Explore Portland’s unique charm, from parks and activities to the arts and culture scene: You can always find yourself busy in this eclectic city
Portland, Oregon, is a city that effortlessly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. With its thriving food and craft beer scene, as well as its proximity to the stunning Columbia River Gorge, Portland offers a wealth of outdoor adventures and culinary delights. Whether you’re strolling through the iconic International Rose Test Garden or exploring the trendy neighborhoods, Portland’s laid-back vibe and creative energy are sure to captivate you and keep you active.
So whether you’re searching for apartments in Portland, homes for sale, or are already a local, this Redfin article will be your guide. Here is Redfin’s list of the top things to do in Portland, for both newcomers and long-time locals alike.
1. Visit Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum is a 190-acre living museum, showcasing over 2,300 species of trees and plants from six continents. It offers 12 miles of well-maintained trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, providing a serene escape for nature enthusiasts. With its educational programs and stunning vistas, the arboretum is both a sanctuary for learning and a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Insider tip: “If you’re a new Portland resident- – and maybe a bit of a romantic –you have to find the Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum,” advises Andrea Zajonc, a Portland wedding photographer. “Located right on Wildwood Trail, the Redwood Deck is the most popular outdoor wedding venue in the area, and more new couples have started their journey together there than anywhere else in Portland! Whether you come for a ceremony or just a little solitude among the sequoias, it’s a must-see for new residents.”
2. Explore Portland’s unique bar scene
Portland’s bar scene is vibrant, offering everything from craft breweries and speakeasies to quirky dive bars and cocktail lounges. “We love a good pub crawl and always make sure to stop by Ground Kontrol for some retro arcade games followed by a slice of pizza at Old Town or something sweet from Voodoo Donuts,” recommends Nick Scandurro of Sasquatch Brewing Company, a local brewery in Portland.
Local favorite: “Portland is a vibrant city full of art-minded people. An out-of-the-box, incredible way to spend a few hours is hopping over to DIY Bar Portland and picking your own project to craft with a few local beverages,” says Bethany Bloem, a local and destination wedding and elopement photographer in Portland. “It is a great way to try something new and make some art you can remember forever.”
3. Attend one of Portland’s festivals and markets
Portland has an incredibly robust community that supports farmers markets and festivals throughout the city. “Festivals in Portland happen all year round,” says Dan Malech of Stormbreaker Brewing, a local brewery in Portland. “A few of my favorites are The St. Johns Winter Beer Festival, Portland Craft Beer Festival, Brewstillery Festival, Fuji to Hood, and the Mississippi Street Fair.”
“Our recommendation would be the Rocky Butte Farmer’s Market,” says Hannah Reedy of Rocky Butte Coffee Roasters. “It is held Saturdays from June through September at NE Siskiyou and NE 80th St. It’s new to that spot this year, but has been knocking it out of the park with awesome vendors and attendance. It is a relaxing and productive way to spend a Saturday and enjoy our beautiful green Portland summers.”
Don’t miss: The Asian American Night Market is a quarterly event hosted in Portland. “Inside the market, you will experience unique vendors that cater crafts, arts, street food, drinks, and more,” says Fairlane Coffee, a high-quality local coffee shop. “This market doesn’t offer just normal products but will create a totally new experience for visitors and this could be a good memory for visiting Portland.”
4. Go out for a hike
When in Portland you’ve got to go hiking. “The nearby Columbia River Gorge is known for trails with waterfalls, wildflowers, and views, or you can head to alpine lakes at Mount Hood. In town, you’ll find large parks like the Powell Butte Nature Park and gems like the Witch’s Castle in Forest Park,” recommend adventure bloggers Meghann and Zach Grah of The Grah Life.
For those exploring with a family, many like to get family photos taken at these natural attractions. “I have a lot of families scheduling photoshoots when they are vacationing in Portland,” shares Portland family photographer Jaime Bugbee. “We love hiking Mirror Lake and then grabbing a beer at Timberline or paddle boarding Trillium Lake.”
Take your kids: “The Witch’s Castle in Forest Park is a mysterious and historic stone structure in the forest, perfect for an adventurous hike and some imaginative play. Located in Forest Park, it’s a short, beautiful, half-mile walk from the Upper Macleay parking lot. Thankfully, no witches have lived here,” recommends Arran Gimba, founder and editor-in-chief of Oregon Kid, an online source for parent news and events in Oregon.
5. Participate in the Adult Soapbox Derby
If you happen to be in Portland during August, check out the Adult Soapbox Derby on Mt. Tabor. “It’s a great family friendly event where various teams of people create themed soapbox race cars and see how their creation will fare with the slope and curves of Mt. Tabor’s course,” says Matthew Kurowski of Candy Glass Productions, a cinematic wedding photography company based in Portland. “You can expect to see anything from a giant Cheeto to a movie themed car that shoots water as they pass the crowd. There’s food, beer and plenty of shade for all the spectators.”
Fun fact: The Adult Soapbox Derby runs primarily on donations from the community so they can offer admission to the event free to the public.
6. Go on a coffee shop tour
Portland is known for its passion for coffee, leading to some absolutely stellar coffee shops scattered throughout the city. “There are many world class coffee roasters all over town,” says Andrew of Elevator Coffee, an award-winning coffee roastery based out of Portland. “A coffee enthusiast could easily visit 2-3 unique cafes per week for a year and still not experience everything there is to offer. I recommend trying multi-roaster cafes: Lionheart in Beaverton, PDX Coffee Club in Downtown, and Legacy in Gresham.”
Make sure to try: Try pairing coffee with thrifting. Portland’s culture promotes buying second-hand to reduce wastefulness. “Our favorite way to spend a fun day in Portland is to get coffees and snacks from a spot we’ve never been to before (so many in every neighborhood to try out!), then spend the day visiting the vintage/antique shops in town!” recommend Chelsea and Nick with One27 Media House, a full-service digital creative studio in Portland. “Our top favorites are Memory Den, Village Merchants, Monticello, Rerun, Hollywood Vintage, House of Vintage, and Red Light Clothing Exchange.”
7. Participate in a Pedapalooza group bike
In the summer months, many Portlanders enjoy Pedalpalooza group bike rides. “These rides have some truly unique themes such as 80s Retro Boomboxes, Pokémon, Zombies, Handmade Bikes, Nicolas Cage Fans, and various social advocacy causes,” shares Nicholas Brown, a videographer in Portland. “People dress up and decorate their bikes for these daily rides, creating a fun way to connect with others who share their interests.”
Tips for renting: If visiting from out of town, there are plenty of ways to rent a bike. Aside from private bike rentals located throughout the city, there is also a robust bike-share program that brings 1,000 smart bicycles to the central city.
8. Take a dance class
Portland is known for its vibrant culture, food and coffee scene, craft breweries, extensive parks, outdoor activities, and unique, quirky character. “One of the secrets Portland has held back is its robust dance scene. Organizations like Let’s Dance Portland, Dance with Joy Studios, and Uptown Dance Studio, Bushwhackers, Sesame Dance Club, and other organizations cultivate and maintain a dance community of over 7,500 people,” says Brad Eaton of Let’s Dance Portland. “These dance styles include: West Coast swing, country, two-step, cha-cha, nightclub, two step, waltz, hustle, tango, salsa, ballroom and more. There is dancing 7 days a week in Portland!”
Portland is also home to a strong recreational pole dancing community. “Celebrate the roots of recreational pole dancing by taking a pole dance class! At Portland Pole + Dance we offer introductory pole dance classes, active flexibility, and heels classes where you can get a workout and feel sexy doing it,” shares Amy Bond of Portland Pole + Dance.
Try Mia’s Dance Therapy: Another local offering for those looking to get some movement is Dance Therapy through Mia Moves Me. Classes are a low stress environment where the goal is to have fun, feel your feelings, and channel your inner teen.
9. Take a walking tour of the city
Explore Portland by foot while taking a self-guided tour of local creations using the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map. “This map showcases fun, interactive neighborhood galleries, exchanges and displays throughout the city. Visit an intergalactic loitering ground at Robot Alley, go mini golfing at Twin Pines Country Club or make a wish at the Wishing Tree,” recommends Victoria Hampton of Portland Living on the Cheap, a local blog dedicated to promoting affordable and fun events in Portland.
Quick tip: Bring comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket since Portland’s weather can be unpredictable.
10. Explore The Kennedy School
The Kennedy School in Portland is a historic elementary school turned into a unique hotel and entertainment venue, featuring classrooms transformed into guest rooms, a movie theater, soaking pool, and several bars and restaurants. “It’s a lil spooky, a lotta fun, and one of my must dos in PDX,” says Mia of Mia Moves Me. “I mean- it’s an elementary school from 1915 that was abandoned in the 90’s then restored and renovated into a hotel! go take it all in, grab a drink in detention (it’s a bar now!) and finish with a dip in the saltwater soaking tub that’s open to the public!”
11. Get out on the water
A float on the Sandy River followed by a treat is a perfect way to relax in Portland. “Grab your floaties and your appetite – Sugarpine on the Sandy is Portland’s best summer activity!” says Britt Huff of Keeper Coffee Co, a local coffee shop in Portland. “The Sandy River is great for families with little ones or an adult hang. It is looked after by the sweetest lifeguards who provide vests just in case you forgot yours. Splash around or take a float and when you’re done sunning your buns head up to Sugarpine for local fresh salads, sandwiches, and the most delicious sundaes!”
Looking to swim?: If Sandy River doesn’t sound appealing, locals love swimming in the Willamette River. “Take advantage of the recently restored beach and new dock at Cathedral Park,” says Ben Engler of Occidental Brewing Company.
12. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden
Set your eyes on the lush green beauty of Portland’s Japanese Garden, a quiet haven nestled in the hills of Washington Park. This authentic Japanese garden offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city. Visitors can explore the meticulously landscaped gardens, traditional tea houses, and tranquil ponds.
“The Japanese Garden has always been for me the center of gravity of Portland,” says David Abel of Passages Bookshop, a local bookstore specializing in fine, rare, and unusual books and graphic art. “For more than twenty-five years, it’s where I’ve gone to reset my sense of where I am and what the city can be: always changing, engaging and rejuvenating in every season and any weather, it is a testament to the best parts of ourselves.”
Must do while you’re here: Experience traditional Japanese tea at the Umami Cafe, where you can savor the art of tea preparation and enjoy a moment of mindfulness.
13. Go to a community dance party
Starting in 2020 as a socially distanced event with a few friends and a speaker, Tabor Dance has exploded. “We’re very lucky to be located in the beautiful Portland Mt. Tabor neighborhood, not only in the path of a dormant volcano but also an all-inclusive weekly dance party,” says Sara Szymanski, owner of Threshold Brewing and Blending. “It’s a DJ-led sea of happy people up in the old forest growth all grooving to their own beat.”
Help keep it going: Tabor Dance is entirely free to the public but is seeking donations to keep it accessible to the public.
14. Explore the International Rose Test Garden
Portland is home to the beautiful International Rose Test Garden, the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. “One of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice is to picnic in the International Rose Garden! There are over 10,000 rose bushes and it feels like something out of a fairytale!” says wedding photographer Naba Zabih of Naba Zabih Photography. “The history of the place is also so incredible, the garden started as a safe haven for European roses all the way back in WWI! So bring some food, a good book, and lay out for a couple hours and explore all the beautiful blooms- it’s a recipe for a perfect day!”
Special event: Don’t miss the annual Portland Rose Festival, a city-wide celebration featuring parades, fireworks, and the crowning of the Rose Festival Queen.
15. Indulge in Portland’s food scene
Portland is renowned for its diverse and vibrant food scene, offering everything from food carts to fine dining experiences. Explore the city’s numerous food cart pods, where you can sample an array of cuisines from around the world in one location. One of Portland’s classic eateries is Fuller’s Coffee Shop, the oldest diner in Portland. “Our recipe has remained unchanged since opening in 1947,” shares Fuller’s Coffee Shop.
Another fun food experience in Portland is Flip Wednesday at BRIX Tavern. “For those looking for a mid-week pick-me-up, BRIX Tavern offers Flip Wednesday, where you can flip a coin to win discounts on your meal. It’s a fun and interactive way to spice up your week!” says Fuller’s Coffee Shop.
Don’t miss: “If you haven’t gotten donuts from the original Voodoo Doughnut Old Town location then you really haven’t visited Portland,” says Michael Verity of Michael Verity Photography. “Yes, there are now Voodoo locations all over the place but, somehow, the legendary Maple Bacon Bar just tastes better straight from the box, standing on the corner of 3rd and Ankeny Street.”
16. Discover the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
For a fun and educational experience, head to OMSI, a world-class science museum located on the east bank of the Willamette River. With interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a planetarium, OMSI offers a fascinating exploration of science, technology, and natural history. “The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI, is one of the nation’s leading science centers and we’re lucky to have it right here in Portland,” says Victoria Hampton from Portland Living on the Cheap. “Visit on the first Sunday of the month and you’ll pay only $5 for admission. If you’re an art aficionado who loves a good deal, attend the Portland Art Museum’s Free First Thursday.”
Don’t forget: Don’t miss the USS Blueback submarine tour, where you can step aboard a historic Navy submarine and learn about its role in the Cold War.
17. Explore Elk Rock Island
There are so many hidden gems throughout Portland that there’s always something to discover. “A great way to spend the day is to rent a bike, ride it down the Eastbank Esplanade and Springwater Corridor and visit a lesser known park of Elk Rock Island,” says Erik Croswell of Bridge City Media, a top-rated video production company based in Portland. “There’s a few nice small trails and a small cove to swim in.”
End the day the right way: “Finish the day by visiting a few nearby pubs and dive bars as you make your way back north,” suggests Erik.
18. Wander Through Powell’s City of Books
Book lovers rejoice at Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore located in the heart of Portland’s Pearl District. Spanning an entire city block, Powell’s boasts a vast collection of new and used books across multiple floors. Spend hours browsing through shelves stocked with every genre imaginable, from bestsellers to rare finds. Powell’s also hosts author events and book readings, offering a unique literary experience for visitors.
Must do: While at Powell’s, be sure to grab a coffee from a cafe across the street and bring it back to enjoy while you browse. Keep an eye out for special author signings or readings happening in-store for a chance to meet your favorite writers.
19. Go on a tour of the indie bookstores in Portland
When one thinks of Portland, coffee shops and bookstores are first to come to mind. “Portland is a bookish city, and Powell’s City of Books is one of the most famous ‘destination’ bookstores in the country,” say Rafael and John Hart of Always Here Bookstore, a queer and neurodivergent-owned bookstore that carries queer books for all ages. “So, for that reason, we personally recommend that you go check out some of Portland’s 50+ indie bookstores that aren’t Powell’s! Alberta Arts District is home to Green Bean Books, a darling children’s bookstore, Parallel Worlds Bookshop, a genre-focused sci-fi haven, and several others. Rose City Book Pub is a watering hole for Portland bookworms, and Bishop & Wilde is a queer-owned bookshop with a literary fiction focus.”
Looking for rare books?: Stop by and visit David Abel at Passages Bookshop to find one-of-a-kind books you won’t find elsewhere.
20. Explore the Portland Art Museum
Check out the Portland Art Museum, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the Pacific Northwest. The museum’s extensive collection features works ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, including pieces by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Vincent van Gogh. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions spanning various artistic movements and cultures, providing insight into the rich tapestry of creativity.
While you’re there: Join a guided tour of the museum to gain a deeper understanding of the artworks and their historical significance, or attend one of the museum’s art classes or workshops to unleash your own creativity.
21. Experience the Vibrant Culture of Portland’s Neighborhoods
Each of Portland’s neighborhoods has its own unique character and charm, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit. Explore the trendy boutiques and cafes of the Pearl District, stroll through the historic streets of Old Town Chinatown, or experience the eclectic vibe of Alberta Arts District with its colorful murals and art galleries. Whether you’re seeking live music, craft beer, or artisanal goods, Portland’s neighborhoods have something for everyone.
Must see: Attend a neighborhood street fair or festival to get yourself familiar with the local culture and connect with residents while enjoying live music, food vendors, and community activities. Join the vibrant community of North Portland’s Mississippi Avenue for a day filled with local artisans, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities during this annual summer street fair. This is just one example of the many neighborhood street fairs and festivals in Portland.
22. Embark on the Portland Underground Tour
Delve into Portland’s hidden history with a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels, also known as the Portland Underground. Explore the mysterious subterranean passages of Portland, where secrets from the city’s past lurk beneath the surface. Explore the eerie underground network while learning about Portland’s dark past and the city’s role in the maritime trade. Guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into this lesser-known aspect of Portland’s history, making it a unique and memorable experience.
Must try: Opt in for a ghost tour of the Shanghai Tunnels, where you’ll hear chilling tales of paranormal activity and encounters with restless spirits said to haunt the underground passages.
23. Attend a Portland Timbers Match at Providence Park
Experience the electric atmosphere of a Portland Timbers soccer match at Providence Park, home to one of Major League Soccer’s most passionate fan bases. Join the Timbers Army in cheering on the team with chants, songs, and tifo displays that create an unforgettable stadium experience. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a lively cultural experience, attending a Timbers match is a quintessential Portland experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Before you go: Participate in a pre-match tailgate party with fellow fans, where you can enjoy food, drinks, and camaraderie before heading into the stadium to support the Timbers.
24. Discover Portland’s Street Art Scene
Venture off the beaten path to explore Portland’s vibrant street art scene, which extends far beyond the city’s well-known murals. Take a self-guided tour of lesser-known street art hotspots in neighborhoods like St. Johns or Southeast Portland, where you’ll find hidden gems tucked away in alleys and side streets. From colorful graffiti to thought-provoking installations, Portland’s street art reflects the city’s creative spirit and commitment to artistic expression.
Must try: Join a street art workshop or guided tour led by local artists, where you can learn about different techniques and styles while contributing to a community mural or street art project.
