Sometimes we all just need to get away. Whether your idea of an oasis is a quiet garden or a spa afternoon, there is something for everyone on this relaxation list. Check out these ideas and get to planning your great escape to one of these hidden oases in or around Portland.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
Sandy Brown Jensen / Flickr In the heart of Old Town Chinatown behind a wall lies this amazing garden that is sure to relax you. Modeled after the famed gardens of Suzhou, this garden features a centerpiece pond and teahouse, where you can enjoy a hot beverage as you relax.
- Lovejoy Plaza
Sam Grover / Flickr Not visible at street level, this fountain is only accessible by a pedestrian path. Lying at SW 3rd and Harrison, this park is often quite quiet and the perfect place to get away for an outdoor lunch or stroll to take your mind off your day.
- Portland Japanese Garden
Jim Choate / Flickr In Washington Park, this expansive garden is beautiful and calming at once. Spend some time in quiet reflection, stroll the winding paths, and enjoy the artwork and craftsmanship of this well-manicured garden.
- Löyly’s Steam Room
Löyly / Facebook If you want to sweat it out without all the work, head to Löyly to steam in their sauna for a spell. Featuring hourly rates, the two locations - 2713 SE 21st Avenue and 3525 NE MLK - are just what you need to destress.
- Peninsula Park Rose Garden
decaseconds / Flickr Stroll this lovely garden in North Portland, and if you are there from May through July, smell the roses too. This park, located at 700 N Rosa Parks Way is a lovely place to stroll and spend some down time.
- Enso Winery
Enso Winery / Facebook Skip the trip to wine country, and instead enjoy a tasting at this relaxing SE Portland wine bar located at 1416 SE Stark. Enjoy a glass, flight, or whole bottle at this cozy spot that serves up local cheeses and meats to pair with your selections.
- Oneonta Gorge
Jeff Gunn / Flickr Hiding in the Columbia Gorge is perhaps one of the most picturesque swimming spots around. A little over a mile hike and wade combo will get you to this pristine oasis that the whole family will love.
- Kennedy School Soaking Tub
Frazer Valley Pulse and Metro Vancouver Pulse / Flickr Head over to the Kennedy School soaking tub to enjoy the warm saltwater and jets. Located at 5736 NE 33rd Avenue, this pool is best for a visit after 6 pm if you want to avoid children and have a more calming soak.
- Mt. Tabor
Tim Lauer / Flickr While this SE park often gets passed over for more notable parks like Forest Park, Mt Tabor is a perfect little urban oasis. Hike to the top of the park and enjoy epic city views, or simply stroll the trails for a little peace and calm.
- Spa Sasse
Spa Sasse / Facebook Located right in the middle of downtown at 630 SW Alder, this spa’s massages start at just 25 minutes, making it a perfect busy-day break to release some tension and relax.
- Historic Columbia River Highway
Granger Meador / Flickr If you enjoy a good drive, you are not going to want to overlook this one. The 100-year-old Columbia River Highway is just about 30 minutes from downtown, and promises amazing views.
- Living Room Theaters
Living Room Theaters / Facebook If being in the dark curled up with some good food and a movie sounds like perfection to you, head to the Living Room Theater at 341 SW 10th Avenue. Catch a movie and meal in this wonderful urban oasis away from it all.
Have you visited any of these peaceful spots around Portland? Let us know your experiences below.
Sandy Brown Jensen / Flickr
In the heart of Old Town Chinatown behind a wall lies this amazing garden that is sure to relax you. Modeled after the famed gardens of Suzhou, this garden features a centerpiece pond and teahouse, where you can enjoy a hot beverage as you relax.
Sam Grover / Flickr
Not visible at street level, this fountain is only accessible by a pedestrian path. Lying at SW 3rd and Harrison, this park is often quite quiet and the perfect place to get away for an outdoor lunch or stroll to take your mind off your day.
Jim Choate / Flickr
In Washington Park, this expansive garden is beautiful and calming at once. Spend some time in quiet reflection, stroll the winding paths, and enjoy the artwork and craftsmanship of this well-manicured garden.
Löyly / Facebook
If you want to sweat it out without all the work, head to Löyly to steam in their sauna for a spell. Featuring hourly rates, the two locations - 2713 SE 21st Avenue and 3525 NE MLK - are just what you need to destress.
decaseconds / Flickr
Stroll this lovely garden in North Portland, and if you are there from May through July, smell the roses too. This park, located at 700 N Rosa Parks Way is a lovely place to stroll and spend some down time.
Enso Winery / Facebook
Skip the trip to wine country, and instead enjoy a tasting at this relaxing SE Portland wine bar located at 1416 SE Stark. Enjoy a glass, flight, or whole bottle at this cozy spot that serves up local cheeses and meats to pair with your selections.
Jeff Gunn / Flickr
Hiding in the Columbia Gorge is perhaps one of the most picturesque swimming spots around. A little over a mile hike and wade combo will get you to this pristine oasis that the whole family will love.
Frazer Valley Pulse and Metro Vancouver Pulse / Flickr
Head over to the Kennedy School soaking tub to enjoy the warm saltwater and jets. Located at 5736 NE 33rd Avenue, this pool is best for a visit after 6 pm if you want to avoid children and have a more calming soak.
Tim Lauer / Flickr
While this SE park often gets passed over for more notable parks like Forest Park, Mt Tabor is a perfect little urban oasis. Hike to the top of the park and enjoy epic city views, or simply stroll the trails for a little peace and calm.
Spa Sasse / Facebook
Located right in the middle of downtown at 630 SW Alder, this spa’s massages start at just 25 minutes, making it a perfect busy-day break to release some tension and relax.
Granger Meador / Flickr
If you enjoy a good drive, you are not going to want to overlook this one. The 100-year-old Columbia River Highway is just about 30 minutes from downtown, and promises amazing views.
Living Room Theaters / Facebook
If being in the dark curled up with some good food and a movie sounds like perfection to you, head to the Living Room Theater at 341 SW 10th Avenue. Catch a movie and meal in this wonderful urban oasis away from it all.
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