35 Of The Most Fun Things To Do In Downtown Portland, Oregon
With the Pacific Coast to its west and Mount Hood to the east, you’ll find Portland, Oregon sitting adjacent to the Willamette River.
The city is known for excellent dining and nightlife, outdoor activities, and most notably, general weirdness. Accompanying Portland’s “weird” is a friendly, beautiful city with so much to enjoy.
Read on for 35 of the most fun things to do in downtown Portland, Oregon!
Fun Things To Do In Downtown Portland, Oregon
Portland Art Museum
The art museum in Portland is home to over 40,000 works from various periods, backgrounds, and styles. It is well-known throughout the Pacific Northwest as a hub for modern and contemporary art thanks to the Mark Building, which they opened in 2005.
You’ll find rotation exhibits available here and the museum does a wonderful job of appealing to a huge variety of art.
Washington Park
Washington Park in Portland is simply one of the most diverse and fascinating city parks within the United States. Countless fountains and statues dot the trails and the history here dates back all the way to 1871.
There’s no shortage of things to do as the park is home to the Portland Zoo, the World Forestry Center, the Hoyt Arboretum, International Rose Test Garden, and Portland Japanese Garden.
International Rose Test Garden
The Rose Test Garden is an absolute must if you’re spending a weekend in the city of roses during summer! The garden was originally established in the early 1900’s by Jesse Currey who feared hybrid roses grown in Europe wouldn’t survive WWI. Today, it’s the country’s oldest public rose test garden and attracts visitors from around the world.
Ride your bike to Washington Park and enjoy the 4.5 acres filled with tens of thousands of rose bushes.
The garden is free and open year-round, although it’s best to visit in the summer months.
Looking for more free attractions in Portland? Check out The Best Free Things To Do In Portland, Oregon.
Portland Japanese Garden
Just a short distance from the International Rose Test Garden is the stunning Japanese Garden! This quiet park is perfect for a relaxing walk through a gorgeous setting. The 5.5 acre space features a waterfall, teahouse, and unbelievable mountain views!
The Portland Japanese Garden does have a small admission, and is also open year-round. Even outside of the warmer months this is a spectacular place to visit.
Hoyt Arboretum
Set on a mountaintop between the Oregon Zoo and Portland Japanese Garden is the The Hoyt Arboretum. Hoyt Arboretum was founded in the early 1900’s to conserve endangered tree species and educate the community. It’s home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs including one of the only dawn redwoods in the western hemisphere.
In 2016 it opened the highly popular bamboo forest with 30 species of bamboo.
The arboretum is free and open year-round.
Tip: Portland has tons of incredible gardens and green space, if you wish to see more be sure to check out the Leach Botanical Garden.
Willamette River
The Willamette River flows through the heart of downtown Portland, eventually meeting with the Columbia River. The Columbia, which acts as the border between Oregon and Washington, is just a few miles north of downtown Portland.
The river is a core feature of Portland so it’s no surprise some of the most fun things to do in downtown Portland, Oregon occur on this body of water!
Below are a couple ways to enjoy the river:
- Kayak or stand up paddle board.
- Go in a submarine with the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry.
- Enjoy a river cruise.
- Go for a walk along the river (Tip: Circle the river using the Morrison and Hawthorne Bridges, this is a popular pedestrian loop).
- Go for a booze-cruise.
- Go swimming.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
The hub of downtown Portland, Pioneer Courthouse Square, is the quickest way to experience the beat of Portland’s drum. You’ll find live concerts, food trucks, farmers markets, art installations and so much more. Everything you find here is unapologetically local and intended to serve and benefit the community as a whole.
There are hundreds of events here throughout the year, keep an eye on their schedule here.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall is a cherry blossom-lined, waterfront park used for recreation and pedestrian commuters alike. Take a walk along the Willamette River, relax on a shady bench, or visit the Oregon Maritime Museum if that suits your fancy.
Tip: While you’re in the area snap a photo of the famous “White Stag” sign, AKA the “Portland Sign.”
Portland Saturday Market
If visiting on Saturday be sure to also check out the Portland Saturday Market. The open-air market offers over 250 stalls of local crafts and gifts as well as food and entertainment.
It’s open each Saturday from March through Christmas Eve and is definitely one of the most popular things to do in downtown Portland.
Catch A Show
On any given night here you’ll find local and national artists playing a vast variety of genres in venues throughout the Portland metro area. Whether you want to catch a sold out show at the Moda Center or Revolution Hall or tuck into an unsuspecting bar, there is something for any occasion here.
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
The Crystal has been attracting music lovers and dancers for 100 years plus. From folk to jazz, and indie to soul this historic Portland music hall has seen it all.
The gorgeous building features high ceilings and grand chandeliers, a balcony, and floors that bounce… seriously.
The ballroom complex includes multiple rooms at varying sizes so you’ll be sure to find something you enjoy here!
Voodoo Doughnut
Portland has tons of delicious doughnuts to choose from but Voodoo is especially famous for their crazy flavors as well as their funky, hipster-in-pink decor.
Along with the classics they have many unique options, such as an cereal-covered doughnuts or a voodoo doll. Be sure to visit this unique and quirky doughnut shop for a serious sugar rush and a Portland classic.
To visit the original location you’ll want to go to 22 SW 3rd Avenue. Be sure to stop by early, the line can get very long.
Tip: You’ll hear many people debating whether Voodoo or Blue Star Donuts is better, do yourself a favor and taste test both.
Portland likes doughnuts so much you can even join a doughnut tour, undoubtedly one of the best (and most delicious!) things to do in downtown Portland!
Oregon Museum Of Science & Industry
This museum offers kids and adults of all ages fun and exciting ways to learn about all varieties of science and technology. They have rotation exhibits and collections on subjects such as chemistry, ocean science, space, paleontology, and earth sciences capable of challenging any growing or curious mind.
Check out a real submarine, learn about volcanoes, discover evidence of life millions of years ago, you never know what you’ll find here. This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in downtown Portland for families!
Quirky Museums in Portland
If you love odd museums you’ll be in heaven in Portland. Check out some of these quirky displays you’ll only find in Stumptown.
- Stark’s Vacuum Museum – Displays more than 100 vacuums ranging from the 1800’s into the mid 1900’s.
- The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium & Museum – I saw someone describe this as “an odd artifacts museum.” I don’t know how else to sum it up, there is literally everything here. Think thrift store gone museum but weirder because it’s Portland.
- Movie Madness Video – Think Blockbuster, and yes, you can rent the movies.
- Ernest Starr Memorial Museum of Dental Anomalies – I think the name says it all.
Foodie Tour
Portland, Oregon is consistently named one of the top foodie cities in the United States, and for good reason! This small city boasts an impressive assortment of dining options with cuisines from all over the world.
Accessibility to farm-fresh produce, some wickedly creative chefs, and an abundance of adventurous diners are all factors which make Portland, Oregon one of the top foodie destinations in the US.
From food carts to fine dining, there is no shortage of incredible food in downtown Portland, Oregon!
Go for your own tour our follow along with a guide for some of Portland’s best grub:
Vegan Foodie Tour
Vegans, rejoice! Portland is a plant-based mecca, there are countless options to choose from in just about any category of food you can imagine. Seriously, I once went to a Peruvian vegan restaurant here, Epif… It was amazing by the way!
Portland has over 50 vegan-only restaurants, in a city with just over a half a million residents, that is pretty crazy and so exciting if you’re a plant-based foodie.
Go for a self-guided tour or schedule a professional tour with Forktown.
Portland Food Halls & Cart Pods
Food halls and cart pods are a great way to support small business and indulge in all the delicious food!
Tip: Food halls and cart pods are especially great when traveling with a large group, there’s sure to be something for every dietary restriction or picky pallet.
Pssst, if you’re wondering what a cart pod is, it’s basically a gathering of food trucks.
There are so many good food halls and and cart pods here, it seems a disservice to mention only a handful, but nonetheless, a few popular options include:
- Pine Street Market
- Prost Marketplace
- Portland Food Hall
- Cartopia
- Hawthorne Asylum
- Cartlandia
Providence Park
Catching a soccer game is one of the most popular things to do in downtown Portland, Oregon!
The Portland Timbers play from April to November in Providence Park which is centrally located downtown and is always a rowdy and fun time!
The women’s soccer club, Portland Thorns FC, plays here from March into early October.
Grab A Coffee
I can’t touch on food tours, cart pods, and doughnuts and not mention the city’s excellent coffee! It turns out Seattle isn’t the only PNW city that can make a cup of joe, Portlanders love their coffee just as much!
Whether a dreary day or lovely one be sure to get caffeinated before you start your day in Portland, Oregon. If you’re interested in a coffee tour, check out this Coffee & Doughnut Tour or Coffee & Chocolate Tour!
Popular Coffee Places In Portland
- Case Study Coffee Roasters
- Rimsky-Korsakoffee
- Stumptown
- 40 LBS Lounge
… just to name a few!
Powell’s City Books
Powell’s is the largest independent bookstore in the world. The four story building occupies an entire block and has a cafe with lots of seating, simply a bookworms dream! Wander the store and enjoy their vast selection of approximately one million books.
This is definitely one of the best places to find yourself when visiting Portland!
The store is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
Portland Trail Blazers Game
The Moda Center is the home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, the only professional team from the four major sports leagues to call Portland their home.
Because of this, the Blazers have a rabid and loyal fanbase, making the Moda Center an electric atmosphere worth checking out if you’re into basketball, or even if you aren’t!
Portland Breweries
Many craft beer drinkers have made Portland home as there’s no shortage of breweries here. In fact, the area is home to over 80 different craft breweries, one of the highest varieties in the country! Join an official tour, spend an afternoon brewpub hopping on your own, or just stop in for a pint after a long day of sightseeing.
No matter which you do, you’ll be a happy beer drinker here in Portland.
Best Breweries In Portland, Oregon
There are many excellent breweries in the region but a few popular options are:
- Upright Brewing
- Breakside Brewery
- Deschutes Brewery
- Von Ebert Brewing
- Mt. Hood Brewing Company
- Beervana Taphouse
If you love craft beer festivals be sure to check out Zwickelmania and Portland Craft Beer Festival, these are always some of the most fun events in downtown Portland, Oregon!
Want to go for a beer tour? Check out this Bike Brewery Tour or small group Bus Brewery Tour.
Mill Ends Park
Mill Ends Park is a tiny urban park, consisting of one tree, located in the median strip of SW Naito Parkway in downtown Portland, Oregon. When I say, ‘tiny park’, I mean literally the world’s smallest park, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
The story of the park is one that makes me consistently laugh out loud. It’s so goofy, I love the City of Portland for embracing the weird and making this an actual park.
The park started back in 1948 when columnist Dick Fagan of the Oregon Journal planted flowers in a hole where city workers failed to put a light post. Fagan then began publishing whimsical tales about the tiny park, often referencing the leprechauns who took residence here.
The park gained official status from the city in 1971 and is much-loved by Portlanders still today.
While you’re in downtown Portland be sure to stop by Mill Ends to see “the only leprechaun colony west of Ireland.”
Portland Festivals
If you can’t tell, Portland is a city that loves to have a good time so it’s no surprise there are tons of festivals here year round! Whether it’s live music, delicious food, or cultural events you seek, you’re sure to find it in Portland, Oregon!
- Portland Folk Festival
- Feast Portland
- Portland Jazz Festival
- Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
- Chinese New Year
- Waterfront Blues Festival
- Portland Winter Light Festival
Keep a eye on Travel Portland’s event schedule and if you’re visiting in the warmer months keep in mind there are regular free summer events such as movies in the park and live music.
“Keep Portland Weird” Sign
Part of visiting Portland is embracing the weird and celebrating the fun, quirky nature of the city that welcomes characters from all walks of life.
Right across from the original Voodoo Doughnuts location is the iconic “Keep Portland Weird” sign. So while you’re in the area grab a coffee from Stumptown and snap a pic at the beloved mural!
Where Is The “Keep Portland Weird” Sign?
The mural is located on the back of Dante’s at 350 W. Burnside St. in a parking lot viewable from 3rd Ave.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Located in Old Town Chinatown is the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This is a peaceful botanical garden featuring rare plants native to China, decorative stonework and a tea shop.
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is an excellent place to stop for a quiet walk in downtown Portland!
The gardens are open year-round and offer free public tours most mornings included with price of admission.
Witch’s Castle
In Forest Park you’ll find a two-story stone house, also known as the Macleay Park Shelter, but more often referred to as the Witch’s Castle or Witches Castle.
Accessing the “castle” requires a little bit of a hike but it’s fairly easy. The abandoned structure is located along Balch Creek near the intersection of Wildwood and Lower Macleay Trail.
Looking for more green space to explore? Walk along the South Park Blocks, a green strip spanning 12 city blocks ending at the campus of Portland State University.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is a historic home near Washington Park that happens to have some of the best city views. This French Renaissance-style château was built in the early 1900’s and dedicated to the city of Portland in the 1960’s.
The estate is open to the public with self-guided or guided tours available for purchase or you can simply walk the grounds for free.
You can drive to the mansion or take the popular 2.5 mile hike. If you wish to hike follow Wildwood Trail, which will lead you to the mansion.
Tip: If you enjoy urban hikes this area this is a great area with miles of trails worth exploring!
Oaks Amusement Park
Opened in 1905, Oaks is one of the oldest continuously run amusement parks in the United States. This pint-sized fun center has plenty of entertainment for the family including rides, a roller rink, carnival games, miniature golf, and so much more!
This is a great place to spend a summer evening with family in downtown Portland, Oregon!
Shanghai Tunnels
Beneath Old Town Chinatown, Portland’s original downtown, there are tunnels with a grim backstory. The Shanghai Tunnels are described as “Portland’s shady underbelly.”
Rumor has it these pathways served as a hub for illegal trade in the 1800’s. Theories range from underground brothels, gambling houses, all the way to slave trade… While others claim that the tunnels were simply functional for businesses.
Many of the tunnels have been destroyed and, seeing as the alleged uses were illegal, there’s little evidence to prove what really happened here.
You can explore the tours with a guide such as this Haunted Tour at Old Town Pizza & Brewing.
Antique Stores & Thrift Shops
Love antiquing? Portland is home to more antique and vintage stores per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. If you love bargains and sifting through uncovered treasures, you’re in for a serious treat when you shop downtown Portland.
- Village Merchants
- CAT Thrift Store
- Take It Or Leave It
- ARTIFACT: Creative Recycle
… among many others!
Oregon Historical Society
This group focuses on keeping history alive within the state of Oregon, honoring people’s past, celebrating their accomplishments, and telling stories about how those achievements shaped the world we live in today.
The organization offers a number of walking tours and community-focused events.
Fun Things To Do In Portland, Oregon At Night
- Portland Night Market
- Helium Comedy Club
- Live music at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom or Mississippi Studio (or anywhere really!)
- Catch a movie at Hollywood Theater
- Brewery Tour
- Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar
- MLS or NBA Game
- Cruise the Willamette River
- Rose City Rollers
Day Trips From Portland
- Cannon Beach – Known for stunning, rocky coastline – 1.5 hours from Portland.
- Silver Falls State Park – This state park has one of the highest concentration of waterfalls in the country – located just over an hour from Portland.
- Multnomah Falls – The tallest waterfall in Oregon – just 30 minutes from downtown.
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area – This gorge is a spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep – 30 minutes from Portland.
- Willamette Valley – Go for a wine tour at one of the 600 vineyards located in one of the most gorgeous regions of the Pacific Northwest – Roughly an hour from Portland.
As you can see there are so many fun things to do in downtown Portland, Oregon! I hope you’ve found this list to be helpful and enjoy your time in Stumptown, USA!
Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below!
If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Portland guides below or head over to Travel Portland!
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