Explore

Things to do in Portland and nearby

We love Oregon and hope you get to stay beyond the wedding — there's a lot to explore. A few suggestions:

Washington Park

Home to the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and more.

  • International Rose Test Garden — Over 10,000 rose bushes of more than 600 varieties. In bloom April through October.
  • Portland Japanese Garden — Known for being the most authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan; a tranquil escape from the city.
  • Hoyt Arboretum — A living museum home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, with 12 miles of hiking trails.

Nature + city classics

  • Forest Park — One of the largest urban forests in the US, with 70 miles of hiking trails.
  • Powell's City of Books — The world's largest independent bookstore.
  • Food carts — Portland is known for its food cart pods. Our favorite so far is Prost Marketplace — a lovely patio with several carts connected to Prost!, a German Bier Bar.

Coffee, beer, and cider

  • Schilling Cider — 33 ciders on tap. We particularly love it.
  • Portland is known for all three.

Breakfast favorites

  • Ken's Artisan Bakery — Get the goat cheese and leek croissant and something sweet. If you like pizza, they do that in the evening too.
  • Sparrow Bakery — The ocean roll in particular.
  • Fried Egg I'm In Love — Egg sandwiches. Try the Yolko Ono.

Doughnuts

Skip Voodoo Doughnut — there are better options:

  • Blue Star
  • Pip's — If you don't make it here before the wedding, don't worry: you're still in for a special treat.

Neighborhoods to explore

  • Alberta Arts District — Murals, art galleries, eclectic restaurants.
  • Hawthorne — Vintage/secondhand shops, independent bookstores, unique cafes and restaurants.
  • Pearl District — Upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes; walkable to Powell's.
  • Northwest / Nob Hill — Victorian homes turned boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Mississippi Ave / North Williams — Live music, local shops, and popular restaurants and bars.

Day Trips

Easy escapes from Portland

Columbia River Gorge / Mt. Hood / Historic Columbia River Highway (~30 min)

One of our favorites! Waterfalls: Multnomah Falls (probably the most touristy, but well worth it — no permit needed after September 7th), Bridal Veil (how appropriate!), Latourell, and many more. Scenic drives: Check out the Crown Point Vista House.

Hood River (~1 hr) — Known as the wind-surfing capital of the world; also famous for its "Fruit Loop," a scenic drive through orchards, cideries, wineries, farm stands, and flower fields. Solstice Pizza — The Country Girl Cherry and La Campagna are favorites, but it's hard to go wrong here. Gorge White House — Great views and a relaxing stop with wine and cider options.

Willamette Valley (~45 min)

Wine tasting.

The Oregon Coast (~1.5 hrs)

Dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, scenic overlooks, and charming coastal towns:

  • Cannon Beach — Best known for Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park; the town itself is also pretty cute.
  • Astoria — Oregon's oldest city; maritime history and filming location for The Goonies, Free Willy, and The Ring.
  • Tillamook — Home to the Tillamook Cheese Factory (and ice cream).