For anyone who’s been or lived there, it’s probably fair to say that Portland is a highly unique city. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon lies at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. A temperate climate surrounded by gorgeous green trees, “Portlandia” offers something for everyone. From the creative arts to gastronomy, visitors can typically find a tour or attraction that appeals to their interests. When it comes to environmental sustainability, Portland is also a leader in staying committed to long-term eco-friendly projects, including evolving public transportation systems and bike-friendly infrastructure. With residents who come from all over the world to make Portland their home, this city offers a diverse and inclusive travel experience. Plan your trip to Portland with Gray Line today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Portland
A beautiful and extensive urban space, Washington Park offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. Along with the Oregon Zoo, the park is also home to the Portland Japanese Garden. It’s there that visitors can admire the garden’s traditional Japanese design elements, including koi ponds and tea houses. For fans of flowers, the International Rose Test Garden showcases over 10,000 rose bushes and is extremely popular in the blooming season. For little ones, the Portland Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits that appeal to kids of all ages. Finally, check out the many historic landmarks within Washington Park, most notably the Oregon Holocaust Memorial and the Lewis and Clark Memorial.
Located in the Pearl District, Powell’s City of Books is a literal heaven for bibliophiles everywhere. Spanning an impressive 68,000 square feet and housing over a million books (yes, you read that right), Powell’s offers a vast collection of new, used, and rare copies. Grab a coffee at the on-premise cafe and explore the Rare Book Room, a special section dedicated to valuable volumes. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to catch an author reading, book signing, or literary event. Parking is limited at Powell’s, but public transportation systems deliver visitors to the massive bookstore routinely. Pack some extra luggage to transport the books you are inevitably going to buy!
Voodoo Doughnuts is a famous shop in Portland and known for its quirky vibe and one-of-a-kind doughnut creations. The original establishment has expanded into multiple locations around the city, so you’ll be able to find a store that’s convenient for you. Founded in 2003 by Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon, Voodoo Doughnut quickly became popular with locals and visitors alike. Signature doughnuts include the Voodoo Doll — a chocolate monstrosity shaped like its namesake — and the Bacon Maple Bar, a raised doughnut topped with maple frosting and crispy bacon. If you’re feeling really adventurous, order the Old Dirty Bastard, a chocolate doughnut topped with Oreos, peanut butter, and — what else? — more chocolate.
Often referred to as Portland’s “living room,” Pioneer Courthouse Square is a public space located in the heart of downtown. The square was developed in the 1980s to revitalize the urban area and provide a communal gathering place for residents. Covering an entire city block, the park is shaped in a unique design with brick pathways, seating areas, and landscaped gardens. For history buffs, the Pioneer Courthouse itself is on the premises and dates from 1875. Hit up the square when it's hosting a concert, and don’t miss the extremely popular Farmers Market.
A trendy neighborhood in Portland, the Pearl District is a blend of art, culture, fine dining, and shopping. Located slightly northwest of downtown, this district is bordered by the Willamette River to the east and the Northwest District to the west. Once an industrial area filled with warehouses and rail yards, the Pearl District has undergone significant redevelopment since the 1990s. The Portland Center Stage — a prominent theater company — and popular establishments like Stumptown Coffee Roasters are just two of the many places to visit in one of Portland’s most well-known areas.
Situated in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Multnomah Falls is about 30 miles east of Portland and easily accessible via Interstate 84. These falls are the tallest in the state with a total height of 620 feet. Perhaps most notably, the waterfall is split into two tiers — the upper falls are 542 feet high while the lower falls are 69 feet. Surrounded by a gorgeously lush landscape, Multnomah Falls is conveniently located near the Multnomah Falls Visitor Center and a viewing platform at Bridal Veil Falls. For guests who like to get out and move, the area contains several popular hiking trails, including Angels Rest and Wahkeena Falls.
Officially known as the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, the Grotto is a Catholic shrine and botanical garden in Portland. A short drive from downtown, the spot was established in 1924 by the Servite Order, a group that places great emphasis on the suffering and compassion of the Virgin Mary. The pinnacle of the Grotto is a statue of the Lady herself adorned by flowers and plants. Surrounding the monument sits 62 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and mild walking paths for visitors to take in the serene Portland air. Guests can take an elevator or hike to the Grotto’s upper level, which offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount St. Helens. If you’re interested in attending Mass, the Chapel of Mary on the upper level still hosts regular services and other special events throughout the year.
Similar to most cities, the Oregon Zoo in Portland is a particular highlight of residents and visitors who love animals and prefer seeing them in naturalistic environments. Found in Washington Park, the zoo sits near the Portland Japanese Garden and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The animal sanctuary was founded in 1888, which makes the Oregon Zoo one of the oldest in the United States. It has undergone extensive renovations and expansions over the years to enhance animal habitats and the experiences of visitors. With over 1,800 animals representing more than 230 species, the zoo’s most popular exhibits include Elephant Lands, Predators of the Serengeti, and the Great Northwest.
The Portland Timbers are the city’s professional soccer team within Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded in 2009 as an expansion team, the name “Timbers” has a long history in Portland with an origin dating back to the original North American Soccer League team that played from 1975 to 1982. The Timbers play their home games at Providence Park, a stadium with capacity for 25,000 people, and the sparkling green and gold team colors are an attractive enhancement to apparel and souvenirs. Timber Joey is the team’s lumberjack mascot who regularly engages with fans and celebrates goals by slicing a log. The spectators create an electric atmosphere in the venue, and, depending on your personal level of fandom, the section known as “Timbers Army” is wild and alive with chants, songs, and flags.
Not far from Portland, Multnomah Falls is an area of incredible natural beauty where water pours 620 feet over two cliff faces
Portland United States
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Easy to purchase tickets. Last year I had to cancel and did so with no problem. Trolley runs on schedule and the driver is helpful. You can hop on to go in either direction Not having to worry about parking was great - it's a vacation after all
Waterfall Trolley - Hop-On Hop-Off - An open-air experience (GLO1)
Driver kind, very well informed abut the gorge tour. She even gave us a ride to near to our hotel when Marylou fell getting off the bus and had a minor knee scrape.
Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge Tour - 4.5 Hours (PDX03)
Waterfall Trolley - Hop-On Hop-Off - An open-air experience (GLO1)
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