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?

The answer truly depends on your interests; Portland caters to most. If you still can’t decide after perusing this page, check out this article about where to go if it’s your first visit to Portland. Been here a few times? Try our fourth-timers guide.

How can I spend three days in Portland?

This guide to spending 48 hours in Portland includes many of the top attractions in the central city. Use your extra day to visit one of Portland’s many beautiful parks or gardens and explore a Portland neighborhood.

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?

What are you in the mood for? Portland’s local food scene includes hundreds of food carts representing cuisines from around the world, James Beard award-winning restaurants and plenty of options for diners with dietary restrictions.

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?

If you’re a first-time visitor to the City of Roses, check out our guide for a perfect first trip.

Fall in Portland

Don your ghostliest attire and get spooked in Portland's autumnal season.

The Portland Book Festival

Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

The Spirit of Halloweentown

The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates Halloween all month long with haunted tours, costume contests and more.

Fall in Portland

As the trees change color and the weather cools, Portland’s calendar fills with cultural, wine and autumnal events.

The Top 10 Things to Do in Portland

Traveler favorites and quintessentially Portland attractions

Accessible Portland

Discover wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly attractions and activities in Portland, Oregon.

Upcoming Events in Portland

No matter when you visit, there's always something fun to see and do in Portland.

Editor's Pick
Spirit of Halloweentown
Sept. 28–Oct. 31, 2024

Spirit of Halloweentown

Courthouse Plaza Cost Varies

The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates Halloween all month long with haunted…

Editor's Pick
For Kids, Halloween
Editor's Pick
The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch
Ongoing

The Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch

Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch $9.25 – $27.50

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental…

Editor's Pick
For Kids, Halloween, Outdoors
Editor's Pick
Portland Fermentation Festival
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024

Portland Fermentation Festival

Ecotrust – Natural Capital Center $15

Celebrate the pickling season and talk to fellow fermenters, exchange cultures and recipes, get advice from local…

Editor's Pick
Food & Drink
Editor's Pick
The Fear PDX Haunted House
Sept. 13–Nov. 1, 2024

The Fear PDX Haunted House

The Fear PDX $24.99 – $34.99

PORTLAND'S LARGEST HALLOWEEN EVENT: All-new haunted houses, one location, one ticket. 2024 Attractions: Toxic…

Editor's Pick
Performing Arts

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.

Museums & Historical Sights

Portland is full of landmarks and attractions where you can learn about the city’s history and culture.

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 who love sports, the arts, the outdoors and more.

Outdoor Dining in Portland: The Best Bar and Restaurant Patios

Many Portland bars and restaurants offer outdoor dining on scenic rooftops and spacious patios — find top spots where the view’s as good as what’s on the table.

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.

Top 5

Food Cart Scene

Portland is home to hundreds of food carts and food cart pods, including these five favorites.

  • Cartopia Food Cart Pod

    The Cartopia pod is home to a wide variety of food carts and a covered, heated seating area. Most carts are lively late into the night, staying open until midnight Tuesday to Thursday and even later on the weekends.

  • Portland State University Food Cart Pod

    Located on the south end of the Portland State University campus, this food cart pod offers cuisines from around the world. For seating, head to the shady, tree-lined South Park Blocks nearby.

  • Rose City Food Park

    Rose City Food Park is a food cart pod that features covered, heated seating; a family-friendly, dog-friendly, bike-friendly atmosphere; a beer garden and more.

  • Third Avenue Food Cart Pod

    With plentiful riverfront seating at nearby Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, these longtime downtown food carts are a lunchtime favorite, offering cuisine from Mexico, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam and more.

  • Prost Marketplace

    This long-standing food cart pod is adjacent to Prost! and beloved by everyone from locals to Condé Nast writers.

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 its huge exhibit halls, interactive science labs, multiple auditoriums, “After Dark” events and more, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) lures visitors of all ages.

Oregon Zoo

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, polar bears, rare condors and more.

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Find the best things to do based on your interests.

Keepin' It Weird

A round-up of Portland’s eccentric events and attractions.

Umbrella Optional

5 Fun Things to Do When It Rains

Don't let a little "liquid sunshine" stop you from enjoying Portland.

  • Pioneer Place

    This shopping center occupies four city blocks in the heart of downtown Portland, offering tax-free shopping at over 100 stores, an expansive food court, bars and a movie theater.

  • Powell’s City of Books

    From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell’s has grown into an iconic Portland destination. Occupying an entire city block, the world’s largest new and used bookstore offers frequent author talks, a rare book room and a coffee shop.

  • OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)

    OMSI’s five enormous halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. You can experience live lab demonstrations, see a movie on a four-story-tall screen, explore the stars in a planetarium and even tour a submarine.

  • Portland Art Museum

    The renowned Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown’s Cultural District, the museum’s campus includes an outdoor sculpture court, permanent galleries and special exhibitions.

  • Cinema 21

    Originally a single-screen theater and now a three-screen multiplex, Cinema 21 specializes in art-house, foreign and classic films and serves beer, wine and pizza along with concessions classics.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Portland

Some of the best things to do in Portland are totally free. Connect with nature, discover local artists or learn something new.