Portland is bounding with unique and exciting scenery and entertainment. These are some of the best jaw-dropping sights and sounds in the city. If you haven’t visited these spots recently, consider a trip to see what you have been missing in the city of roses.
- Forest Park
Mike Rohrig / Flickr One of Portland’s premier parks, Forest Park is home to the Witch’s Castle, an abandoned house that is thought to be haunted.
- International Rose Test Garden
Brian Woychuk / Flickr Situated in Washington Park, this renowned garden is home to over 550 varieties of roses, as well as some of the areas best views of the city.
- The Waterfront
Ian Sane / Flickr Portland has a stunningly beautiful waterfront. Whether you want to go for a stroll, eat at a restaurant overlooking the Willamette, or go for a run, this is a wonderful place to spend some time in Portland.
- Sauvie Island
Katrina Br*?#*!@nd / Flickr Pick some fresh fruit, go on a nature hike, or visit one of the many farms for a break from city life at close-in Sauvie Island.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
Susan Smith / Flickr Situated in an unassuming city block in downtown, this Suzhou-style garden is impressive to say the least. Stay for tea in the teahouse to take in the garden in its fullest.
- Portland Japanese Garden
Michael Matti / Flickr Located in Washington Park, this traditional garden is a close walk to the Rose Garden and a must-see for garden lovers.
- Brew Theaters
Jason Lander / Flickr There are several movie theaters throughout the city that feature a full array of beer and wine on the menu. New and second run brew theaters abound. Check out The Bagdad, The Kennedy School and the Academy Theater are great places to start.
- Powell’s Books
Chris Yunker / Flickr As the largest independent book store chain in the world, Powell’s is a sight to behold. Spanning an entire city block, it is possible for book lovers to get lost among the sprawling stacks for an afternoon.
- Breweries & Distilleries
Christopher / Flickr Boasting over 30 breweries and a handful of distilleries in the city, a trip to a few is definitely a fascinating afternoon excursion. Take a few tours, try some samples, and surround yourself with the culture of the city. BridgePort Brew Pub and McMenamins are local brewery favorites, while House Spirits and New Deal Distillery are fun distilleries to visit.
- Audubon Society
Veronica Rose / Flickr The close-up views of resident native birds such as peregrine falcons and owls are stunning, as is the scenery on the trails surrounding the society.
- Rocky Butte
brx0 / Flickr Head to Rocky Butte in Northeast Portland for some epic views of the surrounding mountains in every direction.
- The Symphony
Christmas w/a K / Flickr A trip to the Oregon Symphony is a fantastic way to expose yourself to live music. If a typical orchestral performance isn’t your thing, consider catching a performance in the park or one of the company’s many creative offerings such as watching a classic movie with the orchestra playing along with the score.
Ready to explore more of Portland? Check out these 9 FREE things to do!
Mike Rohrig / Flickr
One of Portland’s premier parks, Forest Park is home to the Witch’s Castle, an abandoned house that is thought to be haunted.
Brian Woychuk / Flickr
Situated in Washington Park, this renowned garden is home to over 550 varieties of roses, as well as some of the areas best views of the city.
Ian Sane / Flickr
Portland has a stunningly beautiful waterfront. Whether you want to go for a stroll, eat at a restaurant overlooking the Willamette, or go for a run, this is a wonderful place to spend some time in Portland.
Katrina Br*?#*!@nd / Flickr
Pick some fresh fruit, go on a nature hike, or visit one of the many farms for a break from city life at close-in Sauvie Island.
Susan Smith / Flickr
Situated in an unassuming city block in downtown, this Suzhou-style garden is impressive to say the least. Stay for tea in the teahouse to take in the garden in its fullest.
Michael Matti / Flickr
Located in Washington Park, this traditional garden is a close walk to the Rose Garden and a must-see for garden lovers.
Jason Lander / Flickr
There are several movie theaters throughout the city that feature a full array of beer and wine on the menu. New and second run brew theaters abound. Check out The Bagdad, The Kennedy School and the Academy Theater are great places to start.
Chris Yunker / Flickr
As the largest independent book store chain in the world, Powell’s is a sight to behold. Spanning an entire city block, it is possible for book lovers to get lost among the sprawling stacks for an afternoon.
Christopher / Flickr
Boasting over 30 breweries and a handful of distilleries in the city, a trip to a few is definitely a fascinating afternoon excursion. Take a few tours, try some samples, and surround yourself with the culture of the city. BridgePort Brew Pub and McMenamins are local brewery favorites, while House Spirits and New Deal Distillery are fun distilleries to visit.
Veronica Rose / Flickr
The close-up views of resident native birds such as peregrine falcons and owls are stunning, as is the scenery on the trails surrounding the society.
brx0 / Flickr
Head to Rocky Butte in Northeast Portland for some epic views of the surrounding mountains in every direction.
Christmas w/a K / Flickr
A trip to the Oregon Symphony is a fantastic way to expose yourself to live music. If a typical orchestral performance isn’t your thing, consider catching a performance in the park or one of the company’s many creative offerings such as watching a classic movie with the orchestra playing along with the score.
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