Portland, Oregon has become more of a tourist mecca in recent years, and there is plenty to see there. But if it’s your first trip to the Rose City, you will want to make sure to see the things tourists flock there for, as well as a few not-so-obvious landmarks. Here are our tips for fun things to do in Portland:
Visit Voodoo Doughnuts
Voodoo Doughnuts.
An obvious tourist destination, Voodoo has more than 100 types of donuts, with some very flavorful names (some that are very not safe for work). The donuts are amazing, and it’s worth visiting just to say you went. It’s one of the many cool things to do in Portland.
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However, locals also like Blue Star Donuts. Lucky for you, two days of donuts for breakfast is never a bad idea. You can also check out this amazing, underground donut tour to savor all the delicious donuts that Portland has to offer.
Take a walk down the Portland waterfront
Oregon loves their outdoors, and makes an effort to keep their waterfront clean and lively. Whether you are on a boat, running across a historic bridge, stopping at a pop-up restaurant, or watching one of the many street performers, the Portland waterfront is nearly two miles long and has something for everyone.
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The waterfront is named after Tom McCall, a former governor of Oregon. The park also includes the Battleship Oregon Memorial, a fountain, the Japanese American Historical Plaza, and the Saturday Market Pavilion.
Take the Portland Aerial Tram
Portland, Oregon
Although the ride is less than five minutes long, the Portland Aerial Tram is worth a ride.
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The tram is owned by Oregon Health & Science University, and offers their students, doctors, and staff an easy way to get to the university. However, it is also a popular tourist destination and offers some of the best views of the city.
Travel around town on the MAX train
Tri-Met’s MAX train will take you to pretty much anywhere you would want to go around Portland. The great news is they have a daily rate — so you can spend fewer than $5 to get unlimited trips for the entire day.
Take a day trip to the beach
Cannon Beach.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches up and down the Oregon Coast, but the closest to Portland may be Cannon Beach.
Perhaps most famous for being the backdrop of The Goonies, Cannon Beach offers beautiful scenery, a beach town vibe, and an easy day trip from Portland — which is less than two hours away.
If you are looking for a less crowded beach, a day trip to Florence, Oregon should definitely be on your list. Florence is a quaint fishing town and has some of the best seafood in the United States (in my opinion) — plus there are plenty of uncrowded views of the ocean.
What are your favorite fun things to do in Portland, Oregon?
