Explore Portland City Proper

There is so much to do when visiting Portland city proper. We thought it'd be fitting for us to provide our newbie to Portland kind of day.

Portland, OR

Portland is known for it's bridges, park and bicycle trails. It has a wonderful art and food scene. The City of Roses has been Portland unofficial nickname since 1888. The city is located 60 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The bridges span the Willamette River.

Pittock Mansion

The Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 and was saved from demolition in 1964. On a clear day from the mansion you can see five Cascade Mountains: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainer, and Mount Jefferson. You are able to take self or guided tours of the mansion.

White Stag Sign

The famous White Stag Sign faces the Burnside Bridge and is located on the top of the White Stag Building, at 70 NW Couch Street in downtown Portland.

Lan Su Chinese Gardens

The Chinese Gardens are located in Chinatown and enclose a full city block of roughly 40,000 sq ft. 90% of the plants featured in the garden are indigenous to China. Due to import bans, no plants were brought from China though. Some plants are 100 years old.

Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo was founded in 1888 making it the oldest west of the Mississippi River. Feeding time for the sea otters is one of our favorites things to see. The elephant exhibit is also a must see.

Forest For The Trees Murals

Keep an eye out for as you walk the city to discover the beautiful murals everywhere. Forest For The Trees is a non-profit public art project that has done a ton of the art.

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum on the west coast and the seventh oldest in the US. The museum has a permanent collection with more than 42,000 works of art and at least one major traveling exhibition.

Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Gardens are located in Washington Park and occupy 12 acres. There are eight garden spaces and a Cultural Village. There is an entrance fee and it's worth it!

Steel Bridge

The Steel Bridge is our favorite bridge to bike across. Bikes and foot traffic have their own level for travel. This bridge is the only double-deck bridge with independent lifts in the world.

Multnomah Whiskey Library

Multnomah Whiskey Library is impressive with it's vintage lounge, tasty small plates and 1,500+ spirits. You'll want to sign up on their waiting list to ensure you'll get in. The lines can be long.

Audubon Society

Protects native bird and other wildlife the Audubon Society has been around since 1902. The rehabilitation facility treats over 3,000 animals per year.

Bailey's Taproom

Bailey's Taproom has 26 rotating beer taps with options on pour size which is great if you'd like to try a few. Great stop to rest and play a few rounds of shut the box.

Timbers Game

If you have the time, plan ahead and attend a Timbers game. The Timbers play at Providence Park and each game you'll find the stadium packed full of energetic fans.

Oregon Museum of Science & Industry

At OMSI you can tour a submarine, the USS Blueback. Be sure to check out their monthly event After Dark where the adults can come out to play. This event is for the 21-and-over crowd and is filled with food, drink, and science fun.

See See Motor Coffee

There is an insane amount of coffee shops in Portland. One of our favorite is See See Motor Coffee. Double bonus of tasty lattes and be surround by beautiful motorcycles.

Forest Park

Forest Park is the largest urban park in the US at 5,200 acres and more than 80 miles of trails. Wildwood Trail is the longest trail in the park. The trail passes near the Portland Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion and the Audubon Society of Portland wildlife sanctuary.