Places to visit in Portland

89 people recommend, 12 warn against itvia r/askportland, r/oregon, r/Portland

Visitors praise the Portland Japanese Garden as one of the finest of its kind outside Japan, and several value its quiet, calm atmosphere. Several say it is the better choice than the Chinese garden for a nature-minded visit, and one who toured gardens in Japan found it remarkably authentic. The uphill approach from the entrance is hard going for some: several visitors flag it, one with older relatives. One visitor says summer tourist crowds can dull the calm, and one finds admission high enough that they rarely go.

85 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/askportland, r/Portland

Visitors recommend Mount Tabor Park on Portland's east side as a natural spot with city views, and several suggest it for a picnic, while a couple suggest a sunset climb to the top and one suggests a walk above the reservoir. Visitors praise the off-leash dog park, one for how big it feels. Many name it among the city's best parks, and a few suggest it as an alternative to Forest Park. Caveats are small: one visitor says it can get busy on nice days, and one says the stairs are a barrier for limited mobility unless visitors drive up.

61 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Portland, r/askportland, r/oregon

Visitors recommend Lan Su Chinese Garden, a small garden in Old Town Chinatown close to downtown. Several praise the tea house and tea service, several call it a calm oasis or respite in the middle of the city, and a few say it is lovely in the rain under its covered walkways. Several find it easier to get around than the Japanese Garden, being flatter and better for wheelchairs and older relatives. Two visitors enjoyed the guided tour, and a few note frequent exhibits and cultural events. Many find it small, and one finds it less than expected for the size of the grounds.

60 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/Portland, r/askportland

Forest Park is a large urban forest in Portland that visitors recommend, and many suggest it for hiking and walking among the trees. Two point to its fire roads for steep hill workouts and runs, and one suggests it for more demanding hikes in wilder surroundings. One visitor notes it is easy to reach on foot or by transit from the garden area. The downsides: several visitors say off-leash dogs are a problem on the trails, and one says invasive plants such as ivy need more volunteer help.

49 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askportland, r/oregon

Visitors widely list Powell's Books as a must-visit on a Portland trip, and several call it an obvious first stop. A few visitors mention the rare book room, one as the highlight and another saying people often overlook it. One suggests the Burnside flagship rather than the Hawthorne branch, and another recommends the book talks held there. A few visitors say it works well with children. One visitor argues it is more distinctive than the zoo, while another advises skipping it since the city has many independent bookstores.

44 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, right beside the Japanese Garden, and many pair it with the Japanese Garden, the zoo or the arboretum. Visitors call it beautiful and several say it is free to enter, and a few say the city views from it are decent, though one notes you need to step out of the car to see them. One visitor warns the roses probably will not bloom until late May. One visitor finds it noticeably busier than Peninsula Park.

41 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Portland, r/askportland

Visitors recommend Pittock Mansion, mainly for the view over the city, and many describe the walk up as a worthwhile hike. Visitors note the grounds are free to walk, and several picnic or sit on the lawn. Several suggest hiking up from Lower Macleay Park, and one from Hoyt Arboretum; several call the climb steep or substantial and one notes the route is out-and-back. One visitor says the interior is well worth going in, while two mention tourist crowds.

41 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askportland, r/Portland

Visitors recommend Hoyt Arboretum for its many trails, from brief walking routes to looping hikes that are not very strenuous, and some note it is free. Several single out the redwood grove, a short hike from the visitor center, and others use the arboretum as the start of a hike up to Pittock Mansion. Visitors also mention bird watching and learning programs. Two visitors say the redwoods are not especially big, one comparing them unfavorably with Pier Park, and one finds the beds around the trees weedy and one says parking needs planning.

37 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend Hopscotch, an interactive, immersive art exhibit, and many say it suits children and teens; several call it fun. One suggests it as a rainy-day option and another as a date idea, and two recommend booking tickets ahead, one noting weekends get busy. One visitor says going after 7 pm means fewer children. A few visitors were let down, one finding many installations malfunctioning and not worth it and another saying it looks better in photos.

33 people recommendvia r/askportland, r/Portland

Visitors recommend St. Johns Bridge, and many name it their favorite bridge in Portland. Several praise the views, with a couple noting that mountains show on clear days, and several call it beautiful or elegant. A few visitors say it is best appreciated from Cathedral Park below, and one says it never disappoints in any season. One suggests crossing it, and visitors suggest bringing out-of-town guests to see it.

33 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askportland, r/oregon, r/Portland

Visitors recommend Washington Park, the park that holds the Japanese Garden, a rose garden, the Oregon Zoo and the arboretum, and a couple say the whole park is worth a long visit rather than just one part. Visitors suggest walks and hikes on its trails, and a shuttle makes it easy to reach without a car, with one noting a MAX light rail station. One visitor would rather private cars were kept out of the park.

31 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/Portland, r/askportland

Visitors recommend the Portland Art Museum and list it among things to do in the city, including on a rainy day. Recent visitors liked the newer building and the recently opened gallery area, and one praises an immersive film installation; another recalls stumbling on the Monet waterlilies. Several mention ways to visit for less, such as a free first Thursday of the month and library passes. Earlier visitors mostly complain that construction left only part of the museum open, and several say admission felt steep for what was open. One visitor warns construction may not be finished by a visit.

30 people recommendvia r/askportland, r/oregon, r/Portland

Visitors widely recommend Council Crest Park, mainly for the views from the top. Several mention mountain views toward Mount Hood and other peaks on clear days, one suggests it for sunset, a couple mention picnics, and several offer it as an overlook stop; two note an echo effect when speaking in the circle. Some come by car and others climb up from nearby trails, though one visitor notes the final approach involves stairs and steep blocks.

30 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askportland, r/Portland

Visitors recommend Peninsula Park, and many single out its rose garden, which a couple call an underrated gem. Several call the park beautiful or calm, and a couple say it is seldom crowded, though one says parking limits how many people can visit. A few mention dates or strolls there, one dreams of marrying in its gazebo, and a couple praise the volunteers who care for the roses. One visitor says the big fountain in the rose garden does not run reliably, and another hopes it runs again soon.

22 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askportland, r/oregon

Visitors recommend the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in the Eastmoreland area, and several call it beautiful, particularly while the rhododendrons bloom. One visitor mentions boardwalks, another benches to rest on, and a couple mention the ducks. One visitor says parking is hard to find, in the small lot and nearby streets, though another says it is worth the hassle. Visitors disagree about whether a free-entry day still runs.

21 people recommendvia r/askportland, r/oregon

Visitors recommend the Hollywood Theatre, an independent cinema, especially for film fans. Several say it hosts special screenings and events, such as a Kung Fu Theatre series and vintage horror showings, and one saw a film on 70mm and found it beautiful. One visitor says it is always busy with something on its calendar, and one suggests seeing its sign at night. One visitor who loves it tries to keep films there under two hours, and another says its surroundings are less walkable than another neighborhood.

21 people recommendvia r/askportland, r/oregon, r/Portland

Visitors recommend Cathedral Park, in St. Johns beneath the St. Johns Bridge, and a couple say it is their favorite park in the city. Several single out the views of the bridge and the river, and one suggests a walk or picnic, while another always stops there with out-of-town guests. One visitor likes to pick up food and eat by the river, and one points to a jazz event held there. Another visitor noted the park looked less polished during construction, though still lovely.

19 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Portland, r/askportland

Visitors recommend Laurelhurst Park, and one praises its beautiful trees and architecture and calls it a nice walk near good neighborhoods. Several point to summer events in the park, including Friday comedy nights and Thursday concerts, though one says the concert series may have ended; others suggest a walk, a picnic or pickleball. Visitors disagree about workout gear: one says it lacks bodyweight equipment, another is pretty sure there are chin-up and dip bars, though not placed together, and one could not find the equipment they had heard about.

19 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Portland, r/askportland

Visitors recommend Powell Butte Nature Park for its mountain views, with several saying it is best on clear days, and a concrete mountain-finder ring at the summit points out the peaks. One visitor describes an easy hike with woodsy entry points, and another open meadows that are lovely at sunset; one says seating is limited. One says the parking lot has no view. Several visitors advise checking yourself and pets for ticks after a visit, and one notes it is a bit of a drive out.

16 people recommendvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend the Oregon Historical Society, which sits close to the Portland Art Museum, and a couple call its exhibits excellent or a hidden gem. One visitor recommends the research floor and one suggests attending its lectures. One says its exhibits could interest newcomers to the region, and one urges people not to skip this history museum.

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askportland, r/oregon

Visitors recommend The Grotto, a rock-cave shrine and gardens, and several call it beautiful. Visitors single out the upper gardens and their views, reached by elevator, and the upstairs chapel; two suggest going at Christmas for the decorations. One visitor says much of it is accessible, with benches throughout, and another says the lower area is small while the upper gardens mean more walking. One visitor finds it too heavily religious in feel, while another says it appeals even to non-religious visitors.

14 people recommendvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend Oaks Park, and many single out its roller skating rink, with one noting open-skate sessions and another the spring reopening of the season. Several suggest it for children or teens, and one calls it a compact, fun amusement spot worth an afternoon for kids who like rides. The beach by the river is listed among good river spots, though one longtime visitor says unleashed dogs make it very crowded.

14 people recommendvia r/Portland, r/askportland, r/oregon

Visitors recommend Leach Botanical Garden, and a few call it beautiful, a hidden gem or a small oasis away from busy east-side life. One visitor usually has it nearly to themselves on weekdays, and one who visited with kids says they enjoyed the hands-on activities and the raised boardwalk. One suggests it as one of the smaller gardens to visit, another adds it alongside the Japanese Garden, and one calls it a pleasant outing of a couple of hours, and one notes an access option for people with limited means.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Portland, r/askportland

Visitors recommend the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park, and visitors list it with the Japanese Garden and the Rose Test Garden as part of a day there. One visitor praises its spacious elephant area, another says the habitats look natural and the animals seem well cared for, and a third finds the grounds pleasant to stroll, though not the largest or most varied zoo. One notes a light rail ride gets you there, and another that wheelchairs and scooters can be rented. One visitor opposes the zoo's elephant program on welfare grounds.

13 people recommendvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend Lone Fir Cemetery as a walk through its old, historic grounds in southeast Portland, and several point to interesting headstones, including a Scrabble-tile headstone. Visitors recommend the guided tours, including spooky-season tours run by its friends group, and one calls the weekend tours excellent. One visitor describes it as spooky and gorgeous when the weather allows, with an easy, level route, and others name it among spooky ideas.

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend the Peculiarium as an offbeat oddities museum in Northwest Portland, and many list it with other odd or spooky spots; many simply name it as a top pick for oddities. One visitor calls it an enjoyable visit and another notes it displays work by a Gremlins puppet maker. One visitor finds it a good spot for photos but doubts it is worth the entry, and another was unimpressed, describing mostly dusty, aging collectibles on shelves.

13 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend Lower Macleay Park mainly as the starting point for the hike up to Pittock Mansion; a few call it a good place for beginners, one notes it is a long jaunt for typical walkers and another that it is out-and-back, and others call it a steady climb. One visitor calls it a fantastic trail with lovely scenery, and a few recommend it for runners and hill workouts. Two visitors warn about off-leash dogs on a trail meant to be on-leash, especially in good weather, while one says they see few dogs there.

11 people recommendvia r/askportland

Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a forested park that visitors recommend for walks on its trails. One visitor says it has little elevation change, another mentions gentle grades in places and benches to rest on, and the visitor center has maps for choosing easier routes. One visitor notes off-leash dogs are not allowed there. One visitor who praises the park finds parking a drawback.

11 people recommendvia r/askportland, r/Portland

Visitors recommend Ground Kontrol, an arcade with pinball, for an evening out. One tentatively suggests it for a rainy day; one suggests it as a date or something to do together, and one recommends its unlimited-play days. One points to its event calendar, including karaoke nights and competitions, and one lists it as a late-night option. One visitor notes it also serves drinks.

10 people recommendvia r/askportland, r/Portland, r/oregon

Visitors recommend Pier Park in St. Johns for its large, wooded setting and trails, and one wonders why more people do not visit. Visitors point to its big trees, with one calling it their favorite way to see big trees, and a few praise the disc golf course. One visitor says the terrain is fairly flat, and another says it is not as big as Forest Park.

10 people recommendvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend The Skeleton Key Odditorium as a Portland stop for oddities, and one gives it as a direct answer when asked about weird places to visit. One visitor who has been says they really enjoyed it, and another says walking through its museum is very fun. Other visitors name it alongside similar odd stops or share its website without further detail.

9 people recommendvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend the Eastbank Esplanade for walking and biking along the Willamette, and a couple call it scenic or a great viewing spot. One suggests it late at night to feel the city, and one reports DJ or band shows under the bridge. Parking is mixed: one visitor says it is harder, while another has never had trouble.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend the Witch's Castle, a former ranger station on the Macleay Trail in Forest Park, and several describe it as spooky or haunted, a fitting stop for the spooky season. Several suggest hiking up to it, one saying they do not think the trip is very daunting. One visitor suggests casting spells there for fun, while another says it now feels sad.

7 people recommendvia r/askportland, r/Portland

Visitors recommend Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Sellwood for walking and hiking; one calls it a relaxed walk, another a nice hike, and another says it offers some great views. One visitor photographs wildlife there monthly and calls it probably one of the best spots in the city for trail cameras, especially near water, and another mentions riding the bike trail through it as part of a loop.

5 people recommendvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend Overlook Park as a viewpoint. One calls the view fairly good and another a hidden viewpoint found by accident, one suggests a sunset picnic there, and one tentatively offers it as an overlook option.

5 people recommendvia r/askportland

Visitors recommend the Zymoglyphic Museum, a house museum in Portland that two visitors describe as weird and cool. One calls it the top pick for very odd things and suggests going in with little prior research, another notes it sits right beside Mount Tabor, and one visitor who has been lists it among places they really enjoyed. One visitor says it looks like it will close for construction soon.