One of my friends recently reached out for advice on how to spend only one day in Portland, Oregon. One day in Portland?! Girlfriend has some work cut out for her.
But I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, so I dove head first into this impossible task. As a lifelong local, even I had a hard time summarizing the best things to do in Portland in 1 day. After a few days of brainstorming with some Portland friends, we came up with a list we all agreed on. Let’s dive in.
Note for you, dear reader: If anything in this post doesn’t make sense (or if you have any questions), don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments below. I want your one day in Portland to be enjoyable and I’m here to make that happen. I love hearing from you!
Is 1 Day in Portland Enough Time?
The honest answer is no, but it’s better than nothing so we’ll take what we can get.
Spending 1 day in Portland will give you a great introduction to the city, but it’s not enough time to absorb everything, so go easy on yourself because you’ll see a lot of things but you won’t see everything. The one day Portland itinerary below ensures you’ll see the city’s top attractions during your visit. Maybe you’ll be enticed to return for longer visit sometime soon, that way you can enjoy all the great things to do in Portland.
P.S. If your plans change and you have more time, you might enjoy: How to Spend 3 Unforgettable Days in Portland.
Trust Issues? Me Too. So Let Me Introduce Myself
I’m a lifelong Portland local. I grew up in the City of Roses and spent most of my weekends exploring the city and surrounding areas. Portland saw me through all of my major life moments, from high school and college to my first real job (at the City of Portland!) to my venture into entrepreneurship (mercy).
I’ve celebrated milestones in various Portland restaurants and bars. I’ve seen the city fall into a slumber during COVID and slowly rise again – and through it all, I’ve loved every minute of my time here. I’m also an avid reader and have done my fair share of learning about Portland’s history. I plan to share some of the most interesting facts with you below.
How to Spend 1 day in Portland, Oregon
(Click here for the table of contents)
Visiting Portland for 1 Day
- How to Spend 1 day in Portland, Oregon
- Visit Portland’s Most Popular Park, Washington Park
- Get Lost at Powell’s Books
- Explore the Pearl District
- Explore Northwest Portland
- Enjoy a Pint at Breakside Brewery
- Stroll Tom McCall Waterfront Park
- See the Second-Largest Copper Statue in America
- Take a Photo With the Keep Portland Weird Mural
- Explore Mississippi Avenue
- One Day in Portland Itinerary: 3 Options for the Afternoon
- One Day in Portland (Evening Itinerary)
- Portland Day Trip Options
- Create your own one day in Portland itinerary (mix & match)
Where to stay in Portland? This is probably the most common question I get. This is my favorite hotel in Portland, I recommend it to my own family and friends. If you’d like more options, here’s my roundup of the 12 best hotels in Portland (for all budgets).
Start your day in Portland right (best coffee in Portland)
Ah yes, the thing Portland is most famous for – great coffee. And we live up to that reputation! It’s hard to go wrong in this department, but I’d recommend visiting one of these cafes during your one day in Portland.
Stumptown Coffee at the Ace Hotel: We can’t talk about the best coffee in Portland without mentioning the original, Stumptown Coffee. Still considered the most iconic coffee shop in Portland, this gem has spread to several locations across the country. Swing by to see why locals maintain a steadfast devotion to Stumptown regardless of all the new cafes that have cropped up over the years.
Coava Coffee Roasters: Coava roasts its own beans, which are so well known that many Portland cafes choose to use them exclusively. Specializing in pour-overs and espresso, rather than latte art, this is the place to go if you want a great cup of coffee with a focus on the beans. The baristas are some of the friendliest I’ve come across and take great pride in sharing their knowledge of the day’s beans.
Never Coffee: A tiny but light-filled charming Portland cafe, Never Coffee has become Instagram-famous thanks to the colorful decor and great coffee. Served in cheery and vibrant ceramic mugs, the flavored lattes at Never Coffee are the crowd favorites. Perfectly executed, these creative concoctions feature seasonal flavors like yuzu, fennel and shishito peppers.
Visit Portland’s Most Popular Park, Washington Park
Washington Park is the crown jewel of Portland’s robust park system and it’s not hard to see why. Located on the border of the NW neighborhood, this breathtaking park spans 400 acres and houses six important cultural institutions:
- The International Rose Test Garden (must-see)
- Portland Japanese Garden (must-see, especially in the fall)
- Oregon Zoo
- Hoyt Arboretum
- World Forestry Center
The Portland Rose Garden
Portland is often referred to as the City of Roses because the local climate creates the perfect conditions for growing roses. Nowhere is this more evident than at the exceptional Portland International Rose Test Garden within Washington Park.
Portland’s beloved rose garden is both the largest public rose garden in the country. Home to an impressive display of 650+ varieties of roses (more than 10,000+ bushes), it’s easily one of the best free things to do during 1 day in Portland.
The history of the rose garden is equally fascinating. Originally started in 1915 by Jesse Currey, (Editor at the Oregon Journal and rose hobbyist), the rose garden was created in an effort to preserve roses susceptible to eradication during World War I. In my book, this is a must-see Portland attraction.
Location: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
The Portland Japanese Garden
Opened in 1967, the well-curated Portland Japanese Garden provides a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. If you find yourself overwhelmed by concrete, head over to reset the senses. The garden is regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in America, reason alone to visit during your 1 day in Portland.
I can’t recommend this experience enough, especially if you’re visiting during the fall months when the garden comes alive with exceptional fall color. Make sure to swing by the cozy Umami Cafe for a little tea break, you won’t be disappointed.
Brunch at the Screen Door (NW Location)
After Washington Park, you’ll be very close to NW Portland, so I suggest grabbing brunch at the Screen Door (one of the best brunch spots in the city). Offering perfected southern dishes, Screen Door is most famous for serving the best chicken and waffles in Portland. Folks wait 1+ hours to get their grubby little hands on the indulgence.
Local’s Recommendation: Don’t sleep on the biscuits & grits or the french toast, especially if you have an insatiable sweet tooth.
Get Lost at Powell’s Books
Located within the Pearl District, Powell’s Books spans an entire city block and has an interesting claim to fame: it’s the largest independent bookstore in the world. Home to more than one million books, the store covers 4 floors. If that sounds overwhelming, grab a map before embarking on the adventure.
Arrive early or be prepared for crowds, Powell’s is one of the most visited places in Portland.
Local’s Tip: Pop into the Gold Room during your visit to see the rarest books in the store. The most expensive book at Powell’s is an 1814 copy of the Lewis & Clark Journal which includes Captain Lewis’ map. The price? $350,000.
Explore the Pearl District
Portland’s trendy Pearl District is best described as industrial chic. Towering high rises (with rent prices to match) have cropped up around historic red-brick buildings, the old and new blending together seamlessly.
This Portland neighborhood is popular among locals because of the charming independent boutiques, cafes, cozy bars and art galleries. Originally home to warehouses and loading docks, the Pearl has recently reinvented itself as the premier destination in the city.
The warehouses have since been converted into airy light-filled condos and the cobblestone streets of yesterday lead the neighborhood into the future. Today the beloved Pearl District serves as a testament to the power of breathing new life into a (once) neglected area, to everyone’s benefit.
Explore Northwest Portland
Northwest Portland is a pretty tree-lined residential neighborhood peppered with smalls shops and great restaurants. I’m a sucker for the charming vibes and walkability, which is why I live in the area. The best way to explore NW Portland is to wander through the neighborhood on foot.
Stroll down 23rd Avenue and check out the shops that line this popular shopping street, often called “trendy third.” While exploring 23rd Avenue, pop into Salt & Straw for some of the best ice cream in Portland.
Salt & Straw has amassed a cult-like following since opening in 2011 and the steadfast devotion is justified. Locally sourced ingredients take center stage and the innovative (albeit unusual) seasonal flavors warrant a sample (or four).
Good to Know: The street names in NW Portland might seem familiar. The creator of The Simpsons, Matt Groening, grew up near NW Portland and named a handful of Simpsons characters after Portland streets.
Enjoy a Pint at Breakside Brewery
It’s no secret that Portland is one of the best beer cities in the country, you should make an effort to visit some of the big hitters during your 1 day in Portland. From a local’s perspective, no brewery shines brighter than Breakside Brewery, largely thanks to the plethora of awards and accolades bestowed upon it.
The prestigious awards span the gamut and there’s simply too many to list, but the Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival is worth mention. Expect long lines, this spot is popular with locals and visitors.
Stroll Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is named after Oregon’s revered governor. The park swells with locals, so expect to dodge bikers, walkers, skateboarders and young couples walking hand-in-hand.
Try to time your visit to the waterfront with the spring season because this is the best spot in Portland for cherry blossoms. The 100 Akebono cherry trees that line the waterfront were gifted by the Japanese Grain Importers Association in 1990.
Local’s Recommendation: Sit on a bench for a few minutes and watch the world go by while enjoying lunch from the nearby Pine Street Market. I love the pizza stall and used to come here once a week when I worked downtown.
See the Second-Largest Copper Statue in America
At 35 feet high, the Portlandia Statue is the second-largest copper statue in America, second only to the Statue of Liberty in New York City. It’s located in the heart of downtown Portland.
You might ask yourself why such an iconic statue is not better known. Well, the sculptor guards the rights to the statue strictly and doesn’t allow photos of it to be used for commercial purposes (he’s notorious for threatening lawsuits when his request is not met).
However, the statue may look familiar to Portlandia fans because the show received permission to use the statue after hefty negotiations and an agreement not to use it in a “disparaging way.”
Further Reading: 20 Interesting Facts About Portland (You Might Not Know)
Take a Photo With the Keep Portland Weird Mural
No proper one day Portland itinerary is complete without a visit to the Keep Portland Weird mural. Cheesy? Sure but don’t skip it unless you’re lactose intolerant (so sorry about that, couldn’t resist).
The reason is simple, if you don’t take an obligatory photo with the Keep Portland Weird mural then nobody will believe you ever spent a day in Portland. So route yourself to this mural and let the magic happen.
The mural has become synonymous with the city’s lifestyle and feels like a call to action for some locals. You’ll see the slogan on bumper stickers, t-shirts, posters, you name it.
Apparently the motto was originally borrowed from Austin, Texas (how one “borrows” a motto is beyond be, but I digress). It was brought to Portland in 2003 by Music Millennium owner terry Currier with the intention of supporting local businesses.
Location: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Explore Mississippi Avenue
Mississippi Avenue is a lively corridor located within the Boise neighborhood, a colorful residential area chock full of interesting shops and great restaurants. The business in this neighborhood clearly cater to the whims of millennials. You’ll find beautiful plant nurseries, music venues, food cart pods, fantastic breweries (some of the best in Portland) and plenty of great clothing stores.
Local’s Recommendation: Enjoy a meal at Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty. Dangerously delicious wood-fired pizza served alongside homemade ice cream. The secret to their award-winning pizzas? The sourdough starter.
One Day in Portland Itinerary: 3 Options for the Afternoon
Option A: Hike Forest Park
Portlanders take outdoor recreation seriously and nowhere is this more evident than the busy trailheads at Forest Park. Covering more than 5,200 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country. With more than 70+ miles of trails, you’re bound to find a trail you love.
Tour Pittock Mansion
Spanning 16,000 square feet and sitting pretty within the confines of Forest Park, Pittock Mansion is a stunning French-Renaissance mansion that dates back to 1914. This iconic Portland attraction boasts 46 elaborate rooms and was built so well that the even the original elevator is operational to this day.
Visitors can tour the home, an experience I recommend because you can see the original furniture from the time period and learn more about the lives of the family that lived here. The mansion is especially remarkable during the holidays because it’s fully decked out with elaborate decorations and tons of Christmas trees.
If you’re pressed for time and decide not to tour the mansion, at least make sure to head to the overlook behind the mansion for unparalleled views of downtown Portland. Catching the sunset from here is a must during your one day in Portland!
Option C: Find the Witch’s Castle
The Witch’s Castle is the most popular hike in Forest Park and can easily be reached from Pittock Mansion. You might be asking yourself what can be so haunting about an abandoned structure in the middle of a forest?
Well, it’s an age-old tale of murder and haunt surrounds the Witch’s Castle and makes a visit to this structure all the more interesting. The gist is this: an angry father murdered his daughter’s husband because they got married without his consent (intrigued? You can read more here).
Ask any Portlander and they will tell you that hiking to the Witch’s Castle is a rite of passage. It feels as much a part of the city as the the Keep Portland Weird motto, which is why you simply can’t miss it during your 1 day in Portland.
Further Reading: Visiting the Witch’s Castle in Portland, Oregon
One Day in Portland (Evening Itinerary)
Option A: Head over to the Alberta Arts District
From delicious food, tons of charming boutiques and some of the best murals the city has to offer, exploring the Alberta Arts District during your 1 day in Portland is non-negotiable.
Have dinner at Bollywood Theater
A super hip Indian restaurant with delicious fare. We visited with a group of friends for a birthday celebration and tried about 15 small plates – all were big hits! Plus, the atmosphere is great, especially for groups.
Great Notion Brewery
Great Notion was born when three neighbors, drawn together by a common passion for home-brewing, decided to pursue their passion full time. The result? One of the best breweries in Portland.
Experimentation and creativity is the name of the game at Great Notion and the City of Roses is better for it. Try the renowned fruit beers, sours and hazy IPAs to see what all the fuss is about.
Explore the Kennedy School
Only in Portland, right?
Swing by the Kennedy School to see what happens when you convert a school into a hang out spot for the neighborhood (the detention room was converted into a bar).
Old classrooms were reconstructed into hotel rooms, the detention room is now a bar and the Boiler Room a restaurant. Oh, what’s more, the gymnasium was converted to a cozy movie theater that plays re-runs.
Option B: Explore the Hawthorn District Instead
The Hawthorne District spans 43 blocks and exudes an easy-going artsy vibe. The quirkiness and laid back nature of this area is irresistible to Portlanders. If you’re looking to shed some light on why people love living in Portland, I recommend exploring this area.
Wander down Belmont Street
The crown jewel of the Hawthorne District is Belmont Street, where you’ll find a high concentration of interesting shops, phenomenal restaurants, quaint cafes, vintage clothing stores and lively bars.
Food Cart Hop
My favorite thing about Portland’s robust food scene is the lack of pretension. Turns out you can have a great meal without a white table cloth, who knew!
Pop over to the famous food cart pods off of Hawthorne (called the Hawthorne Asylum Pod) during your 1 day in Portland. Food trucks aren’t just for tourists. Most of my coworkers rush over during the busy lunch hour, so you’ll be acting more like a local than a tourist with this activity.
Portland Day Trip Options
If you’d like to venture beyond the city of Portland during your one day, you might find the following day trips enjoyable. Further Reading: 10 Adventurous Day Trips from Portland
The Columbia Gorge
Portland is known for spectacular scenery and unparalleled access to nature, so why not take a day trip to the breathtaking Columbia Gorge and see what all the fuss is about.
The Columbia Gorge is a study in contrast. From alpine meadows and jaw-dropping waterfalls to desert landscapes and tepid rain forests, there’s something for everyone. The Historic Columbia River Highway, known as the “King of Roads” was the first scenic highway in America to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Less than a one-hour drive from the city, if you’re toying with the idea of squeezing in a day trip while visiting Portland for one day, the Columbia River Gorge has my vote. Read: 15 EPIC Hikes in the Columbia Gorge (For All Skill Levels).
Create your own one day in Portland itinerary (mix & match)
If you don’t like to be restricted to itineraries (more power to you!), feel free to substitute some of the places mentioned above with those mentioned below and add them into your own personalized one day Portland itinerary.
Best Brunch, read: 30+ Portland Brunch Spots Worth the (Inevitable) Wait for a list of my favorite brunch spots in the city. You can’t go wrong with any of these options during your one day in Portland.
Best Breweries, read: 15 Epic Portland Breweries Worth Knowing About or see my quick list below.
Best Breweries in Portland
Ecliptic Brewing: Started by brewing icon behind some of the most well-known beers in the state, including Mirror Pond Pale Ale, success was all but guaranteed at this highly anticipated Portland brewery.
The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients and is re-imagined every six weeks. You can expect to find everything from cult-following brews (like the Starburst IPA, Capella Porter and Carina Peach Sour Ale) to creative experimental brews dependent on the season.
Migration Brewing: Founded in 2018, as a passion project of four friends, Migration Brewing is a staple in the Portland community. They’ve successfully created an inviting space for guests to linger over excellent brews and delicious pub fare. The IPAs are a crowd-favorite, but we’re partial to the hearty pilsner. Regardless of what you order, you won’t be disappointed, but seriously – don’t skip the food!
Cascade Brewing: Opened in 1998, Cascade Brewing is one of the oldest breweries in Portland, but it wasn’t until 2006 that it started to set itself apart by specializing in barrel-aged sours. With more than 20 beers on tap, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more extensive (and exciting) list of bright sours in one place. Cascade Brewing has won numerous awards and is considered one of the original masters of sour brews in the nation.
Upright Brewing: Locals consider Upright Brewing to be one of the most underrated breweries in Portland, but the secret is definitely out. Specializing in farmhouse ales and traditional Old World styles, this is a great brewery for sours, ales and good vibes. The venue exudes a relaxed speakeasy vibe and the staff are always welcoming and attentive.
Culmination Brewing: Culmination Brewing is on everyone’s lips for a reason, this brewery churns out some of the most innovative and perfectly executed brews in Portland.
Opened in 2015, Culmination has focused on creating a relaxed and welcoming space for the community by way of great beers. You’ll find a robust tap list of 20 beers, ranging from traditional brews like IPAs, ambers and stouts to more innovative sours and barrel-aged beers. You’re bound to find something impressive here.
Best Time to Visit Portland for 1 Day
By and large, Portland tends to have mild weather year round. The one season I would avoid is winter because the colder temperatures make exploring less enjoyable (although there’s plenty of cozy coffee shops to take cover in).
To that end, I’d argue that the best time to visit Portland is between May and October. The weather is comfortable (even during summer because there’s practically no humidity) and chance of rainfall is minimal.
If you can, try to time your visit with the vibrant spring season so that you can experience the cherry blossoms in full bloom or the breathtaking fall season when the city is ablaze with deep shades of orange, red and yellow.
Personally, my favorite seasons in Portland are fall (September/October) and spring (April/May).
Portland Itinerary Tips: Getting around Portland in one day
Biking is the number one way to get around Portland. In fact, Portland is rated the most bike-able city in America year after year. So grab a BIKETOWN bike to explore town.
Driving in the city is fairly easy (especially if you’re comfortable driving in cities) and parking is reasonable at $2/hour in the downtown metered area.
For longer stays, the City of Portland has 5 parking garages that charge the same rates as on-street parking ($2/hour or $13-$16 all day).
Public Transportation is easy to use and fairly inexpensive ($2.50 for two hours/$5 all day). In addition to the bus, Portland offers the MAX and Portland Streetcar.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi are operational in Portland and (based on personal experience) reasonably priced.
When driving in Portland, it’s important to know that pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way — even if sidewalks are unmarked.
Fancy Restaurant Options
Jaqueline: Delicious seafood curated into beautiful and creative dishes. Get the tasting menu here, it runs $60 per person for 8 courses. In the world of tasting menus, it’s not a bad deal. I came here twice in one month after discovering it.
Ava Genes: Fresh, farm to table Italian-inspired cuisine. The chef, Joshua McFadden authored a James Beard Award winning cookbook titled Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables. A book I cannot recommend enough, especially the mushroom recipes.
Le Pigeon: French-inspired cuisine serving delightful dishes at communal tables. Reservations required and often book out weeks, sometimes months, in advance.
Coquine: Casual cafe by day and farm to table American cuisine by night. Make sure to cap your meal with their famous chocolate chip cookies.
I hope you found this guide to 1 day Portland itinerary helpful, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
Cheers!
Antonina
I’m saving this. I live in downtown Portland and I’ll make this a personal bucket list. But, I’m going to wait till the masks come off and the plywood comes down.
Totally understandable! Enjoy the adventure, Portland has a lot to offer!
I’m saving this. I live in downtown Portland and I’ll make this a personal bucket list. But, I’m going to wait till the masks come off and the plywood comes down.
Well done. Thanks for all that info.
My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful!
Well done. Thanks for all that info.
You are awesome! Thanks for all the great recommendations! ❤️
So glad you enjoyed the recommendations, love sharing Portland with others!
You are awesome! Thanks for all the great recommendations! ❤️
Enjoyed this post so much, thanks. I will be visiting Portland next month, this was very helpful – Thanks!
Hi Mila, I’m so glad you found this helpful, hope you enjoy your visit!
Enjoyed this post so much, thanks. I will be visiting Portland next month, this was very helpful – Thanks!
Would love your recommendations for
birthday gift card for my 25-yo daughter who
now lives in NE Portland. Activity, food, coffee or brewery….
Will be visiting for first time in July 2024. Is this itinerary something to walk or would you suggest driving from place to place?
Will be visiting for first time in July 2024. Is this itinerary something to walk or would you suggest driving from place to place?
Hi Lori,
Thanks for popping in! Personally I’d recommend a car but could get by on a bike or public transit if that was your preference.
Best,
Antonina
Hi thank you for the info!!
I’m visiting for a day or two in June – I’ll be there with my two pups (we’re going to head up the coast after). Can you recommend which of your options would be good with dogs?
Antonina, it’s’ very good info. Driving to Portland tomorrow and looking best places for a day.