There are several gardens around the Portland Region. Near the Japanese Garden (in Washington Park) we also have the International Rose Test Garden and the Hoyt Arboretum, along with the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Children’s Museum, and some beautiful hiking trails, if any of those interest you. In…
We have a great public transportation system here in the Portland Region; it’s called TriMet and the website is trimet.org. It includes the MAX light rail system that covers several cities around the Portland metro area (including Beaverton), the Portland Streetcar(s), and buses. If you go on the website there is a tool called the…
Congratulations on the wedding! The McMenamins pubs are definitely worth checking out — they have some of the most interesting properties in the region. (I have my favorites.) Beyond that, there are literally dozens of breweries in Oregon (six dozen, last I counted). Unless you’re planning for a very long honeymoon, you may not be able to see them…
October is my favorite month and dogs are my favorite humans — so you’re in good hands. When I first moved to Portland I picked up this book and it’s changed my life. And my dog’s. But really, most of the trails in and around Portland are dog-friendly as long as your dog remains on…
Portland is surrounded by the beautiful ocean and the mountains, plus there are so many get restaurants and shops in the city that you would surely appreciate staying a few more days to explore the NW. Here are some suggestions: Get lost in Powell’s books, the largest new and used bookstore in the world. Go see…
Oregon is a great place for teenagers (and you!) You definitely won’t need camping stuff, but if you could pack a pair of sturdy shoes to hike in, you might be happy you did! There are plenty of hikes in the area that are just under an hour drive to get to. And there are…
I actually grew up in South Dakota so I definitely want you to have an amazing time. And I am absolutely sure you will! Highway 101 down the Coast is an amazing drive. I’d highly, highly recommend this over taking I-5 South. There are tide pools, the Goonies House, crabbing, local surf spots, delicious seafood…
My favorite and most scenic hikes in Portland: Forest Park at any entrance Hoyt Arboretum Oaks Bottom near Sellwood Leach Botanical Garden There are tons more but this is a good list to begin with. Just outside of the Portland area near Multnomah Falls is whole other list so let me know if you’d like…
I recommend a visit the Portland Art Museum to start! Portland also has a ballet, opera, and many theater options: http://www.portlandtheatre.com/calendar/index.php Most of these cultural offerings are in Downtown Portland. Adjacent is Portland’s Pearl District, a modern artsy neighborhood. I would also recommend visiting the Mississippi Avenue, Alberta St., Hawthorne Blvd, and Nob Hill neighborhoods.
From the coast, the most direct route to Eugene is from Florence on the Oregon Coast via OR 126 (just under 1.5 hours). You didn’t mention where you are traveling from, but it sounds like you may be coming from the north and you could easily spend four days traveling the North and Central coast…
For a coast trip, I recommend taking Highway 26 from Portland, and then take the Highway 6 turnoff to Tillamook. In Tillamook visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory! Then proceed up Highway 101 and stop whenever your curiosity is piqued. There are lots of beaches and parks and vistas to check out. Some cute towns along that route…
Yes! You’ll probably enjoy the Nob Hill area – specifically Northwest 23rd Avenue – it’s a mile or so of cute shops and upscale boutiques. In downtown Portland, I’d recommend the Pioneer Place Mall. Adjacent to downtown is the Pearl District, which is famous for its upscale boutiques.
Portland has lots of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods – check out these posts on my blog along with the discussions in the comments: “Best Thing About Your Neighborhood” and “Top 5 Portland Neighborhoods for Car Free Living.” In general the further out you get from downtown, the more affordable housing becomes. Some neighborhoods I would recommend that…
On the Oregon Coast your best bet for art, beach, and eating well is probably Cannon Beach on the North Coast, or Newport on the Central Coast. I’m also partial to Astoria (where I live part-time) for everything you listed, except it’s about 10 miles inland from the beaches, on the south bank of the…
You’re in luck, as Oregon’s north coast has plenty of places to stay at the beach. You’ll find lots of rentals and hotels and lovely beaches in Pacific City, Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Astoria (though Astoria is actually about a 10 miles inland, it’s the closes to Washington – right across the…
There are several routes you could take to Astoria from Portland. If you take Highway 30, there aren’t too many tourist destinations, but there are a few viewpoints over the Columbia River. Highway 26 is another option, and along that route you’ll find various viewpoints and parks that are worth visiting, also places like Camp…
During the July 4th weekend there’s the Waterfront Blues Festival and the Oregon Zoo hosts several summer concerts. Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts concerts and events featuring live music (e.g. Cinco de Mayo, Festa Italiana) throughout the year. Once you’re here you can also find information on live music events at the websites of the Portland…
Since you’ll be right downtown, you should definitely explore the city – there are lots of parks, shops, and restaurants worth checking out. The Willamette Week and Portland Mercury newspapers will have entertainment listings. Also check out my blog for more ideas!
There are quite a few municipal pools in Portland. The outdoor ones are only open during the summer. And here’s a discussion on a local blog about “Portland Swimming Holes.” With regards to other activities, there are plenty! When you visit check out some local blogs to find community events.
The end of March and first half of April are best for cherry blossoms in Portland.
