Must-Go Places
You’ll find fantastic activities, festivals, and tons of natural beauty in Portland, Vancouver, and the surrounding cities. There are so many “must-go” places in each spot that we’re just going to give a quick summary here. This list is intended for those of you who are considering a move to the area – so while it’ll include some tourist spots, we aren’t going to be talking exclusive tourist destinations here.
Awesome Spots to Hit
The waterfront festivals, NW’s Pride Parade, the Starlight Parade, Pioneer Square, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park are all classic Portland spots/activities. However, in summer, there are concerts in the various Portland and Vancouver Parks just about every weekend along with Farmers Markets, Saturday Market, and tons of runs/marathons for outdoorsy fun.
If you love art, the Hawthorne District and North Portland/NE Alberta has unexpected art at almost every corner. Portland also hosts its own ComicCon every year along with musicians of all stripes, stand up comedians, rotating art exhibits, art installations, and more.
Into gaming? Check out barcades like Ground Kontrol and Quarterworld, or head over to NoPo’s Game Knight Lounge for board games and beers. There’s also Pub Trivia night at OMSI, Geeks Who Drink, The Movie Quiz at Hollywood Theater and a ton of other game nights across Portland.
Finally, if you’re looking for great shopping to furnish your new digs, to rock your style or anything in between, you’re in luck. There’s no sales tax in Portland, so take advantage of all the local antique and consignment stores, locally made handcrafted furniture, cute boutiques, thrifting, and more. These stores are scattered throughout Portland, but depending on your style (and budget), you can explore anywhere from Sellwood or Hawthorne in SouthEast to 23rd in NW to the Lloyd District in NE.
Hiking, Biking, Gardens, and More
The International Rose Test Gardens are a well-known jewel, filled with people, picnicking, and – of
course – roses. However, there are many undiscovered gems like the Japanese Gardens, Crystal Springs
Rhododendron Gardens, and Leach Botanical Garden. Also, Portland and Vancouver are filled with parks, hiking/mountain biking trails, and walkable/bikeable urban landscapes.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Portland may be known for its craft beers and Pinot Noir, but the city is also very family-friendly. Kids can find fun hiking in Forest Park, playing in the fountain at Jamison Square, enjoying indoor playgrounds when the weather is foul, and getting splashed at Oak’s Amusement Park. There are also little gems like Glowing Greens – the indoor pirate-themed mini golf location right in the middle of downtown PDX, and Wunderland – an indoor arcade where games are still only a dime.
Culinary Quests
Foodies unite in Portland. The Bite of Oregon is a delicious end to every summer, but you can also find culinary classics in both food carts and restaurants across the city. Places like Pok Pok and Lardo became so popular that they rose from food carts to restaurants while classic spots like Huber’s Cafe have remained in place since the 1800’s. Other Portland classics like Veritable Quandary (Now “Q Restaurant”) have metamorphosed over the years.
The longer you live in Portland, the more incredible food makes its way to the city. Additionally, there are bars and pubs for people of all types. Whether you prefer a cozy spot like Goose Hollow Inn or belong to the hipster crowd at Radio Room, or even would enjoy a pie place that serves great drinks like Random Order, there’s a spot for you to find fantastic drinks and great conversation in Portland.
Outside the City Limits
The Pacific Northwest is endlessly beautiful and contains a wide variety of terrains and countryside. McMinnville and the surrounding area is Oregon’s wine country, while the Rogue and Deschutes rivers host plenty of local breweries.
If you head west, you’ll find the Oregon Coast where you can visit Haystack Rock (made famous by The Goonies) or go south to Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival. Eastern Oregon has its own magic as you explore deserts, go fossil hunting, or head to the Willamette National Forest to soak in springs or float down Sunriver.
Mount Hood is right next to Portland and Vancouver, providing opportunities for camping, hiking, and snowboarding all-year-round. Or, if you’re trying to take a culinary trip, you can enjoy the fruit loop at the base of Mount Hood, hitting up local farms for fruit, jam, homemade pies, and ice cream.
Whether you’re the outdoorsy type, want to chow down, or are trying to enjoy time with the kids – there’s tons to do throughout Portland, Vancouver, and beyond!