Day 1: Pittock Mansion
10 minutes (3.2 miles) from Downtown Portland
Start your trip by exploring historic Pittock Mansion, located in Portland's West Hills. The view of the city from the mansion is breathtaking, and the gardens are beautiful to stroll through. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the history of the mansion and the wealthy family who lived there.
Day 2: Lan Su Chinese Garden
7 minutes (1.5 miles) from Pittock Mansion
This garden is one of the city's hidden gems. Lan Su Chinese Garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of downtown. It's an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden and features a beautiful teahouse. You can experience the ambience and serenity of China in Portland at Lan Su.
Day 3: Cannon Beach
1 hour 44 minutes (80.3 miles) from Lan Su Chinese Garden
Make the trip to the beach to see the iconic Haystack Rock, which rises 235 feet above the sea. It is a protected marine reserve and a bird and marine life sanctuary. You can picnic, hike, watch for whales or explore tide pools to experience the beach fully.
Day 4: Portland Art Museum
1 hour 18 minutes (64.5 miles) from Cannon Beach
The Portland Art Museum is the seventh oldest museum in the United States, but its impressive art collections and exhibits are not dated. The museum includes sculptures, textiles, and arts from ancient times to contemporary. Check out their international films series or take a guided tour.
Portland has plenty of public transportation to get you to all the main sights, including the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and TriMet buses. A day pass costs $5 or get a hop-on-hop-off for $10. If you prefer driving, consider renting a car through a rental agency, an estimated cost of $30-$60 per day.
If you have more time, visit nearby Washington Park and the Hoyt Arboretum. Or explore one of Portland's unique neighborhoods like Mississippi Avenue, Hawthorne, or Alberta Street. For less time, skip the guided tours and explore on your own. Additionally, always check the weather forecast and dress comfortably with layers given the city's changeable weather.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 10 miles northeast of downtown, near the Columbia River. It serves both domestic and international flights from many airlines, including United, Delta, Alaska, and American Airlines. Ground transportation options to and from PDX include the MAX Light Rail, rental cars or ride-sharing for travel cost between $15-$30.