Make the Most of Your Trip to Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city I used to visit regularly, but only recently have I started exploring it again. With so many sights to see, activities to try, and food and drinks to savor, it’s a place I could return to again and again. I enjoy discovering new experiences while revisiting old favorites. From my recent trips, here are some spots I’ve found to be perfect for hanging out and soaking in what Portland has to offer.
Sights
Portland Japanese Garden
A nationally recognized site that follows traditional Japanese garden standards, this serene spot is perfect for a peaceful stroll. Take in the calm, quiet atmosphere as you wander among meticulously designed landscapes. Afterwards, stop by the onsite café to enjoy a cup of tea and some light bites.
Location | 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Hours | 10am-5:30pm, closed Tuesdays
Admission | tickets can be purchased onsite or online; adult tickets are $22.50
Website | https://japanesegarden.org/
Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s is celebrated as the largest independent bookstore of new and used books. With multiple levels and endless stacks, it’s easy to get delightfully lost; maps are available to help you navigate the different rooms. Offering a vast selection of titles in both new and used editions, there’s something here for every reader. Be prepared to spend hours exploring, and inevitably leaving with more books than you planned.
Location | 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209 (main location); there are 3 other store locations
Hours | 10am-9pm
Website | https://www.powells.com/
Portland Art Museum
A beautiful space to explore both the permanent and featured collections, this museum is worth checking out for its current exhibitions - be sure to see what’s on display before you go. I spent a fun few hours wandering through all the floors, taking in the art and exhibits. It’s a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon, especially on a rainy day.
Location | 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Hours | 10am-5pm, closed on Mondays
Admission | adult tickets are $27.50
Website | https://portlandartmuseum.org/
Forest Park
A beautiful hiking and walking area right in the heart of the city, this spot is perfect for enjoying nature come rain or shine. With multiple trailheads to choose from, you can tailor your hike to your mood or time. Expect to be surrounded by moss-covered trees and a surprising sense of calm - a quiet escape in the middle of the city.
Location | 2900-3500, NW Forest Ln, Portland, OR 97229
Hours | 5am-10pm
Vancouver Waterfront
A relatively new addition on the Vancouver, Washington side, this scenic area is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the river. Take in the views while exploring the shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it a great spot to spend a relaxing few hours.
Location | 695 Waterfront Wy, Vancouver, WA 98660
Hours | 5am-10pm
Latourell Falls
Located on the outskirts of the city, Latourell Falls offers a beautiful waterfall and plenty of hiking opportunities. Unlike the more famous Multnomah Falls nearby, there’s no need to reserve a spot or pay fees to explore. The area also features several other waterfalls and scenic stops, making it a perfect day trip for anyone looking to enjoy nature without venturing too far from the city.
Location | Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019
Hours | 6am-10pm
Food
Midtown Beer Garden
One of my favorite chance discoveries, this food truck area has become my go-to spot every time I visit Portland. I especially love the Chinese noodle and jianbing stands, though there’s a variety of cuisines to choose from. With plenty of outdoor seating and heat lamps to ward off the chill, it’s a great place to grab a meal—even on colder days.
Location | 431 SW Harvey Milk St, Portland, OR 97204
Hours | Sun-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm
Twilight Room
This spot is a favorite of my parents, and we often make a stop whenever we’re in town. With a sports bar, pool tables, and a patio, it’s a fun place to hang out. Expect hearty, satisfying portions of classic bar food that hit the spot.
Location | 5242 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
Hours | 11am-2am
St. John’s Beer Porch
Located near the Twilight Room, this smaller food truck area offers some great finds and a wide variety of cuisines. I tried the Tibetan food truck, and the soup was absolutely delicious—a perfect example of the hidden gems you can discover here.
Location | 7316 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
Hours | Sun-Thurs 12pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-9pm
Website | https://stjohnsfoodcarts.com/
Szechuan Brothers
A classic stop in Vancouver for excellent Chinese food, this is one of my must-visit spots whenever I’m in town. The menu is extensive, offering plenty of options to choose from, and I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve ordered. It’s a reliable go-to for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Location | 13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd B5, Vancouver, WA 98684
Hours | 11am-2:45pm, 4pm-8:45pm, closed Tuesdays
HK Cafe
The best place to go for classic dim sum, this spot delivers both in flavor and atmosphere. Be prepared to be enthusiastically approached by servers wheeling carts filled with tempting dishes, each one harder to resist than the last. Indulge in a wide array of dim sum favorites and desserts—but come hungry. During peak hours, the atmosphere is lively, loud, and bustling, adding to the authentic experience.
Location | 4410 SE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97266
Hours | 9:30am-9:30pm
Sool Korean Kitchen
This restaurant in Vancouver serves up classic Korean dishes that are both comforting and flavorful. With so many options—from savory meats to hearty stews and rice dishes—it can be tough to decide what to order. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy a craving for Korean food and leave feeling completely satisfied.
Location | 512 NE 81st St ste J, Vancouver, WA 98665
Hours | 11am-10pm
Cafes
Umami Cafe
Located within the Portland Japanese Garden, this café mirrors the serene atmosphere of the gardens themselves. Guests can choose from a selection of small bites and teas, thoughtfully presented to complement the tranquil setting. The entire experience feels calm and rejuvenating. Stop in before or after exploring the gardens to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and complete the experience.
Location | 611 SW Kingston Dr, Portland, OR 97205
Hours | 9am-6pm, closed Tuesdays
Behind the Museum
I genuinely had the best matcha I’ve ever tasted here. Conveniently located behind the Portland Art Museum—just as the name suggests—it’s a popular spot that stays busy. Despite the crowds, the delicious bites and wide selection of drinks make it well worth the visit. The thoughtful décor and beautiful presentation of both the beverages and food elevate the entire experience, making it feel truly special.
Location | 1229 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Hours | 11am-5pm
Website | http://behindthemuseumcafe.com/
Case Study Coffee Roasters
Tucked along a residential street, this café is the perfect place to study, relax, or simply unwind. Their menu features a variety of flavorful and creative drinks that are just as delicious as they sound. Most of the seating is upstairs, overlooking the barista station below, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s a semi-quiet space where I was able to spend a peaceful afternoon getting lost in a good book.
Location | 1422 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, there are multiple locations
Hours | Fri-Sun 7am-5pm, Mon-Thurs 7am-4pm
Website | http://www.casestudycoffee.com/
That concludes my recommendations for things to do in Portland and the Vancouver area. With so many unique spots to explore, I hope you’re able to find something that suits your taste. I’m looking forward to continuing my adventures in the city and discovering even more places to share in the future.