Four Days in Portland: An Adventure to Remember (Featuring Cannon Beach)

  • Day 1: Exploring Portland
    Portland International Airport to Portland city center (12 miles, 30 minutes)

    Welcome to Portland! Start your trip by visiting the Pioneer Courthouse Square at the heart of downtown. Take a stroll through the Portland Art Museum and check out unique contemporary works at the PDX Contemporary Art. In the evening, visit renowned restaurants such as the Departure Restaurant and Lounge for a taste of Northwest cuisine.

  • Day 2: Journey to Cannon Beach
    Portland city center to Cannon Beach (80 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes)

    Today's destination is the breathtaking Cannon Beach, one of the most popular destinations on the Oregon Coast. Take a dip in the ocean, explore the tide pools, and take a walk through Haystack Rock. Finish the day with a seafood meal at the Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge.

  • Day 3: Adventure in the Columbia River Gorge
    Cannon Beach to Columbia River Gorge (87 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes)

    Head to the Columbia River Gorge, a place known for its dramatic landscape, waterfalls, and outdoor activities like hiking and windsurfing. Visit the Multnomah Falls with its stunning cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, and picturesque views. Visit the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and watch salmons swim upstream. Then, head to the historic Hood River for wineries, distilleries, and unique culinary experiences.

  • Day 4: Portland's Beauties (Last Day!)
    Columbia River Gorge to Portland city center (53 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes)

    Spend the last day enjoying Portland's beauty. Visit the Japanese Gardens, featuring waterfalls, koi ponds, and a Zen garden. Then, take a bike ride along the Willamette River and enjoy the view from the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. Finish the trip with a visit to Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pioneer Courthouse Square (1-2 hours, free)
  • Portland Art Museum (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Departure Restaurant and Lounge (1-2 hours, $40)
  • Cannon Beach (4-5 hours, free)
  • Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge (1-2 hours, $50)
  • Multnomah Falls (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bonneville Fish Hatchery (1-2 hours, free)
  • Hood River Wineries and Distilleries (3-5 hours, $50)
  • Japanese Gardens (1-2 hours, $15)
  • Bike Ride (1 hour, free)
  • Powell's City of Books (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs ($245)

Transportation

Getting around Portland is easy, with many ways to explore. Public transit MAX light rail, streetcars, and buses are affordable and easily accessible. Consider renting a bike for around $12 per day. Taxis and ride shares are available as well. The trip from Portland to Cannon Beach can be made by car or bus in around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Oregon Zoo, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. If you want to see more of the Oregon Coast, head south to Tillamook and explore the famous cheese factories along with stunning coastal views. If you have less time, consider skipping Hood River and visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden located in downtown Portland.

Airports

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the only airport serving Portland, Oregon. PDX is located 12 miles northeast of the city center and offers connections to many global destinations.

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