Powell's City of Books. The world's largest independent bookstore fills an entire city block in the Pearl District with over half a million new and used titles across nine color-coded rooms and 3,500 sections. Open every day of the year, it is as much Portland landmark as it is bookshop.
International Rose Test Garden. The oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States sits free and open in Washington Park, showcasing more than 10,000 rose bushes representing over 610 varieties with sweeping views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood. Peak bloom runs late May through October.
Forest Park & the Wildwood Trail. At 5,156 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, threaded by 70 miles of trails including the 30-mile Wildwood National Recreation Trail. The park shelters more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species inside the city limits.
Portland Japanese Garden. Proclaimed the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan, this 9.1-acre sanctuary in Washington Park features eight distinct garden styles, curated art exhibitions, seasonal cultural performances, and a tranquil cafe amid meticulously tended landscapes. Arrive by MAX light rail and a free shuttle to avoid parking…
Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is Oregon's tallest waterfall and one of the most visited natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest, located 30 miles east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. A short paved path leads to a historic lodge and a bridge with a dramatic mid-falls view.
Pittock Mansion. This 1914 French Renaissance chateau perched high in the West Hills offers panoramic views of downtown Portland, Mount Hood, and Mount St. Helens, along with 23 furnished rooms that trace the city's transformation from frontier town to modern metropolis. The surrounding grounds are free and open to the public.
Portland Saturday Market. Founded in 1974 and designated an Oregon Heritage Tradition in 2024, this is the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the United States, held every Saturday from March through December 24 along the Willamette River in Old Town. Every item sold is handcrafted by the vendor who made it.
Portland Art Museum. One of the oldest and largest art museums in the Pacific Northwest, PAM holds more than 42,000 works spanning Pacific Northwest Indigenous art, European masters including van Gogh and Monet, and the newly opened Mark Rothko Pavilion with expanded contemporary galleries. First Thursday evenings offer free admission.
Top-rated tours & activities in Portland
Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland — 5.0★ (996 reviews)
Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day — 5.0★ (430 reviews)
Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour — 4.9★ (2,369 reviews)
Portland's Original Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour — 4.9★ (602 reviews)
Downtown Portland Air Tour by Envi Adventures — 4.9★ (109 reviews)
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland, OR — 4.9★ (1,425 reviews)
Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour from Portland — 4.9★ (354 reviews)
Oregon Coast Tour from Portland — 4.9★ (205 reviews)
Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland — 5.0★ (996 reviews)
Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day — 5.0★ (430 reviews)
Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour — 4.9★ (2,369 reviews)
Portland's Original Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour — 4.9★ (602 reviews)
Downtown Portland Air Tour by Envi Adventures — 4.9★ (109 reviews)
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland, OR — 4.9★ (1,425 reviews)
Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour from Portland — 4.9★ (354 reviews)
Oregon Coast Tour from Portland — 4.9★ (205 reviews)