Are you searching for a new and exciting city to plan a weekend getaway? If so, Portland may be the place you’re looking to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying life. Here are a few attractions to visit around the city.
Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland’s Living Room)
Located in the center of downtown Portland, the locals refer to Pioneer Courthouse Square as “Portland’s Living Room” because of the casual and friendly atmosphere. Visitors can play an outdoor game of chess, sit and watch the fountains, or enjoy a live musical performance at the amphitheatre.
If you enjoyed spending time in Portland’s Living Room, then you might want to consider apartments for rent in Portland Oregon to find a spot nearby.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
OMSI is a place that fosters imagination and exploration. Visitors can tour the Natural Sciences Hall, Empirical Theater, Kendall Planetarium, the USS Blueback Submarine, Turbine Hall, and the reimagined Science Playground. Starting on October 9, 2021, OMSI will also be featuring an exhibit on Nelson Mendela titled, Mandela: The Official Exhibition.
Washington Park
Visitors will have plenty to do at Washington Park. You can come for a walk or jog, hike a trail, picnic, or tour the many scenic locations. Enjoy the beautiful Japanese Gardens or stroll through the arboretum. If you have kids, then you’ll want to set aside some time to visit the zoo and the children’s museum as well.
Forest Park
Take a relaxing walk through Forest Park, located just outside Portland in the Tualatin Mountains. The park is one of the largest urban forest reserves in the United States, covering more than 5,000 miles and features over 70 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
One of Portland’s official sister cities is Suzhou, located in the Jiangsu province of the People’s Republic of China. In an effort to promote friendship and learning, the city built this Ming Dynasty-style garden, which is regarded as the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China. In English, the name is translated to mean, “Garden of the Awakening Orchids.”
Japanese Garden in Portland
Visitors seeking peace and tranquility have come to the right place. The Japanese Garden in Portland has five distinct areas spanning over five acres. The gardens bring about a sense of peace to those who visit, while also showcasing the culture and history of Japan. Rejuvenate your mind and body within a few hours when you explore this beautiful garden experience.
Oregon Zoo
Since 1888, the Oregon Zoo has welcomed visitors and provided an up close look at species from around the world. Currently, the zoo is home to around 2,000 animals spanning over 230 different species. Of these, about 20 species are listed as either endangered or threatened, and have been placed in a highly specialized breeding program to help ensure their survival. The zoo is proud of their recent successes with breeding African Elephants to help increase their numbers.
Speakeasy-Style Bar
Finish your day by having a drink at one of Portland’s Prohibition-themed bars. Step inside one of these bars and you’ll be whisked back to the 1920s when the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited in the United States. Lucky for you, enjoying a drink at one of these themed establishments is perfectly legal now.