Bike-friendly, craft beers, hiking trails, and amazing natural scenery are just some of the top things that come to mind that are associated with Portland, Oregon. The city boasts of these attractions and more that are begging to be explored. With so many things to see and experience, here are seven of the best places to visit when in Portland.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Top attractions: Over 200,000 acres of breathtaking natural scenery, scenic viewpoints, numerous trails for trekking, stunning waterfalls, and more
Elk Rock Garden (Garden of the Bishop’s Close)
Top attractions: A beautiful garden that sits on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River; features ponds and a wide array of flowers including lovely magnolias
International Rose Test Garden
Top attractions: A popular rose garden located in Washington Park, features thousands of roses consisting of over 500 varieties, serves as testing ground for new varieties of roses; attractions like the Gold Medal Garden, Miniature Rose Test Garden and Shakespeare Rose Test Garden
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Top attractions: A Suzhou-style garden that provides a glimpse of Chinese culture and history; features traditional Chinese structures, a tea house, flowers and plants, and more
Portland Japanese Garden
Top attractions: Authentic Japanese garden located outside Asia; features the Flat Garden, Natural Garden, Sand and Stone Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden; tranquil surroundings, breathtaking and colorful foliage
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Top attractions: Waterfront Park along the Willamette River, scenic views of the city, serves as venue for various events like the Oregon Brewers Festival
Washington Park
Top attractions: Home to some of the city’s top attractions like the Hoyt Arboretum, Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, Portland Japanese Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, and World Forestry Center among many others