A Pacific Northwest gem with thriving arts, food, and music scenes. Surrounded by lush parks and close to mountains and coast, this Oregon city buzzes with creativity.
Portland, Oregon's largest city, is known for its food carts, tax-free shopping, and many parks. You can explore the International Rose Test Garden, wander through the active Pearl District, or hike in Forest Park. Portland's relaxed atmosphere and unique character make it stand out in the Pacific Northwest. As you sample craft beers at local breweries or browse the city's many bookstores, you'll experience what makes Portland special.
Portland's Culinary Scene
Portland has over 500 food carts scattered throughout the city. These mobile eateries serve a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional American fare to international dishes. You can use the Food Cart Finder to locate a meal that suits your taste. The city also has many restaurants, cafes, and eateries catering to various dietary preferences. For example, you might try vegan ice cream at Salt & Straw or sample innovative dishes at Le Pigeon.
Shopping Without Sales Tax
When you shop in Portland, you don't pay sales tax. You can browse through a wide range of stores, from boutique shops selling handmade and vintage items to high-end retailers offering designer clothes and jewelry. Downtown Portland and the Pearl District are popular shopping areas. In downtown, you'll find major department stores like Nordstrom, while the Pearl District houses unique shops like Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore.
Green Spaces and Parks
Portland has over 14 square miles of parkland, including the 5,000-acre Forest Park. You can hike on more than 80 miles of trails in Forest Park or visit the International Rose Test Garden, which has over 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties. Washington Park, near downtown, includes the Portland Japanese Garden and the Oregon Zoo. For a quick break from the city, you can relax in one of the many smaller parks scattered throughout Portland's neighborhoods.
Distinctive Neighborhoods
Portland is divided into six areas, each with its own character. North Portland, known as the "Fifth Quadrant," includes the historic St. Johns neighborhood with its iconic St. Johns Bridge. Northwest Portland has the Pearl District, known for its art galleries and upscale restaurants. In Northeast Portland, you'll find the Alberta Arts District, home to the monthly Last Thursday art walk. Southeast Portland is known for its food scene, with popular spots like Pok Pok and Apizza Scholls. Exploring these areas gives you a comprehensive Portland experience.
Craft Beer and Wine
Portland has earned a reputation for its craft beer. The city has over 75 breweries, more than any other city in the world. You can visit breweries like Deschutes Brewery or Cascade Brewing to taste local beers. For wine enthusiasts, the Willamette Valley is about an hour's drive from Portland. This region is known for its Pinot Noir and offers opportunities for wine tasting at over 500 wineries.
Getting Around
Portland's compact downtown and public transportation system make it easy to explore the city. The MAX light rail has five lines connecting downtown to surrounding areas. Streetcars serve the central city, and buses cover a wide area. Portland is also very bike-friendly, with over 385 miles of bikeways. You can rent a bike from shops like Cycle Portland or use the BIKETOWN bike-share program to explore the city on two wheels.
Cultural Events
Throughout the year, Portland hosts various events. The annual Rose Festival in June includes parades, carnival rides, and dragon boat races. In July, the Oregon Brewers Festival brings together craft brewers from around the country. The Portland Jazz Festival in February features local and international jazz musicians. For art lovers, the First Thursday Gallery Walk in the Pearl District allows you to explore art galleries and meet local artists.
