Visiting Portland Oregon? Here is an insider’s guide to the top Portland attractions and things to do in Portland Oregon. Written by a Portland local, this helpful article will help you make the most of your visit to Portland, also known as the Rose City. Portland has a wealth of great attractions such as Portland gardens, Portland parks, shopping, museums, theater, live music, and other fun activities that your whole family will enjoy. If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love dining at one of Portland’s great restaurants. And, we are known for our beer, and our coffee cultures! So, visiting a local Portland brewery and coffee shop is always a great option.

Portland Parks and Popular Portland Gardens

The Portland Japanese Garden is a stunning masterpiece, offering incredible views of downtown Portland and Mt. Hood. The Japanese Garden features various styles of gardens that are beautiful year round.

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden is located in downtown Portland in the Old Town China Town neighborhood. This authentic Suzhou-style garden is simply breathtaking. Only the size of a city block, this garden packs in huge visual interest into a small space for everyone to enjoy.

World Forestry Center – If you enjoy forests and conservation (and who doesn’t in Portland?) then you’ll enjoy visiting the World Forestry center for events, exhibits and opportunities to learn more about forestry. World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum features various exhibits and events throughout the year.

Portland International Rose Test Garden – One of the all-time most popular Portland attractions, this gorgeous rose garden is a favorite place to spend some time, especially during the summer months when the roses are in full-bloom. Stop and smell the roses in the Rose City, enjoy the views, and take some photos in this gorgeous garden.

Washington Park – 130 acres of sprawling gorgeous park. Includes several areas, trails, sports and other activity areas, playgrounds, and the Japanese garden and rose garden.

Hoyt Arboretum – Also in Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum features an arboretum, trails and largest group of distinct species of any arboretum in the U.S.

Arts and Theater

The Portland Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the country and is a popular place to visit in Portland for art and museum lovers.

Keller Auditorium features local Broadway on tour shows such as the Lion King and other big production musicals. The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is a another popular venue for theater and performance events. The Portland Center for the Performing Arts website is a good resource to get information on current shows and performances.

Things to Do in Portland with Kids

The Oregon Zoo is popular for both locals and visitors. Nestled right above downtown, the Oregon Zoo is an easy trip via the Max light rail. Delightful old-style trains are a favorite zoo-transport option offering amazing views and relief for your tired feet. The kids (big and small) will be in heaven.

The Portland Children’s Museum – The Portland Children’s Museum is hands-down one of the most popular places for fun things to do with kids in Portland. It’s a virtual fantasy land for children! Fun activities, adventures, and playgrounds abound in this vibrant museum made just for kids!

Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade – Ground Kontrol is a classic arcade featuring cheap arcade games and many classics that you know and love. For gaming fans, this is a fun arcade, for either your own kids or your own inner child.

The OMSI – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry features a planetarium, laser shows, submarine and the OMNIMAX Dome Theater. OMSI is an excellent choice for family entertainment.

Portland Oaks Park – Oaks Amusement Park – Oaks Park is a nostalgic traditional amusement park, known for their year-round wooden skating rink and old time carnival rides.

Portland Theater and Portland Events

Rose Quarter Sports and Entertainment – Want tickets for the Portland Trail Blazers or the Portland Winter Hawks? You can also see some fantastic live music here, and big name performance events as well.

Portland Shopping

Portland Pioneer Courthouse Square – Portland’s Living Room is a central hub for tons of Downtown events, year round. Come visit the Portland Pioneer Square and become a part of our town’s history.

The Portland Farmers Market at PSU is located in downtown and simply cannot be missed. Visit the market on Saturday mornings where there are tons of great things to eat and drink, plus local music and other events. Pick up local organic produce, dairy products, fresh baked breads, honey and much, much more.

Located in Old Town China Town, the Portland Saturday Market is a must-see. Local craftspeople sell all manner of delightful gifts, plus this is one of the best places for people-watching. Peruse the dozens of booths of handmade crafts, enjoy the amazing local foods and embrace the real Portland. Loads of food carts offer tasty treats, and local entertainers and musicians entertain the crowds.

The largest used and new bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books has been wowing locals and visitors alike since 1971. This store spans an entire city block, guaranteeing it will take you hours to traverse the nooks and crannies and color coded sections but we know you will love every minute of it! Located in Downtown along Burnside. Allow yourself at least a few hours to explore if you enjoy books!

More Portland Tourist Attractions

Portland Jet Boat – Have a blast on an exciting riverboat cruise on the Willamette on a jetboat tour.

Portland Spirit – Take a Portland dinner cruise or holiday cruise on a Portland riverboat tour. The Portland Spirit fleet offers some great entertainment on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.

Portland coffee shops are wonderful, so you will not want to miss a tour of some of our most popular local Portland coffee shops. We are known for our fine coffee and you won’t taste better anywhere, plus each Portland coffee house is unique and worth a visit while pouring over a magazine or local paper, or just people watching. try Stumptown, Barista, The Albina Press, Fresh Pot, and the Red e Cafe, just to name a few.

Portland diners can enjoy restaurant heaven in the Rose City. We have several notable dining options. Try Portland City Grill, Toro Bravo, Le Pigeon, Sel Gris, Andina, or Beast. Keep in mind this is only a few of our list: there are hundreds of great restaurants and dozens of them could be on a “best of” list.

We’re also known for our breweries and gastropubs. Try Amnesia, Full Sail, Hair of the Dog, Lucky Lab, Hopworks Urban Brewery, New Old Lompoc, Widmer, Rogue, McMenamins, Full Sail, and Pyramid/MacTarnahan’s.

We hope this guide to Portland attractions helps you find the best things to do during your stay in our great city.