Fun Things to Do in Portland
- Portland's scenery is one of its primary attractions.portland bug light image by Mary Beth Granger from Fotolia.com
The city of Portland is known for its natural beauty, lush gardens and well-manicured streets. Portland has won many awards and was ranked fifth in 2008 on Forbes' list of "America's Cleanest Cities." Besides biking in one of the world's top 10 biking cities, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Portland. - If you are interested in exploring nature, consider visiting one of Portland's many nature parks and gardens. Forest Park spans more than 5,000 acres and houses more than 60 mammals and 100 species of birds. Powell Butte Nature Park is home to an extinct volcano. Here you can also take in the many species of birds, go on hiking trails and view wildlife. Portland Classical Chinese Garden is a relaxing and visually stimulating garden of water features, stone, poetry and architecture designed to mimic ancient China.
Forest Park
4099 NW Thurman St.
Portland, OR 97210
503-223-5449
friendsofforestpark.org
Powell Butte Nature Park
16160 SE Powell
Portland, OR 97255
503-823-7529
friendsofpowellbutte.org
Portland's Classical Chinese Garden
239 Northwest Everett St.
Portland OR 97209
503-228-7844
lansugarden.org - Spending the day at the Oregon Zoo can be a fun and an educational adventure. You will find a life-like rainforest and animals such as zebras and giraffes roaming freely on the simulated savanna. Keep exploring and you will come across the Alaskan tundra exhibit that houses wolves and grizzly bears. On the mountain crest you can spot families of mountain goats. The Oregon Zoo also has a bat house where you can view and learn all about bats.
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221-9704
503-226-1561 ext. 0
oregonzoo.org - One of the many benefits of shopping in Portland is that everything is tax-free. This can really help a traveler's budget. Pioneer Shopping Place consists of four blocks of shopping, dining and entertainment right in downtown Portland. Washington Square is one of Portland's most popular shopping areas with more than 170 specialty stores including Oregon's largest Nordstrom. From spring to late fall you can visit Portland Farmer's Market to partake in local organic produce.
Pioneer Place
700 SW Fifth Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97204-2018
503-228-5800
pioneerplace.com
Washington Square
9585 SW Washington Square Road
Portland, OR 97223
503-639-8860
shopwashingtonsquare.com
Portland Farmers Market
240 N Broadway, Suite 129
Portland, OR 97227
503-241-0032
portlandfarmersmarket.com - Exploring Portland's waterways on a cruise gives you the opportunity to visit various nearby sights. Portland Spirit is a 75-foot yacht that offers romantic cruises and educational city-to-city tours. If you prefer a fast-paced water adventure, then try out Willamette Jetboat Excursions' two-hour tours.
Portland Spirit
110 SE Caruthers St.
Portland, OR 97214-4513
503-224-3900
portlandspirit.com
Willamette Jetboat Excursions
1945 SE Water Ave.
Portland, OR 97214-3354
503-231-1532
willamettejet.com
