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Occupying an entire city block near Chinatown, this walled garden was designed by landscape architects from Suzhou, Portland's sister city. Conceived of as a microcosm of the natural world, the garden offers a series of composed vistas and symbolic positionings of rock, water and vegetation. Courtyards, pavilions, gateways, bridges and walkways add structure, while a two-story tea house contributes height and focus. Naturalistic plantings indicate how studied, yet beautiful the created environment can be. The garden's official name, Lan Su Yuan, means "Garden of Awakening Orchids."
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DOWNTOWN. Although Pioneer Courthouse Square and Powell's Books are often referred to as Portland's "living rooms," Tom McCall Park could also be named as such. Even in bad weather, a multitude of people congregate along the riverfront, and on nice days, families, bikers, bladers, and joggers all find a way to coexist peacefully. The park is also the site of many of the city's big events, including the Blues Festival, the Oregon Brewers Festival, and many events associated with the Rose Festival. It was under Governor McCall's leadership that Harbor Drive was demolished and replaced by this park in the mid-1970s.
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These terraced gardens rise above Portland, offering great views of the city – that is, if you can keep from marveling at the gorgeous specimens all around. Instituted in 1917, the gardens give trial runs to various rose hybrids before they're introduced into the mass market. With over 8000 plants representing more than 400 different species, this garden is sure to have at least one rose type that captivates you. Should you find yourself tempted, however, know that it's illegal to pick any of the blooms. Summer is the best time to visit the displays and is also when you'll find a repertoire of seasonal concerts available in the gardens. The Washington Park Rose Garden Store offers unusual items for both the home and garden.
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Composed of five individual gardens, this collective garden, designed by a Japanese landscape architect, opened in 1967. The manicured grounds capitalize on the beauty of the surrounding mountains and teach visitors to slow down and appreciate the series of vignettes they encounter. Each of the component gardens – Strolling Pond, Tea, Natural, Flat, and Dry Landscape – has its own character and spirit, providing indication of the variety of design these gardens encompass. They make much of elements such as water, stones, and vegetation, using simple objects to evoke grander, more refined ideas. The Japanese Garden Gift Store offers unique items (mostly imported from Japan) for the home and garden.
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This outstanding technology museum offers hundreds of exhibits related to computers, space, and earth sciences. Kids especially love the interactive, make-believe village. If you have ever wanted to know what an earthquake is like, you'll find out at this museum, which has a special room that re-creates the experience. There's also an Omnimax theater, a planetarium, laser show, motion simulator, and an outdoor river walk that teaches youngsters about the Willamette River.
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Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd, Washington Park, Portland, OR 97221 · 503-226-1561
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A collection of animals gifted to the city by pharmacist, Richard Knight, began what is now the Oregon Zoo. Occupying 64 acres in Washington Park and providing shelter for more than 1000 animals, the zoo has become one of the state's largest attractions. Animal habitats replicate natural environments, and the zoo works diligently to protect endangered species and prevent threatened ones from becoming extinct. Attractions within the zoo include sections that mimic the terrains of Africa, Alaska, the Amazon forest and the Savannah. You'll also find areas dedicated to bats, insects, mountain goats, elk, penguins, big cats and Asian elephants. Great for the entire family. The zoo opens an hour early (8am) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
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This public square is affectionately referred to as Portland's "living room," thanks to its popularity as a gathering place and as a site for public festivals and events. In past years, the site was occupied by a school, a hotel, and a parking garage. Not until 1974 did the city obtain the land and create the beautiful space that exists today. Open since 1984, the square hosts activities year-round, including special outdoor concerts and city celebrations. Much of the funding was through private donations; as a result, you'll see bricks imprinted with the names of donors throughout the space.
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This fabulous mansion provides an astounding glimpse of early 20th-century affluence. Built in 1914 by Henry Pittock, founder of the "Daily Oregonian," the home is now owned by the city of Portland. Furnished with beautiful French and English antiques, it also features an impressive grand staircase sweeping from the basement to the second story. Immaculately kept grounds look out across northeast Portland to Mt. Hood, and lunch and afternoon tea are available on the grounds at the Gatehouse Lodge. There is a fee for visiting and hiking.
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This museum, founded in the 1890s, sits along a quiet stretch of green called the Park Blocks. It's the oldest arts institution in the area and houses permanent collections that include Northwest Coastal Indian art, Chinese artifacts and European and Classical art. You'll also find contemporary American artwork, an outdoor sculpture garden, and space for presentations and seminars. In addition to its long-term collections, the museum also features a wealth of traveling exhibits.
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Looking for a souvenir of your travels or just an immediate taste of Portland? Head to the Saturday Market, a weekend event that's held the city in thrall since 1974. With scores of booths to browse, you'll encounter artwork, crafts, food, flowers – anything you can imagine. The atmosphere is energetic, enlivened by eager shoppers and musicians who play among the crowds. Perfect for gift-shopping or simply to absorb the sights and sounds of Portland and do a little people-watching along the way.
You want only quality attractions and activities to occupy your leisure hours. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide detailed information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city sights that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!
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