Portland In The News
From women leading in sports and food to new developments promoting art, sophistication and sustainability, Portland's good news continues to get noticed.
While we enjoy Portland every day, it is always a treat to see what great stories capture the headlines. As the clips and quotes that follow show, there are many great stories unfolding here—from our incredible culinary scene to our neighborhoods, entrepreneurs and innovative airport. This city is ours—and yours—to share.
Portland is On The Rise
52 Places to Go in 2026
New York Times – Jan. 6, 2026
Citing “momentum with significant arts, sports and culinary openings that cement its standing as one of the most culturally dynamic cities in the country,” the New York Times named Portland one of 52 places in the world to visit in 2026.
Curtis Robinhold: The 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025
Time – Oct. 30, 2025
Executive Director of the Port of Portland, Curtis Robinhold, was featured for his leadership in climate-friendly initiatives, including the recent remodel of Portland International Airport, which increased capacity, improved earthquake resiliency and reduced its energy footprint.
10 Cheapest Places to Travel in the U.S. This December
Travel + Leisure – Nov. 6, 2025
With an average flight + hotel cost of $499, Portland ranked #8 in Travel + Leisure’s analysis of cheapest places to travel in December.
The Best Places to Go in the US in 2026
Condé Nast Traveler – Dec. 19, 2025
With a host of art, architecture and culinary projects coming to full fruition in 2026, Portland is again buzzing with travel-worthy mentions such as this one from CN Traveler.
…in 2026 a series of major art, architecture, and culinary projects conspire to tell a fresh story about the City of Roses. Travelers will sense the city’s plot twist the moment they disembark at Portland International Airport…
Condé Nast Traveler
36 Hours in Portland, Ore.
New York Times – Aug. 28, 2025
This eclectic, highlight-filled itinerary serves up just one way to spend a weekend in Portland. “Portland’s reputation for weirdness is warranted…But there’s depth to Portland beyond its quirks. Its dining scene is one of the country’s finest..Its diverse music scene has birthed talents ranging from Everclear to the Decemberists to Aminé, and you can climb a volcano without leaving city limits.”
A Great City for Food, with the James Beard Award to Prove It
The Best New Restaurants in America, 2025
Esquire – Dec. 1, 2025
Portland’s Javelina has arrived with praise. Reviewer Jeff Gordinier, says “chef Alexa Numkena-Anderson, who grew up cooking with her grandmother on the Yakama Reservation in Washington State, understands the importance of radical joy. Her menu educates and enthralls in equal measure.”
This Is the Best City for Vegans and Vegetarians in the U.S.—and It Has Plant-based Festivals, Bakeries, and Fine Dining
Travel + Leisure – Dec. 3, 2025
A new study ranked Portland ahead of Los Angeles and Austin, among all others, as the best U.S. city for vegans and vegetarians. The top cited reasons included Portland’s thriving vegan community, abundance of organic farms and diverse plant-based restaurants.
The 25 Best Restaurants in Portland, Ore., Right Now
New York Times – Aug. 19, 2025
The New York Times continues to love Portland’s culinary scene, as praised in “The 25 Best Restaurants in Portland, Ore., Right Now,” which declares Portland both “one of America’s great culinary cities” and “the “dining capital of the Pacific Northwest.”
The 8 Best Bars in Portland, Oregon Right Now
Bon Appétit – July 4, 2025
“From dreamy escapes to a drinking den built for film buffs, the bars in PDX are dripping in personality and vibes.” Daydream, Malpractice and Fancy Baby are among the bars feeling the love from Bon Appétit this month.
Portland’s best food carts showcase a fun, unique food scene
The Seattle Times – July 2, 2025
Why are there so many delicious food carts here? The Seattle Times digs in and shares the little things that come together in Portland, including “low overhead and a welcoming economic landscape for business owners, ample space and an audience of diners who love eating at the carts.”
In conversation with the nation’s most Outstanding Bakery: Portland’s JinJu Patisserie
OPB – June 18, 2025
Portland’s latest James Beard Award winner, JinJu Patisserie, has been selected as the most Outstanding Bakery in the U.S. OPB’s “All Things Considered” caught up with the winners.
The dining capital of the Pacific Northwest remains one of America’s great culinary cities.
The New York Times
Here Is the Full List of James Beard Awards 2025 Winners
Eater – June 16, 2025
Chalk up two more James Beard award wins for Oregon establishments in 2025, including JinJu Patisserie’s selection as Outstanding Bakery and Timothy Wastell of Antica Terra’s selection as Best Chef — Northwest & Pacific Region.
Portland is a Leader in Wellness and Relaxation
This U.S. Park Is an Extinct Volcano—and It’s Also the First Urban Quiet Park in the Nation
Travel + Leisure – Dec. 14, 2025
Mount Tabor’s 176 acres (71.2 ha) of silent, forested trails and peaceful picnicking spots, along with its Urban Quiet Park designation, earned this feature article from Travel + Leisure. “Mount Tabor Park is a serene nature getaway in the middle of a major metropolis.”
Inside Portland’s Rising Luxury Beauty and Wellness Scene
Forbes – June 25, 2025
“While new developments in the Rose City promote prestige and sophistication, they still stay true to the area’s sustainable and purposeful ethos.”
This City Was Just Named Most Bike-friendly in the U.S.—and Its Most Popular Routes Are Scenic and Peaceful
Travel + Leisure – May 30, 2025
Citing the city’s blend of scenic routes, sustainable and bike-friendly culture, and extensive network of bike lanes for easy navigation through vibrant neighborhoods (among other factors), Buycycle recently named Portland the most bike-friendly city in the U.S.
Portland’s Natural Spaces Are Fertile Ground for Meetings and Events
Meetings Today – April 25, 2025
“Boasting more than 200 parks and gardens within city limits, Portland, Oregon, is a natural choice for business events that want to inhale some fresh air during their agenda.”
There’s an Incredible Spa With 5 Pools Underneath Portland, Oregon, at This New Hotel
Travel + Leisure – March 25, 2025
“These days, it seems like any hotel with a spa calls themselves a ‘wellness destination.’ But at Cascada Thermal Springs + Hotel in Portland, Oregon’s Alberta Arts District, that moniker feels well-earned.”
Together, it felt like we were transcending to another plane as our practitioner, Stephanie Starnes, combined crystal singing bowls, gongs, and her own melodic voice into a high vibration sound bath that far surpassed anything I had tried before. (And I’ve done a lot of sound baths.)
Travel + Leisure
Women Lead in Portland
What makes a great women’s sports city? We ranked the top 10 in the U.S.
The Athletic / New York Times – Nov. 19, 2025
Citing the energy around the Portland Thorns, The Sports Bra, and other factors, The Athletic ranked Portland as the fourth-best city for women’s sports in the U.S.
Women’s Athletics Are the Main Event at These Family-Friendly Sports Bars
Food & Wine – Sept. 25, 2025
The praise continues for The Sports Bra, America’s first dedicated women’s sports bar, born in Portland, and five other similar concepts that have opened across the country.
Portland’s Push To Become The Global Epicenter Of Women’s Sports
Forbes – July 30, 2025
“The city of Portland, Oregon is making a bold play to lead the global women’s sports movement… one thing is clear: Portland isn’t just talking the talk; it’s building the infrastructure, fanbase, and momentum to back it up.”
‘Old Ideas’ Kept Women From Becoming Sushi Chefs. Now They Master the Craft
Today – May 29, 2025
Featuring Portland chef Kate Koo, owner of Zilla Sake, Today explored the challenges facing women sushi chefs “fighting against thousands of years of history of sushi and culture.”
From Oregon, a Chocolate Cake That Changes Hearts and Minds
New York Times – May 21, 2025
This article profiles Portland’s vegan culture, with a spotlight on Nora Taylor, operator of the vegan food blog Nora Cooks, and the creator of a life-changing vegan chocolate cake recipe.
All Are Welcome in Portland
If You Lived Queer, You’d Be Home by Now: Supporting Local LGBTQ+ Portland
Autostraddle – Sept. 26, 2025
This guide to Portland includes a queer-friendly itinerary for local shopping and events. Featured small businesses include WILDFANG, Either/Or and Bishop & Wilde, among others.
Credit: Diego Diaz
This U.S. City Is Redefining Inclusive Travel for Plus-size Visitors
Travel + Leisure – June 1, 2025
“Whether you’re seeking body-positive spaces, inclusive fitness spots, or restaurants with truly accessible seating, Portland sets the standard for what travel should feel like: welcoming, affirming, and built for every body.”
Beyond Downtown: Portland’s Vibrant Inclusive Gems for Queer Travelers
Instinct Magazine – May 15, 2025
Explore with this article’s author the places discovered on a recent visit to Portland. “Venture beyond the city center, and you’ll uncover neighborhoods brimming with queer-friendly charm, eclectic vibes, and inclusive spaces that make Portland a true gem for the LGBTQ+ traveler.”
Portland International Airport is a Triumph
From its ceiling of Northwest-sourced timber to its 120-foot-long video walls, Portland International Airport continues to up the ante with its latest renovation. To say the media took notice is an understatement.
How airports are reducing waste and embracing sustainability
The Washington Post – Aug. 9, 2025
“No stranger to ambitious waste-reduction initiatives, PDX started collecting food scraps for composting in 2003. A food-donation program was established in 2013 …” Now PDX is putting an end to wasteful to-go food packaging with the Green Plate Program, which will provide reusable tableware to each PDX vendor along with centralized support for cleaning and reuse.
The World’s Most Beautiful Airports for 2025
Condé Nast Traveler – July 15, 2025
“The terminal follows the concept of biophilia, or the tendency for humans to seek out nature. Main walkways … are filled with sunlight and greenery: There are 72 large trees … as well as 5,000 other green plants sprouting throughout the space. The timber roof slats diffuse light in a similar manner as a forest canopy, and 60% of the terminal is bathed by natural light.”
The best airport in America? You guessed it
The Oregonian/OregonLive – June 26, 2025
The Washington Post has officially ranked the top 50 airports in the U.S. using a combination of passenger recommendations and data analysis. Portland International Airport topped the list, beating out more than 450 airports nationwide.
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