Portland is one of the most beautiful cities in Oregon which has become not only a tourist destination but also a place of settlement.
Oregon’s largest city combines a mix of culture and urban attractions, earning it the name “The City of Roses.”
Portland offers city attractions such as musical entertainment, cultural events, theater, and more.
During this time, nature lovers have the opportunity to explore the green spaces of the city gardens, rich in various flowers.
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with nature as Portland bridges to other Pacific Northwest destinations.
Here are some of Portland’s top tourist attractions.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Located on the Oregon-Washington state border, the Columbia River offers a vast tourist region ideal for leisurely cruises and the great outdoors.
It is considered one of Portland’s most popular destinations for locks, lookouts, and hiking trails.
Visitors have the opportunity to witness the beautiful waterfalls along the trail.
Portland Japanese Garden
Located on the site of a former zoo and spanning 30 acres in Washington Park, Portland’s Japanese Garden is a must-see in the City of Roses.
The garden was first opened to the public in 1961 to give citizens a place of tranquility and clarity.
It was established to recognize the growing cultural ties between the city and Japan.
Portland Japanese Garden is set up in a variety of styles to offer visitors a unique and tranquil experience.
International Rose Garden
One of the oldest tourist attractions, the Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917.
The gardens are divided into several sections which offer plenty of space to explore with interesting plants everywhere.
The Rose Test Garden develops new varieties and miniatures of roses.
The Gold Award Garden hosts many past award winners, where they are displayed with a beautiful gazebo.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Continuing Portland’s love of culture, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a testament to the city’s relationship with its twin city, Suzhou, China.
Opened 22 years ago, the garden combines elements of nature (rocks, plants, trees, gardens) and a lake in downtown Portland.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is about a block long and spans around 40,000 square feet.
It features traditional buildings and walkways with native Chinese plants that have been imported to provide a very unique experience.
Portland Art Museum
Another long-standing tourist attraction in the city is the Portland Museum of Art, founded in 1892.
Since its creation, the museum has housed an extensive collection of more than 50,000 objects.
The museum features Native American artifacts, Asian art, graphics, photography, and Northwest art.
The Portland Art Museum also houses Vincent Van Gogh’s Chariot with the Black Ox.
Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s City of Books is a designated spot for bibliophiles, who will feel right at home in the second-hand bookstore with over a million books.
While visitors can find plenty of space to read, the Burnside location also has a coffee shop.
Powell’s Books also hosts events such as author readings, writing seminars, and various book clubs.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Portland’s OMSI complex features a planetarium, educational hands-on displays, four-story display, and a US Navy submarine.
Visitors with children are treated to colorful, fun and educational exhibits with hands-on, interactive displays.
The displays contain educational pieces on chemistry, energy, engineering, environment, health and technology.
In front of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the USS Blueback, a non-nuclear submarine that has served more than 30 years.
The Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is home to hundreds of species, from birds to sea life.
Located in Washington Park, it also features animals from different parts of the world, with exotic creatures from the African savannah, the Amazon, and the Arctic.
Visitors are also informed about the zoo’s curatorial program and research focused on the conservation of Pacific Northwest species.
Portland Saturday Market
Established in 1974, the Portland Saturday Market has grown over the years to become the city’s largest outdoor artists’ market.
Market stalls are open between early March and Christmas Eve in Portland’s Old Town’s Chinatown neighborhood.
On Saturday mornings, 250 vendors set up their stalls to sell arts and crafts, including woodwork, jewelry, artwork, souvenirs and home accessories.
The market also offers packaged foods that sell organic teas and artisanal candies.
There is also a food court with coffee and breakfast dishes, while live music plays throughout the market for a movie-like experience.
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