Insider Guides: Portland, Oregon
Ali Giaudrone
I created this guide for the Airbnb "Hillside Getaway" (link below) with food and outdoor enthusiasts in mind and those wanting to experience the cultural side of Portland.
Although my childhood hometown has changed a lot over the years, Portland is still the vibrant, artsy, cultured city I've always known. The "Rose City" has so much to offer—a great food and music scene, the outdoors, and an independent spirit—surrounded by forests and set between two rivers, the peaks of the Cascades, and the Pacific Ocean. This environmentally conscious city has a good rail system with miles of bike paths and walking trails.
Virtual explorers and trip planners alike, explore Portland with this interactive guide. Check out what to SEE + DO, places to DRIVE + RIDE, and where to EAT + DRINK around this river city in the northwestern corner of Oregon.
This list is far from exhausted and will continue to expand. Click places and links to learn more.
90 Places • 5 Saves • ago
Free
CONTENTS
ABOUT
Basics
When to Go
COME + GO
Air + Rail
STAY + REST
Your AirBnb
SEE + DO
The Heart of Portland
Washington Park
4T Trail
RIDE + DRIVE
Bike Tour
Parks
Springwater Trail Corridor Loop
Rivers + Mountains
Oregon Coast
EAT + DRINK
Local
Downtown
Lake Oswego
West Linn + Oregon City
Sellwood
East Side
North Portland
Beyond the Center
FOLLOW ME
ABOUT
Basics
🇺🇸 US State and Region: Oregon in the Pacific Northwest
💬 Language: English
💵 Currency: Dollar $
🪙 Tips: 15–20% in restaurants
✈️ Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX)
🚆 Train stations: Union Station (Old Town)
🚊 Light rail/Tram/Bus: MAX light rail, Streetcar trolley and TriMet bus
🚲 Bikes: popular forms of transportation, a very bike-friendly city with many designated lanes, paths and trails
🚶🏽Walkable: sidewalks in neighborhoods, paths to hike
When to Go
☀️ Ideal July-October
Sunny and warm summers can last but may be hot in August
🌺 Blooming & Wet March – June
Mild spring temperatures, often cloudy and rainy at times
🍂 Blustery November – December
Starts to cool significantly at the end of October, windy late fall
❄️ Cold January – February
Rainy, cold, some winter snow/ice, best for skiing/snowboarding
COME + GO
Air + Rail
Portland International Airport
@aligiaudrone
Located along the Columbia River, either take the convenient MAX light rail into Portland or rent a car.
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Portland Union Station
@aligiaudrone
Iconic, centrally-located train station on the Willamette River for those coming via Amtrak
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STAY + REST
Your AirBnb
SEE + DO
The Heart of Portland
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Willamette Park
@aligiaudrone
The park provides trails to bike and hike along with river access for boats, paddleboards, and kayaks.
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Tilikum Crossing Bridge
@aligiaudrone
Tilicum means 'Bridge of the People' in the local Native Chinook language. The span offers a pair of wide paths for both pedestrians and cyclists with only bus- and lightrail-access to link the city’s South Waterfront at OHSU and the Aerial Tram with the burgeoning Central Eastside at OMSI and the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
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OMSI
@aligiaudrone
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is worth the time. Be sure to check out its Planetarium too.
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Portland Spirit Salmon Springs Dock
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Cruise and dine for lunch or dinner with a scenic view of downtown and up the Willamette River on the Portland Spirit while you learn about the city's landmarks.
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Waterfront Park Trail
@aligiaudrone
Enjoy the city view at this riverfront greenbelt which features public art, historical monuments, paved paths, and a fountain.
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Portland Saturday Market
@aligiaudrone
A Portland institution, this outdoor weekend arts-and-crafts market is the largest continually operating in the US that offers tons of food choices and gives visitors a unique opportunity to meet the artists.
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Lan Su Chinese Garden
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Located in Old Town Chinatown, 'the mission of Lan Su Chinese Garden is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage, and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.'
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Union Station
@aligiaudrone
A historic landmark next to the river with a direct view of the Broadway Bridge and an iconic in-house restaurant, Wilf's.
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Northwest / Pearl District
@aligiaudrone
Fashionable and lively with indie boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, craft breweries, and artisan coffee shops in reclaimed warehouse space.
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Powell's City of Books
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Since 1971, this iconic bookstore has sold new and used books for over 50 years, today with a giftshop and cafe.
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Northwest / Nob Hill
@aligiaudrone
Northwest District with brand stores, vintage shops, local designers, stylish bistros, and gourmet restaurants found primarily along 23rd Ave.
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RH Portland | The Gallery in the Historic Alphabet District
@aligiaudrone
This Restoration Hardware Concept Store is an experience in itself but is also located in the heart of Northwest Portland's shopping and food district.
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Pittock Mansion
@aligiaudrone
Historic mansion museum built in 1914 with stunning grounds and city vista surrounded by the woods of the Wildwood Trail.
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Washington Park
Washington Park
@aligiaudrone
Among Portland's signature park are gardens, memorials, the iconic World Forestry Center, Oregon Zoo (see 4T trail below), Rose Test Gardens, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Forest Park wilderness. The Wildwood Trails starts here and stretches for 30 miles.
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International Rose Test Garden
@aligiaudrone
The country’s oldest rose test garden features more than 10,000 roses with views of the skyline and the Cascades
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Portland Japanese Garden
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Touted as the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, the 5-1/2 acres includes 8 unique gardenscapes, an authentic Japanese tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a exquisite view of Mount Hood.
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Hoyt Arboretum
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Founded in 1928 and home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents
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World Forestry Center
@aligiaudrone
The museum is dedicated to educating people about the importance of trees and forests worldwide with a first-floor focus on forests of the Pacific Northwest.
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4T Trail
Pick up a required all-day TriMet pass to complete the trail loop of 4Ts: Train, Trail, Tram, Trolley.
Train
Take the red or blue MAX line from Pioneer Square to the Oregon Zoo.
Pioneer Square
@aligiaudrone
'Known locally as Portland’s “living room,” this public space hosts hundreds of events every year. The square features a waterfall fountain, two brick amphitheaters, two iconic statues and popular food carts at lunchtime.'
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Oregon Zoo
@aligiaudrone
Just minutes from downtown, it's the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi with a nostalgic train and over 2600 animals in exhibits of the Great Northwest, Pacific Shores, Polar Passage, Discovery Zone (with butterflies), Primate Forest, (Asian) Elephant Lands, and Africa.
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Trail
Hike to Council Crest on the well-maintained Marquam Trail.
Council Crest Park
@aligiaudrone
'At 1,073 feet above sea level, Council Crest is the highest point in Portland. From the top of the hill visitors can see five mountains in the Cascade Range: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson and Mount Rainier.'
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Upper Tram Terminal at OHSU
@aligiaudrone
Aerial tram at the Oregon Health & Science University with a hospital and the Doernbecher Children's Hospital
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Tram
On a clear day catch views of Mount Hood beyond the Willamette River (pronounce: will-AM-met) and Portland's east side.
Portland Aerial Tram - Lower Terminal
@aligiaudrone
'The Portland Aerial Tram’s cabins rise 500 feet at 22 miles per hour for the three-minute trip from the South Waterfront to Oregon Health & Science University’s main campus, offering views of downtown, the Willamette River and the mountains.'
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Trolley
Board the Portland Streetcar back to the beginning at Pioneer Square or stop off for some enrichment at the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Historical Society.
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Oregon Historical Society
@aligiaudrone
Gain insight into state history, art, and more in well-designed rotating exhibits.
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RIDE + DRIVE
Bike Tour
Parks
Laurelhurst Park
@aligiaudrone
Surrounding a scenic lake with a picnic area, playground, off-leash dog space, horseshoe pit, and basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, Laurelhurst Park was the first city park named to the National Register of Historic Places.
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Rocky Butte
@aligiaudrone
An extinct volcanic cinder cone with great views of Portland and the Cascade Range with hiking and rock climbing areas.
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Springwater Trail Corridor Loop
Springwater Corridor Trail
@aligiaudrone
Wide path designed to accommodate walkers, joggers, hikers, bicycles, wheelchairs and even horses
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Rivers + Mountains
Mount Hood Timberline Lodge
@aligiaudrone
Firstly, the views from here on a clear day are spectacular: panoramic views of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south (Mount Adams and Mount St Helen's to the north). As the name denotes, it's at the timberline with a view to the peak of Mount Hood above.
We also recommend skiing or snowboarding the resort's slopes with dinner at the restaurant and an overnight stay in the lodge.
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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
@aligiaudrone
Travel just 30 miles east of Portland to this deep canyon forged by the Columbia River that’s home to gorgeous waterfalls, epic vistas and seemingly endless options for outdoor recreation.
Crown Point offers jaw-dropping views from this 100-year-old observatory. Hood River is known for microbrews and served as a jump-off point to the Columbia River, one of the most famous kiteboarding and windsurfing locations in the US.
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Multnomah Falls
@aligiaudrone
Well worth a short day trip to hike the highest waterfall in Oregon, the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation, with a combined cascade drop of 620 feet.
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Crown Point State Scenic Corridor
@aligiaudrone
The crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, this century-old observatory, rest stop and museum, only 25 miles from downtown Portland, offers epic views as a beacon for Oregon’s founding history.
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St. Johns Bridge
@aligiaudrone
The iconic St John’s Bridge spans the Willamette River north of downtown Portland.
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Forest Park
@aligiaudrone
With 80 miles of forest trails, fire lanes, and roads, 5200 acres stretch 7 miles through the Tualatin Mountains along the eastern slope that overlooks Northwest Portland at the convergence of the Willamette and the Columbia Rivers.
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Oregon Coast
Astoria
@aligiaudrone
A coastal town at the wide mouth of the Columbia River as it spills into the Pacific Ocean
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Cannon Beach
@aligiaudrone
Watch the sunset beyond picturesque Haystack Rock in this beach town with a laid-back, artsy vibe.
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Depoe Bay
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Whale-watch twice a year to spot 18,000 whales that migrate along this coastal stretch.
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EAT + DRINK
Local
Cafe Du Berry
@aligiaudrone
A favorite spot for breakfast, served everyday, and four nights a week they offer delicious French-inspired dinner options.
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Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery: Restaurant & Bar
@aligiaudrone
Fun, local dive bar to hang out and play pool
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Downtown
Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town
@aligiaudrone
As the original, I feel compelled to include this well-known colorful, quirky, creative donut shop.
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Barista
@aligiaudrone
Coffee and pastries with a laidback vibe — look for the other locations at NW 23rd Ave and NE Alberta St.
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Higgins
@aligiaudrone
A pioneer in the movement to feature fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, opened in 1994 by Greg Higgins, James Beard award-winning chef
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Jake's Famous Crawfish
@aligiaudrone
Opened in 1892, this Portland landmark is considered one of the nation's top seafood restaurants.
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Oven and Shaker
@aligiaudrone
The imported Milanese wood-burning oven 'unites tradition and creativity' in Neapolitan pizza and Italian street food, while the bar serves memorable beverages with 'only the finest spirits, daily-pressed juices, and large format ice cubes' along with local beers and acclaimed old world wines.
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Eleni's Philoxenia
@aligiaudrone
Modern gourmet Cretan cuisine — that's from the Greek island of Crete — a healthy Mediterranean cooking heritage favoring organic vegetables and all-natural meats.
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Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
@aligiaudrone
No trip to Portland is complete without a stop at the Deschutes Brewery Pub for a Black Butte Porter, Terminator Stout, or Mirror Pond Pale Ale.
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Huber's Cafe
@aligiaudrone
Portland's oldest restaurant opened in 1879 and is best known for its flaming display upon serving a Spanish coffee.
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Lake Oswego
Some may call this sophisticated city to the south a bit bougie, known for fabulous high-end retailers and lake-side estates, though you'll also find some hidden haunts and places to chill by the lake.
St. Honoré Bakery Lake Oswego
@aligiaudrone
French bakery and cafe with quiche, sandwiches, and salads—and of course coffee and baked goods
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Pizzeria sul Lago
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Italian wine and rustic, wood-fired pizza in a casual-chic setting with lake view patio seating
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Willamette Valley Vineyards - Lake Oswego
@aligiaudrone
Pacific Northwest cuisine with a tasting room for its sustainable wines, a trellis patio with outdoor fire pit
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West Linn + Oregon City
South on the Willamette River, these cities face each other from opposite riverbanks, both with revitalized old towns.
Bugatti's Ristorante
@aligiaudrone
Elevated Italian food most similar to the light, fresh, intensely-flavored dishes found in Italy
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Singer Hill Cafe
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The Hive Social
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Focused on housemade, farm-sourced, and artisanal ingredients in its seasonal dishes
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Stone Cliff Inn
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Sellwood
Antique stores and collectibles line up among jewelry and clothing boutiques in this nearby neighborhood across the river.
Jade Teahouse
@aligiaudrone
My favorite Asian: a Thai/Vietnamese fusion with fresh veggies, Thai iced tea, Vietnamese coffee, and Parisienne (Vietnamese) pastries
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Reverend's BBQ
@aligiaudrone
Welcoming, contemporary space to dig into some fried chicken and smoked meats with a tap beer
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Papa Haydn
@aligiaudrone
Great food. Epic desserts. This is the original location but they also have one on NW 23rd.
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East Side
The up-and-coming have arrived on the East Side.
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Ruthie's
@aligiaudrone
Health-focused food cart in the courtyard behind Someday bar with wood-fired seasonal dishes.
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Le Pigeon
@aligiaudrone
Enjoy a modern dining experience from the creative French-inspired tasting menus at the bar or communal tables in a cozy atmosphere from James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker.
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Canard
@aligiaudrone
James Beard Award-winning chef's bar and restaurant next door to its more formal sister Le Pigeon
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Hey Love
@aligiaudrone
Cocktails in a tropical modern setting in the Jupiter NEXT Hotel, this restaurant and bar is open every afternoon into the night and brunch is served here on the weekends.
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Stammtisch
@aligiaudrone
Cozy German pub with some "serious German food" as deemed by Lonely Planet that also recommends the meat-filled dumplings called Schwäbische Maultaschen from southwestern Germany. Also try the Jägerschnitzel topped with mushroom gravy and served with red cabbage.
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Metropolitan Tavern
@aligiaudrone
Crafted cocktails with inventive small plates, artisanal pizza, and elevated bar entrees in a casual modern setting
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North Portland
Mississippi Ave in particular is lined with breweries—a great place for a pub crawl.
Lovely's Fifty Fifty
@aligiaudrone
Wood-fired pizza with seasonal (sometimes unusual) toppings and housemade ice cream
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Prost!
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Warm German pub offering traditionally served sausages, pretzels and imported German bier in a friendly, communal atmosphere
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Mississippi Studios
@aligiaudrone
Live music in a restored church. Burgers and booze in an adjacent bar.
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Beyond the Center
Multnomah Falls Lodge
@aligiaudrone
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McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub
@aligiaudrone
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FOLLOW ME
Be sure to tag @amginspired in your Instagram photos.
* * *
CURATED BY
Ali Giaudrone
Experience Architecture | Food | Culture
The creator of AMG inspired brings you Inspired Guides. Dive deep with a designer and avid traveler into places of the world. My intention is to inspire others with the unique beauty and food of each place I discover in my travels and research. Let my stories and photos spark your own journey.
BACKGROUND
🏛️✍🏼📷🥘✈️
Architectural Designer | Writer | Photographer | Travel Creative
My travel and work experience in architectural design and hospitality have deepened my appreciation for detail and quality. I built AMG Inspired to create quality architecture and support sustainable tourism, defined as “tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment.”
As a global citizen and lover of architecture, food, language, and heritage, I strive to expand my creativity and encourage an open mind and heart. I hope you'll join my journey.
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Insider Guides: Portland, Oregon
Ali Giaudrone
I created this guide for the Airbnb "Hillside Getaway" (link below) with food and outdoor enthusiasts in mind and those wanting to experience the cultural side of Portland.
Although my childhood hometown has changed a lot over the years, Portland is still the vibrant, artsy, cultured city I've always known. The "Rose City" has so much to offer—a great food and music scene, the outdoors, and an independent spirit—surrounded by forests and set between two rivers, the peaks of the Cascades, and the Pacific Ocean. This environmentally conscious city has a good rail system with miles of bike paths and walking trails.
Virtual explorers and trip planners alike, explore Portland with this interactive guide. Check out what to SEE + DO, places to DRIVE + RIDE, and where to EAT + DRINK around this river city in the northwestern corner of Oregon.
This list is far from exhausted and will continue to expand. Click places and links to learn more.
90 Places • 5 Saves • ago
Free
CONTENTS
ABOUT
Basics
When to Go
COME + GO
Air + Rail
STAY + REST
Your AirBnb
SEE + DO
The Heart of Portland
Washington Park
4T Trail
RIDE + DRIVE
Bike Tour
Parks
Springwater Trail Corridor Loop
Rivers + Mountains
Oregon Coast
EAT + DRINK
Local
Downtown
Lake Oswego
West Linn + Oregon City
Sellwood
East Side
North Portland
Beyond the Center
FOLLOW ME
ABOUT
Basics
🇺🇸 US State and Region: Oregon in the Pacific Northwest
💬 Language: English
💵 Currency: Dollar $
🪙 Tips: 15–20% in restaurants
✈️ Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX)
🚆 Train stations: Union Station (Old Town)
🚊 Light rail/Tram/Bus: MAX light rail, Streetcar trolley and TriMet bus
🚲 Bikes: popular forms of transportation, a very bike-friendly city with many designated lanes, paths and trails
🚶🏽Walkable: sidewalks in neighborhoods, paths to hike
When to Go
☀️ Ideal July-October
Sunny and warm summers can last but may be hot in August
🌺 Blooming & Wet March – June
Mild spring temperatures, often cloudy and rainy at times
🍂 Blustery November – December
Starts to cool significantly at the end of October, windy late fall
❄️ Cold January – February
Rainy, cold, some winter snow/ice, best for skiing/snowboarding
COME + GO
Air + Rail
Portland International Airport
@aligiaudrone
Located along the Columbia River, either take the convenient MAX light rail into Portland or rent a car.
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Portland Union Station
@aligiaudrone
Iconic, centrally-located train station on the Willamette River for those coming via Amtrak
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STAY + REST
Your AirBnb
SEE + DO
The Heart of Portland
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Willamette Park
@aligiaudrone
The park provides trails to bike and hike along with river access for boats, paddleboards, and kayaks.
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Tilikum Crossing Bridge
@aligiaudrone
Tilicum means 'Bridge of the People' in the local Native Chinook language. The span offers a pair of wide paths for both pedestrians and cyclists with only bus- and lightrail-access to link the city’s South Waterfront at OHSU and the Aerial Tram with the burgeoning Central Eastside at OMSI and the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
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OMSI
@aligiaudrone
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is worth the time. Be sure to check out its Planetarium too.
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Portland Spirit Salmon Springs Dock
@aligiaudrone
Cruise and dine for lunch or dinner with a scenic view of downtown and up the Willamette River on the Portland Spirit while you learn about the city's landmarks.
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Waterfront Park Trail
@aligiaudrone
Enjoy the city view at this riverfront greenbelt which features public art, historical monuments, paved paths, and a fountain.
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Portland Saturday Market
@aligiaudrone
A Portland institution, this outdoor weekend arts-and-crafts market is the largest continually operating in the US that offers tons of food choices and gives visitors a unique opportunity to meet the artists.
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Lan Su Chinese Garden
@aligiaudrone
Located in Old Town Chinatown, 'the mission of Lan Su Chinese Garden is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage, and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.'
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Union Station
@aligiaudrone
A historic landmark next to the river with a direct view of the Broadway Bridge and an iconic in-house restaurant, Wilf's.
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Northwest / Pearl District
@aligiaudrone
Fashionable and lively with indie boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, craft breweries, and artisan coffee shops in reclaimed warehouse space.
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Powell's City of Books
@aligiaudrone
Since 1971, this iconic bookstore has sold new and used books for over 50 years, today with a giftshop and cafe.
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Northwest / Nob Hill
@aligiaudrone
Northwest District with brand stores, vintage shops, local designers, stylish bistros, and gourmet restaurants found primarily along 23rd Ave.
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RH Portland | The Gallery in the Historic Alphabet District
@aligiaudrone
This Restoration Hardware Concept Store is an experience in itself but is also located in the heart of Northwest Portland's shopping and food district.
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Pittock Mansion
@aligiaudrone
Historic mansion museum built in 1914 with stunning grounds and city vista surrounded by the woods of the Wildwood Trail.
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Washington Park
Washington Park
@aligiaudrone
Among Portland's signature park are gardens, memorials, the iconic World Forestry Center, Oregon Zoo (see 4T trail below), Rose Test Gardens, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Forest Park wilderness. The Wildwood Trails starts here and stretches for 30 miles.
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International Rose Test Garden
@aligiaudrone
The country’s oldest rose test garden features more than 10,000 roses with views of the skyline and the Cascades
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Portland Japanese Garden
@aligiaudrone
Touted as the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, the 5-1/2 acres includes 8 unique gardenscapes, an authentic Japanese tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a exquisite view of Mount Hood.
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Hoyt Arboretum
@aligiaudrone
Founded in 1928 and home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents
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World Forestry Center
@aligiaudrone
The museum is dedicated to educating people about the importance of trees and forests worldwide with a first-floor focus on forests of the Pacific Northwest.
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4T Trail
Pick up a required all-day TriMet pass to complete the trail loop of 4Ts: Train, Trail, Tram, Trolley.
Train
Take the red or blue MAX line from Pioneer Square to the Oregon Zoo.
Pioneer Square
@aligiaudrone
'Known locally as Portland’s “living room,” this public space hosts hundreds of events every year. The square features a waterfall fountain, two brick amphitheaters, two iconic statues and popular food carts at lunchtime.'
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Oregon Zoo
@aligiaudrone
Just minutes from downtown, it's the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi with a nostalgic train and over 2600 animals in exhibits of the Great Northwest, Pacific Shores, Polar Passage, Discovery Zone (with butterflies), Primate Forest, (Asian) Elephant Lands, and Africa.
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Trail
Hike to Council Crest on the well-maintained Marquam Trail.
Council Crest Park
@aligiaudrone
'At 1,073 feet above sea level, Council Crest is the highest point in Portland. From the top of the hill visitors can see five mountains in the Cascade Range: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson and Mount Rainier.'
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Upper Tram Terminal at OHSU
@aligiaudrone
Aerial tram at the Oregon Health & Science University with a hospital and the Doernbecher Children's Hospital
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Tram
On a clear day catch views of Mount Hood beyond the Willamette River (pronounce: will-AM-met) and Portland's east side.
Portland Aerial Tram - Lower Terminal
@aligiaudrone
'The Portland Aerial Tram’s cabins rise 500 feet at 22 miles per hour for the three-minute trip from the South Waterfront to Oregon Health & Science University’s main campus, offering views of downtown, the Willamette River and the mountains.'
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Trolley
Board the Portland Streetcar back to the beginning at Pioneer Square or stop off for some enrichment at the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Historical Society.
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Oregon Historical Society
@aligiaudrone
Gain insight into state history, art, and more in well-designed rotating exhibits.
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Details
RIDE + DRIVE
Bike Tour
Parks
Laurelhurst Park
@aligiaudrone
Surrounding a scenic lake with a picnic area, playground, off-leash dog space, horseshoe pit, and basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, Laurelhurst Park was the first city park named to the National Register of Historic Places.
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Rocky Butte
@aligiaudrone
An extinct volcanic cinder cone with great views of Portland and the Cascade Range with hiking and rock climbing areas.
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Details
Springwater Trail Corridor Loop
Springwater Corridor Trail
@aligiaudrone
Wide path designed to accommodate walkers, joggers, hikers, bicycles, wheelchairs and even horses
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Details
Rivers + Mountains
Mount Hood Timberline Lodge
@aligiaudrone
Firstly, the views from here on a clear day are spectacular: panoramic views of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south (Mount Adams and Mount St Helen's to the north). As the name denotes, it's at the timberline with a view to the peak of Mount Hood above.
We also recommend skiing or snowboarding the resort's slopes with dinner at the restaurant and an overnight stay in the lodge.
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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
@aligiaudrone
Travel just 30 miles east of Portland to this deep canyon forged by the Columbia River that’s home to gorgeous waterfalls, epic vistas and seemingly endless options for outdoor recreation.
Crown Point offers jaw-dropping views from this 100-year-old observatory. Hood River is known for microbrews and served as a jump-off point to the Columbia River, one of the most famous kiteboarding and windsurfing locations in the US.
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Multnomah Falls
@aligiaudrone
Well worth a short day trip to hike the highest waterfall in Oregon, the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation, with a combined cascade drop of 620 feet.
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Crown Point State Scenic Corridor
@aligiaudrone
The crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, this century-old observatory, rest stop and museum, only 25 miles from downtown Portland, offers epic views as a beacon for Oregon’s founding history.
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St. Johns Bridge
@aligiaudrone
The iconic St John’s Bridge spans the Willamette River north of downtown Portland.
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Forest Park
@aligiaudrone
With 80 miles of forest trails, fire lanes, and roads, 5200 acres stretch 7 miles through the Tualatin Mountains along the eastern slope that overlooks Northwest Portland at the convergence of the Willamette and the Columbia Rivers.
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Oregon Coast
Astoria
@aligiaudrone
A coastal town at the wide mouth of the Columbia River as it spills into the Pacific Ocean
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Cannon Beach
@aligiaudrone
Watch the sunset beyond picturesque Haystack Rock in this beach town with a laid-back, artsy vibe.
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Depoe Bay
@aligiaudrone
Whale-watch twice a year to spot 18,000 whales that migrate along this coastal stretch.
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EAT + DRINK
Local
Cafe Du Berry
@aligiaudrone
A favorite spot for breakfast, served everyday, and four nights a week they offer delicious French-inspired dinner options.
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Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery: Restaurant & Bar
@aligiaudrone
Fun, local dive bar to hang out and play pool
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Downtown
Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town
@aligiaudrone
As the original, I feel compelled to include this well-known colorful, quirky, creative donut shop.
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Barista
@aligiaudrone
Coffee and pastries with a laidback vibe — look for the other locations at NW 23rd Ave and NE Alberta St.
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Higgins
@aligiaudrone
A pioneer in the movement to feature fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, opened in 1994 by Greg Higgins, James Beard award-winning chef
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Jake's Famous Crawfish
@aligiaudrone
Opened in 1892, this Portland landmark is considered one of the nation's top seafood restaurants.
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Oven and Shaker
@aligiaudrone
The imported Milanese wood-burning oven 'unites tradition and creativity' in Neapolitan pizza and Italian street food, while the bar serves memorable beverages with 'only the finest spirits, daily-pressed juices, and large format ice cubes' along with local beers and acclaimed old world wines.
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Eleni's Philoxenia
@aligiaudrone
Modern gourmet Cretan cuisine — that's from the Greek island of Crete — a healthy Mediterranean cooking heritage favoring organic vegetables and all-natural meats.
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Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
@aligiaudrone
No trip to Portland is complete without a stop at the Deschutes Brewery Pub for a Black Butte Porter, Terminator Stout, or Mirror Pond Pale Ale.
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Huber's Cafe
@aligiaudrone
Portland's oldest restaurant opened in 1879 and is best known for its flaming display upon serving a Spanish coffee.
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Lake Oswego
Some may call this sophisticated city to the south a bit bougie, known for fabulous high-end retailers and lake-side estates, though you'll also find some hidden haunts and places to chill by the lake.
St. Honoré Bakery Lake Oswego
@aligiaudrone
French bakery and cafe with quiche, sandwiches, and salads—and of course coffee and baked goods
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Pizzeria sul Lago
@aligiaudrone
Italian wine and rustic, wood-fired pizza in a casual-chic setting with lake view patio seating
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Willamette Valley Vineyards - Lake Oswego
@aligiaudrone
Pacific Northwest cuisine with a tasting room for its sustainable wines, a trellis patio with outdoor fire pit
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West Linn + Oregon City
South on the Willamette River, these cities face each other from opposite riverbanks, both with revitalized old towns.
Bugatti's Ristorante
@aligiaudrone
Elevated Italian food most similar to the light, fresh, intensely-flavored dishes found in Italy
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Singer Hill Cafe
@aligiaudrone
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The Hive Social
@aligiaudrone
Focused on housemade, farm-sourced, and artisanal ingredients in its seasonal dishes
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Stone Cliff Inn
@aligiaudrone
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Sellwood
Antique stores and collectibles line up among jewelry and clothing boutiques in this nearby neighborhood across the river.
Jade Teahouse
@aligiaudrone
My favorite Asian: a Thai/Vietnamese fusion with fresh veggies, Thai iced tea, Vietnamese coffee, and Parisienne (Vietnamese) pastries
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Reverend's BBQ
@aligiaudrone
Welcoming, contemporary space to dig into some fried chicken and smoked meats with a tap beer
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Papa Haydn
@aligiaudrone
Great food. Epic desserts. This is the original location but they also have one on NW 23rd.
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East Side
The up-and-coming have arrived on the East Side.
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Ruthie's
@aligiaudrone
Health-focused food cart in the courtyard behind Someday bar with wood-fired seasonal dishes.
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Le Pigeon
@aligiaudrone
Enjoy a modern dining experience from the creative French-inspired tasting menus at the bar or communal tables in a cozy atmosphere from James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker.
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Canard
@aligiaudrone
James Beard Award-winning chef's bar and restaurant next door to its more formal sister Le Pigeon
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Hey Love
@aligiaudrone
Cocktails in a tropical modern setting in the Jupiter NEXT Hotel, this restaurant and bar is open every afternoon into the night and brunch is served here on the weekends.
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Stammtisch
@aligiaudrone
Cozy German pub with some "serious German food" as deemed by Lonely Planet that also recommends the meat-filled dumplings called Schwäbische Maultaschen from southwestern Germany. Also try the Jägerschnitzel topped with mushroom gravy and served with red cabbage.
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Metropolitan Tavern
@aligiaudrone
Crafted cocktails with inventive small plates, artisanal pizza, and elevated bar entrees in a casual modern setting
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North Portland
Mississippi Ave in particular is lined with breweries—a great place for a pub crawl.
Lovely's Fifty Fifty
@aligiaudrone
Wood-fired pizza with seasonal (sometimes unusual) toppings and housemade ice cream
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Prost!
@aligiaudrone
Warm German pub offering traditionally served sausages, pretzels and imported German bier in a friendly, communal atmosphere
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Mississippi Studios
@aligiaudrone
Live music in a restored church. Burgers and booze in an adjacent bar.
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Beyond the Center
Multnomah Falls Lodge
@aligiaudrone
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McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub
@aligiaudrone
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* * *
CURATED BY
Ali Giaudrone
Experience Architecture | Food | Culture
The creator of AMG inspired brings you Inspired Guides. Dive deep with a designer and avid traveler into places of the world. My intention is to inspire others with the unique beauty and food of each place I discover in my travels and research. Let my stories and photos spark your own journey.
BACKGROUND
🏛️✍🏼📷🥘✈️
Architectural Designer | Writer | Photographer | Travel Creative
My travel and work experience in architectural design and hospitality have deepened my appreciation for detail and quality. I built AMG Inspired to create quality architecture and support sustainable tourism, defined as “tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment.”
As a global citizen and lover of architecture, food, language, and heritage, I strive to expand my creativity and encourage an open mind and heart. I hope you'll join my journey.
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