The Perfect First Trip to Portland: Whether it’s your first trip to Portland or you want to experience Portland with fresh eyes, explore our guide to must-sees and must-eats.
Many things about the City of Roses are weird, exciting and downright amazing, but nothing compares to a first trip to Portland. You might have some preconceived notions of Portland: It’s enveloped in nature, the food carts are incomparable, and the city is often the stage of political and social debate. All those things are true, but Portland is more than the national headlines. Our neighborhoods encompass entire worlds, each with its own curiosities, flavors and unique experiences. There’s a vibrancy here that can only be credited to Portlanders themselves and their distinct stories that beckon visitors back to this culturally rich metropolis year after year.
Whether you’re outdoorsy, a bookworm, a foodie, or you’re here to challenge your perception of this historically complex city – your first trip to Portland will be nothing short of memorable.
https://www.travelportland.com/plan/first-time-trip-to-portland/
And Just Across The River is Vancouver Washington: Situated north of weird and south of Sound, Vancouver, Washington is where being in between feels just right. The city’s roots originated on the Columbia River’s north shore, where the Pacific Northwest’s first indigenous inhabitants started a diverse and thriving community. Now that growth presents itself in our innovative waterfront, friendly and walkable downtown, and easy access to Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Pacific Coast.
https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/
Portlands Black Community: With a diverse range of organizations and businesses, Portland’s Black community provides visitors with resources and a friendly welcome. The Rose City has a vibrant Black culture. Explore the city’s Black history, Black cultural events, and Black-owned businesses and restaurants.
https://www.travelportland.com/culture/african-american/
Pittock Mansion: High in the West Hills above Northwest Portland and surrounded by Forest Park, the historic turn-of-the-century Pittock Mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and its surroundings and insights into Portland history.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Sitting on the Willamette River in Portland’s Central Eastside, this science museum is a must for any family to explore.
Portland Japanese Garden: Enjoy tranquility and inspiring views at one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Asia.
Oregon Zoo: Located near downtown Portland in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals.
Washington Park: Portland's signature park offers gardens, museums, memorials, a zoo, wilderness and more.
https://explorewashingtonpark.org/
Portland Golf: Portland Parks Golf offers affordable, quality golf to Portland's residents and visitors. Our five golf courses are conveniently located around the metro area to offer unparalleled access to our nationally recognized courses.
https://www.portland.gov/parks/sports/golf
Pioneer Place: Pioneer Place is an upscale, urban shopping mall in downtown Portland, Oregon. It consists of four blocks of retail, dining, parking, and an office tower named Pioneer Tower. The mall itself is spread out between four buildings, interconnected by skywalks or underground mall sections.
Portland Saturday Market: Buy products from local artists at this beloved attraction in Portland's Old Town.
https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/
Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Once a bustling highway, this riverside gem offers more than 36 acres (15 ha) of strollable, bikeable and dog-walkable public park with historical and cultural monuments aplenty
https://www.portland.gov/parks/governor-tom-mccall-waterfront-park
Portland Art Museum: Major exhibitions complement the museum’s strong Native American and Northwest collections.
https://portlandartmuseum.org/
Lan Su Chinese Garden: Find respite and celebrate Chinese culture at a Suzhou-style garden in the heart of Portland.
10 Places to Learn about Black History in Portland: Spend your day playing at the park, sipping wine, and getting your hair cut all while learning about Portland's Black History.
https://tinybeans.com/portland/black-history-landmarks-portland/
Dinner Cruise: The best way to dine in Portland is on the Willamette River enhanced by dazzling city sights and lights. You’ll enjoy a 2.5 hour cruise, a three-course dinner with Northwest cuisine, live piano music and narration of the sights on the outer decks. From an intimate date night to a festive gathering of friends or coworkers, this is a quintessential Portland experience.
https://www.portlandspirit.com/cruise/dinner/
Brunch Cruise: Portland is known for its love of brunch — elevate your brunch experience with a cruise on the Willamette River! Enjoy a 2-hour cruise, with a full buffet brunch featuring locally-sourced breakfast and lunch items prepared fresh on board. You’ll also enjoy Champagne and mimosas (included with your ticket), live piano music, ever changing views and narration of the sights on the outer decks.