Portland

Settled in 1829, Portland was named in a coin flip after Portland, Maine, birthplace of one of its founders (the losing option was Boston). An hour from skiing at Mount Hood and 90 minutes from the Oregon Coast, Portland is a recreational paradise.

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Oaks Park

For some, it’s floating on roller skates listening to music. For others, it’s the wind rushing through their hair looking out over Portland from a Ferris wheel. And then there are those who love the feeling when their stomach is left in the dust as they spin, twirl and drop on a roller coaster.
 
Thrill seekers, mini-golfers, go-carters and people watchers all have something to do at Oaks Park, Portland’s own version of a boardwalk. There is so much to do, see and ride at Oaks Park, that an article could be written about each attraction.
 
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Parks & Gardens Sightseeing
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Oregon Museum of Science Industry (OMSI)

Have you ever created your own cartoon or played Connect Four with giant robotic arms? Have you ever been inside a real submarine or made flubber in a science lab? At OMSI you can do all of this and more in one crazy day. With the only IMAX theater in Oregon, a laser light planetarium, a motion simulator, a real US submarine out front, and rooms filled with science activities, the whole family will enjoy the varied activities at OMSI and everyone will have a blast as they learn something new.

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Museums/History Sightseeing
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Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Driving to the waterfront on the east side of Portland, the first thing people normally think about is OMSI – the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

While OMSI is a huge attraction, that you can spend an entire day exploring and learning, there is something right next door that is also a must-see Portland attraction, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.

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Museums/History Sightseeing
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Oregon Zoo

Two year old Violet Johnson stood and stared in amazement.

Sure, she had seen elephants in her books at home, but had never seen the real thing.

Until today.

"Elephant," Violet whispered and looked up at her mother.

At that moment the elephant, "Tusko" reached down with his trunk and threw dirt on his back creating a big dust cloud.

"Elephant dirty!" Violet yelled, giggling.

Memories like these are things that you create when visiting the Oregon Zoo.

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Parks & Gardens Sightseeing Zoos/Aquariums
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Pioneer Courthouse Square

Exactly on the other side of the world from the fascinating undersea valley called the Crozet Basin, just 75 feet above sea level, there is a more accessible, very different, but just as remarkable place. The Pioneer Courthouse Square is a brilliantly laid out public space, so loved and important to Portland, Oregon's daily life that it is fondly known as the city's "living room."

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Museums/History Sightseeing
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Pittock Mansion

Although the Pittock Mansion has been overlooking Portland for more than 80 years, there is always something new to see when visiting the historic site.

Whether it's the mountaintops peaking through the clouds or the continuing efforts by the staff to bring the mansion back to its former glory, the mansion is a must see for anyone interested in Portland history or grand views.

"Some days we can see six mountains from here," says Lucy Smith McLean, mansion curator. "When they designed this place they really opened it up to the views."

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Museums/History Sightseeing
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Portland Aerial Tram

“WOW! I want to be in front!” Ethan said as he rushed on to the tram car, putting his hands on the bubble-like window in the front of the tram.

The Portland Aerial Tram not only features stunning views of Oregon, but operators also offer kids tram stickers, which is the highlight of the trip for little ones.

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Sightseeing
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Portland Aquarium

So much more than you'd expect!  The Portland Aquarium brings you up close to dozens of species including sharks, giant octopus, stingrays, reptiles, birds and more.  They offer special encounters where you can actually interact with, feed and even touch the animals. Great for all ages!

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Portland Art Museum

Sitting in downtown Portland, surrounded by theaters, museums and wonderful 12-block park, the Portland Art Museum is the center of discovery.

From exhibits featuring Egypt to a sculpture from Pablo Picasso, from modern to Pacific Rim, there is something that will catch your eye and imagination.

The museum, the seventh oldest in the United States and oldest on the West Coast, spans two buildings, numerous eras and is in the cultural center of the Rose City.

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Museums/History Sightseeing
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Portland Central Library

"I think it's beautiful. I like being in it," says Angela Jennings. "I love the stairs."

Comfortable, well assembled space, where even the stairway is remarkable. While not the typical description for a book shrine, Multnomah County's Central Library is just that kind of place.

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Museums/History Sightseeing
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About Portland

In 1845, two of the city’s founders flipped a coin to decide which of their respective hometowns to honor. Boston lost and Portland was born, becoming incorporated six years later. Since then the city has grown enormously, known today as an international and desirable destination for both tourists and transplants. Still, the city’s motto remains “Keep Portland Weird”.

With a population of just over 600,000, Portland is Oregon’s largest city and the seat of Multnomah County. Located just south of the Columbia River and the Washington state border, Portland is a hiker’s paradise with countless sprawling parks (Forest Park, Mount Tabor, and Washington Park to name a few). Skiing at Mount Hood is just an hour away by car and the Oregon Coast can be reached in around 90 minutes.

Between the east and west-sides of Portland, separated by the Willamette River and linked by many majestic bridges, there’s a little something for everyone. West of the river are the Downtown and Pearl districts and a majority of the city’s skyscrapers as well as the Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University campuses. Across the river, the easily bike-able east-side is buzzing with diverse neighborhoods centered around main drags Burnside, Belmont, Hawthorne and Division. In addition to Portland Community College, further institutions of higher education include private universities Lewis & Clark College, National College of Natural Medicine, Reed College, and the University of Portland.

Culturally, Portland is home to vibrant music and comedy scenes as well as numerous ‘alt-weeklies’ and magazines like the Portland Mercury, Willamette Week, Bitch magazine, and Kinfolk. The food scene is no bore either; Portland boasts many acclaimed restaurants, but we can’t forget the hundreds of food carts scattered throughout the city serving everything from grilled cheese to sushi to Norwegian lefse. Thirsty? With over 60 micro-breweries and several specialty roasters, Portland is known for great craft beer and coffee. Sports fans flock to the city’s arenas in support of their local NBA team the Portland Trail Blazers and the MLS Portland Timbers.

Other Portland attractions include the OMSI science and technology museum, the Portland Art Museum, the historic Pittock Mansion and the Shanghai Tunnels. There’s something to do all year long with annual events like the Portland International Film Festival in February, the Portland Rose Festival and the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in May, the Pedalpalooza Bike Festival in June (including most notably the World Naked Bike Ride), the Oregon Brewers Festival and Waterfront Blues Festival in July, and the Portland Marathon in October.

In 2014, British magazine Monocle named Portland number 18 on a list of the world’s most livable cities, the only U.S. city selected. While raising rent prices might make “The City of Roses” too expensive to remain “where young people go to retire,” it’s hard to find a West Coast city as green, friendly, and weird as Portland. IFC’s sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’ has been lovingly mocking the city’s residents since 2011 (often accurately). Some notable Portland natives are Simpsons creator Matt Groening, filmmaker Gus Van Sant as well as authors Chuck Palahniuk and Beverly Cleary. Portland-based musical artists include The Dandy Warhols, Sleater-Kinney, The Shins, and the late Elliott Smith.

By way of I-5, Portland is 3 hours from Seattle and 2 hours from Eugene. Portland is served by Amtrak, Greyhound and Bolt Bus. Portland International Airport located northeast of the city center is served by numerous airlines, both domestic and international.

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