Best Things to Do In Portland

Southeast Portland’s premier late-night food cart roundup. Chicken & Guns and Pyro Pizza are consistent local faves.

Grab Indian fusion from Desi PDX or BBQ from Matt’s, then enjoy it with a half-liter of Kölsch or Weissbier and a soccer match on Prost!’s inviting patio.

UPDATE: As of November 1, 2020, Pok Pok is officially closed for good according to a Facebook post from owner Andy Ricker.

Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States with more than 80 miles of hiking trails. It’s an in-town getaway for hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers and trail runners. Nestled among the lush ferns and moss is Pittock Mansion, a Renaissance-style chateau built by the Portland publisher Henry Pittock.

Follow the Columbia River east and you’ll find several waterfalls worth chasing. The tallest and most popular is Multnomah Falls, but you should also stop at Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil, Shepperd’s Dell and Latourell Falls — all stunning waterfalls in the same proximity. 

If you fly into PDX or drive east on 84 you can’t miss Mt. Hood’s snow-capped peak standing over the city. Just more than two hours from downtown Portland, this is the perfect day trip for trail-hungry hikers. Mountaineers can go for the summit, but the foothills offer plenty of moderate trails with stunning views of the peak. Or just drive the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway to take in its majesty from the road.

This is the place for hazy IPAs and barrel-aged sours. And check out the fish tacos. (There’s a few locations)

Exceptional German-style beers in the industrial district. Definitely try the “Twin Peaks”-inspired Black Lodge sandwich. 

Specializes in small-batch, farmhouse-style ales on tap and by the bottle. 

Repurposed from a midcentury motor inn, The Jupiter connects its guests directly to Portland’s music and art scenes with an in-house gallery and a live music venue (the Doug Fir Lounge) on the same property.

Also see:

The Jupiter

It’s a converted elementary school that contains multiple bars and restaurants, a movie theater and a soaking pool. 

Also see:

McMenamins Kennedy School Hotel

A northeast Portland spot that’s unpretentious and intimate with great acoustics and plenty of up-and-coming talent. They’ve got local beers on tap and the adjacent Bar Bar has great burgers.

The Crystal Ballroom, renovated out of the historic Coalition Hall, hosts bigger acts (including Oregon bands like Everclear and The Decemberists). But the most interesting part? The floor bounces. 

Powell’s is the world’s largest independent bookstore, with five stories of new and used books at their downtown Portland location. They often host cool readings and book signings with bestselling authors, so check their schedule before you go. 

Classic comfort donuts like Long Johns, fritters and old fashioneds. Simple but effective, and perfect with some black coffee. 

They’re not afraid to experiment with flavors — like their blueberry bourbon basil, orange olive oil, or passionfruit cocoa nib donuts.

Trickling water. A breeze through the pagoda. Koi fish circling. The Portland Japanese Garden might be a common tourist spot, but it still exudes peace. Trek to Washington Park to visit and you’ll find cascading ponds, manicured bonsai trees, an authentic teahouse and traditional Japanese architecture.

It’s across the street from the Japanese Garden and houses 650 rose varieties (there’s a reason for the “Rose City” nickname).

This NE Portland neighborhood is all of the city’s culture, taste and yes, weirdness in a microcosm. Here, business owners and young hipsters mingle at some of the coolest bars and coffee shops around. You’ll likely find a line around the corner for Salt & Straw ice cream (but it’s worth it), and locals sipping sake at Zilla Sake House or mezcal at Teote Mezcaleria. Plus, Alberta houses boutiques selling local goods, art galleries showcasing local artists and makerspaces where anyone can dive into DIY crafts.

The Pearl District is a hot spot for trendy restaurants and repurposed warehouse spaces. And on the first Thursday of every month, it hosts one of the city’s most lively art celebrations. Artists and dealers gather here to showcase and sell their work. Galleries stay open late with live music, free wine and snacks. 

They make all kinds of liquor, but specialize in vodkas and gins. Feeling bold? Try the Hot Monkey Vodka, which is made with hot peppers.

Now partially owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, their Aviation American Gin put them on the craft distilling map.

Don’t miss their whiskey that’s infused with marionberry, a type of blackberry first cultivated at Oregon State University.