Ready to launch the ultimate Oregon road trip? I don’t think there’s a better way to start than by exploring all the fun things to do in Portland, Oregon’s largest city.
The first time I passed through Portland on an epic Pacific Coast adventure, I was hooked. Wandering around Portland, I quickly discovered why it’s got a reputation as one of the quirkiest cities in the USA. (Their motto, “Keep Portland Weird,” is pretty spot on, from my experience.)
I loved exploring the city’s top attractions and strolling through world-class museums, boutique shops, and parks loaded with outdoor activities. The city’s culinary scene is also among the most innovative I found while scooting along the West Coast.
On the streets of Portland, I sniffed out endless food trucks, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and craft breweries. All of my food & drink cravings were met as I roamed through this Pacific Northwest metropolis.
Ready to plan out what to do on your own Portland adventure? Let me help you settle in with this complete guide to the best places to visit in Portland, Oregon, for first-time visitors!
Stroll among the blooms at the Portland International Rose Test Garden
Before my first visit, I’d heard (briefly) about Portland’s nickname, the “City of Roses.” Of course, I had to record straight ourselves with a visit to the lovely Portland International Rose Test Garden.
Located in sprawling Washington Park, the 4.5-acre rose garden is one of the city’s coolest places to see. Even if you’re only visiting Portland for one day, I’d suggest carving out at least an hour or so to admire the display of beautiful rose bushes in bloom.
Strolling through the paths of the test garden, I was amazed by the cavalcade of reds, soft pinks, and whites. About 650 varieties are strewn among over 10,000 plants. In the distance, I enjoyed scenic views of Mount Hood and Downtown Portland.
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is open all year round. To see the flowers at their finest, I’d suggest visiting between May and September. The rose bloom usually hits its peak in June.
Ramble along the hiking trails of Forest Park
One thing I knew before visiting Portland was that it’s famous for its greenery. So, when I needed a peaceful escape from the Pacific Northwest urban tangle, I beelined for Forest Park. Draped over Northwest Portland, the over 5,000-acre park is one of the biggest urban forests in the world, and I think it’s an absolute must-visit for nature lovers.
Forest Park is crisscrossed by more than 70 miles of trails, crawling northwest from the city. For time-crunched exploration, I’d recommend setting your feet on the Lower Macleay Trail or Wildwood Trail. The two hiking trails are the most easily accessible ones from the Portland city center.
(You can find more information about all the trailheads here.)
On your hike along the Wildwood Trail/Lower Macleay section near NW Cornell Road, look out for the Witch’s Castle. Although its origin as a ranger’s station strips away its eerie mystique, I think this small stone cottage is one of the coolest things to see in Portland.
Covered in moss, the Witch’s Cottage feels ripped out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. Give it a gander for some of—what I’d consider—the city’s most interesting photo ops!
Or, if you’d rather pedal your way through Forest Park, grab your bike and cycle along the popular Leif Erickson Drive. At 12 miles out and back, I wouldn’t say this hiking, walking, and biking trail is exactly easy. Brave the challenges to enjoy this peaceful environment removed from big city life.
Admire the French Renaissance-style Pittock Mansion
Sitting along the Wildwood Trail south of Forest Park, Pittock Mansion is another one of Portland’s must-see attractions. The striking French Renaissance-style mansion, built by American pioneer and business magnate Henry Pittock, dates back to 1914. With all that history behind it, I knew I had to take a peek!
The Pittock Mansion comprises 23 rooms spread across 16,000 square feet. Wandering through on a tour, I was floored by the variety of “themed” rooms, full of period furnishings, artwork, and artifacts.
Step into the Music Room, the centerpiece of the main floor, to marvel at elegant musical instruments like an 1887 Steinway grand piano and an intricately carved harp.
Most memorable for me at the Pittock Mansion is the Turkish Smoking Room. Beset with a dome ceiling with painted Ottoman-style tiles, this room is a stunner. (Oddly enough, I later learned that Pittock himself wasn’t even a smoker.)
If you’ve got time, I’d recommend booking yourself on a tour of the property to marvel at its period furnishings and artwork.
Even if you don’t enter the home on one of its tours, its West Hills location is a great place to explore. Take a walk behind the property to enjoy central Portland’s most scenic skyline vistas. On a clear day, the view extends as far as Mount Hood, 70 miles to the east.
Take a relaxing stroll through Washington Park
Can’t find time to explore the city’s green fringes? Lovely Washington Park is a wonderful consolation prize. Just 20 minutes from downtown via light rail, the 400-acre city park in Southwest Portland is easily accessible by public transportation. After exploring this park on my first trip to Portland, I think it’s one of the city’s finest nature escapes.
Washington Park hosts several top-notch Portland attractions and offers plenty of fun activities for travelers.
If you’re visiting Portland with kids, I’d recommend setting aside a couple of hours to roam around the Oregon Zoo. Sprawling across 64 acres, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals spanning 230 species.
Among the highlights I found at the Oregon Zoo are the Amur tigers and red pandas near Discovery Plaza, the African spurred tortoises in the Africa exhibit, and the ring-tailed lemurs in the Predators of the Serengeti habitat.
To experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest at its finest, I’d recommend sliding over to the Hoyt Arboretum. Spread out over 189 acres on a forest ridge in the Tualatin Mountains, this top-notch outdoor attraction is one of my favorite natural escapes from the buzz of the city.
Hikers will love traipsing along the 12 miles of hiking trails at the Hoyt Arboretum, weaving through 2,300 species of trees spanning six different continents.
The 0.5-mile-long Fir Trail is a good starting point, but I prefer the longer 1-hour loop along the Spruce/Wildwood/Redwood Trails or the even longer 2-hour loop via the Overlook/Wildwood/Hawthorn/Maple/Wildwood/Holly Trails.
On the 1-hour loop, roam through the Wedding Meadow before heading into the tall redwood forest. Stop at the stunning Redwood Deck to capture epic views of the redwoods towering above.
Along the 2-hour loop through the southeastern part of the park, scramble through maple trees, white pines, spruce trees, and rhododendrons that bloom magically in the spring.
Near the southern intersection of the Wildwood Trail and Maple Trail, take a southern detour to check out the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial. Although there’s not much to the memorial itself, I think its open-meadow location is a good spot for a breather on your hiking adventures.
Whisk away to East Asia at the Portland Japanese Garden
Got extra time while visiting Washington Park? Move to the park’s northern fringes to check out the Portland Japanese Garden. Even in a city famous for its parks, I found this urban oasis to be a standout. With its stunning landscape architecture—which totally made me reminisce about my trips to Japan—it’s one of my favorite points of interest in Portland.
This public garden offers some of the finest Japanese landscapes I’ve seen outside of Japan. In the 5.5-acre Portland Japanese Garden, I couldn’t get enough of meandering over bridges and streams and past perfectly manicured gardens fringed by moss-covered rocks and gnarled trees.
Although it didn’t coincide with my last trip, I’ve heard that the Japanese Garden is at its finest in spring, when it explodes in a cavalcade of gentle pink and white cherry blossoms. (Yep, I simply have to see this sometime!)
When you’re done exploring, slow down with a sip of matcha at the on-site, authentic Japanese teahouse, Umami Café. Even better, match up your matcha tea with dorayaki (red bean-filled pancakes) or, my recommendation, daifuku mochi!
Feel the city’s pulse at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Nicknamed Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square is the heart of Downtown Portland. This urban park, flanked by the city’s landmark courthouse building, was one of my first city center stops on my first trip to Portland.
Nicknamed the city’s “Living Room,” Pioneer Courthouse Square is a popular gathering spot for Portlanders to chill throughout the year. From my experience, though, The Square is at its most exciting during the festival seasons, as hundreds of events roll into town.
Need ideas for visiting during the holidays? In November, The Square holds its famous Christmas tree lighting celebration. Visit to watch the 75-foot tree set ablaze in holiday colors. In December, try to jam in an evening at the Holiday Ale Festival, celebrating some of Oregon’s finest craft beers.
(I’ve never been, but it’s definitely on my radar if I ever decide to visit Portland around Christmas.)
Even if you miss out on visiting during the festive season, The Square hosts pop-up concerts throughout the year. I’ve been told by locals to slide over on Tuesday or Thursday around noon to catch one of its free lunchtime concerts.
Check the events calendar on the square’s official site to see what’s up.
Browse artwork at the Portland Art Museum
Obsessed with art? Carve out an hour or two to peruse the Portland Art Museum. Located in the center of Downtown Portland’s cultural district, the museum is one of my most recommended places to see in Portland for art lovers.
Browsing the collection at the Portland Art Museum, I sauntered past everything from prints to paintings to photographs. Artists featured in the exhibits span the entire globe. I spotted works from Asian, European, and American artists, including Childe Hassam, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Marcel Duchamp.
The museum’s main focus is its collection of Northwest and Pacific Coast Native American art. The extraordinary collection includes both paintings and artifacts like masks and canoe carvings.
Admission tickets to the Portland Art Museum are $25 for adults. Children under 17 can visit for free.
PRO TIP: Want to save money? Visit the museum on the first Thursday of the month between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm to get free admission.
Visiting on a Saturday? I’d recommend taking a quick detour south to check out the Portland Farmers Market at PSU. Taking place every week at the Portland State University campus, the year-round market is a local favorite.
After stumbling upon this farmers’ market randomly on my last trip, I was pleasantly surprised! The market features over 100 vendors peddling everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat to plenty of ready-made food for brunch.
If you’ve got extra time after browsing the artwork, head across the street to check out the Oregon Historical Society. Spread over several floors, the museum features a vast collection of interesting exhibits and displays that dive deep into the history of the city, region, and state.
Even more impressive at the Oregon Historical Society, though, are the murals on the building’s exterior. Soaring 8 stories, these trompe-l’œil murals by Richard Haas are completely deceiving. I was fooled at a quick glance into thinking the whole building is carved into intricate statues depicting scenes from Oregon’s early settler history.
A few blocks east of the two must-see museums on SW Madison Street, we can find another famous Portland landmark: Portlandia. This mammoth 34-foot-high sculpture was created by Raymond Kaskey. Sitting above the entrance to the Portland Building, Portlandia is the second-largest copper repoussé statue in the United States, surpassed only by the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
Fuel up with good food & drink at the Midtown Beer Garden (5th Avenue Food Cart Pod)
As a bona fide traveling foodie, I knew before my first trip that Portland is famous for its food trucks. So, while roaming around downtown, I knew I had to stop at the 5th Avenue Food Cart Pod, now known as the Midtown Beer Garden. And it turned out to be one of the best introductions to the city’s food pod scene I could have imagined!
Located southeast of SW 5th Ave and SW Oak St, these food carts are a fixture of the city’s scene, and, in my opinion, are among the tastiest places to eat in Portland.
The focus at the Midtown Beer Garden (431 SW Harvey Milk St) is international food with a Northwest twist. Prepare your taste buds for everything from Korean and Thai to Mexican and Middle Eastern.
As I was updating this article, I learned that, along with the reopening and name change, Midtown Beer Garden added a whole whack of new food vendors and beer carts to the mix. (And I was happy to see a few of my favorites are still around!)
Hit up Korean Twist for some of the tastiest bulgogi or spicy pork I gobbled down in the city. For Mexican food, I’d recommend La Jarochita, another local favorite.
Next time I’m in town, I’m gonna add some dan dan noodles and dumplings from Stretch The Noodle and Colombian-style empanadas from El Pilón to my wishlist. (Of course, washing it all down with some craft beer from the new Fracture Brewing Bar Cart.)
FUN FACT: Portland is home to over 500 food carts, giving it the title of having the most food carts per capita of any city in the United States!
Experience the city’s frontier roots in Old Town Chinatown
One of Portland’s coolest areas and neighborhoods, Old Town Chinatown quickly became one of my favorite places in the city to while away an afternoon or an evening. Unsurprisingly, the historic district is the city’s oldest area. It’s filled with beautiful buildings that give visitors a glimpse of the city’s frontier town roots.
While exploring Old Town Chinatown, history buffs should save time for a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels. Dating back to the 1850s, the infamous series of tunnels creeps below the streets of Old Town.
Little remains of the Shanghai Tunnels, but hearing their lore on a guided tour makes for interesting conversations. (Even I’d question the historical accuracy of its stories.)
Back at street level, I saw a variety of eateries, cafes, coffee shops, and bars hiding behind the historic storefronts.
To indulge your sweet tooth, I’d totally vouch for enduring the perpetual lines at Voodoo Doughnut (22 SW 3rd Ave) for a toothsome treat. With culinary oddities like the bacon maple bar and their signature Voodoo Doll (replete with a pretzel in its heart), this isn’t your ordinary neighborhood American donut shop.
Or, if doughnuts aren’t your thing, dig into the city’s coffee culture with a relaxing beverage at Café UNITED (118 NW Couch St). I love the freshly roasted coffee here, along with delicious snacks like breakfast burritos and quesadillas.
If cocktails are more your jam, bring your dancing shoes and friends and hit up the Dixie Tavern (32 NW 3rd Ave). The rock-and-roll-themed nightclub is a favorite setting for Old Town evening hijinks, at least for younger crowds.
Music fans, on the other hand, can enjoy an evening of performances at the Star Theater and Starlight Lounge (13 NW 6th Ave), Dante’s (350 W Burnside St), or the Roseland Theater (8 NW 6th Ave). When popular bands come to town for concerts, they’ll likely perform at one of these popular live music venues.
Before setting out on your evening plans, be sure to snap the requisite picture of the Portland Oregon White Stag Sign, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
My favorite spot to take a snapshot of this iconic sign is from the Burnside Bridge. Wait until dusk to capture the sign at its most beguiling.
Escape to the Ming Dynasty at Lan Su Garden
None of the attractions in Old Town Chinatown charmed me more than Lan Su Garden. This must-see landmark was designed to mimic the gardens in the Chinese city of Suzhou during the Ming Dynasty. For unique tranquility in the heart of Oregon’s state capital, this was one of my favorites.
Stroll around Lan Su Garden to admire the beautiful native Chinese flora, pagodas, and pond teeming with koi. Although I’ve yet to experience it, I’ve been told by locals and other travelers that the garden is spectacular in spring during cherry blossom season.
Cap off your visit with a tea at the Yun Shui Tea House. This authentic Chinese tea house serves over 20 different varieties of tea from around China and Taiwan in a traditional Gong Fu style with a gaiwan. Sate your appetite with delicious Chinese comfort food like wonton soup, congee, and chilled sesame mein.
(They’ve even got craft beer on the menu—yeah, we’re definitely in Portland.)
Take a walk along the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Need a break from downtown? Catch a breather at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Swathed on the western bank of the Willamette River, the riverside park became one of my favorite Portland sightseeing hotspots on my first trip.
Our first stop in Tom McCall Waterfront Park? Walking along the Waterfront Park Trail to enjoy views over the Willamette River. On the way, we’ll stroll past several points of interest, including the Japanese American Historical Plaza, Oregon Maritime Museum, and Battleship Oregon Memorial Marine Park.
Continue south along the riverfront walkways and keep your eyes peeled for Mill Ends Park, the “world’s smallest urban park,” and Salmon Street Springs, one of the city’s most famous fountains. The fountain features 185 jets spraying in distinct computer-generated patterns. I think it’s most impressive in the evening under the faint glow of its water lights.
As much as I love this area at any time of the year, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is, according to locals I spoke with, at its most beautiful in spring. During the cherry blossom season, the atmosphere is chock-full of charm as the parkland’s cherry trees become blanketed in delicate pink blooms.
Between March and December, the waterfront park also hosts the Portland Saturday Market, one of the largest recurring arts & crafts markets in the United States. Time your park visit with this weekly market to pick up a variety of unique items, like jewelry, crafts, or souvenirs for everyone back home!
Waterfront Park is also the venue for the annual Portland Rose Festival. This famous festival celebrates the city’s horticultural heritage with a series of special events, including parades and a dragon boating race on the Willamette River.
Most curious at the Portland Rose Festival, however, is the Golden Rose Ski Classic, a rare summer skiing event held during the festival at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.
Looking for a taste of Portland’s infinite weirdness? Walk across the Willamette River on the Burnside Bridge from McCall Waterfront Park to Southeast Portland.
When I wandered over to this district, I thought it was one of the city’s most interesting locations, chock-full of cool brewpubs, coffee shops, and art galleries. I even found a handful of attractions here, like the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Also known as OMSI, the museum is home to a cool planetarium and the USS Blueback Submarine.
(I didn’t check it out myself, but if you’re a science buff, I’d say give it a go!)
Hunt for restaurants and craft breweries in the Pearl District
No area in the city center turned my head more than the Pearl District. Once a run-down warehouse district, the neighborhood is now one of the coolest places to shop & eat in Portland—and one of my own favorites to spend time in whenever I’m passing through Portland.
The streets of the Pearl District are jammed with boutique shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, bars, and brewpubs. By day, we can explore its art galleries in between sips of craft coffee. In the evening, the neighborhood bursts with some of the city’s most popular nightlife options. I’ve jumped between everything from quaint wine bars to craft breweries here.
Craft beer lovers will find nirvana at the Deschutes Brewery & Public House (210 NW 11th Ave). This popular bar & bistro offers a wealth of seasonal and experimental taps to satisfy the tastes of any beer drinker. My hoppy tastes jibe with their Resolution Krusher Hazy IPA, paired with pub favorites like mac & cheese or BBQ pulled pork, well, anything.
With its two dozen taps and a menu of delicious pub snacks, the nearby Backwoods Brewing Company (231 NW 11th Ave) is another one of Portland’s best breweries and a fantastic lunch destination for craft beer connoisseurs. The Loaded BBQ Burger washed down with an Off Grid West Coast IPA gets my vote here.
But, no, I don’t just suggest coming here for brewskis. The Pearl District teems with superb dining options, too.
Some of my favorites? Dig into innovative Peruvian cuisine at Andina (1314 NW Glisan St). Fill your belly with authentic Mexican tacos at Carlita’s (1101 NW Northrup St). Or hit your Italian cravings with mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes at Via Delizia (1105 NW Marshall St).
PRO TIP: With its excellent food & drink scene and central location, the Pearl District is one of my recommended places to stay in Portland. A good option in the area is The Mark Spencer Hotel, located on the area’s southern edge, where it meets downtown. The spacious and clean rooms here offer excellent value for first-time visitors.
Cool down with a scoop or two of craft ice cream at Salt & Straw
Unabashed ice cream lover? I guarantee that you’ve never tasted ice cream quite like Salt & Straw! Located in Nob Hill in the Northwest District, this legendary Portland ice cream parlor is a game-changer for fans of the creamy treat.
You can get vanilla and chocolate ice cream anywhere. Where Salt & Straw surprises tourists and residents alike is with unique flavors like honey lavender and strawberry honey balsamic.
If you’ve ever needed proof of how innovative Portland’s culinary scene is, this is it!
Escape the city centre buzz at Laurelhurst Park
As if you didn’t have enough parks to fill your Portland travel plan, let’s add one more to the mix. Located in Southeast Portland, Laurelhurst Park is worth a quick stop if you’re in the neighborhood.
When it was completed in 1909, Laurelhurst Park held the title of the West Coast’s most beautiful city park. With its long history, the park crept onto the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Although its glory days have long passed, I still say that Laurelhurst Park is worthwhile for a breath of fresh air. Walking around the 31-acre park, I stumbled upon several walking paths along with sporting facilities. The greenery and centerpiece pond add a relaxing ambiance to the visit.
Thanks to its off-leash dog area, Laurelhurst Park also makes for a good stop if you’re traveling through Oregon with your pooches.
WARNING: Since my first visit, Laurelhurst Park has become known for its homeless encampments. Although I’ve heard from locals that incidents are rare, I’d suggest avoiding the area around Cesar Chavez Blvd and SE Oak St just to be safe.
Find your next summer read at Powell’s City of Books
Okay, I’m a bona fide book lover. So, when I had a chance to explore the gigantic Powell’s City of Books on my first Portland visit, it was a no-brainer.
My bookshelves, admittedly, have plenty of titles purchased online from this massive independent bookshop. But seeing this used bookstore, spanning an entire city block at the northern edge of downtown, in person? Well, that was a game-changer.
For book-loving locals and tourists alike, browsing the gargantuan collection is one of the city’s most memorable experiences and a must on any list of fun things to see & do in Portland, OR.
Powell’s City of Books is touted as the largest new & used bookstore in the world. And with over 4 million titles in stock, it doesn’t seem like a stretch! If you’re as wacko for printed books as I am, you could easily spend half a day filling your suitcase with great book deals.
For an experience like anything you’ve ever experienced, squeeze in a visit to Powell’s Rare Book Room. Spread out over 1,000 square feet, the Rare Book Room is the most elegant area I saw in the store. It’s chock-full of warm lighting, dark wood accents, and a spectacular collection of rare, first-edition, and antiquarian books.
PRO TIP: Grab a gourmet coffee at the on-site Guilder Cafe to break up your shopping experience!
Enjoy a wine tour in the Willamette Valley
For wine lovers, I don’t think any Portland travel experience is complete without visiting the Willamette Valley. Often called Oregon Wine Country, the 150-mile-long valley stretches south of the Portland city limits to Eugene.
The Willamette Valley is famed for its over 500 wineries, producing some of the world’s most divine Pinot Noir. Many of the wine growers also pair their spectacular wines in their own tasting rooms with delightful farm-to-table cuisine.
With the vast selection, choosing among the wineries in the Willamette Valley for your wine-tasting adventure can be a challenge.
For a quick day trip to the valley, I’d suggest checking out the Stoller Family Estate. (16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR). Built on over 400 acres on the Dundee Hills, this popular winery & vineyard offers one of the finest wine-tasting rooms in the United States.
The Stoller Family Estate is less than an hour’s drive southwest of central Portland.
Take a scenic day trip to the Columbia River Gorge
Got time to tackle one of our favorite Portland day trips? Let’s head east of the city to explore the Columbia River Gorge. The canyon winds about 80 miles from Portland to the Deschutes River, with the mighty Columbia River as its spine.
With its scenic vistas, the Columbia River Gorge unleashes some of Oregon’s finest natural scenery. Follow the Historic Columbia River Highway to catch some of the scenic area’s most spectacular sights, like the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site, Rooster Rock State Park, and Upper McCord Creek Falls.
If you’re tight on time, I’d suggest embarking on a quick hike on the Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail. The 5-mile loop hiking trail careens past six beautiful waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls and Wiesendanger Falls.
Explore the city’s youthful arts & culture scene in the Alberta Arts District
Centered around Alberta Street in Northeast Portland, the Alberta Arts District is a must-see for arts & culture lovers. Once a crime-ridden area, the neighborhood shed its rough-and-tumble reputation in the 1990s. Today, it’s a hotbed of youthful cultural activity, and I think it’s a fun spot to while away a few hours.
Holding true to its name, the Alberta Arts District teems with art galleries, street art, and boutiques. Roaming its streets on my visit, I also stumbled upon some great restaurants, food carts, brewpubs, and cafés.
Grab a hearty brunch at the dog-friendly Tin Shed Garden Cafe (1438 NE Alberta St) or Southern-style vegan bites and hipster-approved cocktails at Bye and Bye (1011 NE Alberta St)
If you’re visiting in summer, one of the best times of the year to visit Portland, try to time your visit with the district’s Last Thursday Art Walk. The spirited & fun street fair takes place on the last Thursday of the month.
Enjoy local craft brews at Von Ebert Brewing + Kitchen
We know Portland is no stranger to craft beer. Let’s grab just one more refreshing pint at one of the city’s most impeccable craft breweries with a trip to Von Ebert Brewing + Kitchen.
Located in the Pearl District, this top-notch independent craft brewery & restaurant fuses traditional brewing with experimental, inspired by the uniqueness of the Pacific Northwest.
Sip on award-winning craft beer favorites like Volatile Substance IPA or more traditional brews like the Pils German-style pilsner or Waning Echoes American stout. Pair your craft beer tasting experience with Von Ebert Brewing + Kitchen’s elevated pub fare. Gobble down delicious food options like their vegetarian-approved hand-tossed mushroom pizza or the meaty Carolina pulled pork sandwich.
NOTE: The Pearl District location of this brewery is now closed. The current location at Glendoveer Golf & Tennis is a little far outside the city center for most travelers. If you’re on an epic Pacific Northwest road trip and have your own wheels, it might still be worth the ride.
Explore Oregon’s coastal charms at Cannon Beach
Looking for adventures away from the city? Try to squeeze in a jaunt to Cannon Beach, just an hour and a half from Portland. One of the most popular destinations on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach is famed for its beautiful beaches, coastal forest hikes, and stunning views over the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re tight on time, I’d suggest beelining for Ecola State Park. With its well-maintained hiking trails and spectacular Pacific Ocean vistas, this popular Oregon state park is one of the coolest coastal spots I’ve found in the region.
After soaking up the great outdoors, hydrate with some delightful craft beer at Pelican Brewing (1371 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR). One of my favorite craft breweries in Oregon, Pelican Brewing, offers rotating taps with all their finest brews and several excellent dining options on their patio.
