Top 10 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
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We’ve had a lot of fun recently doing these ‘top 10 places to visit” videos, so it was time to do another. There have been many submissions. Don’t worry – I plan to get to them all! Portland is a pretty nice place to visit, and it definitely appears that there is much to see and do there! Make sure you send in the top places to visit in your area! Today’s Portland list was sent in by Scott, filled with all of the hot spots to visit.
- Portland Japanese Garden – At the heart of a Japanese garden is harmony with nature. Through the careful use of plants, stones, and water, areas of serene and quiet beauty emerge. These peaceful spots in the Garden lend themselves to meditation and contemplation. The 5.5 acre Japanese Garden is composed of five distinct garden styles.
- Portland Zoo – This is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi is home to 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
- Portland Classical Chinese Garden – Never twice the same, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden is an authentically built cultural heritage garden and living museum of Chinese trees and flora. Within this authentic Ming Dynasty scholar’s garden, serpentine mosaic pathways lead to harmonious landscapes of plants, water, stones, pavilions, and poetry.
- Portland Saturday Market – Operating since 1974 the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation. Centered in Portland’s historic Old Town the Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for local handcrafted goods.
- Powell’s Book Store – Powell’s Book Store is so large, it covers an entire city block. It is the largest new/used bookstore in the world.
- Take a cruise down the Willamette River – The Willamette River winds through the heart of Portland under a succession of beautiful bridges. An evening cruise down the river is about the best way to see the city.
- Grab a beer! – Portland is known to be the microbrewing capital of the US, with the most microbreweries in one city.
- McCall Waterfront Park / Pioneer Courthouse Square – McCall Waterfront Park is known as Portland’s living room, and is host to many events throughout the year.
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry – As one of the nation’s top 10 science museums, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry features over 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun. Explore five exhibit halls and eight science labs full of hundreds of hands-on demonstrations and interactive exhibits. Other museum features include a big screen OMNIMAX Theater, the Northwest’s largest planetarium, and the USS Blueback, the US Navy’s last fast-attack, diesel-powered submarine.
- Evergreen Aviation Museum – The centerpiece of this museum is the plane called the “Spruce Goose,” a single-hull flying boat bearing eight, 3,000 horsepower engines, and wings 20 feet longer than a football field. Located southwest of Portland in McMinnville.
What’s your favorite city to visit? Why do you enjoy spending time there? Make sure you send me an email with your “top ten places to visit” list from your hometown!
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6 Comments
Marcell
August 11th, 2009
at 4:49pm
Wow! I heard it rains a ton in Oregon but hey when its not theres a lot to do.
Patrick King
August 11th, 2009
at 5:06pm
I would have to disagree/add to many of the things that Scott listed. I’ve lived in Portland for 20 years (my whole life) and have experienced most of what it has to offer. There are many more geeky things to do in Portland that will appeal to the truly nerdy:
1) Ground Kontrol (http://www.groundkontrol.com)
Over 90 of the best arcade games from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s in an authentic gameroom environment. Original cabinets, original gameplay and original quarter slots, just like you remember! Pull on some Pumas and terrycloth wristbands, get in your stance, and prepare to immerse yourself in the electric glow of years gone by.
2) Backspace (http://www.backspace.bz)
Backspace is the entertainment mecca of Portland, Oregon. Visit & discover a techno-playground; a modern arcade for the modern gamer featuring top of the line networked systems on a fat internet pipe. In their 4000 sq ft. space, you will find a cafe–gallery featuring up & coming local artists, lowered ceilings, and brick walls.
3) The Montage (http://www.montageportland.com)
Located in the heart of the Central Eastside Industrial district in what was once the Royal Hotel is now the home of Le Bistro Montage, one of Portland’s quirkiest Restaurants.
While dining on communal linen-covered tables, you can enjoy a wide variety of meals, from rock shrimp pesto linguini to alligator jambalaya! Try one of our homemade desserts and get your to go food wrapped in our signature foil masterpieces.
Just a few minutes from Downtown Portland, a completely different feel awaits those who venture across the Willamette River.
4) Powell’s Technical Books (http://www.powells.com/technicalbooks)
Just a few blocks from the main Powell’s store Powell’s Technical Books features ever type of technical literature one can imagine, along with a collection of desktop computer systems of days gone by.
5) Music Millennium (http://www.musicmillennium.com/)
Music Millennium has been open for 30 years later and is the oldest record store in existence in the Pacific Northwest. Throughout their history, they’ve stocked the ever-evolving gamut of formats including LP’s, 45’s, reel-to-reel, 8-track, cassette, DAT, compact disc, mini-disc, DCC and CD-ROM.
6) Rimsky-Korsakoffeehouse (http://rimskys.blogspot.com/)
Since 1980, the after-dinner crowd has been coming to this unassuming Victorian home for post-event socialization and live classical music. Upon entry, signs instruct patrons to take a menu and find a table, which is not always an easy prospect. Menu offerings include mocha-fudge cake, ice cream sundaes or cheesecake–all of which go well with a cup of coffee.
I hope all of you will come and visit our lovely city! There are so many amazing things to do here; way to many to list. You will love the fresh air and many beautiful parks and gardens. And before you leave you’ll be considering when you want to move here.
Patrick King
August 11th, 2009
at 5:29pm
After I typed out that last comment I thought that there were a lot of seasonal events that people might be interested in if they’re visiting Portland during these times:
1) Trek in the Park (http://bit.ly/aHa7m)
This years event’s description: Atomic Arts’ Trek in the Park is a free, live, theater performance of the Star Trek episode “Amok Time” at the Woodlawn Park amphitheater. Witness Spock undergo the bizarre and brutal Vulcan marriage ritual of Pon Farr as the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise attempt to save him before it’s too late! Portland actors accompanied with live music and effects bring this classic piece of television to life! Spend a day in the park, bring a picnic, and BOLDLY GO!!
2) Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Clinton Street Theater (http://www.clintonsttheater.com/)
The Clinton Street Theater has been showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday night (except for foul weather, holidays, etc.) since April 1978. Bring your rice, the toast, the G-String, and come on down to the longest running RHPS in the WORLD!
3) Kumoricon (http://www.kumoricon.org)
Kumoricon continues its role as the center of anime in Portland and a favorite destination for lovers of Japanese animation throughout Oregon and beyond. Our seventh year brings us to the heart of downtown Portland, occupying the two towers of the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower hotel and featuring our largest main events room ever. Labor Day Weekend 2009, we’ll be back with three days of cosplay, video rooms, exhibitors, panels, video games, fan creation, and much more. Fans, we welcome you to another year!
4) OryCon (http://www.orycon.org/orycon31/)
OryCon is Oregon’s Premier Sci-Fi convention and has been running for an amazing 31 years! This year it takes place November 27th to the 29th.
Hope this helps people out that plan to travel to Portland different times of the year!
Scott (ModifiedReality)
August 11th, 2009
at 10:39pm
Hello, I am Scott. The one who wrote this list. The list I made was geared towards what Portland is know for. I red the other comment here and they listed some good places. Portland rocks!!
Russ Walker
August 12th, 2009
at 1:24pm
Both are great lists. I’ve taken visitors to many of those. I’ve never had visitors not have a great time or want to come back.
I’m a transplant from Texas and weather is perfect. Not near as much rain as the reputation.
See you at Gnomedex 2009.
Rick Hamell
August 12th, 2009
at 1:50pm
For your readers, the Zoo has technically been the Oregon Zoo for ten years now.
You added Japanese Gardens, but forgot the bigger and much more beautiful Rose Gardens right next door (that are also free, although they do have donation boxes.)
The Evergreen Air and Space Museum is awesome, but a bit of a trip especially for visitors. I’d suggest going across the Columbia to Fort Vancouver and the Pearson Air Museum if time is limited.
Also, Rice may not be allowed at Rocky Horror any longer. You can find more about it by going to the cast’s page, http://RockyPdx.org and asking there.