Things to Do in Portland

Things to Do in Portland, OR - Portland Attractions

Things to Do in Portland

Exploring Portland's Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden are traveler faves. For a walk on the wild side, head to Forest Park or Columbia River Gorge. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Portland.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Portland

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Serene Japanese garden with traditional tea house, zen landscapes, and koi ponds. Ideal for tranquil strolls and cultural immersion amid nature.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Stroll through a vibrant collection of award-winning roses in a spacious garden, featuring educational displays on the diverse varieties and stages of bloom. Enjoy serene walks and photo moments.
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Serene sanctuary with lush gardens, tranquil walking trails, and a chapel for meditation and reflection. Features include a life-sized nativity scene and a peaceful outdoor Mass setting.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Early 1900s mansion set amid lush grounds with panoramic city vistas, featuring period furnishings and historical exhibits. Includes a self-guided tour and art displays, connected to local trails.
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Tranquil oasis in the heart of Chinatown, showcasing authentic Chinese gardens with traditional architecture and reflective koi ponds. Enjoy guided or self-guided tours and relax in the tea house.
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Zoo with spacious, natural habitats including a forest backdrop, highlighting elephants and polar bears. Features include a train ride and a notable rose garden.
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Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, including a submarine tour, planetarium, and play areas. Features diverse educational topics for family-friendly exploration.
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Weekly market presenting local art, handcrafted souvenirs, and a range of food choices, complemented by live music and scenic river views.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Jen J
    California66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful place to wander, sit with your tea and enjoy the peacefulness. Quite a few stairs so not really for those not ambulatory. Winter was beautiful but I can only imagine spring or fall would be even better. Affordable, $22 adults, parking by the hour $4 .
    Written January 24, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NeoWasHere
    Frederick, MD3,947 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My main reason for going to this area in the first place was to visit the Portland Japanese Garden. After waiting forever to find an available parking spot in Washington Park, I then had quite a hike ahead of me to get to the Japanese Garden. This International Rose Test Garden was in my walking route. I didn't know it was there beforehand. Since it was the middle of June, the roses were in full bloom so I stayed awhile here distracted by their beauty. As printed on the brochure, the roses are in bloom from late May through October. Also noted, a $500 fine can be imposed by Portland City Code if anyone tries to pick or remove roses or rose plants so don't even think about it.
    Written November 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael B
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is breathtaking, I was not too sure what to expect but my girlfriend made me come here when we visit Portland and my god it has to be the place that made my Portland experience. The paying extra few bucks to go on top is worth it. Get to see very beautiful statues and alters. The view is to Amazing in the meditation room. Please be quite when in there because when I was there there was people talking and someone chewing with their mouth open like common be quiet and close that damn mouth 10/10 place

    They also take Military Discount here
    Written December 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Minnie M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A history buff, I was in heaven. My interactive experience led me through rooms arranged with colorful period furniture--bedsteads, wood & marble cabinets, sofas--and a sewing machine and sitting room overlooking both the garden and a vista of Portland. As visitors are guided (self tour) throughout the house, history boards and period photos incrementally tell the ongoing story of the mansion, late nineteenth/early 20 century Portland, and its citizens. Through the Pittock family’s personal story, my physical walk through the house sparked my thoughts to imagine what it might have actually been like to live during that time.

    A small but pertinent point introduced the Pittocks as people I could relate to: much of the furniture currently arranged is not what the Pittocks brought to the mansion. They brought plain, simple, unadorned beds, tables, chairs from the small house they moved from. The furniture was not ornate. Just plain folks, but growing with the community.

    (Other furniture there does represent the times and the history of other early families that also reflect Portland establishing itself in our state, nation, and globally. These contribute to a wider view on Portland, which I did enjoy.)

    Spend time walking, observing, reading, imagining in this place.
    Written December 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jen P
    Portland, Oregon, United States7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beautiful garden has something to offer in every season. Much of the area has covered walkways so even if it’s raining you will be comfortable. You can gaze at the koi, relax and take in the view, or even read a book in the many different tucked away places. The BEST part of the garden though is the tea house! The staff are kind and knowledgeable l, the menu is full of tasty options, and I’ve never felt rushed out. Truly a respite and gem in the city
    Written November 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NeoWasHere
    Frederick, MD3,947 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Parking is a nightmare at this park. What is supposed to be a 6 minute drive from where we started, it took about an hour to get to and find a place to park. Drivers grind to a halt on SW Kingston Avenue where you will eventually pass perfectly good parking lots that are all full, then more parking spots all full, pass public restrooms that you need to use but can't because there is nowhere to park, playgrounds for kids but you can't use since you can't park, and then right before a monstrosity of a construction site of some reservoir, you may be able to find a parking spot like we did. After contributing $4.60 to the City of Portland through something called Parking Kitty, the long hiking journey began uphill and eventually on a trail that led to an empty amphitheater. More restrooms were found, but those ones were closed for some reason. Lovely. You can just hold it and like it.

    After all, there's beautiful roses in high bloom since it was June. Ooh, pretty! That'll keep your mind off of things. Then, if you can somehow manage to get through the wall of tennis courts, eventually one may finally find the Portland Japanese Garden. I don't know who designed this park, but those tennis courts are just in the way. Maybe, move them further away and provide more parking next to the attractions people come here to see would be a good idea. Is there any common sense left in the world?!

    Anyways, the roses were beautiful and the garden peaceful. I love the sound of nature and waterfalls. Nature's beauty far surpass any of these other nuisances.
    Written November 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lyn T
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went to the Portland zoo right after Thanksgiving. We were amazed at how imaginative the zoo was. We were able to see the animals up close and very personal! Beavers and otters in their dens. Penguins swimming. Bald eagles are very close to being natural. Very reasonably priced. We only got to see about half of the zoo. We will go longer next time!!!
    Written November 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BvR
    Oregon176 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    OMSI is always a family favorite- so many great exhibits and the submarine CANNOT be missed! Kids love the gift ship of course.
    Written January 5, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA19,092 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Some extraordinarily beautiful countryside in this agricultural valley noted for excellent wines. We stopped at one simple winery for a good tasting and noted that there were several guest houses nearby. Close to the city.
    Written March 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew T
    324 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7
    Written October 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA19,092 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the cool part of town and we kept coming back here on our city visit. Lots of places to eat here, emphasis on breweries, craft beer. Some pleasant architecture, lots of good shopping. And lots of coffee.
    Written March 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amanda
    Kent, UK715 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I loved the market, so many artisans selling their wares. We ended up buying quite a few bits to take home. Loads of crafts & food alike. A must do if you’re in Portland on a Saturday.
    Written January 23, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
  • January
    40 ºF
    Coldest month
    15 days of rain
    Less busy
  • February
    43 ºF
    14 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • March
    47 ºF
    15 days of rain
    Very busy
  • April
    51 ºF
    12 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • May
    57 ºF
    9 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • June
    62 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Very busy
  • July
    68 ºF
    Hottest month
    2 days of rain
    Very busy
    Busiest month
  • August
    68 ºF
    2 days of rain
    Very busy
  • September
    63 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • October
    54 ºF
    11 days of rain
    Less busy
  • November
    46 ºF
    17 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Less busy
    Least busy month
  • December
    40 ºF