Location: Portland
Top Things to do in Portland
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Portland That You Shouldn't Miss
You’ll wonder why you don’t live in Portland after you’ve visited this laid-back and friendly city. With a reputation for manicured parks, eclectic nightlife, fine micro-breweries and distilleries, and nature that cuts right into the city, Portland’s a Pacific Northwest must-visit. Don’t miss the famous Japanese Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful of its kind outside of Japan.
Restaurants in Portland
1. Old Church
2. Portland Center Stage at The Armory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Portland Center Stage at The Armory is the largest theater company in Portland that produces fully professional theatrical production for the community, and is one of the 20 largest regional theater companies in the United States. There are two theaters located inside The Armory: the 590-seat U.S. Bank Main Stage and the 190-seat Ellyn Bye Studio. Established in 1988 as an offshoot of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the company became independent in 1994. An estimated 150,000 visitors attend The Armory annually to enjoy a mix of classical, contemporary and world premiere productions, along with the annual JAW: A Playwrights Festival, and a variety of high quality education and community programs. Eleven productions are offered each season, in addition to roughly 400 community events. The Armory was the first building on the National Register of Historic Places — and the first performing arts venue in the country — to achieve a LEED Platinum rating.
Reviewed By acepdx
Portland Center Stage puts on a variety of plays each season, with consistent high quality of production, acting, and selection of material. It's a just right size hall, with accessible food and beverage before shows. If one had to pick a bone, it would be too few restrooms, especially for women. That's a bit of a surprise, as this venue was built relatively recently.
3. Westward Whiskey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Visit Westward Whiskey where real people put their heart, soul and artistry into crafting spirits that delight and inspire. Join for distillery tours, tasting flights, unique single barrel whiskey expressions and classes.
Reviewed By 950waltl
Visited the store at PDX and our server was very informative. Tried the old fashioned drink and ended up buying a bottle and the carrot honey for the young man gave us the recipe.
4. Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Small museum which shares and preserves Japanese American history and culture in Portland's Old Town neighborhood, where Japantown once thrived. Group tours of the museum, speaking engagements for classrooms or other community groups, and research appointments at the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center are available. Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center is located in the Merchant Hotel building built 1880-1885, and is of historical interest, being located in the oldest part of Portland in the heart of what was once Portland's Japantown (Nihonmachi) until World War II. The building housed a laundry, bathhouse and barbershop run by Japanese families in the early years.
5. Real Life Exhibit Portland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Step into the lives and homes of people affected by crisis around the world. Our Real Life Exhibit Portland gives you the opportunity to see, hear, and feel what people in crisis live through daily. The Real Life Exhibit is open to everyone, regardless of age. We regularly host school groups, civic organizations, retirement communities, individuals, and more. The Real Life Exhibit is most appropriate for visitors ages 10 and up.
6. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,636 reviews
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a nationally-renowned science center providing science learning to a range of audiences. Our programming is guided by OMSI’s long-term vision to promote a healthy, innovative, and sustainable society where everyone is prepared to participate in civic life. OMSI’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming helps visitors and program participants master 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. We achieve this through exhibits, classes, camps, traveling educators, and adult programs around the state, making OMSI a trusted educational resource to all Oregonians.
Reviewed By goldencalgirl - Eureka, United States
This place was the highlight for my kids' spring break trip to Portland. We saw a dog hero movie, toured the submarine, and saw all the exhibits except the planetarium. We arrived before they opened, but they let us wait in line inside, which was nice. We ate lunch at the restaurant, which had a good variety for kids and adults. The kids probably could have spent all day here.
7. Portland Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,150 reviews
One of the oldest art museums on the west coast with an impressive collection of Native American and Asian art, plus a large modern and contemporary wing. Rotating special exhibitions bring the best of the art world to Portland.
Reviewed By MikeMcKenzie - Portland, United States
Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month, so I try to go. The museum is more densely populated when admission is free, which is an interesting change from the sparse midweek crowds I might generally encounter here. This is a beautiful and modern museum packed with permanent collection art and interesting traveling exhibits.
8. Oregon Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Explore Oregon’s past at the Oregon Historical Society! Located on the historic South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, the Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week and features original and traveling exhibitions that tell stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon and American history. In February 2019, the Oregon Historical Society unveiled a brand permanent exhibit, Experience Oregon, that chronicles the state’s complex history through rare artifacts, hands-on interactives, and digital displays. The Society’s world-class research library is open Tuesday through Saturday and is the perfect place to research a historic home or find a long-lost pioneer relative. Don’t forget to stop by the museum store for a uniquely Oregon souvenir!
Reviewed By PilatesPDX - Portland, United States
Totally awesome and gives you a feel for that 1964 epic tour! Did I mention that it is free as well?
9. Pittock Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,529 reviews
Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
This is a must-see when in Portland. It’s location close to downtown Portland (but feels a world away) makes it a perfect excursion. I took the self-guided tour of the mansion’s interior which was well worth the $12 cost of admission. The (at that time) state-of-the-art household features such as recessed lighting, massaging/spa shower, individually controlled lighting, thermostat, refrigeration room and local/long distance telephone system are incredible. Although most of the household furnishings are not original to the house (or the Pittock family), I found it quite fascinating to learn how they acquired these from other local families in similar sociology-economic circles who lived at the time as the Pittocks. The history of the home’s construction, it’s decline and subsequent abandonment and its massive restoration is amazing. The grounds are lovely and the front lawn has some of the best views overlooking Portland and beyond (on a clear day you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and more).
10. Travel Portland Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
At the Travel Portland Visitor Center you'll find brochures, maps and expert advice for your stay in the greater Portland region - all in the heart of downtown at Director Park. Within easy walking distance of downtown hotels and served by MAX light rail, the square also houses TriMet, where you can buy transit tickets. HOURS: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday (May-October only) 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
