7-Day Itinerary for Exploration of Portland, Oregon
Day 1: Explore Downtown Portland
Portland's downtown is the heart of the city and has many options to explore like the Portland Art Museum, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the famous Voodoo Doughnuts. You can also visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Pearl District, and Powell's City of Books, which is one of the world's largest bookstores.
Day 2: Head to the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is only a short drive from Portland and has a beautiful scenic drive along with many opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It also houses the famous Multnomah Falls, the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the country.
Day 3: Visit Mount Hood
Mount Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and offers activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter. In the summer months, it has hiking trails with breathtaking views. After a long day of activities, you can relax in the Timberline Lodge, which was featured in the horror classic, 'The Shining.'
Day 4: Experience the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast has many charming towns and picturesque beaches like Cannon Beach and Seaside. You can also visit the famous Haystack Rock, which is a popular tourist spot.
Day 5: Explore the Portland Zoo and the Japanese Gardens
The Oregon Zoo has a large collection of animals from all over the world and is a perfect spot for family entertainment. The Portland Japanese Garden is another attraction that offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Day 6: Discover the Food Scene
Portland is known for having one of the best food scenes in the country. There are many food carts scattered throughout the city that offer a wide range of cuisine options. You can also dine-in at one of the city's many award-winning restaurants.
Day 7: Visit the Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday market is a unique spot for experiencing local artisans and vendors. It is open every Saturday from March through December and offers live music and entertainment as well.
Time and Cost Estimates
Portland Art Museum (2-3 hours, $20)
Voodoo Doughnuts (1 hour, $5)
Lan Su Chinese Garden (1-2 hours, $15)
Multnomah Falls (2-3 hours, Free)
Timberline Lodge (2 hours, Free)
Cannon Beach (2-3 hours, Free)
Oregon Zoo (2-3 hours, $17)
Portland Japanese Garden (1-2 hours, $19.50)
Portland Saturday Market (2-3 hours, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: $76.50
Transportation
Portland has an excellent public transportation system, including MAX Light Rail, Streetcars, and buses. The TriMet system is efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal way to get around the city. Taxis and Uber are also available but can be slightly expensive during peak hours.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, you can explore the Mount St. Helens National Park, the Willamette Valley wine region, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. If you have less time, consider skipping one of the days or combining two days.
Airports
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the city's primary airport, located about 12 miles northeast of downtown Portland. It is a well-designed and efficient airport, offering numerous services and amenities to travelers.