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Travel & Things to Do

Portland, Oregon

Getting There

Arriving in Portland

By Air

Portland International Airport (PDX) is about 20 minutes from downtown Portland. PDX is well-connected with direct flights from most major U.S. cities. From the airport, you can take the MAX Light Rail Red Line directly downtown, or grab a rideshare or taxi.

By Car

Portland is accessible via I-5 (from Seattle or California) and I-84 (from the east). Downtown Portland has a mix of street parking and garages. Many hotels offer parking as well.

By Train

Amtrak serves Portland’s Union Station downtown. The Coast Starlight runs from Los Angeles and Seattle, and the Empire Builder connects from Chicago. Union Station is in the heart of the city and easily walkable to many hotels.

Getting Around

Navigating Portland

Portland is one of the most walkable and transit-friendly cities on the West Coast. Here are your options for getting around once you arrive.

TriMet (Public Transit)

Portland’s bus, MAX Light Rail, and streetcar system will get you almost anywhere in the city. The fare is affordable and the system is easy to navigate. Download the Hop Fastpass app to pay your fares.

Rideshare & Taxis

Uber and Lyft are both widely available throughout Portland. Radio Cab and Broadway Cab are reliable local taxi services.

Biking

Portland is famously bike-friendly with an extensive network of bike lanes. BIKETOWN (Nike-sponsored bike share) stations are scattered throughout the city.

Explore

Things to Do in Portland

Portland is known for its food scene, quirky culture, and stunning natural surroundings. Here are some of our favorite spots to help you make the most of your trip.

Food & Drink

  • Pine Street Market Downtown food hall with some of Portland’s best quick-service restaurants.
  • Portland Saturday Market Open-air arts and crafts market with great food vendors along the waterfront (weekends, March–December).
  • Salt & Straw Beloved local ice cream shop with creative seasonal flavors. Multiple locations around the city.
  • Voodoo Doughnut The iconic Portland doughnut shop. Grab one for the experience (and the Instagram).
  • Portland Food Cart Pods Portland is famous for its food carts. Check out pods on Hawthorne, Cartlandia, or the Alder Street carts downtown.
  • Craft Breweries Portland has more breweries per capita than almost any other city. Try Great Notion, Breakside, or Ecliptic.

Neighborhoods & Shopping

  • Pearl District Upscale neighborhood with galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants.
  • Hawthorne Boulevard Eclectic shopping street with vintage stores, bookshops, and cafes.
  • Alberta Arts District Vibrant neighborhood with street art, independent shops, and diverse food options.
  • Powell’s City of Books The world’s largest independent bookstore occupying an entire city block. A must-visit.
  • Nob Hill (NW 23rd Avenue) Charming tree-lined street with boutique shopping and cozy cafes in Victorian homes.

Parks & Nature

  • Forest Park One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., with over 80 miles of trails. Try the Wildwood Trail.
  • Washington Park Home to the International Rose Test Garden (free!), the Japanese Garden, and the Oregon Zoo.
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park Scenic walking and biking path along the Willamette River in the heart of downtown.
  • Cathedral Park Beautiful park under the St. Johns Bridge with stunning Gothic arches and river views.
  • Pittock Mansion Historic mansion with a panoramic view of the city, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens on clear days.

Day Trips

  • Columbia River Gorge Just 30 minutes east of Portland. Visit Multnomah Falls, hike Angel’s Rest, or drive the scenic Historic Highway.
  • Mt. Hood Oregon’s tallest peak is about 90 minutes from Portland. Great for hiking, sightseeing, and visiting Timberline Lodge.
  • Oregon Coast Cannon Beach and Astoria are about 90 minutes west. Think dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and charming coastal towns.
  • Willamette Valley Wine Country World-class Pinot Noir just 45 minutes southwest of Portland. Dozens of wineries with tastings and beautiful views.
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