Things To Do In Downtown Portland? Portland is a great Pacific Northwest city. There are a good amount of things to do in Portland, Oregon from bars to restaurants to Columbia River Gorge.
This is part 1 list of things to do in Portland, Oregon. The city is known for its liberal views and its accepting of eccentric people. In addition, it’s a common theme to be liberal in the Pacific Northwest (i.e., PNW) along the United States and Canada. Therefore, Portland is a hot spot for culture and arts. It has a growing food community that hasn’t fully come of age yet. Things To Do In Downtown Portland?
With PNW cities, nature isn’t too far away. The mountains are only a 20 minute drive from downtown Portland. It’s always a good idea to take a day trip to Columbia River Gorge. That’s going to be in our Part 2 list of things to do in Portland, Oregon. Trust me. You’re going to have to check it out. It’s the ideal list for any trekker, outdoor fanatic, and fitness freak.
Portland has clean air. The morning mist and the light sprinkles is a nice change compared to Los Angeles’ smog ridden skies. Unfortunately, in Los Angeles, I don’t go outside for fresh air. I go outside for some smog and sunshine.
Anyway, here is a quick list of things to do in Downtown Portland:
- Pine Street Market – Portland wouldn’t be complete with a food market. The relatively new food market is another addition to its cultural scene, which includes Portland Saturday Market and the Farmers Market in the South Park Blocks.
- Lan Su Chinese Garden – Lan Su sits in the middle of a deserted Chinatown. It’s an oasis in the rundown Chinatown. However, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is worth the walk while in Downtown since its only a few blocks from the Pearl District.
Lan Su Chinese Garden - Portland Japanese Garden – It’s a 9.1 acres estate in the Washington Park. I’ve been to many Japanese Gardens. but this one is the largest in the United States. Things To Do In Downtown Portland?
- “Keep Portland Weird” Sign – The famous sign everyone talks a picture in front of. It’s truly one of the Instagram places in the world. However, the building owner doesn’t allow pictures of it, so one has to be discreet then run off.
“Keep Portland Weird” Sign - Portland Saturday Market – It’s labeled as the “largest continuously operated outdoor market” in the United States. The market happens every Saturday in Tom McCall Waterfront Park right next to the Burnside Bridge. The locals vendors sell artisan crafts and food.
Portland Saturday Market - Pearl District – The famous district is known for its local breweries. It’s a great area to go bar hopping. The Portland locals pride itself on its local breweries. Trust me. There’s a good amount of them. Things To Do In Downtown Portland?
Pearl District - South Park Blocks – The South Park Blocks is an area that reaches PSU. If I had to put a label on it, I would say it’s the “good” part of town. In addition, Portland State University hosts a farmer’s market every Saturday. To be honest, it’s the only reason why I visited the area.
South Blocks
Portland is definite one of the great PNW cities. It has a growing food community along with its established artisan community. It’s a town worth checking out. I didn’t regret my visit and the waterfalls are worth the plane ticket. Let us know if we’re missing any waterfalls in the comment section below! Things To Do In Downtown Portland?
Check out our review of Ataula, Beast and Andina. Need things to do and see while in Portland? Check out our other list here.
