Top Things to do in Portland, Oregon
Top Things to do in Portland, Oregon
Introduction
Portland, Oregon, is known for many things: coffee, beer, food carts, and of course, the beautiful outdoors. But there’s more to this city than just great food and drinks. Portland is a vibrant city with plenty of things to do that will keep you busy for days on end. If you’re planning a trip to Oregon’s biggest metropolis and want some ideas about where to go while you’re there (other than your favorite coffee shop), read on:
Find the best coffee in town
Portland is home to many great coffee shops, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. The first one on our list is Stumptown Coffee Roasters. This local chain has been serving up excellent brews since 1999 and has become one of the most popular spots in town for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon jolt. If you’re looking for something different, try Heart Coffee Roasters just down the street from Stumptown; they specialize in single-origin beans roasted by award-winning baristas who take their time crafting each cup with care (and sometimes even throw some chocolate chips into it).
Milk Bar takes things up another notch–they only serve cold brew coffee here! You can get your fix any time of day at this trendy spot with its minimalist decor and colorful chalkboard menu boards hanging above each table where customers write what they would like on their cup before handing it over to an employee who will make sure everything goes smoothly during brewing time (which usually lasts about 20 minutes).
Finally we come across Tandem Coffee which offers both hot drip brews as well as espresso drinks made from locally sourced beans roasted by another local roaster called Heart Coffee Roasters; however unlike other places mentioned above whose focus lies solely on quality rather than quantity
Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMSI is a science museum located in Portland, Oregon. The museum first opened in 1960 and has since grown to include more than 250 exhibits on three floors. The museum includes both permanent and traveling exhibits that are geared toward children and adults alike. There are also several hands-on activities for visitors to try out while they’re there!
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays from 9am-5pm; Fridays from 9am-9pm; Saturdays from 10am-6pm; Sundays from 11am-5pm
Cost: Adults: $22 (plus tax); Children 4-12 years old: $17 (plus tax); Children 3 years old or younger are free when accompanied by an adult who purchases admission tickets at full price.
Explore downtown on the Willamette River
The Willamette River runs through downtown Portland and the waterfront is a great place to walk, jog, or bike. There are many shops, restaurants, and venues along the riverfront that you can enjoy during your visit.
Spend an afternoon at the Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are many types of roses, and it’s fun to walk through the garden and smell them all. The rose garden is also known for its history, which dates back over 100 years. The Rose Garden’s website states that in 1892 “the site was donated by Henry W. Corbett…and dedicated as a public park.” It continues: “In 1893, Mr. Corbett gave additional funds for purchase of additional land; he later donated this property for construction of the original conservatory building.”
Today, the rose garden has lots of activities available throughout the year including concerts, festivals and tours (including some specifically designed for kids). You can bring your own picnic lunch or buy food from one of several vendors located inside the gates; there are also plenty of benches where you can sit down if you get tired from walking around!
Attend a concert at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is a music venue in Portland, Oregon. The concert hall has a capacity of 2,000 people and it was designed by architect Pietro Belluschi. The hall was named after local philanthropist and arts patron Arlene Schnitzer, who donated money for its construction.
Take a day trip to Multnomah Falls (and don’t forget your camera!)
Multnomah Falls is a waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, located east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson in Multnomah County. The falls are 620 feet (189 m) high and is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon.
There are so many places to visit in Portland, Oregon
There are so many places to visit in Portland, Oregon. If you’re looking for something fun and educational, visit the Public Market. They have an amazing selection of fresh produce and produce items that you can buy directly from local farmers. Don’t forget to stop by the Saturday morning farmer’s market too!
If spending time outdoors is more your thing, then check out OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry) where they have over 250 exhibits on display inside their museum building. You can also take advantage of their beautiful outdoor gardens during nice weather months as well as their planetarium shows which run multiple times a day throughout most days of operation (excluding Mondays).
Conclusion
The list goes on and on, but these are some of my favorite things to do in Portland. I hope this post helps you plan your trip and enjoy it as much as I do!