Things to Do in Portland
Like the city itself, Portland's attractions are a little unexpected and always inspiring.
It’s safe to say a visitor will never experience the same Portland twice. The city’s top attractions are constantly evolving, creating exciting pop-ups, debuting new works and hosting events that attract both locals and visitors alike. Read on for our favorite things to do, see and experience in Portland, then check out our events calendar to help you plan your trip.
Questions About Things to Do in Portland
What are the must-see attractions in Portland?
How can I spend three days in Portland?
You can also let fate be your guide. Check out our events page to find out what’s going on in Portland when you’re in town or if you’re still planning your trip you can browse events by month. If you want someone else to show you around, make sure your travel plans include a walking tour or biking tour and learn about Portland history, coffee or beer.
What are the best things to eat and drink in Portland?
As for beverages, Portland is well known for its coffee, but there are also teahouses scattered throughout the city. Most people know Portland’s reputation for craft beer but may not know Oregon is one of the top wine-producing states. There’s also a growing craft distillery scene.
I’m planning my first trip to Portland, what should I do?
Holidays in Portland
Usher in the holiday season with the Rose City's season of festivity.
Made-In-Portland Gift Guide
Ready to shop? Everything in this guide comes from Portland-based makers, and most of these goodies can be found at Made Here PDX. Happy holidays!
Christmas Ships Parade
What started as a lone ribbon-clad sailboat from the Portland Yacht Club in the 1950s became a decades-long nautical Christmas tradition with dozens of boats lighting up the riverfront.
Portland Winter Light Festival
Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival.
The Top 10 Things to Do in Portland
Traveler favorites and quintessentially Portland attractions
Upcoming Events in Portland
No matter when you visit, there's always something fun to see and do in Portland.
Benson Hotel Annual Gingerbread Display
The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton invites the public back once again for a live unveili…
Small Shops Big Hearts: Win Big
Portland’s small business community is coming together to put the fun back into holiday shopping. …
A Pittock Mansion Christmas
Pittock Mansion transforms into a Winter Wonderland for this year’s Christmas display. Experience …
PDX Pop-Up Shops
Announcing the exciting unveiling of the lineup for this year’s holiday PDX Pop-Up Shops. This pro…
Tax-Free Shopping
Enjoy big-box and indie shopping in the Rose City — all without any sales tax.
Portland's Gorgeous Gardens
Bask in an abundance of color during the change of seasons.
Leach Botanical Garden
Walk through verdant treetops and breathe in the scent of a four-season pollinator garden in this urban oasis in SE Portland.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February -June.
The Grotto
This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush botanical gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, the Grotto offers calm, peace and introspection, transcending boundaries.
Date Night Ideas
Plan a magical evening with your special someone, from romantic restaurants to booze-free fun.
Date Night Ideas in Portland
Planning a romantic evening in Portland? We have date night ideas, activities and adventures for couples with all sorts of interests.
Restaurants With a View
Whether atop the city's tallest buildings or nestled next to a river, these Portland restaurants with a view offer a feast for the eyes (as well as the appetite).
Portland’s Signature Cocktails
Portland is home to expert mixologists and one of America’s most vibrant craft cocktail scenes — sip your way through the city’s signature drinks.
Food Cart Scene
Portland is home to hundreds of food carts and food cart pods, including these five favorites.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions
Enjoy hands-on science at OMSI, elephants at the zoo, indoor activities for kids and more.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
With interactive science labs, a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, a retired navy submarine, traveling exhibits and "After Dark" events, OMSI lures all ages.
Oregon Zoo
Located near downtown Portland in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals.
Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions
Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.