Start your trip in the heart of Portland. Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as the "living room" of the city. Take a stroll through the Pearl District, a trendy neighbourhood filled with art galleries and boutique shops. End your day with a dinner at Le Pigeon, a renowned restaurant that offers inventive dishes.
Spend the day at Washington Park, a 410-acre park that is home to many attractions. Visit the International Rose Test Garden, where you can stroll through 10,000 rose bushes of 650 varieties with views of the city skyline. Go to the Oregon Zoo which offers immersive and interactive habitats for over 1,800 animals from around the world. Finish the day with a scenic hike to Pittock Mansion, a French Renaissance-style château built in 1914.
Take a road trip to the Columbia River Gorge, a magnificent canyon with many waterfalls, hiking trails, and awe-inspiring viewpoints. Visit Multnomah Falls, the most famous among them, and enjoy a scenic drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway that offers many stops along the way.
Head to the Oregon Coast, which offers a scenic and varied landscape, quaint small towns, and unique attractions. Visit Cannon Beach, home to the famous Haystack Rock, and indulge in a fresh seafood meal. Drive south to explore the beaches and rugged cliffs of Oswald West State Park, and end the day at Tillamook Creamery for a tasting of the handmade cheese and ice cream.
Spend the day exploring the trendy and eclectic neighbourhood of Mississippi Avenue in North Portland. Admire the street art on every corner, visit the quirky boutiques and antique shops, and enjoy a coffee in one of the many local cafes. End the day with dinner at The Observatory, known for its creative cocktails and New American cuisine.
Head to Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon, and enjoy a day full of adventure. Take a scenic drive on the Mount Hood Scenic Byway that offers many picturesque stops, visit Timberline Lodge, an iconic mountain resort that offers year-round activities, or hike to the Mirror Lake for stunning views of the mountain. End the day with a soak in one of the many natural hot springs in the area.
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the bohemian and vibrant Alberta Arts District. Visit the unique and funky art galleries, enjoy a craft beer at one of the many local breweries, and have a picnic in the Alberta Park. End your trip with dinner at Aviary, a fusion restaurant that offers unexpected and delightful flavour combinations.
Portland has an expansive public transportation system. There are buses, streetcars, and light rail trains that operate throughout the city, and they all accept the same fare. The cost of a single ride is $2.50, and a day pass costs $5.00 per person. Uber and Lyft services are also available in the city. Driving and parking in the downtown area can be challenging, so it is recommended to use public transportation whenever possible.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene and tranquil space that offers amazing views of Mount Hood. You can also take a brewery tour, visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or go on a street art tour. If you have less time, consider skipping the Oregon Coast and Mount Hood trips, especially if you are visiting in the winter months as the weather can be unpredictable.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the primary airport that serves the city of Portland. The airport is located 10 minutes from downtown and offers a variety of transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transit.