8 Most Popular Activities In Portland For Visitors
Oregon is one of the heavyweights of all-time travel destinations and for good reason. There are so many enriching and exciting activities in Portland, it’s hard to keep track!
Are you a passionate fan of art, sculpture, and music? Portland has more than a few locations to fulfill your inner artist. Are you a foodie who wants to enjoy some of the finest cuisine in the Pacific Northwest? You’ll be more than covered by the city’s legendary food, coffee, and wine scene. From kayaking to sightseeing, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy an early tour with this top 8 list of activities in Portland – right in the city or on the outskirts – so you’ll be ready to enjoy yourself the second you arrive.
1. Swing By Powell’s City Of Books To Enrich Your Mind
It’s hard to talk about Portland without discussing the legendary Powell’s City Of Books. This massive bookstore is open year-round, offering everything you could want on your way to cultural or historical enlightenment.
With over one million used and new books to choose from, it’s only a matter of time until you find a book that will change your life. You’ll also have plenty of souvenir opportunities with their wide selection of games, tarot decks, and greeting cards. Depending on your timing, you may even arrive during an author signing.
Tip: Keep a sharp eye out for indie novels. Portland is brimming with local writers and you may just discover your newest favorite while you visit.
2. Enjoy A Little Serenity At The Lan Su Chinese Garden
When you need to take a breather after finishing several activities in Portland, the Lan Su Chinese Garden will be just what the doctor ordered. This botanical garden is incredibly soothing with its carefully tended groves, ornate stonework, and lush trees.
You’ll need to purchase admission to visit, but it’s well worth it. You can visit solo, sign up for a group tour, or swing by for one of their many cultural events to enjoy the garden. There are tea shops where you can relax after you’ve enjoyed the sights, including tea tastings for special events.
Tip: The Lan Su Garden is accommodating for families with seasonal events and family craft activities, so pencil this location in your list if you’re bringing relatives or have kids.
3. Spark Your Inner Artist At The Portland Art Museum
The stunning Portland Art Museum has exposed countless people to the most creative minds in the Pacific Northwest since 1892. You’ll get a front-row seat to famous painters, photographers, and sculptors.
Are you a fan of Impressionist painters like Van Gogh and Claude Monet? Maybe you’re curious about contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley and Charles Heaney. No matter your tastes or familiarity with art history, you’ll walk back out with a new appreciation for the craft.
Tip: Admissions change significantly depending on the day, season, and who you bring, so visit the site before swinging by.
4. Glimpse Fascinating Animals At The Oregon Zoo
One of the most fun activities in Portland for families is visiting the vibrant Oregon Zoo. This conservation center is just a few miles away from downtown Portland and features dozens of mammals, insects, reptiles, and birds.
Appreciating wildlife in an already gorgeous area is one of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon. Just a few of the animals you can see on your visit are:
- Amur tigers
- African painted dogs
- Asian elephants
- Giraffes
- Chimpanzees
Tip: This location is another good pick for gatherings. While you visit, the whole family can enjoy enlightening presentations from hardworking zookeepers or go on the Cool Creature Crawl to catch hand-painted arts and crafts.
5. Grab A Souvenir At Portland Saturday Market
Just how big of a deal is the Portland Saturday Market? It currently stands as the largest, continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the entire country.
The best activities in Portland are the ones that let you experience the city at its most authentic (and this market is one of our personal favorites). The Portland Saturday Market not only offers incredible works of art, they take things a step further by featuring musical events, presentations, and community talks.
These activities in Portland are fantastic for couples and families who want to enjoy a stroll and pick up a few one-of-a-kind treasures.
Tip: Don’t forget your wallet – it’s hard not to buy something while you’re here.
6. Enjoy Spectacular Sights At Willamette Falls
Oregon stands tall as a visually spectacular state for its evergreen forests and abundant waterfalls. Willamette Falls is 1,500 feet wide and is in the top twenty widest waterfalls in the world, so it’s a sight you don’t want to miss.
Grab your cameras and snap some shots of the waterfall’s unique horseshoe shape against the city’s beautiful backdrop. You can catch an impressive view from the Oregon City Bridge or by taking a river boat.
Tip: Want to see the falls and river in their entirety? Sign up for The Figure 8 air tour to get the full package.
7. Do Some Sightseeing, Birdwatching, Or Kayaking on the Tualatin River
If you’re an active visitor that wants to enjoy a good burn in your arms or legs, the Tualatin River will be calling your name. Enjoying this massive river is one of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon if you’re a fan of kayaking, hiking, or scenic walks.
This river is a crucial part of the Oregon ecosystem for countless species, particularly bird species that need plenty of food and shade. For all the dedicated birders reading this list, a few gorgeous birds you may come across during your trip include:
- Red-tailed hawks
- Pileated woodpecker
- Chestnut-backed chickadee
- Bald eagle
- American Kestrel
Tip: Make sure to dress for the weather. Bring bug spray and sunscreen when it’s hot or extra layers and gloves when it’s cold.
8. Enjoy The Fruits Of Oregon’s Wine Regions
Last but not least, we absolutely have to bring up Oregon’s incredible wine regions. Willamette Valley is a region right outside of Portland and is home to hundreds of phenomenal wineries.
The most popular wine in Oregon easily goes to pinot noir – in fact, many winemakers and wine critics consider Oregon to be among the best pinot noir producing regions worldwide. However, fans of white wine like chardonnay and riesling will have plenty to love here.
Local wine tasting events or winery tours are just a few fun activities to do in Portland and on the outskirts. There’s just something special about strolling through vineyards with a glass of red in one hand, enjoying the beauty of this incredible region at your leisure.
Tip: Prefer red wines with sweeter and fruitier notes? Look for Willamette Pinot Noir grown in slightly warmer subregions of Willamette Valley like Yamhill-Carlton or Dundee Hills.
Ready to enjoy Portland?
Envi Adventures is passionate about giving you the most authentic and enjoyable experience in Portland. Our air tours give you a breathtaking view of the city from the air, taking you over skyscrapers and iconic rivers alike. Book an air tour to Portland to start an unforgettable trip!
