parks, eateries, breweries, and more.
If you like books, visit Powell’s Books, America's largest independent bookstore or grab a doughnut from the famous Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town.
Find inner peace in The Grotto, a cliffside Catholic sanctuary located in the Maywood Park.
Daily masses are also held here; however, if you’re not feeling very religious, just take a leisurely walk around and admire scenic beauty of the surroundings.
Take a ride in the Portland Aerial Tram, which is actually part of Portland’s public transport, but is also one of the city’s major tourist attractions.
From an impressive 500-feet above the ground, you’ll be able to get some breathtaking panoramic views of the city, a memorable experience in itself.
Visit one of the many Board Game Cafés in Portland. Turn on your geeky side; these cafés offer a lot of stuff to rejuvenate your grey cells, including video games, trivia, board games, comic books, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Roam the International Rose Test Garden and experience first hand why Portland is called the “Rose City”.
This garden features over 8,000 different varieties of roses, which will enchant you with their beauty.
If you want to see this garden in full bloom, visit between the months of May and September.
Portland’s surroundings are full of fascinating natural beauty as well.
If you are a sightseeing enthusiast and like to do a little hiking, make sure to see the numerous picturesque waterfalls, which surround the city.
The most beautiful ones are in the Columbia River Valley Gorge ...
... which include the Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, and Latourell Falls, amongst others.