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When I visited Portland, I knew that I needed to try VooDoo Donuts and go see the Multnomah Falls, but what else? Many places I read told me to visit Powell’s Books. As a total book nerd, I pictured myself walking the rows lined with books. A week before my trip, my friend sent me a picture of the line of people outside of Powell’s Books. The line went down the street and people waited to get inside. That is something you do not see online. While I am not telling you to skip out on visiting Powell’s Books, you should also branch out for different experiences. Using what I learned from locals, this list includes 9+ of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon.
1. Visit The Wishing Tree
When we arrived to The Wishing Tree, I would be lying if I said it was not a magical moment. You walk down a residential street when all of a sudden you see a tree covered in peoples’ hopes and dreams.
The instructions are simple: Write a wish. Tie to the tree.
This is a lot of pressure. Well, I want a new car, but I also should not waste my one wish on that. Maybe I should wish for good health? Whatever you wish for, you get to write it down and tie it to the tree to manifest in Portland.
According to the Williams District, The Wishing Tree began in 2016. Since it began, over 40,000 wishes have been made (and hopefully come true!). Small acts of kindness are rare in our torn- apart world. Be a part of this experience and visit this special spot at 2954 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97212.
2. Go Bar Hopping
Along with different types of stores and shops, Portland has a variety of bars to check out. Many places have created patios ever since covid. If it is not raining, you can try to sit outside. Serving a variety of beers and wines from the area, many of the bars in Portland are local.
Want to see more? Here are 6 bars in the Mississippi neighborhood of Portland.
3. Go to Vintage Shops
Macklemore sings about thrift shopping but I had no idea how much I loved it. We visited several vintage shops in the Mississippi neighborhood of Portland. We fell in love with different styles of jewelry and walked out with friendship rings. To be fair, we did visit a few bars before our shopping began.
To add to the growing list of things I bought at vintage shops in Portland include a sweater and a fedora hat. This is a fun way to spend an afternoon. There are some higher end vintage shops, and there are some that imitate thrift stores. Poke your head in and find ones that you like.
My favorite store in Portland is Workshop Vintage!
4. Go Shopping on Alberta
Alberta Arts District is an area in Portland with vibrant rainbow sidewalks and fun shops. It has the same vibe as Capitol Hill in Seattle with the different stores to peek at and the vibrant colors all around.
Remember, you are in Portland, so there are a lot of quirky things to see and buy. Two stores stood out as my favorite and I have since visited them twice. Frock Boutique has tons of colorful clothes and accessories. They also have fun finds such as sunglasses, coffee cups, candles and more.
Another favorite store of ours turned out to be Collage. An arts and crafts store, they had fun stickers, pins, and other finds. Both times I have visited these stores I have wanted to buy just about everything.
For more about Alberta Arts District, visit the nonprofit Alberta Main Street.
Bonus: Petite Provence
Petite Provence is a restaurant on Alberta Street. As you are walking around, you can stop in for a bite to eat and drink. I opted for the La Provence Benedict and butternut squash side. It was the perfect brunch to hold me over for the rest of the day.
Visit their website for the full menu, hours of operation, and more.
Bonus: Donnie Vegas
Located on the corner of Alberta Street and North East 12th Avenue lives Donnie Vegas. The spot sells jello shots and liquor. We stopped in for one last drink before heading into the airport. It is a total dive bar and a quirky place to stop in for a drink or shot.
Check out Donnie Vegas on YELP or view their website for more information.
5. Go To The Waterfront
Portland has a beautiful waterfront. Being in the Pacific Northwest, there is so much water and greenery that I am not used to. The Marquam Bridge looms over the Willamette River. Boats sit in the marina. Flowers are in bloom. This is such a picturesque landscape we stayed and took an abundance of pictures.
Bonus: Go Scootering
As we were hanging out on the waterfront, we stumbled upon some scooters. We had a blast exploring Portland on scooters. It was a fun way to enjoy the weather while zipping around from place to place. We were able to cruise all along the riverfront and take amazing pictures.
Bonus: Eat at McCormick & Schmick’s
Located along the water, McCormick & Schmick’s offers views of the Willamette River and Marquam Bridge. The marina sits beside you as boats float in the water.
We absolutely loved the two times we stopped into this restaurant. We splurged on white wine, lemon drops, lobster mashed potatoes and more!
Love this view? See why McCormick & Schmick’s is the best restaurant on the Portland waterfront.
6. Walk On The Dock
Right next to McCormick & Scmicks is the RiverPlace Marina Public Dock. We just started to wander around and we loved this little area. The best pictures we took on our trip ended up being in this little area. As you walk around boats and yachts, you will see everything from house boats to expensive vessels. The dock is literally on the water so it feels like you are just walking on top of the river.
7. Take Pictures at the White Stag Sign
The White Stag Sign dawns Portland Oregon and is visible throughout different parts of the city. We had seen it from across the river and were determined to track it down. Located along the waterfront, you can take pictures in front of different bridges and the Willamette River. Our pictures with the sign turned out cute and was an obvious must-see spot on our trip.
Bonus: The Portland Sign
We were driving downtown and I looked out the window to see the Portland sign. I turned around and was able to snap a quick picture of it. It gives off vibes from an earlier time. Located outside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the sign is visible from the corner of SW Broadway and Main Street in Portland. The sign illuminates at night.
8. Put Stickers On A Street Sign
As you arrive in Portland, you will begin to notice the street signs are covered in stickers. I took time to study a few of them and there are literally stickers of EVERYTHING! I knew that in order to officially be initiated into Portland life, we had to put a sticker on a street sign. While we were walking Alberta Street, we found a store that sold all sorts of stickers. They had everything from Golden Girl stickers to Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Schitt’s Creek.
When I spotted the Keanu Reeves stickers, I knew we hit the jackpot. We found the perfect street sign and discreetly put our new stickers on. BAM! We have now left our mark on the city.
9. Buy Souvenirs
Before you leave Portland, make sure you bought something to document your trip! Some of my favorite clothes represent the Portland name!
My Souvenirs Were Purchased From:
- Hello From Portland
- Starbucks
- Etsy
- Powell’s Books
Additional Souvenir Shops:
- Made in Portland
- MadeHere
- Portland International Airport
Plan Your Trip Now
Whether you are planning a trip to Portland or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited Portland share your experience.
Looking for more? Check out 5 reasons Salty’s in Portland is an amazing restaurant.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Portland, please share them below!
Cheers!
