Portland has fast become one of my favorite cities- and while I knew it would win me over with its endless vegan food and local drinks, city life and lush outdoors, I didn’t realize just how hard I would fall for all it had to offer. (View my blog on the best food and drinks in Portland by clicking here). Here are my top recommendations for your next trip to Portland:
Day Trip to the Viewpoint Columbia Gorge
Technically, the Columbia Gorge is not in Portland but is in the nearby area. But with Portland as a starting point, I consider this to be included in a Portland trip. Enjoy the muted blue and green scenery and you drive up to an incredible view of the gorge. Getting to see this natural beauty was my favorite part of the trip.
Day Trip to Latourell Falls
While Multnomah Falls gets all the attention, Latourell Falls is worth a visit. I stopped at Latourell Falls on the way to Multnomah, and asked a fellow visitor what the difference between the two were before I made the trek- Latourell Falls was more powerful, and you could get closer. SOLD. Latourell Falls it is. View Mother Nature in all her glory as you take just a few-minute trail to the waterfall and bridge crossing the river. If it rains, you will get soaked (lesson learned).
Japanese Gardens
Are we seeing a theme here? Clearly, Portland is rich with natural beauty. Wander around the meandering paths of the Japanese Gardens, soaking in all the refreshing air and greenery.
Powell’s Books
The world’s largest independent bookstore! Should I say, take a day trip to the bookstore? Located right in the middle of the city, you can get lost in here for days. Their displays were pretty on point, including a big one on feminism and another one on hygge. It took all my restraint to not get anything. Worth checking out to bring a great new read to a local coffee shop.
Exploring Coffee Shops
This could be in my blog on food and drinks, but I’m leaving this here as a “things to do.” Portland has no shortage of rain, and such, has plenty of coffee shops to duck into and stay cozy in. You’ll find that all the coffee in Portland is fantastic, and that each shop has its own unique personality. On Yelp, most of the coffee shops are rated the highest amount of stars, so just try any one you like, really. Bring one of your books from Powell’s.
Exploring the neighborhoods
Portland has a variety of different neighborhoods, from big city, to artsy small town feels. I loved the Alberta Arts District, which had more of a Venice, Los Angeles feel to it (upscale boutique-y). Walking around downtown was another great spot, where you could find everything from big name shopping stores, to hole in the wall local establishments.
Vegan Row
Something worth knowing about is a little vegan row of shops: Sweetpea Baking Company, Herbivore (a vegan store), Food Fight vegan grocery, and a vegan tattoo shop. What else could you possibly need?
Bridges
Portland has tons of beautiful bridges. I had the most fun driving over them and yelling woooooo, but they would also be excellent photography subjects if you love photos. Catch a great view of all the bridges, and the rest of the city, at Portland City Grill.
Thanks for having me, Portland, I can’t wait to come back!