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This Ultimate Guide to Portland will help you plan every aspect of your trip! There’s everything from where to stay and how to get around, to the best places to get a good beer and most importantly, where to eat!
Where do I even begin with writing an ultimate guide to visiting Portland, Oregon – one of my favorite cities in the U.S.?! Portland is a city nestled in the Pacific Northwest greenery with an overabundance of amazing restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities. I’ve been to Portland countless times. My husband and I even lived just outside the city for a bit and still own a home up there!
While I’ve written quite a few posts on visiting the city, I wanted to pull everything together into one easier-to-read guide, showcasing the best Portland has to offer. And when I say this is an ultimate guide to visiting Portland, I really mean it. Here, you’ll find my recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and what to do in this quirky and beautiful Pacific Northwest City.
Buckle up – this is a long guide!
Getting Around Portland
Portland is an very easy city to get around in. Not only are many of the neighborhoods extremely walkable, there are numerous options for public transportation.
Flying into PDX Airport
Flying into the PDX airport is a breeze, and just happens to be one of my favorite U.S. airports! It’s easy to navigate and has a lot of food options to sample while you wait for your departing flight. I typically fly Southwest or Alaska Air since they usually have the best direct flight options for me to PDX, living on the West Coast.
Car Rentals
Car rentals at the airport are extra easy with the rental facilities on the lower level of the airport. No need to take a shuttle or bus to get to an offsite rental facility. I recommend and use Avis often as they are one of the few agencies where you can add a spouse as an extra driver for no charge. They also have a Preferred Customer program which makes picking your car up even easier!
Driving in Portland: I’m typically intimidated when driving around in unfamiliar cities but was surprised to find Portland easy to navigate and not too stressful to drive in. However, rush hour traffic has gotten pretty bad, especially on I-5, so just keep that in mind.
The MAX Light Rail
The MAX is a light rail system operated by TriMet that runs on different routes throughout the city and beyond. You can even catch the Red Line from the airport into Downtown if you aren’t planning to rent a car during your stay.
It’s a clean and efficient way to get around and a great way to avoid car traffic. We’ve taken the MAX a couple of times and I can 100% say it so much better than the BART system we have in the Bay Area.
Read more about The MAX here: https://trimet.org/max/
Ride Sharing
We use Uber and Lyft regularly in Portland to get around the city when we don’t feel like walking. It is especially handy when you’re thoroughly enjoying the beer scene and need to make sure you get around safely!
Where to Stay in Portland
Portland has a wide range of accommodations, ranging from pristine hotels to eclectic private vacation rentals. Here are a few recommendations for places we’ve personally stayed at.
Hotel Rose
50 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204
Hotel Rose is by far my favorite hotel we’ve stayed at in Portland, primarily because of its location in Downtown Portland, as well as its modern and fun vibes. This hotel is also a StayPineapple Hotel, and their branding is evident all throughout the rooms and lobby. We even got a welcome pup on our bed! I appreciate the small touches like these that make you feel right at home.
Book Hotel Rose via Hotels.com, Booking.com or Direct
Read More: A Stay at Hotel Rose in Portland
Ye Olde Tiny House
This tiny home located in the Alberta Arts neighborhood is the perfect quiet getaway for either a solo traveler or couples. It has everything you need for a short or lengthy stay, including a full kitchen and large refrigerator! Even better is the neighborhood, where the house is just steps away from Alberta Street lined with a ton of amazing restaurants. I love staying outside of downtown Portland in quieter neighborhoods like this!
Book Ye Olde Tiny House via VRBO
Other Hotels to Consider
Some other recommended hotels in the Portland area include The Heathman and Royal Sonesta, both of which were host hotels when I attended TravelCon 2024. Everyone who stayed there gave them a thumbs up. Plus, Anthony Bourdain stayed at The Heathman – pretty cool!
And if you’re attending an event at the convention center, the Hyatt Regency is also very conveniently located across the street.
Best Brunch in Portland
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You cannot visit Portland without brunching, at least once! Here are my top picks:
Pine State Biscuits
Website | Multiple locations
Pine State is absolutely one of my favorite (if not ultimate favorite) brunch spots in Portland. If you like biscuits and gravy, this is the place to come (and they even have vegetarian biscuits and gravy!). For meat lovers, they’ll pile biscuits high with delights like fried chicken (their most famous being The Reggie) and pulled pork, and smother it in a thick comfy blanket of gravy. I also recommend the Hash Ups which are hash browns covered in melted cheese and mushrooms!
What to Get: The Reggie; Veggie Biscuits & Gravy; Hash Ups
Bonus Points: The Alberta Pine State location is next door to one of my favorite breweries, Great Notion Brewing.
Jam on Hawthorne
Website | 2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Jam on Hawthorne comes in at a close second for me and holds a special place in my heart with all their delicious vegetarian options! Their tofu scrambles are so flavorful, and even better when wrapped up into a burrito. They also make some delicious Bloody Marys, which are so welcomed after waiting an hour in line.
What to Get: Killer Vegan Bloody Mary; Cheech & Chong Tofu Scramble
Tin Shed
Website | 1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Tin Shed is one of the first spots we visited in Portland for brunch, and it has created a lasting impression on my ever-hungry stomach! Perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, they have delicious grits, biscuits and gravy, scrambles, sausages, and even a small menu for your four-legged furry friend. It has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, and happens to be in my favorite neighborhood (Alberta Arts). You can’t go wrong here!
What to Get: Everything Naughty sampler (Carnivore & Herbivore options)
Screen Door
Website | 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Screen Door is a Southern-style restaurant located in the heart of the Kerns neighborhood. Meals here are hearty and filling (and often very fried). Top options to choose from are the Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles, hush puppies, and biscuit breakfast sandwiches. Be prepared to walk off a few calories after indulging here!
What to Get: Chicken & Waffles
Proud Mary Cafe
Website | 2012 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
This café in the Alberta Arts neighborhood serves up meals inspired by the owner’s Australian heritage. Aussies do coffee well, so if you’re a coffee drinker, definitely try some of their specialty coffees! I loved my iced coffee with ice cream.
Proud Mary’s menu features a variety of farm-fresh style meals, including their Ricotta Hotcake which is absolutely to die for! I don’t normally gravitate towards sweets for breakfast, but this hotcake is a delicious work of art featuring poached pears, whipped yuzu cheesecake, coconut sesame crisp, matcha crumble, and earl grey & burnt cinnamon syrup. And don’t sleep on the sausage roll with hot sauce – it’s the perfect savory companion for the hotcake.
What to Get: Ricotta pancakes, sausage rolls, and iced coffee
Check out my full Portland Food Guide for more recommendations on where to eat!
Where to Eat – Lunch/Dinner
Portland has such a great array of different dining experiences that represent cultures from all over the world. There are also food carts galore, with “pods” all over the city and its surrounds for those looking for casual, affordable meals.
There are more restaurants in this city than I could ever dream of visiting! Each time we return, we add a few more. Here are some of my favorite spots:
Pasture PDX
Website | 1413 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Sandwich lovers – this one is for you! Located in the Alberta neighborhood, Pasture PDX is a small shop that makes excellent pastrami sandwiches. I can honestly count their sandwiches among the best bites of food I’ve had in the city. My pick: The O.G. pastrami made banh mi style with a chili oil slaw and the freshest bread I’ve ever had that comes from a nearby local bakery. Get it!
What to Get: The O.G. Pastrami
Khao Niew at Cully Central
Website | 4579 NE Cully Blvd, Portland, OR 97218
Have you ever had Laotian food? Khao Niew started out as a food cart that we would frequent at the Happy Valley Station, but they have since opened up this brick and mortar location in the Cully Neighborhood. It’s one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Portland!
We go to Khao Niew specifically for the Nam Khao. I don’t know how they do it, but this is one of those dishes I constantly crave. Nam Khao is crispy rice seasoned with lime juice and herbs (ask for it spicy), served with romaine lettuce leaves to create your own “wraps.” You can either get it with pork or you can get the vegetarian version (they just leave out the pork). So. Delicious. Their chicken Larb Gai is also insanely flavorful, loaded with lime juice! And if you like your food spicy, they know how to make you breathe fire.
What to Get: Nam Khao (crispy rice “salad”) & Larb Gai
Urdaneta
Website | 3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Urdaneta is a cozy space located in the Alberta neighborhood serving up unique Spanish/Basque-style tapas and pintxos. If you want to feel like you’re enjoying a meal at a restaurant in Spain without flying across the Atlantic, this will satisfy that desire! I highly recommend the “All the Pintxos” option, which is an assortment of all of the pintxos (Basque small bites) offered on the menu. And of course, you can’t leave without trying their Basque cheesecake. As someone who isn’t typically a cheesecake fan, I love the lighter and fluffier consistency of this version. It’s not to be missed!
What to Get: All the Pintxos, a glass of cava, and the Basque cheesecake
PDX Sliders (Sellwood)
Website | 1605 SE Bybee Blvd #5714, Portland, OR 97202
PDX Sliders is a restaurant dedicated to savory mini burgers. Sliders make it so easy to choose a variety of little sandwiches to try! These little babies are a real treat and I find it hard to imagine making a bad choice here. Deciding on a favorite is tough, but I give the number one spot to The Steel (with American cheese, bacon, caramelized onions & aioli on brioche). The flavors are classic and simple, and burgers are nice and juicy. They do have veggie burger and portobello sliders for vegetarians as well.
What to Get: The Broadway, The Burnside & The Steel
Pambiche
Website | 2811 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232
When I think of how to describe Cuban food, some words come to mind: fun, colorful, and flavorful! Fun = just looking at our plates of food makes you want to do a little happy dance. Color = no explanation needed. They know how to dazzle you to eat with your eyes first! Flavor = I mean, you just have to try it. I dream about visiting again just to dig into that plate of garlicky shrimp.
What to Get: Camarones al Ajillo plate; Empanadas; Plato Cubano
Por Que No (Hawthorne)
Website | 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
Mexican food is the top contender for my all-time favorite cuisine so it’s no question why we made our way to Por Que No. They make a killer tamale plate, have delicious margaritas and tacos, and their guac and chips are the perfect snack.
What to Get: Tamale plate, guac & chips and any of the tacos!
Eem Thai BBQ
Website | 3808 N Williams Ave #127, Portland, OR 97227
Talk about a unique fusion menu! Eem pairs two very flavorful cuisines that could not be more unlike each other – BBQ and Thai. And they do it well! They churn out BBQ meats like brisket burnt ends, pulled pork, and smoked lamb and top them over curries or stirred in with wok-fried rice.
Their popular White Curry with Brisket Burnt Ends drew me in and I have to say – wow, what a combo! The smoky, savory and fatty brisket pairs so well with the sweeter white curry. Even more flavorful is the Masaman Curry with Smoked Lamb. Your taste buds will be happy and you’ll be craving a return visit!
Eem also has a wide range of specialty cocktails to choose from that are flavorful, fun and colorful.
What to Get: White Curry with Brisket, Masaman Curry with Smoked Lamb, and Brisket Fried Rice
Stammtisch
Website | 401 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
On the hunt for hearty German food in Portland? Stammtisch is a phenomenal pick! Whether you want a plate full of sausages or unique dishes like their Maultaschen (pasta filled with leek fondue, topped with Brussels sprouts or green beans & mushrooms in white wine sauce), Stammtisch is a vibe. Not only do they have great food, it’s just a fun spot with a great beer bar.
What to Get: Maultaschen; “Wurst” Sausage Sampler
Ranch Pizza
Website | Multiple locations in Greater Portland
If Sicilian-style square pie is your jam, you’ll want to hit up one of the Ranch Pizza locations when in Portland! It is by far one of the best pizzas of this style that I’ve ever had. With a crispy crust loaded with delicious toppings (especially those ‘roni cups), you will be in pizza heaven. We modified the #4 and added pepperoni since they were out of sausage on the day we visited (this is a popular pizza)! Also on this pizza is aged mozarella, red sauce, ricotta, calabrian chilies, pecorino romano, and basil. So much yum.
What to Get: #4 with Pepperoni!
Han Oak
Website | 511 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
For a truly memorable dining experience, you’ve got to check out this elevated Korean restaurant in the Kerns neighborhood. While the menu does change at times, we experienced the Gimbap party – a set menu dining experience with a take on deconstructed Gimbap/Kimbap.
The meal starts with assorted banchan and a corned beef appetizer, followed by the Gimbap where you build your own hand rolls with meats, veggies, nori, rice, and an assortment of sauces. It’s a such fun and interactive way to eat your food! Our meal finished off with bing-soo – a Korean shaved ice dessert that was a light and refreshing way to end the meal.
The ambiance here is also spot on for a date night or small intimate dining group where you’ll just want to linger for hours.
Important: Reservations are required and you’ll want to make them as far in advance as possible. They open spots up 28 days in advance.
Where to Eat – Sweets
If there’s one sweet that comes to mind when I think of Portland, it’s donuts (or doughnuts – whatever floats your boat). You might as well call it Donutlandia instead of Portlandia! Of course, there are other sweets around town you might be interested in too. Here are a few that stand out.
Voodoo Doughnut – Old Town
Website | 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Voodoo might be a little gimmicky but you’ve gotta go at least once and wait in line while visiting Portland. It’s an institution! They have a lot of fun donuts, which are fully loaded with sugar. I highly recommend sticking to the more simple items if you don’t want to give yourself diabetes.
A word to the wise…there is a homeless problem in the immediate area and they may or may not harass you while you are waiting for your sweet treats (speaking from experience).
What to Get: Maple Bacon Bar; Cock and Balls (yes, you read that right)
Blue Star Donuts
Website | Multiple Locations
Blue Star is the other main player in the Portland donut scene, and typically beats out Voodoo in that they use better quality ingredients and have a more modern take on donut flavors (like passion fruit & chocolate chili). There are several locations through Portland (and even one at the airport!), but we’ve visited the location on Mississippi specifically.
What to Get: Passion fruit with cacao nibs
Salt & Straw
Website | Multiple Locations
Salt & Straw is pretty synonymous with Portland. I’m sure everyone and their mother will tell you to go here, even though they have branched out and opened up locations all over the States now! Their ice cream is mighty delicious, and they have amazing seasonal flavors that are just too creative to pass up!
They generally do have at least one dairy-free flavor that has a coconut milk base (I’ve tried a few and they are very good).
Wine & Spirits in Portland
Portland is a big beer city (which I’ll get into below in a separate section). However, if you aren’t a big beer drinker, there’s still a lot of boozy activities to enjoy in the city!
Multnomah Whiskey Library
Website | 1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205
The Multnomah Whiskey Library is such a unique experience for lovers of whiskey. The library is simply stunning with wall-to-wall shelves filled with all the whiskey and spirits your heart could ever desire. The whiskey libations (aka cocktails) on the menu are generally under $20, and they do serve a small (but full) menu of snacks and dinner.
While it is a membership-based establishment, non-member visitors have two options for getting in:
- Wait in long lines for a chance to visit (this is what we did – a long wait in line, followed by another wait in The Green Room (we were able to have a drink in here at least))
- Purchase a Hall Pass for $25 per person, which allows you to make a reservation
It is definitely worth the wait and/or the cost of the Hall Pass to guarantee you entry to this experience!
Saké One
Website | 820 Elm St, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Saké One was the first place to really make me appreciate the world of saké. If you aren’t familiar with saké, it’s a wine made from rice! I’m not an expert on the process, but you can read more about how saké his made here. I prefer my saké chilled and clear, but you can get different varieties served warm and cloudy.
My Favorites: g joy Genshu & g fifty Genshu
Did you know that different sakés go with just about any type of food? At Saké One, the tasting comes paired with a small plate of cheeses and meats to help open up the world of saké to your palate.
Although Saké One is located out in a Portland suburb called Forest Grove, if you’re looking for a unique tasting experience, I would definitely put this on your list! You could even pair your visit here with a stop at the Beaverton Farmer’s Market or one of the local wineries.
Wine Tasting
I’m ashamed to admit this but I have yet to really explore the Oregon wine scene! South of Portland, you’ll find the Willamette Valley Wine Region, known largely for production of Pinot Noir Wines. If you have some extra days in Portland, I would recommend planning out a tour to visit the region and experience all the Valley has to offer.
You can find more info on visiting Willamette Valley Wineries here.
Breweries & Cideries
Portland is a beer-centric city. Some people visit Portland just to drink beer! (Me). On our very first visit here years ago, we visited so many breweries, I lost count. Much like the restaurant industry, the beer scene is ever-changing and has certainly evolved in Portland over the years. Older established breweries have bowed out, while new craft breweries have popped up and thrived.
Since this guide is already a beast, I’m just going to list my favorite picks (in no particular order) for breweries and cideries to visit in Portland.
Great Notion Brewing
Website | 2204 NE Alberta St #101, Portland, OR 97211
Great Notion earns one of the top spots in my heart for favorite breweries in Portland. Not only do they make the haziest and juiciest of beers, they are spot on with their fruited sours (Blueberry Muffin fruited kettle sour, anyone?). You can never go wrong here. Plus, they have a location next to my favorite brunch spot – Pine State Biscuits in the Alberta neighborhood.
Beer Favorites: Everything. We’ve never had a bad beer here!
*Great Notion does have several brewery sites in the Portland area now. We’ve only been to the Alberta location.
Gigantic Brewing
Website | 5224 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Before visiting the tap room in Portland, we had been drinking Gigantic beers for a while. I’ve always loved their quirky bottle designs, and that fun carries over into the design of their taproom also. It’s not a huge place, which makes it a great spot for a cozy visit. We paired our visit here with a trip to the nearby Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.
Beer Favorite: Pipewrench Gin Barrel Aged IPA
Breakside Brewery
Website | 820 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211
One could say that Breakside helped spark my beer wanderlust…and not just because their flagship beer is dubbed Wanderlust IPA. While they have three taprooms in the Portland area, we love to visit the Dekum location. It’s small and cozy and they serve up a great plate of nachos.
Ruse Brewing
Website | 4784 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Located in Southeast Portland, Ruse has some delicious beer and is a must-stop for any IPA lover. Their hazy IPAs are some of the best in Portland!
Commensal Fermentation
Website | 3901 N Williams Ave Suite A, Portland, OR 97227
In a beautifully-decorated taproom in the Williams neighborhood, you’ll find this lovely little brewery called Commensal Fermentation. This is a great spot for those looking for beers lighter in ABV but I go for the strong stuff. My absolute favorites were the Crazy World, Lotta Smells double IPA and the Rhino and Egret barrel aged imperial milk stout (a collab with Alesong). If the imperial stout is on tap, it’s worth the visit alone!
If beer isn’t your thing, they also have a selection of natural wines, seltzer, cider, and kombucha.
Portland Cider Co.
Website | 8925 SE Jannsen Rd Bldg F, Clackamas, OR 97015
Cider has really gained a lot more momentum in the last several years, and I for one am glad to have a break from beer every now and then. While south of Portland, the Clackamas location is nice and cozy and they have tasty appetizers to help soak up that cider!
Cider Favorite: Kinda Dry (I like ciders on the less sweet side)
We’ve been to the Clackamas location only, but they do also have the Portland Cider House in Portland city limits.
Schilling Cider
Website | 930 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
If you’re really looking to experience the world of cider, Schilling is a great stop as they have 50 ciders on tap! Yes, 50 ciders to choose from. Good luck.
Cider Favorites: Rhubarb Pear and the Ginger
Best Things to Do in Portland
Portland is a wonderful city to visit for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. There’s so much to do to embrace this multicultural and scenic area!
- Take a food tour
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden
- Browse Farmers’ Markets (like in Beaverton or the Portland Saturday Market)
- Walk Along the Waterfront (especially in April for the cherry blossoms!)
- Wander the Alberta Arts District to check out murals
- Drive out to Multnomah Falls & The Vista House
- Saunter through the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
find more things to do in portland with getyourguide!
Take a Food Tour
Portland is one of the foodiest cities I’ve visited to date in the U.S.A., but because there are so many food options to choose from, it can get a little overwhelming! This is where a food tour comes in handy. I’ve taken a Food Carts, Pods and Patios tour from Lost Plate Portland and it was so much fun! You’ll get to try many different cuisines – some that you may never have had or thought of having.
Visit the Japanese & Rose Gardens
The Portland Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens I’ve been to and is definitely worth exploring on your visit to the city. Caretakers of the garden spare no intricate detail, and it’s such a calming and relaxing activity.
Admission in 2024 is $21.95 per person
- Photography: they do have specific rules on photography (i.e. no tripods or portrait photo sessions). Be sure to check the website out for further details.
The International Rose Test Garden is also located nearby in Washington park and is completely free!
Stroll Through Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ Markets in Portland are some of the best I’ve ever been to! You’ll find tons of stalls with art, crafts, and food goodies (my favorite part), and even samples of liquid libations like local hard cider or spirits.
The Portland Saturday Market has a lot more crafts and shopping (it’s much larger), while the Beaverton Market seems more food-oriented and less crowded. If you only have a few days in the city, stick with the Portland Saturday Market. However, if you end up branching out (say to visit Sake One or some wineries west of the city), give the Beaverton market a try!
The farmers’ markets are seasonal so be sure to check opening dates and times below.
- Beaverton Farmers Market: https://www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com/
- Portland Saturday Market: https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/
Walk the Waterfront
If the weather is nice and you feel like stretching your legs, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a great place to do just that. Walk along the river and check out the views of all the different bridges!
Cherry Blossoms: If you happen to visit in the spring, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom (April can be a perfect month for that).
Alberta Arts Mural Tour
My absolute favorite neighborhood in Portland is the Alberta Arts District. Not only are some of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood, there are countless colorful murals at almost every corner. It’s pretty much like going to a free outdoor art gallery! Set aside some time on your itinerary for a little self-guided walking tour through this neighborhood.
Explore Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is certainly a beautiful sight and not to be missed on a visit to Portland! It’s one of the most epic waterfalls I’ve seen.
Getting There: Multnomah falls is about a 45-minute drive from the center of the city. Do note that parking here can be a little tricky as the falls are a popular destination for visitors, especially in the summer. You’ll also need to reserve a timed use permit. Try to do this far in advance if visiting in busy season!
Alternatively, you can take the Columbia Gorge Express from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland to avoid having to worry about parking! Just be sure to book your round trip ticket in advance on their website.
If you have a car, you can also pair your visit here to the historic Vista House or take it even further and make a day trip out to Hood River.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Nature lovers with enjoy sauntering through the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Southeast Portland when the weather is nice. It is especially beautiful on a nice spring day when flowers start to bloom! Here, you’ll also find wildlife like ducks, geese, and a plethora of squirrels to keep you entertained.
The garden is also located nearby two of my favorite Portland breweries – Gigantic and Ruse, as well as PDX Sliders. Is there a more perfect way to spend a day than with beer, a beautiful garden, and some juicy burgers?
Day Trips from Portland
If you have extra time in Portland, here are a couple of day trip destinations to get you out of the city.
Hood River
Hood River is a great choice for a day trip as the drive takes you past the iconic Multnomah Falls and out to the Windsurfing Capital of the World! There are several breweries based in Hood River to visit as well – we recommend pFriem Brewing for some good beers and an excellent lunch.
Read More: Portland to Hood River: A Drive Through the Columbia River Gorge
Tillamook (Oregon Coast)
Tillamook is a small coastal town about 1 hour and 20 minutes west of Portland. If you like ice cream and cheese, you’ve got to visit the Tillamook Creamery! You can take a self-guided tour, sample some cheese, dine in their cheese-centric café, and get a heaping scoop of their famous ice cream. Tillamook is by far one of my favorite brands of ice cream in the U.S., and a visit to the creamery gives you the chance to sample flavors you may never see in stores (blood orange, where art though?!).
There are also some little taprooms to visit such as Pelican Brewing and de Garde Brewing, which I made it to on a bachelorette trip semi-recently. Or, you can just chill at the beach and enjoy beautiful coastal views.
Read More: Girls’ Weekend Getaway to the Oregon Coast
Astoria
Astoria is a cute historical town located about 2 hours northwest of Portland. Truth be told, we first visited Astoria to see the Goonies House on a day trip to the coast. Sadly, you can’t get close to the house anymore. However, Astoria is totally worth a visit if you’re a beer and seafood lover. Check out Fort George Brewery for awesome beers and sit out on the patio of Bridgewater Bistro, have a bowl of clam chowder, and take in the views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Prepare for the Weather
Late spring and summer in Portland can be quite warm and beautiful. In fact, summer is my absolute favorite season in Portland. The days can get hot, but you’ve got plenty of daylight to galivant about the city.
If you’re visiting any time from fall through early spring, the Pacific Northwest will treat you to what keeps everything so lush and green – rain! But even though it rains frequently, it doesn’t always stick around forever. Many days, you might find it simply overcast with light sprinkles; other times rain, hail, and even snow in the winter! If you aren’t visiting in the dead of summer, be sure to prepare for all seasons and dress in layers.
What to Pack for Warm Weather
- Sandals that are comfy and cute for walking around the city
- Hydroflask to stay hydrated when brewery hopping!
- Sunnies to keep the sun at bay
- Summer dresses for style and comfort (they allow for a lot of room to grow while you’re eating!)
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
What to Pack for Cool Weather
- Light rain jacket with a hood for sporadic showers
- Umbrella for heavy rains (native Portlanders may disagree with me on this!)
- Waterproof backpack (I have this one and love it!)
And that’s a wrap! Thanks for checking out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Portland, Oregon. If you have suggestions for me to visit on my next trip to Portland, drop them in the comments below!
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