{"id":134837,"date":"2024-08-13T01:30:08","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T08:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=134837"},"modified":"2026-03-06T00:49:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T08:49:03","slug":"things-to-do-in-portland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-portland\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Fun Things to Do in Portland, According to the Locals\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The largest city in Oregon, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/portland-or\/\">Portland<\/a>, is known for its natural beauty, progressive values, and creative spirit. It\u2019s got a big personality and eclectic style like no other US city, with a fascinating history to match!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When pioneers arrived in the 1840s, they found the area was prime real estate for a wide variety of industries. Its direct access to the Pacific Ocean via the Columbia and Willamette rivers (and later by rail) established it as a major port city. Its easy access to the Tualatin Valley offered rich agricultural opportunities, and its dense forests made it a prominent player in the lumber industry.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Along with all that port-city hustle and bustling economy, Portland eventually attracted some undesirable elements, too. It became a hub for racketeering and organized crime activity at the turn of the 20<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> century. However, things finally calmed down as the WWII industrial boom gained momentum. The influx of hippie subculture in the 60s put the City of Roses on its way to the (mostly) laid-back bastion of counterculture it is today.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Creativity is king in Portland! It\u2019s home to a thriving arts scene with a multitude of visual and performing arts venues hosting everything from opera to the avant-garde. A wide variety of museums and educational institutions show off the city\u2019s intellectual side, the NBA\u2019s Portland Trail Blazers bring a vibrant sports vibe, and its impressive park system allows residents and visitors to commune with nature without the road trip.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, where to begin? If you\u2019re a visitor or brand-new resident, the city\u2019s abundance of things to see and do can leave you with decision fatigue. But the locals in the area are happy to help! Read on \u2014 in this post, we\u2019ll share some of their suggestions for embarking on your Portland adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>1. Get outdoors and revel in the view<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134843\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/birdal-veil-falls.png\" alt=\"bridal veil falls portland\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/birdal-veil-falls.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/birdal-veil-falls.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/birdal-veil-falls.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/birdal-veil-falls.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kristina Graff, local family and portrait photographer and founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kristinagraffphotography.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kristina Graff Photography<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, recommended some must-see natural landmarks. \u201cIf conditions are favorable, you have to stop and see some waterfalls in the area. There are a TON, but I would recommend Bridal Veil Falls and Latourell Falls. They&#8217;re both a fairly short and easy walk to see the falls up close, so they&#8217;re accessible for everyone. Plus, they&#8217;re only five minutes apart! Latourell also has a trail that goes past the falls and back under the bridge on the road if you&#8217;re looking for something a little more involved.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIf the weather is rainy (let&#8217;s face it, Portland is rainy a lot of the year) and you want to stay dry, take a drive along the Columbia River Gorge. Or be extra adventurous and head up past Bridal Veil to check out Vista House; the view is incredible, whether you brave the weather to get out of your car or not. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest is amazing, and you will not regret seeing at least a small part of it.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>2. Check out Pittock Mansion<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/pittock-mansion.png\" alt=\"pittock mansion portland\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/pittock-mansion.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/pittock-mansion.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/pittock-mansion.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/pittock-mansion.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Devin VonderHaar, home organizer and creator of local interior design company <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/themodernminimalist.biz\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Modern Minimalist<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, suggests visiting the historic Pittock Mansion. Built in 1914, the Mansion was home to wealthy newspaper publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana. Both were dedicated to improving the lives of Portland residents, remaining active in its society, and contributing to its civic organizations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Mansion-turned-museum is an impressive feat of architecture full of beautiful period furnishings and personal artifacts, so if you go, budget plenty of time to meander through its rooms and gardens. There are several exhibits highlighting not only the Pittock family\u2019s contributions to the city but also how Portland\u2019s indigenous and immigrant communities made an invaluable mark on its identity.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It features 48 acres of stunning rose gardens and woodland, not to mention its dramatic view of the city skyline and Mt. Hood. Bonus: The Mansion is said to be haunted by the Pittocks, so be sure to say hi while you\u2019re there.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: The Mansion is open Monday-Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (noon to 5 on Tuesdays) from May through October. It closes an hour earlier in November through April.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>3. Explore downtown and marvel at the Portlandia statue<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134845\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portlandia-statue.png\" alt=\"portlandia statue\" width=\"960\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portlandia-statue.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portlandia-statue.png?resize=500,355 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portlandia-statue.png?resize=768,546 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portlandia-statue.png?resize=150,107 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">VonderHaar also recommended a stop at the Portlandia statue, one of Portland\u2019s most iconic monuments. Partially concealed in the shadow of the Portland Building stands this majestic statue depicting the powerful and graceful \u201cLady Commerce\u201d featured on the Portland city seal. At nearly 35 feet tall, it\u2019s the second largest copper statue in the US after the Statue of Liberty. The Portlandia statue happens to be one of many beloved landmarks featured in several of the city\u2019s self-guided walking tours and scavenger hunts. If you aren\u2019t already in love with the city, you will be after this \u2014 it\u2019s a fantastic way to spend the day!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>4. Go shopping at NW 23rd<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">NW 23<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is perhaps Portland\u2019s best-known area for shopping at locally-owned boutiques and businesses. From books and toys for the kiddos to kitschy clothes and gifts harvested from local estate sales, there are things in these shops you literally won\u2019t find anywhere else but in Portland. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s something for everyone on NW 23<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. For example, you can stop at Hip Hound to pick out a carefully curated toy for your dog or cat and a freshly made custom cake or treat at the barkery. Mosey over to New Renaissance, the largest metaphysical bookstore in the country, to take a meditation class and pick up a book on plant spirit medicine. And don\u2019t forget a trip to Blush Beauty Bar, where you can grab some hard-to-find local and cult-brand cosmetics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>5. Save room for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert!<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portland-streets-and-restaurants.png\" alt=\"evening stroll in portland\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portland-streets-and-restaurants.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portland-streets-and-restaurants.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portland-streets-and-restaurants.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/portland-streets-and-restaurants.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Portland is truly a foodie\u2019s paradise, so it\u2019s difficult to name one must-see restaurant over another. Add a diverse selection of international fare to the mix, and choosing a place to go becomes even trickier! If you\u2019re looking for a healthy acai bowl or smoothie before starting your city adventure at the Portlandia Sculpture, VonderHaar suggests giving Moberi on 23<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Avenue a try.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For lunch, VonderHaar directed us to Fish + Rice, a casual, counter-service restaurant where you can get colorful sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and poke bowls. If you\u2019re in the mood for some Venezuelan food, try La Arepa for authentic empanadas, pepitos, and, of course, a variety of arepas that\u2019ll make your mouth water.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dinner may be the hardest to choose, so it might help to decide if you want fancy date night, casual, or maybe something in-between. If you\u2019re looking for something with an eclectic vibe, try Bollywood theatre or Duck House. Want something trendy and romantic? Book an evening at Republica for their Mexico-forward chef\u2019s tasting dinner. If you\u2019d prefer something in between, try Gabbiano\u2019s for incredible Italian food or Nicholas for authentic Lebanese.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>6. Go on an adventure on the 4T Trail Loop<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/council-crest.png\" alt=\"view of portland from council crest\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/council-crest.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/council-crest.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/council-crest.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/council-crest.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Carve out an entire day for this suggestion from Beth Benner, broker at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bridgetoportland.com\/\">Bridge to Portland Group<\/a> at <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Living Room Realty!<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The 4T Trail is \u201cA uniquely Portland eight-mile \u2018hike\u2019 using all the transportation and trails you find along the way,\u201d she says. \u201cOffering unique perspectives, you can walk just a mile and reach the heady heights of 1,073\u00a0 feet on Council Crest or glide 3,300 linear feet downhill in 3 minutes while on the aerial tram. There is plenty to see, but you can take your time as you go, even stopping to eat at the many restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and food carts you will spot along the way!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>7. Stop and smell the roses at the Rose Test Garden<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134848\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/rose-garden-in-portland.png\" alt=\"fountain in international rose garden portland\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/rose-garden-in-portland.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/rose-garden-in-portland.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/rose-garden-in-portland.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/rose-garden-in-portland.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhen visiting Portland, Oregon, there are a few must-see attractions and activities to experience,\u201d says Karen Rivelli of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mastermovers.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Master Movers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. \u201cStart your adventure at the International Rose Test Garden, home to over 10,000 beautiful rose bushes!\u201d Established in 1917, it\u2019s called the \u201ctest garden\u201d because that\u2019s exactly what it is \u2014 a testing ground for new rose varieties. Rose breeders from around the world send their hybrids to be evaluated in our ideal-for-roses Portland climate (hence the moniker \u201cCity of Roses\u201d). You\u2019ll find 4.5 acres of over 10,000 rose bushes representing roughly 650 different varieties here, with peak bloom usually in June. The garden hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Rose Festival.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>8. Spend a morning at the Portland Saturday Market<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134849\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/saturday-market.png\" alt=\"portland saturday market\" width=\"960\" height=\"645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/saturday-market.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/saturday-market.png?resize=500,336 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/saturday-market.png?resize=768,516 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/saturday-market.png?resize=150,101 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cNext, explore the bustling Saturday Market for unique crafts and delicious local food,\u201d says Rivelli.\u00a0 A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the Market is framed by gorgeous views of the city skyline and the Willamette River for a backdrop that can\u2019t be beat for strolling, shopping, and attending one of the many events held at the Market. You\u2019ll find a wide variety of local vendors selling handmade crafts, fine jewelry, gifts, and wares. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Saturday Market also features live music and food trucks, making it an excellent place to grab some lunch and soak in the local culture. Its downtown location makes the Market easy to get to by foot, bike, or public transport. \u201cAnd don\u2019t miss Powell\u2019s City of Books, Rivelli adds. \u201cIt\u2019s the world\u2019s largest independent bookstore!\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: The Portland Saturday Market runs from March through December and is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to 4:30 pm on Sundays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>9. Immerse yourself in Lan Su Chinese Garden<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134850\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/lan-su-garden.png\" alt=\"lan su chinese garden in portland\" width=\"960\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/lan-su-garden.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/lan-su-garden.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/lan-su-garden.png?resize=768,511 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/lan-su-garden.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rivelli also recommended a stroll through the serene Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland\u2019s Chinatown neighborhood. Designed in a traditional Suzhou garden style, Lan Su Garden is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. It was built as a collaboration between Portland and its sister city, Suzhou, and features traditional Chinese pavilions, bridges, and rockeries, all designed by Suzhou artisans and built using materials from Suzhou.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many of the plants you\u2019ll find there aren\u2019t typically seen outside of China and are selected to reflect the changing seasons. You\u2019ll also appreciate tranquil Lake Zither. The lake is the centerpiece of the garden, home to koi fish and lotus flowers, and surrounded by paths, bridges, and pavilions.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The garden also serves as a cultural center, hosting Chinese New Year Celebrations, educational programs, and other events. Don\u2019t miss the tea ceremonies at the authentic Chinese teahouse located in the gardens, where you can enjoy traditional Chinese tea and snacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>10. Take a hike in Forest Park<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134851\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/forest-park-trail.png\" alt=\"forest park trail in portland\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/forest-park-trail.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/forest-park-trail.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/forest-park-trail.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/08\/forest-park-trail.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another of Portland\u2019s most impressive displays of natural beauty, Rivelli suggested we take a day to explore Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the US. Forest Park stretches about eight miles long (over 5,200 acres) along the West Hills and boasts over 80 miles of trails and forest roads. Inside the park, you\u2019ll find an ecosystem full of the most beautiful local flora and fauna and plenty of spots to take in the stunning views of Portland and the Willamette River. On a clear day, you can see the distant peaks of Mt. Hood and Mount. St. Helens!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>11. Voodoo Doughnut<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cFor a taste of Portland&#8217;s famous food scene, visit the numerous food carts and breweries,\u201d says Rivelli. \u201cBut lastly, make sure to stop by Voodoo Doughnut for an iconic sweet treat!\u201d This quirky donut shop is one of the city&#8217;s most unique, not to mention iconic, places. It\u2019s famous for its creative donut flavors, including the \u201cCaptain My Captain,\u201d a donut topped with vanilla frosting and Captain Crunch cereal, and the whimsical \u201cVoodoo Doll,\u201d a doughnut shaped like a voodoo doll filled with raspberry jelly, topped with chocolate frosting, and jabbed with a pretzel \u201cpin.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Embrace your creative side in Portland<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Portland\u2019s come-as-you-are attitude attracts visitors from all over the world from all walks of life, and we\u2019re confident you\u2019ll fall in love with the city during your stay. You can find its spirit in every nook and cranny of the city, but it\u2019s probably best represented by the people who call it home. We hope their suggestions have inspired you to come to the Pacific Northwest and explore the beauty of Portland!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The largest city in Oregon, Portland, is known for its natural beauty, progressive values, and creative spirit. It\u2019s got a big personality and eclectic style like no other US city, with a fascinating history to match!\u00a0 When pioneers arrived in the 1840s, they found the area was prime real estate for a wide variety of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":148,"featured_media":134842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[38988,38784],"class_list":["post-134837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-resources","tag-local-guides","tag-portland-or-local-guides","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Things to Do in Portland for an Immersive Experience<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for fun things to do in Portland? 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