24 Hours in Portland: A Day Trip Itinerary

  • 9:00AM: International Rose Test Garden
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Downtown

    The International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. It features more than 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties. Be sure to visit during peak blooming season in June and July.

  • 11:00AM: Powell's City of Books
    15 minutes (4 miles) from International Rose Test Garden

    Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, occupying a full city block and stocking more than a million new and used books. It's the perfect spot for book lovers and those who appreciate quirky Portland culture.

  • 1:00PM: Pine Street Market
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Powell's City of Books

    Pine Street Market is a modern food hall featuring some of Portland's best and most innovative chefs and purveyors. It's the perfect spot to grab a quick, delicious lunch before heading to your next destination.

  • 3:00PM: Pittock Mansion
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Pine Street Market

    The Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style chateau located on a hill overlooking Portland. The mansion was home to Henry Pittock, a prominent Portland businessman and publisher, and his wife Georgiana. Visitors can take tours of the mansion and gardens.

  • 5:00PM: Lan Su Chinese Garden
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Pittock Mansion

    The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Portland's bustling downtown. The garden was built by Chinese artisans using traditional techniques and materials, and features a lake, teahouse, and numerous pavilions and walkways.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Rose Test Garden (1-2 hours) - Free
  • Powell's City of Books (1-2 hours) - Free
  • Pine Street Market (30 minutes - 1 hour) - $$
  • Pittock Mansion (1-2 hours) - $$$
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden (1-2 hours) - $$
  • Total Estimated Costs: $$$

Transportation

Portland is a walkable city, and many of the destinations on this itinerary are located relatively close to each other. However, visitors may also want to consider using public transportation, rental bikes, or ride-sharing services especially if the weather is not ideal. The average cost of renting a bike for a day is $20, and a day pass for public transportation costs $5.

Useful Tips

For those who have more time, consider taking a trip to Multnomah Falls or Cannon Beach. Both destinations are located within an hour and a half from Portland and provide a different perspective of Oregon's breathtaking scenery. For travelers with less time, consider skipping the Pittock Mansion or the Lan Su Chinese Garden to allow for more leisurely exploration of the other destinations on the itinerary.

Airports

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the city's primary airport and is located 9 miles northeast of downtown. It's a convenient airport with easy access to the city center via public transportation or ride-sharing services.

0