Portland, Oregon is one of our favourite cities in the United States. The state of Oregon itself is spectacular, featuring luscious forests and stunning scenery everywhere you look, and Portland acts as the gateway to this beauty.

Portland is popular with food lovers and coffee snobs, but the city has its own quirkiness that will light a spark in anyone. Spend a day, a week or a month here and you’ll get caught up in its charm. Pack your walking shoes, there’s a lot to explore.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Portland (Oregon):

• Wander through the gardens
  Portland has many magnificent gardens to visit, all with their own unique appeal. The International Rose Test Garden is one of Portland’s most popular gardens, located within Washington Park. Smell more than 10,000 individual rose bushes from over 610 varieties; the flowers are in bloom between May and October. Next door is the Portland Japanese Garden, where you will experience tranquility in a beautiful setting. Cherry blossoms bloom in Spring, although the garden is enjoyable all year round. Entry to the Portland Japanese Garden is $18.95 for adults, which includes access to the exhibits. Further east, outside the park, you will find the Lan Su Chinese Garden – an oasis combining art, architecture and nature. The garden was curated by artisans from Suzhou, China – Portland’s sister-city. Across the river and south, there is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, known for its vibrant flora. Also keep an eye out for Mill Ends Park, the smallest park in the world.

• Forest Park
  Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country, spanning 5,200 acres and encompassing parts of the Tualatin Mountains, Columbia River and Willamette River. Sites of interest within the park include Stone House (Witch’s Castle), Pittock Bird Sanctuary Nature Trail, Willamette Stone State Heritage Site and Balch Creek. There are many walking and hiking trails around Forest Park, at various lengths and difficulty. Popular trails include the Leif Erickson Trail, which extends 11.2 miles (18km), and The Wildwood Trail, which totals 30.2 miles (48km); don’t worry, there are loop trails as well so you don’t have to walk the full length! More information about Forest Park here.

• Pittock Mansion
  At the southern-most end of Forest Park, you will find Pittock Mansion – a French Renaissance-style château built in 1914 for the famous publisher Henry Pittock. The mansion boats 23 rooms and intricate styling which has been preserved in the form of a museum, exhibits and all. Entry to the Pittock Mansion Museum is $12 for adults, with guided tours available. A visit to Pittock Mansion will also treat you to an incredible view of the city. More information about Pittock Mansion here.

• Multnomah Falls
  Oregon is the place to be for nature lovers and, luckily, there are plenty of fantastic sights to see close to Portland. Multnomah Falls is a stand-out scenic attraction within the Columbia River Gorge, and is about a 30 minute drive from Portland alongside the Columbia River (public transport is available but will take twice as long). Multnomah Falls is a 189 metre tall waterfall with a long, flowing creek to follow. The falls are accessible all year round via a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) loop trail which is suitable for most fitness levels. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear- even in Summer it can get quite slippery. More information about Multnomah Falls here.

• Columbia River Gorge
  If you’re keen to spend a full day hiking, Columbia River Gorge features several unique trails to some magnificent sites. About 5 minutes drive east from Multnomah Falls, you will find the start of the Horsetail Falls Loop Hike– another low-grade trail for most fitness levels, about 2.6 miles (4.1km) in distance. This trail will take you to Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls, with the main trail then taking you on to Oneonta Canyon with a view into the gorge. If you’re not up for the full walk, there is a shorter trail directly to the falls from the carpark. Heading back towards Portland, about 15 minutes west of Multnomah Falls, there is Latourell Falls– a 68 metre tall, single-plunge waterfall. The Latourell Falls Loop Hike is 2.4 miles (3.8km) long, and is one of the more popular trails in the area. More information about the Columbia River Gorge here.

• Mount Hood and Hood River
  That large mountain you can see from Portland? That’s Mount Hood. Located about 90 minutes east of the city, Mount Hood is a popular tourist destination in both Winter and Summer. Mount Hood is a dormant volcano that stands at more than 11,000 feet, with spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge. In Winter, Mount Hood transforms into a busy ski resort, with excellent ski runs and cross-country tracks. Accommodation, ski hire and lessons are all available on the mountain. During the warmer months, there are plenty of fantastic hiking trails to enjoy, or walk around Hood River at the base of the mountain. More information about Winter at Mount Hood here.

• Portland Art Museum
  A visit to the Portland Art Museum is perfect for a relaxing day inside. It is the seventh-oldest museum in the country and features more than 50,000 different pieces, from historic artworks and silver, to photography and modern displays. The precinct includes the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts, and the Northwest Film Center. Admission is $20 for adults. More information about the Portland Art Museum here.

• Oregon Zoo
  No matter your age, a trip to the zoo is always fun! Oregon Zoo is located at the southern-end of Washington Park, with lots around to enjoy a full day exploring. Get up close with apes, elephants, sloths, tortoises, polar bears, big cats, red pandas, reptiles and heaps more. Admission is $17.95 for adults and ages 12+, $12.95 for children aged 3-11, and free for kids under three. More information about Oregon Zoo here.

• Voodoo Doughnuts and Food Trucks
  Portland is a foodie’s dream! Known for its good food, eclectic cafes and coffee culture, there is something to satisfy all cravings. Portland is famous for Voodoo Doughnuts and their unique take on the delicious pastry. Voodoo Doughnuts has a cult-like following, with two bakeries in Portland and many others popping up around the country. Portland is also known for its many food trucks, with hundreds located around the city. From kebabs, burgers and tacos, to noodles, grilled cheese and dessert vans, the city’s selection of street food is pretty impressive.

• The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
  Experience unusual and out-of-this-world exhibits at The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum. If you love sci-fi, horror and other peculiar things, wander around this strange and creepy display (and keep an eye out for Krampus!). The museum features some adult themes, therefore it is not suitable for young kids. Entry is $5. More information about Freakybuttrue here.

Drop us a line with your favourite destinations in Portland.