City of Portland, Oregon

Portland, is one of the most popular and populated cities of the Pacific Northwest. Known for it’s green nature, local pizzazz, weird culture it’s a true pillar for the western states.

Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland, the beating heart of the city center includes Pioneer courthouse Square, which is one of the most central destinations. There are large concerts, and events, gatherings here and even protests from time to time.

Portland City Council

The Portland City Council, is in charge of making the city a more beautiful, sustainable and great place for all of the people in Portland. They’ve been a part of preserving places from City Center to the Columbia River Gorge in the Willamette Valley.

Rose City

Rose City, as Portland is affectionately known, owes its nickname to the International Rose Test Garden, a stunning 4.5-acre garden located in Washington Park. The International Rose Test Garden is a true gem of Portland. This place has more than 10,000 varieties of rose bushes to smell and see.

Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge

Speaking of natural beauty, the Columbia River and the Willamette River are two of Portland’s most prized possessions. Mostly known for hiking and its beautiful views, it’s also a great place to go kayaking, fishing camping and picnicking.

The Willamette River, is one of the most prominent features of Portland and glitters amongst the city lights at night under its many bridges. The Willamette River runs right through the heart of downtown, under many ports and the Portland Spirit can be seen dazzling under the moonlight as a tourist destination for many to glimpse

When it comes to places to go and absorb nature, the Columbia River Gorge is another must-see destination. The Columbia River is where many Portland residents and out of town visitors go to take solace from the buzz of the city. The Columbia River Gorge is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers, also known as Rip City, have a dedicated fan base and a storied history that spans decades. For sports fans, Rip City is the place to be. This nickname was coined by the beloved Portland Trail Blazers, the city’s NBA team. Catch a game at the Moda Center and experience the electric energy of Rip City for yourself.

Japanese Garden

Portland is also a place where creativity meets the natural world. The Oregon Portland Japanese Garden is a testament to the city’s appreciation for art and beauty.

The Oregon Coast

Beyond the city limits, the Oregon Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that offers breathtaking views and endless adventures. And let’s not forget about Oregon City, the first incorporated city in the state after the Oregon Trail was charted from the east so many years ago. The Oregon Coast is a beloved destination for all kinds of people in the Willamette Valley. With its rugged and beautiful coastline, cute towns like Seaside and Cannon Beach, the Oregon Coast is a true treasure of the Pacific Northwest.

OHSU & South Waterfront

With OHSU, the Oregon Health and Sciences University, the South Waterfront is an area that has seen huge development in the past few years. One of the world’s best cancer hospitals and cutting edge medical universities, it has stunning views of the Willamette River, and South Waterfront is an up and coming place to explore. Just like the rest of Portland it’s a little more modern than your average “Portland Weird” spots like the Alberta or Hawthorne neighborhoods.

Portland Art Galleries

Art galleries are another hallmark of Portland’s cultural scene, with a wealth of galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. From Pearl District to Waterfront, there are murals and fun art installations all over the city.

Oregon Zoo

For families, the Oregon Zoo is a must-visit destination. In Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo has a focus on conservation education, and has hundreds of animals as well an amphitheater for concerts.

Up and Down the West Coast

Beyond the city limits, the West Coast offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. From surfing in California to hiking through the forests of Washington, the West Coast is a true treasure of the United States.

Oregon’s Wine Country

In the Willamette valley, Oregon’s wine country is world famous for their Pinot Noir grapes. Oregon’s Willamette Valley Pinot grapes sport a slight dry and sweet style of wine that you can enjoy all over town. Oregon’s wine country is known across the west coast from Washington to California, the Willamette Valley outside of Portland is a tourist destination with some of the most fertile wine growing soil in the world, high above the national average.

Burnside Street

For shoppers, Burnside Street is a popular destination, it’s got cute coffee shops like Sorro Sorro, across the street from the Screen Door, a Portland famous southern comfort restaurant, as well as the Laurelhurst movie theater, ice cream, and cute little boutiques. And with Portland’s tax-free shopping status, visitors can enjoy a little retail therapy without breaking the bank. When it comes to affordability, this street proves that Portland is above the national average for cost of living, but its beauty can take your breath away.

Portland truly has it all: a thriving downtown, natural beauty, sports, culture, and history. Many Portland residents are so grateful to call Portland home as a hub of Oregon Territory, it continues to shine as a beautiful place for so many who live in the Pacific Northwest. From the many art galleries that line the streets of downtown to the famous Portland Weird culture, which celebrates individuality and nonconformity, this city is a hub of artistic expression and innovation.

Forest Park & Other Portland Outdoor Recreation

Portland’s location has easy access to the great outdoors. for example, there is Forest Park, inside the city limits with countless hiking trails within an hour’s drive. Not only that but camping spots, and scenic drives within just a few miles. If you’re an athlete, the town of Hood River is perfect for watersports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. Beyond its natural beauty, this takes the Columbia River Gorge. to a whole other extreme.

Just across the Columbia River (which separates Washington state, from Oregon) you can continue to explore the charming towns, natural beauty and other trails of the Columbia Gorge(with sales tax though of course).

Portland Weather – Year Round

Even though Portland is pretty gloomy during the late fall and winter months, downtown has fairly mild temperatures year-round. That means there’s almost always an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the city’s natural beauty. Summer’s usually are very hot, where as spring is my favorite season because it’s not too hot and not too cold. Mid-spring is a particularly beautiful time for a photo opt with a visit Portland’s Northwest waterfront where there is blooming cherry blossom trees, a very popular Instagram pose.