Fun things to do in Portland
I get so many questions from people coming to visit Portland about what they should do while they’re here, so I figured why not make a permanent blog highlighting some of my favorites!
Parks
Before you roll your eyes about the idea of parks, hear me out. The parks here are really one of the best perks imo, and they’re free! There are so many good ones but i’ll just include a few of my favorites.
Peninsula Park
The famous international rose test gardens are on every travel website when it comes to Portland, buuuut if you’re looking for a low-key version (less tourists, free parking), then i highly suggest checking out Peninsula Park. Tons of roses, a beautiful fountain, easy parking generally, etc. Best times to see roses in Portland are May-September.
Skidmore Bluffs (aka Mocks Crest Park)
This is a classic local spot that has gotten increasingly popular every year, but it’s still one of my faves! It has an awesome view of the willamette river and just a general fun vibe. Bring a blanket, a bevy or bottle of wine, and snacks just before sunset for the ultimate experience. Parking is sometimes limited since it’s more residential. and as always, be respectful and clean up your trash.
Cathedral Park
I came to this park on my very first night in Portland ever, so it always has a special place in my heart. It’s wildly gorgeous with the bridge - also a great spot for a picnic. Highly recommend getting Homegrown Smoker (vegan barbecue) to go and eating it in the park! and be sure to walk around the St. John’s neighborhood while you’re there.
Other Parks
if you’re looking for more parks, honorable mentions are laurelhurst park, mt. tabor, and forest park. forest park is less of a park and more of a hiking spot - but it’s awesome and full of trails if you’re looking to do some hiking without going too far outside of Portland!
Everything else
See a movie
Okay, this also sounds kinda boring but there’s so many cool old theaters in Portland - i recommend checking one out if you have the time. my favorites are the hollywood theater, laurelhurst theater, and the academy. Grab some popcorn and a beer and maybe even a slice of pizza!
Movie Madness
if you’re a movie fan, check out Movie Madness if you have time! it’s an old school movie rental spot that also has some cool memorabilia around so it’s fun to check out even if you aren’t renting anything! they also have a killer horror section filled with the weirdest stuff. i could spend hours browsing.
Sunblossom Flower Farm
Is there anything cuter and more Portland than a backyard flower farm where you can browse and clip your own flowers to make your own bouquet? I don’t think so. it’s also owned by the sweetest family and just makes me feel so happy anytime i go. They’re visiting hours are limited and seasonal, so check their website for more info before going!
Soak at McMenamins Kennedy School
I loooove going for a soak at the kennedy school - it’s got a laid back vibe and you can get a bevy to go from one of the bars inside and bring it with you to soak! It’s somewhere in between a heated pool and a hot tub temp wise, so it’s family friendly as well and less like a spa. You have to make a reservation now, but it’s easy!
Farmer’s Market
I’m sure everywhere has cool farmers markets but i highly recommend checking out the PSU one on Saturdays for the ultimate experience. It’s huuuge and year round and has a ton of amazing food and vendors. if you’re looking for a smaller one, i personally go to the Montavilla one on Sundays because it’s closer to me and i like that it’s a little smaller/less overwhelming.
Sugarpine Drive In
a cute little small diner type spot with a drive thru a little ways away out from the city. they’re famous for their sundaes, so i highly recommend stopping for one if you’re heading to the classic touristy spots like multnomah falls and the vista house since it’s on the way to those!
Vintage shopping
There’s a lot of great secondhand spots in Portland for secondhand shopping but i’ll add a few of my favorites.
Memory den, house of vintage, hollywood vintage, and red fox vintage are a few of my favorites that have a bunch of vendors within it so you get a lot of fun variety from clothes to knickknacks.
In real life is also one of my favorites for secondhand clothes shopping!
Consignment Stores
if you’re an ethical fashion fan, my favorite shop to find some secondhand is Deep Lake shop! they carry a lot of brands like babaa, ace and jig, etc. it’s still a little pricey but cheaper than new!
Vein of Gold is another consignment shop that carries a mix of newer ethical fashion stuff and some thriftier pieces, but i’ve only been twice so hard for me to say for sure.
I’m working on a longer blog post for fun Portland shops and another for vegan food recs - stay tuned and i’ll link them here when they’re done!