THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Portland - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Portland

Things to Do in Portland, OR - Portland Attractions

Things to Do in Portland

Exploring Portland's Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden are traveler faves. For a walk on the wild side, head to Forest Park or Columbia River Gorge.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Portland.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Portland

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • EagleScout1985
    Custer, SD529 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly an amazing experience! Beautiful area ... very peaceful and relaxing. The history of the site is inspirational, and the various walkways / paths offered a sense of delicate environments for visitors. The gardens are located within Washington Park, overlooking the city and urban oasis.

    My family enjoyed this experience, and we found ourselves nestled into the various gardens ... simply soaking up our time together and relaxing among the trees and beautiful shrubs.

    NOTE: We visited on a cloudy and overcast day. Try to go on a sunny day, as the staff told us that Mount Hood can also be seen from the gardens.
    Written March 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA17,081 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best parts of our city visit was our stroll through this splendid garden. Obviously it is better in the spring, but the roses were still blooming and the variety is impressive. Beautiful park.
    Written March 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura H
    El Dorado Hills, CA431 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a huge park overlooking the city of Portland. Roses are the main feature of this beautiful park. There is a fee for parking and signs warning of car break-ins. While there, we met a family who had all their luggage stolen. Remember to not leave anything visible inside of your car.
    Written November 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kisssmee
    Los Angeles, CA787 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a nice serene place smack dab in the middle of Downtown. It's street parking and thankfully it wasn't terribly difficult to find a spot.

    The front gate is locked and you will be buzzed in. You pay your fee at the ticket booth. You explore the grounds and enjoy the greenery and ambiance of it all. Unfortunately, when I visited there was scaffolding so it was a little bit of an eyesore. The brighter side, it just means I have to come back again to fully enjoy the beauty of the place. There is a small body of water in the middle and beautifully decorated architecture around.
    Written February 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jamie S
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As one of the most historic sites to visit in Portland, the mansion and the grounds were breathtaking, especially on what turned out to be a rainy day. Within the mansion, there are many interesting historical facts along with furniture and antiques from different time periods. On the grounds, there are great views of the city and fall colors. There was also an exhibit for Eliza Barchus which contained her artwork and life details, which may have been the highlight of the mansion.
    Written November 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GastroEclectico
    Phoenix, AZ803 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One hundred years ago a grotto was created into this incredible rock face where soon later was installed a beautiful reproduction of Michaelangelo’s Pieta. This beautiful work of man’s craftsmanship stands today amidst an inner-city secluded area inspiring meditation and solemnity inspiring self-contemplation and thoughtful introspection in nature’s beauty within a 62-acre ecological enclave. One can leisurely, yet wondrously meander the walk paths of this remarkable garden/park to quietly ponder, picnic or serenely contemplate the open seclusion of nature’s marvelous wonder. When visiting Portland, this is a must visit – enjoy a couple of hours of tranquility. It is truly a gem and isolated treasure within the bustle of the city.
    Written November 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan T
    Vancouver, WA9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This zoo is a gorgeous walk through lush forest and spacious animal habitats. Excellent viewing opportunities with animal bedding and activities closely. Animals appear content, healthy, and relaxed with gorgeous coat colors. Favorites include Polar Bears swimming, otter entertainment, big cats. Aviary warm and walkable. Delicious hot cider at the Aviary Cafe.
    Written March 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA17,081 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Some extraordinarily beautiful countryside in this agricultural valley noted for excellent wines. We stopped at one simple winery for a good tasting and noted that there were several guest houses nearby. Close to the city.
    Written March 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KACB
    Texas17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked the Holly Loop, and it was a nice leisurely walk with so much beautiful scenery to stop and look at. We can’t wait until we can come back and check out the other trails. There is a small gift shop in the visitor center where we purchased a few postcards.
    Written September 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KarenAzinger
    Portland138 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you like dinosaurs, don't miss the T-Rex exhibit at OMSI! A fun and interesting exhibit for dinosaur lovers of all ages, kids and adults alike! And while you are there, don't miss out on the tour of the submarine! The submarine experience is excellent!
    Written April 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew T
    275 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7
    Written October 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FloridaAuthor
    Gainesville, FL207 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely gardens and on Mondays it’s pay what you want, which is a nice option to keep it accessible to all. Parking is tight, so mass transit or biking might be a better option.
    Written May 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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