Portland, Oregon is a vibrant city known for its weird culture, great food, and arts scene. But with the hustle and bustle t’s important to take a break to find peace and relaxation. Luckily, in Portland there are many activities that help you unwind and recharge, no matter your interests or budget.
Best Relaxing Things To Do In Portland
In this article, we go over our top 10 things to do in Portland to get a little rest and relaxation, from tranquil parks to spa treatments, so you can find your own slice of zen in the Rose City. So sit back, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in.
The Portland Japanese Garden is a sanctuary that shows the beauty and serenity of traditional Japanese gardens. Located in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon, The garden is a the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the slowness and beauty of nature.
A Garden Born from Authenticity
The garden was founded in 1963 by Portlanders who wanted to create a space that celebrates Japanese culture and art. Today, it’s seen as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, with landscapes that reflect traditional Japanese design.
The use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and water to create a balance between the garden and its surroundings.
The garden features a large koi pond surrounded by bridges, waterfalls, and walking paths in a serene and calming atmosphere. The Tea Garden is a place for quiet contemplation and reflection, featuring a teahouse and a small waterfall.
Overall, it’s a great place to relax in Portland to find some peace and quiet and to soothe out the edges of a busy life.
Enthea Tea House is traditional Gong Fu style tea service in the heart of the city. The Gong Fu style of tea service is a traditional Chinese method of where you steep the same tea leaves multiple times to bring out the flavor and aroma of the tea. When served at Enthea, you are given a pot, some hot water, a strainer, and learn how to brew your own Gong Fu tea, so you can enjoy the full range of flavors and aromas that each tea has to offer.
Sourced Directly from China
What sets Enthea Tea House apart from other tea houses is its dedication to using local handmade tea ware and authentic Chinese Teas, sourced directly from farmers in China. The tea ware is made by local and Chinese artisans, and each piece is unique, adding to the charm and character of the tea house.
Portland’s Most Authentic Tea Experience
Whether you’re just stopping through Portland, or you live here already, Enthea Tea House offers a unique and relaxing tea-drinking experience that is not to be missed.
The Portland Art Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers and those seeking a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. This world-class museum is home to an impressive collection of art that spans centuries and cultures, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Visitors can explore galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other works of art that inspire and delight.
The museum’s peaceful and serene atmosphere is perfect for those looking to escape the noise and stress of everyday life. The beautifully designed galleries provide a calming setting in which to contemplate the art on display, and the museum’s well-organized layout makes it easy to navigate and explore at your own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet place to unwind, the Portland Art Museum is a fantastic choice.
Nestled in Washington Park, by the Zoo, Forest Park in Portland, Oregon is a true gem for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city. With over 5,200 acres of lush greenery, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. As you set foot into the park, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, babbling brooks, and the soothing sounds of birds chirping. The park’s extensive network of hiking trails offers a variety of routes for all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.
The City’s Most Rejuvenating Hikes
Walking about Forest Park is an incredibly peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The park’s natural beauty provides a calming environment that allows visitors to disconnect from the noise and stress of daily life. Whether you’re walking alone or with friends, you’ll feel a sense of serenity as you immerse yourself in the park’s tranquil surroundings. The fresh air, stunning scenery, and peaceful atmosphere make Forest Park a perfect place to unwind, clear your mind, and connect with nature.
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Immerse Modern Massage is a hidden oasis in Portland, Oregon, offering a variety of massage treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a calming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The spacious and beautifully decorated rooms are designed to promote relaxation, with soft lighting, soothing music, and a comfortable massage table. The experienced massage therapists at Immerse Modern Massage are skilled at helping clients unwind from the stress of daily life and find inner peace.
Massage Excellence
Getting a massage at Immerse Modern Massage is an incredibly peaceful experience. The massage therapists use a variety of techniques to soothe sore muscles, release tension, and promote relaxation. Whether you choose a Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or another type of treatment, you’ll feel your stress melt away as the therapist works their magic. The peaceful environment, expert massage techniques, and attentive care provided by the staff at Immerse Modern Massage make it a perfect place to escape the chaos of everyday life and find peace and tranquility.
Oaks Bottom is a serene and peaceful oasis located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have created a separate soft surface path from the Springwater corridor which is adjacent this wildlife refuge in the city. The former rail corridor is a favorite destination for bird watchers, offering a quiet and tranquil environment to observe the many species of birds that call the area home. The multi use trail in the southeast segment of town has a bridge deck that runs along a magnificent view of the refuge, and is a safe haven for many extremely limited species in the area.
The City’s Most Beautiful Wetland
The refuge’s lush wetlands and forested areas provide a haven for a variety of bird species, including songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. As you wander along the refuge’s trails, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of nature, including the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle flow of the nearby river.
Bird Watching At It’s Finest
Going bird watching at Oaks Bottom is an incredibly peaceful and calming experience. The refuge’s stunning natural beauty and quiet atmosphere provide the perfect environment for bird enthusiasts to connect with nature and unwind from the stresses of daily life. As you observe the many bird species that call the refuge home, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility and inner peace wash over you. The refuge’s knowledgeable staff and volunteers are always on hand to answer questions and provide insights into the unique ecosystem of the area, making the experience even more enriching and rewarding.
Washington Park in Portland, Oregon offers a serene and peaceful setting for a delightful picnic. The park’s lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and picturesque gardens make it an ideal location to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with loved ones. Many street crossings and shuttle runs can take you around some of the oldest official strains of trees throughout the Hoyt Arboretum, a tree museum inside the park. The park’s expansive lawns provide ample space for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a picnic while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. The peaceful atmosphere of the park is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a leisurely meal with friends and family.
Beautiful Nature In the City
Having a picnic at Washington Park is an incredibly peaceful and soothing experience. The park’s serene environment and natural beauty make it the perfect place to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with nature. The peaceful sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the gentle breeze blowing through the trees create a calming ambiance that is sure to rejuvenate your senses. Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot to enjoy a picnic with your significant other, or a fun location for a family outing, Washington Park provides the perfect setting for a peaceful and relaxing picnic experience.
Visiting Multnomah Falls and going on a hike in the Columbia River Gorge in Portland, Oregon is a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and find peace and tranquility. The natural beauty of the area is awe-inspiring, with towering waterfalls, lush green forests, and breathtaking vistas. The hike in the Columbia River Gorge offers a peaceful and calming environment, with fresh air and the soothing sounds of rushing water and birds chirping. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it the perfect place to take a break, relax, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere all summer long.
Vista House: The Best View of The Gorge
Watching the sunset from the Vista House is an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you feeling peaceful and rejuvenated. The Vista House is perched atop a hill in the Columbia River Gorge, offering unparalleled views of the sunset over the mountains and river below. The serene and tranquil environment of the Vista House is perfect for quiet contemplation and reflection, as you watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape. The combination of the stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Vista House make it an ideal place to unwind, relax, and connect with nature. One similar place to hike in Portland is the Powell Butte Nature Park which has a beautiful view of Mount Hood all year round.
Go for a Bike Ride in the Springwater Corridor + Along the Waterfront
BikePortland.org is an organization dedicated to cycling news and events in Portland, Oregon. It is not only a great resource for cyclists looking for information bikes, routes, and events. One of the most relaxing trails you can bike down is the Springwater Corridor. One of the my favorite places to start is right next to where I grew up, and that is the Johnson creek boulevard trailhead. It goes all the way to Gresham’s main city park.
The Springwater Corridor beautiful nature filled trail that runs from downtown Portland to Boring, Oregon. It is a popular route for cyclists, walks, runs, and offers views of the Willamette River and countryside. Along the way, there are several hidden gems to discover, including parks, wildlife areas, and historic sites.
Great places to start for views of the waterfront include near OMSI at the Eastbank Eslpanade, and take a relaxing bike ride down towards Oaks Bottom, another great place on our list. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just a beginner, this trail offers something for everyone. So, grab your bike and head out on the Springwater Corridor for a fun and relaxing ride.
Visit the International Rose Test Garden
Nestled in Washington Park near the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon, the International Rose Test Garden is an oasis away from the city that immediately helps people unwind and rejuvenate amidst the fragrant blooms, especially in mid Summer. It also has a spectacular views Mount Hood all summer long. Established in 1917 since before World War 2, the Portland Rose Gardening has 10,000 rose varieties, including award winning roses, hybrid roses grown for their specific rose bloom, a miniature rose garden, and is a testing ground for rose breeding.
Because of that, new rose varieties are being created every years as a part of the Rose Garden’s strategic planning to keep the rose population booming. There are650 varieties, making it one of the largest and oldest rose gardens in the world. There are entire rose societies that are project partners with the International Rose Test Garden that gather during peak bloom season on sunny weekends in the Summer. The garden is a popular for visitors looking to take a peaceful break from the stresses of daily life. There is even a section of the garden called the Shakespeare garden where roses bloom.
The garden’s serenity and stunning views overlooking the city and the royal rosarian garden make it the perfect place to restore your body to balance. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding pathways, breathe in the sweet scent of the roses, and let peace wash over you. Whether you’re a local resident or first-time visitor to Portland, the International Rose Test Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking relaxation and restoration. If you want a memorable trinket to take home from the Portland Rose Garden, you might also visit the Rose Garden Store. The Rose Garden Store is at the visitors center and is run by Portland Parks.
