Portland is located in the Northwestern part of the US, where the Columbia and Willamette Rivers meet. It is a short drive away from the Cascade Range, fertile valleys, sprawling forests, and the Pacific Ocean. Portland’s many urban parts combined with its mountainous backdrop make this city a nature lover’s paradise. It was a major Pacific Northwest port because of its riverside location until the turn of the century. Portland is the most populous city in Oregon with about 600,000 inhabitants. Here are the top must see attractions in Portland, Oregon.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
The amphitheater on this square is the heart of the city. After sightseeing, shopping, and browsing galleries, this is the place to end your vacation to Portland. Make sure you bring an umbrella along as showers are quite common here, although you can enjoy plenty of sunshine in the summer.
Willamette Valley
Portland is often jokingly referred to as ‘Beervana’ by some Americans because there are many microbreweries here. Head to Willamette Valley if you want to enjoy a good wine. You can also join a tour of the vineyard to sample one of the local Pinot Noir grown in the volcanic soil.
Portland Art Museum
Located in the cultural district of Portland is the oldest museum in Northwestern United States. It has a vast collection of art that reflects history from the ancient times to today.
Tom McCall Waterside Park
Head to this park for cycling, meditating, or rowing. It is along the Willamette River and it is a great spot for people watching.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
There are several bridges leading to the bank where this museum is located. There are hundreds of interactive displays on offer in the huge theaters and halls. Use the opportunity to go on board a submarine or learn about faraway planets. The Grotto is on the same side of the river where you can replenish your soul or just pray.
Washington Park
Portland is ideal for growing roses because of its cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. There are many award-winning varieties of roses you can admire in the International Rose Test Garden in this park. There is a Japanese Garden nearby that is believed to be one of the most authentic gardens outside Japan. It has an original tea house and 5 distinct garden styles.
West Hills
You can enjoy some spectacular views of Portland’s skyline here in the West Hills. Multnomah Falls is just a short drive east, from astonishing heights, icy water tumbled down. For a close-up view of the waterfall, you can climb to the Benson Bridge. This waterfall flows all year round. Come face to face with nature’s awesome power by driving north. There is an active volcano on Mount Saint Helens that lost its peak in 1980 when it erupted. There are different viewing points around here where you can still see its impact.
Cannon Beach
Head to Cannon Beach to see Oregon’s renowned coastline. Its boutique shops, cafes, and cliffs will appeal to anybody. All along the Pacific, you won’t be short of stunning sights that will keep you reaching for the camera
Portland sits in the middle of all this natural beauty. It is more just a place you can stop to smell the roses; it is a place you can experience the splendor and laid back atmosphere of the Great Northwest.