{"id":93939,"date":"2024-08-21T12:35:39","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T19:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=93939"},"modified":"2025-02-25T16:08:56","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T00:08:56","slug":"things-to-do-in-portland-or","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-portland-or\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 24 Things to Do in Portland, OR: Markets, Museums, Tours, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Explore Portland’s unique charm, from parks and activities to the arts and culture scene: You can always find yourself busy in this eclectic city<\/b><\/h3>\n

Portland, Oregon, is a city that effortlessly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. With its thriving food and craft beer scene, as well as its proximity to the stunning Columbia River Gorge, <\/span>Portland<\/span><\/a> offers a wealth of outdoor adventures and culinary delights. Whether you’re strolling through the iconic International Rose Test Garden or exploring the trendy<\/span> neighborhoods<\/span><\/a>, Portland’s laid-back vibe and creative energy are sure to captivate you and keep you active.<\/span><\/p>\n

So whether you’re searching for <\/span>apartments in Portland<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> homes for sale<\/span><\/a>, or are already a local, this Redfin article will be your guide. Here is Redfin\u2019s list of the top things to do in <\/span>Portland<\/span><\/a>, for both newcomers and long-time locals alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Portland<\/p>\n

1. Visit Hoyt Arboretum<\/b><\/h2>\n

Hoyt Arboretum<\/span><\/a> is a 190-acre living museum, showcasing over 2,300 species of trees and plants from six continents. It offers 12 miles of well-maintained trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, providing a serene escape for nature enthusiasts. With its educational programs and stunning vistas, the arboretum is both a sanctuary for learning and a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insider tip<\/b>: \u201c<\/span>If you’re a new Portland resident- \u2013 and maybe a bit of a romantic \u2013you have to find the Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum,\u201d advises <\/span>Andrea Zajonc<\/span><\/a>, a Portland wedding photographer. \u201c<\/span>Located right on Wildwood Trail, the Redwood Deck is the most popular outdoor wedding venue in the area, and more new couples have started their journey together there than anywhere else in Portland! Whether you come for a ceremony or just a little solitude among the sequoias, it’s a must-see for new residents.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Explore Portland\u2019s unique bar scene<\/b><\/h2>\n

Portland’s bar scene is vibrant, offering everything from craft breweries and speakeasies to quirky dive bars and cocktail lounges. <\/span>\u201cWe love a good pub crawl and always make sure to stop by <\/span>Ground Kontrol<\/span><\/a> for some retro arcade games followed by a slice of pizza at Old Town or something sweet from <\/span>Voodoo Donuts<\/span><\/a>,\u201d recommends <\/span>Nick Scandurro of <\/span>Sasquatch Brewing Company<\/span><\/a>, a local brewery in Portland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Local favorite<\/b>: \u201c<\/span>Portland is a vibrant city full of art-minded people. An out-of-the-box, incredible way to spend a few hours is hopping over to <\/span>DIY Bar Portland<\/span><\/a> and picking your own project to craft with a few local beverages,\u201d says <\/span>Bethany Bloem<\/span><\/a>, a local and destination wedding and elopement photographer in Portland. \u201cIt is a great way to try something new and make some art you can remember forever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Attend one of Portland\u2019s festivals and markets<\/b><\/h2>\n

Portland has an incredibly robust community that supports farmers markets and festivals throughout the city. \u201cFestivals in Portland happen all year round,\u201d says Dan Malech of <\/span>Stormbreaker Brewing<\/span><\/a>, a local brewery in Portland. \u201cA few of my favorites are <\/span>The St. Johns Winter Beer Festival<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Portland Craft Beer Festival<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Brewstillery Festival<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Fuji to Hood<\/span><\/a>, and the <\/span>Mississippi Street Fair<\/span><\/a>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur recommendation would be the <\/span>Rocky Butte Farmer’s Market<\/span><\/a>,\u201d says Hannah Reedy of <\/span>Rocky Butte Coffee Roasters<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIt is held Saturdays from June through September at NE Siskiyou and NE 80th St. It’s new to that spot this year, but has been knocking it out of the park with awesome vendors and attendance. It is a relaxing and productive way to spend a Saturday and enjoy our beautiful green Portland summers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/b> The <\/span>Asian American Night Market<\/span><\/a> is a quarterly event hosted in Portland. \u201cInside the market, you will experience unique vendors that cater crafts, arts, street food, drinks, and more,\u201d says <\/span>Fairlane Coffee<\/span><\/a>, a high-quality local coffee shop. \u201cThis market doesn’t offer just normal products but will create a totally new experience for visitors and this could be a good memory for visiting Portland.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n