Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland is home to 100 beautiful cherry blossom trees, lending striking color to the riverside each spring — they were a gift from Japan to mark the dedication of the park’s Japanese American Historical Plaza in 1990.

2027 National Championships

United Club Gymnastics 2027 National Championships is heading to Portland, OR and will take place at the Oregon Convention Center on March 31 – April 4, 2027.

Dear United Club Gymnastics athletes and spectators:

On behalf of Travel Portland, I am honored that UCG has selected Portland as the host city for the 2027 National Championship. I know that you had many destinations to choose from, and we are so excited that Portland will be hosting your competition.

We in Portland pride ourselves on having something to offer everyone, from outstanding hotels and meeting facilities to outstanding restaurants and great shopping at local boutiques and major retailers alike — all with no sales tax. In the City of Roses, you will be treated to a thriving arts community, internationally acclaimed local wines and microbrews, intriguing history, and incredible scenic wonder. Portland has worked hard on our eco-friendly and sustainable ethos, developing innovative public transit, preserving the area’s natural beauty, and supporting the local chefs and growers who give our food scene its one-of-a-kind flavor. All that said, you may be most impressed by the friendly, professional and hospitable people you’ll meet here.

You don’t have to take my word for it — I’m happy that you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing all this firsthand. We look forward to welcoming UCG and you to Portland.

Best regards,
Megan Conway
President & CEO

Get Excited! You’re Coming to Portland!

Essentials to Exploring Portland

How does MAX work? Will it be easy for me to get around?

MAX Light Rail is at the heart of Portland’s award-winning public transportation system, which connects Portland International Airport (PDX), the Oregon Convention Center and downtown hotels. It’s easy, inexpensive and convenient.

How can I ride the MAX Red Line to and from PDX?
From your arrival gate, follow signs for “Baggage Claim”. Take the escalator or elevator down to baggage claim and follow signs for “MAX Light Rail”. You can purchase ride fare on the platform and board any train after tapping your form of payment on the green Hop Readers located at the end of the platform.

All trains leaving PDX will be RED Line trains heading toward the Convention Center and Downtown. Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes. On your way back to PDX, board any RED Line Train at designated RED Line platforms. Don’t forget to tap your form of payment on the green Hop Readers.

How much does riding the MAX cost and how do I pay?
Most convention center attendees will receive a complimentary TriMet Hop Fastpass at registration to help them get around the city during the conference. TriMet is Portland’s public transportation system and Travel Portland provides passes that can be used on our light rail, streetcars and buses. Learn more about how to use the cards here.

If you are not receiving a Hop Fastpass with your event registration, ride fares can be purchased at the kiosks located on each stop platform, or by tapping a credit card on the green Hop Card readers located at the ends of each platform.

An adult ticket good for 2.5 hours costs $2.80.

Does the MAX run all night?
While the MAX runs every 15 minutes or less every day, most of the day, it does not run 24 hours. Most lines begin service at 4 a.m. and end service around midnight. TriMet has information about the full schedules for each of the five lines (blue, green, red, yellow and orange) on its website.

How long will my ride take?
Common trip times include: PDX to downtown Portland: 38–43 minutes // PDX to Oregon Convention Center: 30–33 minutes // Oregon Convention Center to downtown Portland: 10–13 minutes

You can utilize TriMet’s Trip Planner to get an accurate idea of trip length.

Max Light Rail Quick Facts and Tips
Signs at each station indicate when the MAX is coming and which lines are due. The color line of a train is illuminated on the front of each train car, so you’ll never get confused about which train to board. Trains stop at every station, so there’s no need to signal or inform the operator of your stop. Be sure to tap your form of payment on the green Hop readers before boarding.

Where’s the nearest bike share station?

The Portland Bureau of Transportation offers great resources for cyclists. There are many maps for those who want to explore the city and region via their bike lanes. Cyclists who crave a journey off the beaten path should venture to the Columbia River Gorge, where there are easy, moderate and challenging rides for everyone to enjoy.

What restaurants are near the Oregon Convention Center?

Check out our article on dining in the Lloyd neighborhood or read our article about our city’s world-renown foodie scene.

You can also download our Restaurants Near the Oregon Convention Center Map.

I want to try Portland food carts – where’s the nearest food cart pod?

Take our quiz, use filters, or search our Food Cart Finder to explore over 500+ food carts and pods.

Where are the best places to shop?

Portland is a shopper’s paradise. Read on to discover more about Portland’s shopping scene. You can explore the city’s vibrant maker scene and take home a made-in-Portland souvenir; go treasure hunting at one of the city’s many antique stores or vintage clothing shops; or spruce up your style at one of the specialty stores featuring iconic brands that call the City of Roses home.

How do I experience Portland’s nightlife?

Nightlife in Portland doesn’t mean just hitting the club. Portland comes to life after hours with open mic nights held throughout the city, nationally acclaimed karaoke spots, delicious late-night eats, adult-friendly gaming spots, and plenty of alcohol-free fun. Check out our events calendar to discover more things to do at night on your next trip to Portland.

Near Me Now App

You’ve arrived in the City of Roses. You’re excited to see the sights. You’re hungry (and ready for a beverage, too). But how to know what’s nearby, and which spots you simply can’t miss? The Near Me Now app has you covered.

Food in Portland

From food carts to farmers’ markets (and award-winning restaurants, of course), the Portland food scene is an eclectic culinary haven.

It’s a well-established fact: Portland is one of the world’s great food cities. Hearing this, someone might plan a trip to Portland, visit a few restaurants and head for home. But a Portland trip that only involves restaurants is missing out on so much of the excellent food Portland has to offer.

Because here are a few other important facts: Portland has incredible food carts. And farmers’ markets. And dessert spots and brewery food and burger chains (and more). So should a trip to the City of Roses involve a meal (or three) in a restaurant? Absolutely. But dig a little deeper into the Portland food scene and you’ll find all the many forms delicious Portland food can take.

Dining Near the Oregon Convention Center

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is located in the Lloyd neighborhood, just across the Willamette River from downtown Portland and Old Town Chinatown. Lloyd is home to a wide variety of restaurants and bars, many within walking distance of the OCC. Popular spots include Milo’s City Cafe for a satisfying breakfast or lunch, Nong’s Khao Man Gai for Thai chicken and rice, or Spirit of 77 for drinks in lively sports-bar environs — and there are many more to explore.

Download our Restaurants Near the Oregon Convention Center Map

a person gets off the light rail train at the Pioneer Square stop with its iconic red brick walkway

A Car-Free Itinerary in Portland

Spend a weekend in Portland without a car and explore urban forests and downtown dining through public transportation.

people seated at tables eating inside a brewery

48 Hours in Portland

This 48-hour itinerary helps you make the most of an action-packed weekend in Portland. Walk or roll through our urban parks, dive into history and art at acclaimed museums, and then dine on flavorful fare at local restaurants and food carts.

$A streetcar passes by a large, red sculpture in front of a building with a neon sign reading, \"Go By Streetcar.\"$

Portland Streetcar

The City of Roses built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar in 2001: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.

A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store

MAX Light Rail

Portland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.

Biking

One of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.

Getting to the Oregon Convention Center

Whether you’re driving, biking, taking public transit, or riding via carpool or rideshare, getting to the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is a breeze. Nestled just eight miles from Portland International Airport, the OCC offers convenient underground parking, EV charging, bike and motorcycle spaces, plus direct access to MAX Light Rail, the Portland Streetcar, and local bus routes.

Download our Parking Area Map

Using the MAX Light Rail

Every attendee will receive a TriMet Hop Fastpass to help them get around the city during the conference. TriMet is Portland’s public transportation system and Travel Portland provides passes that can be used on our light rail, streetcars and buses. Make sure to stop by registration or the Travel Portland Welcome Desk at the Oregon Convention Center to pick up a card. Learn more about how to use the cards here.

Know Before You Go

Visit TriMet’s website for more information on fares, navigating the city and possible disruptions of MAX service.

Portland Perks

Not only is everything tax-free in Portland, our partners from a few local born-and-bred brands are offering you exclusive discounts! Take advantage of these added savings when you come to Portland.

sunset catches a large snow-capped peak that towers behind an expansive city landscape

Portland Tours

Experience the best Portland has to offer with the help of a local tour guide or one of our self-guided itineraries.

Neighborhoods

Learn more about Portland neighborhoods, which are located in the city’s six main geographical sections or so-called “quadrants” (Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, North and South).

different shades of greens in brush and conifer trees fill the bottom of the frame and get more sparse to reveal a rocky mountain top with a little snow cover

Region

From mountain to ocean and desserts to valleys, the region surrounding Portland offers endless adventure.

Ask the Experts at the Portland Visitor Center

Our friendly and knowledgeable travel experts are excited to help visitors plan their trip and make local activity and event recommendations.

VISIT US

orange pedicab rides through park under backlit cherry blossoms and a view of the Burnside Bridge

Spring in Portland

Springtime in Portland brings plenty of showers and new growth, along with only-in-Portland activities, adventures, and celebrations of culture, food and flowers.

three adults and two children view koi fish in a pond

Spend Spring Break in Portland

Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.

colorful wildflowers with a snowy mountain in the distance on a beautiful day

Spring Hikes Near Portland

These spring hikes near Portland offer wildflowers, bird-watching and breathtaking scenery — learn how to find them and what to bring along on your trek.

Safety in Portland

Portland is a safe place to visit. Read on for detailed answers surrounding safety and the visitor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

(function(d, s, id) { var js; if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;} js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “https://embedsocial.com/cdn/ht.js”; d.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0].appendChild(js); }(document, “script”, “EmbedSocialHashtagScript”));

Was this page helpful?

	Experience the thrill of the NBA in Rip City! Take advantage of discounted tickets for a Portland Trail Blazers game here.
	Welcome to the Rose City! Experience world-class professional women’s soccer, an electric matchday atmosphere, and the passion of one of the most iconic fan bases in sports. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a family experience, or simply looking to experience the culture of Soccer City USA, a Thorns match at iconic Providence Park is one of Portland’s must-see live events. Experience the excitement and get discounted tickets here: Thorns Tickets
	You are in Soccer City USA! Make your way over to Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers – the city’s Major League Soccer team. On behalf of Travel Portland, The Timbers are offering discounted tickets to those traveling to Portland with a home match during their stay. Join the Timbers Army & join in on the fun of Timbers soccer at one of the most historic North American sporting event venues still in operation. Get your discounted tickets here: Portland Timbers – Tickets.
	Explore the Portland culinary scene with 10% off at any Urban Restaurant Group establishment . From tacos and tequila at Carlita’s , to rooftop Pacific NW cuisine at Metropolitan Tavern , locally owned Urban Restaurants have something to delight all taste buds!
	This is THE vibey, authentic Portland shop you’re looking for. It’s like a year -round maker’s market featuring unique gifts from 100’s of local and indie artists and small businesses. Come and grab a free Portland sticker at any Tender Loving Empire location by showing your conference badge!
	New to Portland as of the 2023–24 season, the Rip City Remix play in the NBA’s G League, which showcases young talent on the verge of making the Trail Blazers roster. You can receive 25% off all Rip City tickets with coupon code TRAVELPDX25.
	Save on gear for your next adventure with Columbia Sportswear — show your hotel confirmation to receive 20% off your purchase at the flagship store on Southwest Broadway.
	Explore more of Portland for less with Peak Tours and Transit — simply enter the discount code “welcome15” when you book your excursion.
	Taste more of the seasonal flavors Portland has to offer at Produce Row, a Central Eastside gastropub and craft beer bar — show your conference badge or pick up a coupon at the Travel Portland welcome desk for 10% off food.
	Be dazzled and receive free earrings with a $100 purchase. Pop in and shop or book a complimentary appointment with a stylist. Garnish creates fashion that celebrates real people with limited-edition clothing, accessories and jewelry designed in-house and made in Portland.
	Explore more for less with Enterprise! Whether you’re traveling between quaint Portland neighborhoods, or heading out to explore the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge, Enterprise is here to help get you there with the right rental vehicle and exceptional customer service every step of t he way. Choose from discounted great rates on a large selection of standard, exotic and luxury vehicles from the convenience of our multiple neighborhood and airport location. We also offer unlimited mileage on most vehicle classes and no cancellation fees because we understand that plans change all the time. We can’t wait for you to hit the Oregon roads!