Day 1: Downtown Portland – Start your trip by visiting the Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as "Portland's living room." After that, enjoy the beautiful waterfront views on the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Discover the city's culture by visiting the Portland Art Museum and end the day walking around the historic Pearl District.
Day 2: Washington Park – Spend a day in Washington Park where you can explore the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the Oregon Zoo. In the evening, watch a show at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival or visit one of the many micro-breweries around the city.
Day 3: Columbia River Gorge – Rent a car, and take a scenic drive east to the Columbia River Gorge, where you can see breathtaking falls such as the Multnomah Falls. Enjoy hiking a short trail and taking in the beautiful views of the Columbia River.
Day 4: Portland Food Scene – Portland is known for its diverse culinary scene. Start your day with breakfast at Screen Door for their famous chicken and waffles. For lunch, try Pok Pok for Thai street food. In the evening, dine at Le Pigeon for French-inspired dishes.
Day 5: Oregon Coast – Another scenic drive takes you to the Oregon Coast where you can explore different small towns and beaches. Visit the famous Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach or the Devil's Punchbowl in Newport.
Day 6: Mount Hood – On this day, explore the beautiful Mount Hood and its surrounding villages. Head to the beautiful Trillium Lake for a picnic or hike one of the many trails surrounding the mountain.
Day 7: Explore the Boutique Shops – End your trip by exploring the city’s eclectic shops in the Alberta Arts District or the Hawthorne District. A visit to the Powell's City of Books is a must-see for any book lover.
Time and Costs Estimates
Pioneer Courthouse Square (1hr, Free)
Portland Art Museum (2hrs, $20)
International Rose Test Garden (2hrs, Free)
Oregon Zoo (3hrs, $17.50)
Le Pigeon (2hrs, $75)
Haystack Rock (2hrs, Free)
Trillium Lake (4hrs, Free)
Powell's City of Books (2hrs, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: $112.50
Transportation
Portland's public transportation system, TriMet, is affordable and efficient, offering buses, light rail, and streetcars. A day pass costs $5 or $2.50 for a 2.5-hour ticket. If you plan on renting a car to explore outside of the city, car rentals start around $30 per day, and gas is around $3 per gallon. Traffic can be heavy during peak times.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to wine country, visiting the Columbia River Gorge Museum, or enjoying the hot springs in the Oregon Cascades. If you have less time, combine days 1 and 4 and visit the Alberta Arts District and Mississippi Avenue. Remember always to bring an umbrella, as Portland is known for its rainy days.
Airports
Portland International Airport (PDX) is an award-winning airport located about 10 miles from downtown Portland. PDX has excellent transportation options and is serviced by major airlines such as Delta, Alaska, and Southwest Airlines.