What to do in Portland, OR

Activities, attractions and tours

Steel Bridge which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Steel Bridge which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Alphabet Historic District which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people
Hawthorne Bridge which includes a city, night scenes and a bridge
Portland featuring mountains, landscape views and views

Portland Tourist Attractions & Activities

Never one to shy away from innovative ways to get inspired and have an enlightening experience, you're prepared to discover an exciting destination from top to bottom. It's not challenging to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with lots of things to do. Book your activities now, and the only thing left to do is pack your trunk and prepare to have fun!

  • Book your favourite tour on Expedia Australia at a great rate, and you'll still have enough cash for a dream hotel or fine dinner while you're visiting. The things to do in Portland are not only perfect for you, but they won't break the bank. We have 181 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$14.
  • Portland is popular among inquisitive minds suchlike yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers are raving about the city's hotels and have been visiting to check out local hot spots and participate in the best activities. The top activities can catch the enthusiasm of even well-versed travellers, and one look at our inventory explains why. Our list includes a wide range of entertainment and opportunities for adventure. From food and wine tours to outdoor excursions, there are loads of things to do at your disposal when you read through the inventory of activities here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the perfect way to organise your trip. It takes a game plan to fully explore Portland, particularly when you wish to include plenty of food and entertainment. And we can tell you're someone who likes to get out and about you're ready to get out and take it all in. You're excited to sign up for the most essential activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is what you love best. Book guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you don't need a map.


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Top places to visit

1. Moda Center

Watch top sporting action, family shows and concerts by national and international artists at the Moda Center, a multi-purpose arena with a capacity for nearly 20,000 spectators. This popular venue is used for ice shows, rodeos, hockey games, conventions and more. The arena is also the home of the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team and the Portland Winterhawks, a junior ice hockey team.
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Moda Center showing modern architecture

2. Oregon Zoo

In Washington Park, located in the West Hills not too far from Portland, visitors will find a 26-hectare zoo housing animals of all shapes and sizes. It is home to more than 1,955 animals, including 22 endangered species and 37 threatened species. It is the perfect way to spend a rainy day around Portland, as most of the exhibits offer shelter of some sort.
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The California Condor was a common sight along the Columbia River in Lewis and Clark's day.  By the early 1980's, there were only twenty-two left on the face of the planet, all in California.

Today, thanks to a massive effort to re-populate the species via in-captivity pairing, there are some two-hundred members.  But their recovery is far from assured.

The Oregon Zoo has undertaken its own recovery effort whose ultimate goal is the re-introduction of the species into the protected wilderness area around the Columbia River Gorge.  In short, to bring them home.

For now, they live out their days in a vast, outdoor aviary designed specifically to mimic their habitat in the wild.

If you have never seen one up close before, I urge you to come take a look. They are larger than any flying bird you will ever see, unless you go to Peru.  And though black and white practically from head to toe, their plumage shines and reflects the light like dark, polished metal.

If that doesn't suit your fancy, I will tell you that, as with all big birds, if you wait around long enough, they will do something so awe-inspiring that it will take your breath away, and something so goofy that you will laugh out loud.

Either way, you won't be bored for a second.

http://www.oregonzoo.org/discover/new-zoo/condors-columbia

3. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a scientific, educational, and cultural resource centre dedicated to improving the public's understanding of science and technology. The museum is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Set aside a few hours so you have adequate time to discover all that the OMSI has to offer.
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Exploration of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon

4. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Locals and tourists alike are drawn to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Stroll along the Willamette River in a serene green space just minutes away from busy downtown Portland. Natives call it simply Waterfront Park, and many of the Rose Festival events take place here. The wide, tree-lined paths burst with colour and flank a well-manicured walkway that cyclists, joggers, and dog walkers all enjoy all year round.
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Tom McCall Waterfront Park which includes a river or creek, a garden and a bridge

5. Powell's City of Books

People around the world have heard of Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland. Initially established in 1971, the store now covers a city block and may be the world’s largest new and used bookstore, with a million volumes. Come to purchase a specific book, wander through its many sections or meet a visiting author.
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Powell\'s City of Books which includes interior views

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

What to do in Portland


Discover the most popular places to visit in Portland

Explore areas of Portland

Downtown Portland which includes picnicking, boating and a bay or harbour

Downtown Portland

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Find it all—food, shopping, events, and nature—right in the heart of the city.

Downtown Portland
The Portland skyline on a crisp clear winter night. The Eastbank Esplanade is an ideal stroll the see this beautiful city at any hour of the day.
#Oregon #Portland #skyline #night #Eastbankesplanade

Northeast Portland

While you're in Northeast Portland, take in top sights like Colwood National Golf Course or The Grotto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center or NE 82nd Avenue Station.

Northeast Portland
H2FWK3 USA, Oregon, Portland, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Rhododendrons bloom near waterfall and Crystal Springs Lake.. Image shot 2016. Exact date unknown.

Southeast Portland

Travellers choose Southeast Portland for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at SE Powell Boulevard Station or SE Holgate Boulevard Station and check out top sights like Mall 205.

Southeast Portland
Pearl District which includes outdoor art

Pearl District

4/5(4 area reviews)

Stay in a hotel here as a base to enjoy this fascinating neighborhood’s offerings, from morning coffee to late-night arts.

Pearl District
Sunrise from the upper tram terminal at Oregon Health Science University. Timing is everything in photography. I have waited a year to get the right timing and weather for this shot. For those fortunate enough to ride the tram daily this is a common sight. Mount Hood in the background.

Southwest Portland

Southwest Portland is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Sellwood Bridge and Portland Aerial Tram. See more of Portland by jumping on the metro at Bancroft St Stop or S Lowell & Bond Stop.

Southwest Portland
sunny morning on the Portland skyline

Buckman

If you're spending time in Buckman, check out sights like Grand Central or Belmont and hop on the metro to see more of the city at SE Grand & Belmont Stop or SE Grand & Stark Stop.

Buckman

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Portland

Frequently asked questions

Is Portland worth visiting?
Famous for its distilleries and craft breweries and cycling, discovering fun things to do in Portland is easy. Be sure to add Oregon Zoo to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Portland?
Oregon Zoo and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Portland while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portland?
Oregon Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Portland and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Portland?
You can easily visit top attractions like Oregon Zoo, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and Keller Auditorium with a three-day getaway in Portland. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Vancouver.
Is Portland a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Portland is a good place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Oregon Zoo and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Then take a stroll around Downtown Portland, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Lloyd District, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Portland with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Portland with kids.

What to do in Portland for adults?
Oswego Hills Vineyard and Winery and Rogue Distillery and Public House are just two of the things to do in Portland. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Portland?
From enjoying parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Portland. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Lindbergh's Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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