Things To Do In Portland
Portland Oregon has lots of great things to see and do, so here are just a few examples of the many inviting attractions there are on offer . . . some are free, some you gotta’ pay for.
International Rose Test Garden – entrance is free to the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, which has the honor of being crowned the “official, continuously operated public rose garden in the US”. More than 8,000 roses attract thousands of visitors every year – why not join them? Oh, well, if you do want to join them just head for Washington Park, and the roses are at their very best between May and September.
Image via WikipediaOre
Oregon Zoo, Portland – all great places have a great zoo, and the Oregon Zoo at Portland certainly is . . . great! You can visit the whole world in one afternoon at the Oregon Zoo, and you won’t even need your passport. There are more than 2,000 different animals from all over the world, including an Asian elephant breeding program. The Oregon Zoo, Portland is renowned for its conservation efforts so why not pay them a visit, it’s great for grown-ups and it’s great for kids too.
Did I mention the steam train at Oregon Zoo? All aboard . . .
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) – is one of the leading science museums in the United States, offering 5 fantastic halls of brain-powered, hands-on fun. Don’t worry if the ground starts a-shaking, experiencing an earthquake is just one of the many attractions in the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Take a tour of a real submarine, explore the Universe in the safety of a planetarium . . . the OMSI, bringing science to life in Portland.
If you want to take a look around inside the sub, you’ll just have to make your way to the OMSI in Portland yourself.
Portland Art Museum – if you’re more of an arty farty than a science geek, then make your way to the Portland Art Museum where you’ll gaze in awe at the fantastic and exciting art experiences. This is actually the oldest museum in the North West, just head to downtown Portland and you’ll not be able to miss it. There’s a sculpture court outdoors, and the interior is just waiting to take you on a historical, artistic journey across the world. There’s some brilliant Native American art, modern art, traditional art . . . in fact, the Portland Art Museum is just full of . . . . art!
Now that’s what I call art . . . masterpieces of design!
Portland Saturday Market – however many days you can spare for your trip to Portland, Oregon, make sure that you have an available Saturday to visit the unique sights, sounds and atmosphere of the Portland Saturday market. It’s the largest weekly open-air art and craft market in the nation, packed with unique creations being largely displayed by the uniqe creators. It’s open every Saturday (and Sunday incidentally) come rain or come shine. Why not pay them a visit and treat yourself to something unique and wonderful from the Portland market. Go on, treat yourself.
A “cultural cornucopia” . . . wish I’d thought of that.
Pittock Mansion – is the best place to visit for spectacular views and a glimpse into the past of Portland, as it was dramatically transformed from a small lumber town into a city bustling with activity. The Pittock Mansion is packed with treasures, this architectural masterpiece is well worth a visit, soaring around 1000 feet over the Portland skyline.
Hey, if you thought that looked impressive, try visiting the Pittock Mansion, Portland in real life.
Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland – you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d been miraculously transported way back in time, and across to the other side of the world when you step into the wonderful world that is the Lan Su Chinese Garden, this authentically designed and built Ming Dynasty garden. There’s a lovely teahouse and a whole host of events which take place here every year, including (of course) a two-week Chinese New Year celebration and various summer concerts. It’s a great place to visit, whatever time of year.
No wonder the Lan Su Chinese Garden is considered by many to be the best and most authentic Chinese garden which isn’t actually in China, it’s in Portland, Oregon.
Other Things To Do In Portland
As if you haven’t already been convinced that Portland, Oregon is a great place to visit just packed with exciting things to see and do, there’s plenty more stuff to entertain you and fill your time;
- Tax free shopping . . . spend, spend, spend in Portland Oregon.
- Take a tour . . . there are loads of great tours of Portland to choose from, my personal favorites are the beer tours and the wine tours
- Watch a little Portland sport . . . the Portland Trail Blazers play at the Rose Garden Arena, they were the NBA champs in 1977 and have an unbelievable fan base (it all adds to the atmosphere and the excitement you know). There’s also the Portland Timbers who play Major League Soccer, NASCAR at the Portland International Raceway and the Portland Winter Hawks hockey team.
- Golf
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Running
- Fishing
- Water sports
- Winter sports – fantastic winter sporting adventures only an hours drive from Portland city.
I’m sure you’ll agree that there’s lots to see and do in Portland.
