Portland, also called “The City of Roses,” is Oregon’s largest city. Portland still manages to retain the relaxed feel and compact space of a smaller town though its population is close to 600,000. With the Willamette River running through the city and views of majestic Mount Hood as a backdrop, Portland offers many parks and outdoor activities. Portland is known for its microbreweries and being environmentally friendly.
Travel to Portland, Oregon
There are many airline flights to Portland International Airport. The MAX light rail line connects the Portland Airport to downtown Portland with a direct 40-minute ride. Drive by car into Portland via Interstate-5 from the north and south or via Interstate 84 from the east. Portland is very pedestrian and bicycle friendly, with relatively flat terrain, many bicycle paths and short city blocks. The MAX, streetcars and aerial trams make transportation throughout Portland accessible and affordable.
Amtrak provides service to downtown Portland’s Union Station. The Amtrak Cascades connects Portland to Seattle, Vancouver B.C. and Eugene. Portland is also served by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight along the West Coast. Amtrak’s Empire Builder passes through Portland on its way to Glacier National Park and Chicago.
Portland, Oregon, Attractions
Minutes from downtown Portland, Washington Park includes the Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum for nature lovers. Families appreciate the park’s Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum and World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. Waterfront Park on the Willamette River offers walking paths, bicycles for rent and river cruises (some following Portland’s Christmas Ships), where the Portland Spirit docks.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), considered one of the top science centers in the world, offers hands-on exhibits, live science demonstrations, planetarium shows, a submarine and an IMAX theater. Downtown’s Portland Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the country and the oldest on the West Coast. It features an outdoor public sculpture garden and centers for Native American, Northwest, modern and contemporary art.
Powell’s Book Store, the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, is in Portland’s trendy Pearl District. Portland’s Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the U.S. Portland also has the most microbreweries of any American city. Tour Portland on your own or take a guided tour, such as those offered by Eco Tours of Oregon Day Tours for small groups.
Portland Hotels, Motels and Restaurants
There are many accommodations in Portland to choose from, some with hotel packages that include parking, complimentary breakfast and money for shopping (especially during the holidays). Hotels include the upscale Avalon Hotel & Spa on the Willamette River, the newly renovated Crown Plaza in downtown Portland and three locations of the Courtyard by Marriott. Motels in Portland include the Courtesy Inn and Budget Value. Boutique hotels and bed and breakfast establishments are also available.
Portland has a vibrant food scene that draws on its fresh produce and seafood, free-range meats and world-class wine and beer. Portland restaurants showcase regional fare as well as international cuisine – from Greek and Italian to South American and Asian. Restaurants can be found in hotels and on the streets of Portland’s distinct cultural centers.
Travel to Portland, Oregon, a vibrant city with a small town feel and footprint. Enter the city by plane or train and take accessible public transportation to get around Portland. Once there, enjoy the many parks, museums and attractions, as well as Portland’s natural beauty. Stay in one of many Portland hotels, motels and B&Bs. Sample regional Northwest fare at Portland’s myriad restaurants.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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