Gardens in Portland
THE 10 BEST Portland Gardens
Gardens in Portland
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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Recommended Outdoor Activities (68)
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Parks • Gardens
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What travelers are saying
- NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3,738 contributionsAfter a couple of times visiting Portland, I finally got to visit these gardens. Parking had always been the main problem, and of course, it was a hassle again this time. These gardens were first open to the public in 1967. Before that, this was the site of Portland's zoo.
I arrived on a Saturday in June for a 4:00 PM admission and paid the full Adult price of $21.95 to get in. There was no wait in line for me when I arrived. I've been to other Japanese gardens in the country where a veterans discount is offered, but sadly not here. They do, however, offer considerable discounts to low-income families and individuals who receive food stamps so if that's you, you're very much in luck. For all the veterans out there, I'd like to take this time to say, "High speed, low drag, Hooah! Oorah! Semper fi".
Stephen D. Bloom: Offer discounts to veterans!
The parts of the garden that were available on my visit I found to be a peaceful, tranquil, and spiritual getaway from life's busy and hectic day-to-day. When I arrived at the Cultural Village, sadly, there were no activities, performances, nor demonstrations offered that I noticed. I walked around the Japanese Arts Learning Center and looked at some art pieces offered. Some areas were closed and not opened to visitors while I was there. Also, when I visited, and let me just say what a lovely time it was that I picked to visit, there were no offered exhibitions in their Pavilion gallery, located in the Flat Garden. So, nothing to see here either on a Saturday in the middle of June! I'm beginning to wonder where my $21.95 full Adult admission price is going because it didn't seem to be going to me and my visit. Think of others they say! Where is your zen? Is it here? I'm not sure if I can find it.
Serious parking problems to contend with here. Buses don't help if you are a visitor from out of state with a rental vehicle. Again, if I am an out of state visitor and in Portland for one day, I'm not taking a train either. These are public transit options for locals. What about others? I don't have these same problems at The Morikami Museum in Florida, for instance. Plenty of parking right across the street from the gardens, and I don't live in Florida.
No tea ceremony, no exhibitions, no demonstrations, no performances, nothing. Oh, look at the schedule and plan accordingly, you might say. I say offer at least one special thing on a Saturday in June to visitors. So, some may say this is one of the 12 best Japanese gardens in the U.S. I say, it all depends on what day you go.
I hope you enjoy 33 pictures I've provided, and don't try to feed the koi in the koi pond.Written November 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3,738 contributionsMy 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael B7 contributionsThis 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 hereWritten December 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jen PPortland, Oregon, United States7 contributionsThis 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 cityWritten November 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NeoWasHereFrederick, MD3,738 contributionsParking 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sara G.Saint Louis, MO896 contributionsThe Redwood Observation Deck in Portland, Oregon, is unpopular short hike that you wouldn’t know about. The journey to the deck is enchanting. The trail winds through lush greens and towering redwoods. Their immense trunks and lofty canopies are unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen before. The air is cool and crisp with the heavy scent of pine and earth. As you approach the observation deck, the trail opens up to a panoramic view. Definitely take this short hike if you have 30 minutes.Written September 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dorcas KSunnyvale, California196 contributionsA delightful park / garden. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I walked all around and soaked in the beauty, calm, peace and quiet. A very sweet place and I’ll visit again.Written September 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Putnam BSeattle, WA90 contributionsA large park with many facilities - a playground, a swimming pool, wooded areas and lawns. Plus, of course, a large and well-tended rose garden surrounded by a walking path at a higher level making the whole array of roses visible at once. Closer inspection is also possible by walking down the stairs or a wheelchair ramp.
From the name, you might expect it to front on the Columbia or the Willamette River, but it is in fact surrounded by a city neighborhood and obviously popular with nearby residents.Written September 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - vonifidePennsylvania102 contributionsElk Rock Garden is a quiet place to spend time and has a nice sense of garden hostory. The grounds were planted in the first half of the 20th century and contains many mature trees and ornamental shrubs, including a collection of Magnolia. Of course when I visited this August, the only Magnolia in bloom was M. grandiflora, but most of the other specimens were viewable from the paths that circle the garden and it was lovely to observe their different leaves, barks and forms. If I lived in the area, I would love to visit Elk Rock throughout the year, as it's clear that attention was paid to have enough of a diversity of plants that there would be something in flower every season.
The house was situated to take advantage of a view of Mt. Hood, which can be seen on a clear day from the east side of the building.Written October 2, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jessica KTarpon Springs, FL630 contributionsBeautiful park, easy access and free. So many roses! Well maintained rose garden in the ‘Rose City.’ Nice place to stroll about, maybe have an icee at the food truck or bring your own picnic.Written July 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ReadRibbet1,652 contributionsFans of Beverly Cleary will enjoy the sculptures at Grant Park. While in need of some attention, Ribsy, Henry and Ramona are all represented in a fountain area with quotes from Cleary's books. There is free street parking near the park. The park is also close to Beverly Clearly School (named in her honor with a beautiful mosaic outside.) It is also near her childhood home all of which can be found on some online walking tours. You will have to venture out a bit from the park to find Klickitat Street.Written April 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jackwidelyPortland, OR173 contributionsLovely easy to walk Botanical Gardens close to everyone in Portland. Trails are well groomed and anyone of any age should find them easy to traverse. Nice selections of plants and tree- some pretty old are situated on the grounds.
Sadly the bridge across the creek was washed out by flooding in 2020 and has not yet been replaced leaving a small portion of the garden closed including the old stone house.
During 2021 admission is free but their website must be used for setting a time slot to visit. Plenty of parking. Easy to find. Worth an hour or so.Written June 6, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sue from BendBend, OR240 contributionsIt was Portland and NOT raining. Wow. The gardens are beautiful...even swans swimming in the lake.
Beautiful setting for the wedding outside. Very comfortable. These people know what they are doing. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. Seating for the wedding guests was nicely staged. Pretty gazebo for the wedding with a backdrop of blooming Rhododendrons .
The staff knows weddings. They must have lots of practice. They did everything with a lot of skill and know-how!
It was a pleasure to have the event there and glad the happy couple chose it as their spot.
The food was very good. Veggies, salads, salmon and prime rib. Very happy with the food. It was great.Written May 28, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
