43 EPIC Things To Do in Portland, Oregon!
There’s no shortage of things to do in Portland—And I should know and a true-and-true Portland local!
Ghost tours, breweries, hiking trails galore, epic views, waterfalls to chase, and exploring beyond the city into the woods and along the coast…
Portland might be a metropolis, but it’s also made for adventurous souls! Portland is an excellent place to base if you want to explore the great outdoors without packing up your bags for a whole week.
Here are some of my personal favorite parks, activities, tours, and experiences around Portland, with some day trip options towards the end!
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Here’s the quick lowdown on some personal favorite things to do in Portland:
- Take a hike on the many trails in the city and check out Pittock Mansion, the Witch’s Castle, Washington Park, and more.
- Walk the Tom McCall Waterfront for a nice stroll, stop shops, catch an event, or just people watch.
- Take a ghost tour or maybe even a food-filled bike tour if that’s more your thing.
- Grab some great views with bites at Portland City Grill and wash everything down at one of Portland’s best breweries.
- Day trip to the Gorge, to Washington, or to Mount Hood!
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Table of Contents
- 1. Admire Waterfront Views Tom McCall Waterfront Park
- 2. Peruse the Goods at Portland’s Saturday Market
- 3. Take a Walk Through Marquam Nature Park
- 4. Bike Around Downtown Portland
- 5. Paddle Down the Willamette River
- 6. Find Your Next Read at the Largest Independent Bookstore in the World
- 7. Explore Washington Park (One of The Best Things to Do in Portland for ANYONE!)
- 8. Take a City Hike to Pittock Mansion and the Witch’s Castle
- 9. Do Some People Watching at Pioneer Courthouse Square
- 10. Walk Out to Elk Rock Island
- 11. Snap a Photo of the Keep Portland Weird Sign
- 12. Get Weird at Dante’s
- 13. Hike the Trails at Forest Park
- 14. Learn About Portland’s Spooky Past on a Ghost Tour
- 15. Take a Ride on the Portland Aerial Tram
- 16. Find the Best Food in Portland
- 17. Get Out of the City
- 18. Pick Berries on Sauvie Island
- 19. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth on an Underground Donut Tour
- 20. Dive Into Science Fun at OMSI Museum
- 21. Sip & See at Portland City Grill
- 22. Take a Break From the City at Tryon Park
- 23. Attend an Event
- 24. Enjoy a Cup of Joe
- 25. Hang Around Cathedral Park
- 26. Take a Cruise along the Willamette River
- 27. Go Cliff Jumping at High Rocks Park
- 28. Spice Things Up at Huber’s Café with a Spanish Coffee
- 29. Roll With the Rose City Rollers
- 30. Get Nostalgic at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
- 31. Cheer on the Timbers at a Soccer Game
- 32. Grab a Pint From a Brewery
- 33. Experience Portland in the Winter
- 34. Chase Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park
- 35. Go White Water Rafting on the Upper Clackamas
- 36. Downtown Airplane Tour
- 37. Visit the Columbia River Gorge
- 38. Visit Moulton Falls and Other Nearby Falls
- 39. Go Hiking at Lacamas Park
- 40. Explore Mount Hood
- 41. Visit Astoria
- 42. Relax in Seaside
- 43. Discover One of Oregon’s Best Beaches at Cannon Beach
- More Things to Do Near Portland
- 13 Portland Tours for The Adventurous!
- 17 Best Beaches in Portland, Oregon!
- A Guide to The Columbia River Gorge - 25 Hikes + Camping, Windsurfing, and More
- 25 Day Trips from Portland, Oregon + Road Trip Ideas
- 19+ Awesome Hikes Near Portland to Escape The Bustle
- 17 Hikes to Waterfalls Near Portland
- 17 of The Best Places for Camping Near Portland
1. Admire Waterfront Views Tom McCall Waterfront Park
This park gives you the best of all worlds. You can stay in the center of Portland, with all the restaurants, shops, and accommodations you need, but still take some beautiful walks and fresh waterfront views.
The park was once the site of a former highway but has been transformed into the city’s green lungs, hugging the Willamette River.
As well as plenty of paths to stroll around, the park boasts a few key attractions, such as the Japanese American Historical Plaza, which blooms to life in spring thanks to the hundreds of cherry trees.
During fall, however, this walk along the riverfront is equally as stunning, as the surrounding trees turn all shades of reds, golds, and orange. You’ll also see the famous Portland Oregon White Stag Sign here.
2. Peruse the Goods at Portland’s Saturday Market
If you’re in town during the weekend, don’t miss Portland’s Saturday Market. This massive event is the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the country, making it one of the best things to do in Portland.
You’ll find a bit of everything here, including hand crafted goods, jewelry, soaps, antiques, and tons of food stalls. There is even a panel of judges that regularly check the quality of what is being sold – so you know this market is legit!
Need more market options? See which market will be open during your visit.
3. Take a Walk Through Marquam Nature Park
If you are looking for something within walking distance from downtown Portland that still gives you that little bit of adventure, Marquam Nature Park has you covered.
There are miles of hiking paths to enjoy, some of which are paved for a more effortless walking experience.
If you only have time for one hike, make it to the Marquam Nature Trail, which heads into the heart of the park. There are a few steep parts, so don’t be mistaken into thinking this is just going to be a walk in the park… (pardon the pun).
If you look carefully, you may even be able to see Mount Hood. There are also a few shorter routes if you don’t have time for the whole 7 miles.
READ MORE: Exploring Marquam Nature Park in Portland
4. Bike Around Downtown Portland
Give your feet a rest and explore the city on two wheels. Portland is an extremely bikeable city, and there are dozens of trails right in town.
The Willamette River Waterfront Loop Ride is one of the best bike trails in Portland.
You’ll follow the river through the heart of downtown, with waterfront parks, historic sites, and awesome views of the skyline along the way. At 10.6 miles, this flat trail is pretty doable, even for those who aren’t hard-core cyclists.
The Art of Foster Ride is another great urban trail that winds through the Foster-Powell area. As you ride, you’ll spot tons of cool artwork, including murals and street paintings. This trail is mostly flat and paved and stretches 5.6 miles.
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You could also tick off some of the main sights with a handy guide on a bike tour around Downtown Portland, or a food-filled bike tour of the city with tasty treats along the way.
Feeling thirsty? Opt for the Brewery and bike tour.
5. Paddle Down the Willamette River
For a different perspective of the city, rent kayaks from one of the local companies and set out to see the sights from the water.
Portland Kayak Company is near the Willamette River for easy access and offers guided tours upstream from downtown Portland.
As you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for some awesome local wildlife, such as bald eagles, great blue herons, and osprey. Head up to Scappoose Bay for a paddle away from the city.
6. Find Your Next Read at the Largest Independent Bookstore in the World
Whether you’re a bonafide bookworm or just looking for things to do in Portland on a rainy day, don’t miss Powell’s City of Books. This is the largest independent bookstore in the whole world, with more than 1 million books stored across four floors.
There are new, used, and rare books, and everything is organized into different collections to make browsing (somewhat) easy. Grab a map, or just get lost amongst the shelves!
7. Explore Washington Park (One of The Best Things to Do in Portland for ANYONE!)
Despite the confusing name, Washington Park is located in Portland, and it has a lot to offer. It also has the added benefit of being just a few miles from Downtown.
Some attractions include the World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating world of forests and even see a five million-year-old petrified stump of a Giant Sequoia tree.
There is also a rose garden, a stunning Japanese Garden, redwoods, a bamboo forest, picnic tables galore, and a fun playground for the kids.
READ MORE: Exploring Washington Park in Portland
8. Take a City Hike to Pittock Mansion and the Witch’s Castle
Macleay Park is a stunning place to take a hike, and the best thing is that it is super close to downtown Portland. The Macleay Park Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the larger Forest Park of Portland.
The 5-mile round trip will take you to the Pittock Mansion, following Balch Creek. The Pittock Mansion offers some incredible views of the city below and is an excellent stop if you want to learn a little more about the area’s history.
Don’t get too excited when we tell you this park is home to a witch’s castle. Although named Witch’s Castle, it’s just an old restroom!
The building is now completely covered in atmospheric moss, the old stone glinting, the odd bit of graffiti adding to the effect. It is certainly something interesting to spot on a hike in this area and an unusual thing to do in Portland.
RELATED: 20 Parks in Portland for The Adventurous!
9. Do Some People Watching at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Lovingly referred to as Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square is the perfect place to sit back and relax after a day of sightseeing.
With over 300 events a year, there’s a good chance that something fun will be going on when you visit. And even if there isn’t a special event, this square is always bustling with activity.
Grab some grub from one of the food stalls and find a seat along the curved steps with other passersby.
10. Walk Out to Elk Rock Island
Sitting proudly in the middle of the Willamette River sits Elk Rock Island, just waiting to be explored.
Despite being an island, it is possible to reach it during low tide via a land bridge. It is a brilliant place for some hiking, with plenty of wildlife viewing along the way.
The island is 40 million years old, so you will walk on one of the oldest parts of the Portland area. This, coupled with the exciting landscape, flora, and fauna, makes it one of the best places to hike in Portland.
11. Snap a Photo of the Keep Portland Weird Sign
Portland is eclectic, there’s no doubt about it. “Keep Portland Weird” is a popular slogan here, and it has become the city’s unofficial motto, displayed with pride on bumper stickers, T-shirts, and buildings across the city.
One of the most iconic spots this nickname has been tagged is at the back of a small parking lot behind Dante’s Nightclub in Old Town (wait for it…).
12. Get Weird at Dante’s
Portland’s all about keeping things weird (have we picked up on that yet?), and Dante’s is the perfect place to embrace that vibe. With burlesque, punk rock, fire dancers, and, oh yeah, karaoke, this place makes for a wild night out.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to some crazy tunes or watching a fire-eating performance. You wanted weird, you got it. (I may or may not have had a few weird nights here myself…)
13. Hike the Trails at Forest Park
If you want to leave the city without really leaving the city, Forest Park is your answer. This huge park is northwest of the city, providing an idyllic rural escape for people and wildlife.
There are around 80 miles of trails to explore, with one of the most popular being the Wildwood Trial.
At 30 miles long, you may not feel like doing it all, but there are several points of interest along the way, such as the Pittock Mansion, Washington Park, and the Audobon Society Sanctuary.
You can also hit some trails on horseback or bike for those who don’t want to hike. This is the city’s green lung, so keep your eyes out for wildlife and enjoy.
READ MORE: 8 Top Hikes in Forest Park
14. Learn About Portland’s Spooky Past on a Ghost Tour
In the mood for a little bit of a scare? Fancy learning about the dark side of Portland? Take a ghost tour through the streets, see the sights, and hear stories that the guidebooks won’t tell you.
You will learn about the Roseland Theater, which is infamous for backstage murders, and that is just the start.
A knowledgeable guide will lead you as you make your way around some of the paramount sights of horrible murders and grisly tales—sounds terribly… fun, no?
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Grab a seat on the next ghost tour! It’s an affordable and fun thing to do in Portland during your visit.
15. Take a Ride on the Portland Aerial Tram
Rising up from the South Waterfront Tram Terminal, Portland’s Aerial Tram boasts some of the best views in the city. Depending on where you are in the tram, you’ll get views of Willamette River, southeast Portland, and, on a clear day, Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens.
The tram travels up 500 vertical feet in 5 minutes. Once you reach the top, you can hop out and take some pics from the Marquam Hill Tram Terminal or explore some of the trails before heading back down.
TIP: Avoid rush hour. Seriously, this is a thing. People use the tram to get to school and work (what a scenic commute!), so avoid weekday mornings and late afternoons if you can.
16. Find the Best Food in Portland
Portland is a mecca for foodies. The city is home to over 500 food carts, plus countless restaurants that are sure to satisfy growling stomachs after a day of hiking, biking, and exploring all that Portland has to offer.
Food cart pods have a special place in Portland’s heart, and these collections of food trucks are permanent, so there is no need to worry about hunting them down. Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart Pod is a good shout.
Local favorites include Fried Egg I’m in Love in Pioneer Courthouse Square, Frybaby at Lil’ America, tons of breweries, and more!
17. Get Out of the City
One of the best things to do in Portland is to actually get out of the city entirely and discover some of the unspoiled nature that surrounds it.
In Portland, you’re never too far from nature. You can fish for Steelhead trout at Oxbow Regional Park, take a lazy float down the river at Barton Park, or spend a day exploring the wilderness at Milo McIver State Park.
All of these spots are less than an hour away from Portland, making them perfect for a quick day trip or a longer weekend camping trip.
18. Pick Berries on Sauvie Island
As one of the largest river islands in the country, Sauvie Island gives nature lovers a lot to explore, and if you love berries, that is even better. The island is a vast 26,000 acres and provides plenty of things to do.
Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries never taste sweeter than when you pick them yourself, and there are plenty of pick-your-own farms open in summer and fall where you can fill baskets and bags with freshly picked goods. It is one of the best things to do in Portland (and yummiest too).
Many hiking trails, such as the round-trip Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail or the Wapato Access Greenway State Park Trail, take you to a lake (on an island?!).
You can also enjoy nature watching, wine tasting, and relaxing on the local beaches. It is an excellent way to spend the day.
READ MORE: 7 Awesome Things To Do on Sauvie Island
19. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth on an Underground Donut Tour
Chances are, you have never been on an underground donut tour, and chances are you never will again. The city is known for its donuts – and for good reason.
There are so many places to sample some of these holey delights, and this tour will take you to some of the best, including Voodoo Donuts, the most famous (over-hyped IMO but a fun stop nonetheless).
But do they create the tastiest donuts? That is for you to decide. It’s certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Portland!
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I bet you’re licking your lips already! Check out the best underground donut tour in Portland.
20. Dive Into Science Fun at OMSI Museum
Who says science can’t be fun? Head to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) for hands-on exhibits that’ll have you geeking out over dinosaurs, space, and even how your body works!
It’s not just for kids—trust me, you’ll be just as into the planetarium shows and interactive displays. Bonus points if you pretend to be an astronaut for a few minutes!
21. Sip & See at Portland City Grill
Head up to Portland City Grill for happy hour bites that won’t break the bank, plus killer 360-degree views of the city!
You’ll be munching on sliders while catching the sunset from 30 floors up—kind of feels like you’re winning at life, right? Grab a drink, take in the views, and toast to being in Portland.
22. Take a Break From the City at Tryon Park
Famous for the many trails that crisscross their way through the landscape, Tryon Park is a great escape from the bustle of Portland without traveling too far.
It is located just 15 minutes away from Downtown, so you could even head here for an extended lunch break!
There are 8 miles of trails to try out and plenty of ways to cut corners if you are looking for just a short stroll.
One of the most popular trails in Tryon Creek is the Triple Bridge Loop, which will take you through beautiful temperate forests. It’s just stunning!
Trail running, jogging, cycling, and horseback riding are popular activities within the park. If you want to learn more about the area, take a guided hike or visit the park’s nature center.
READ MORE: Exploring Tryon Creek State Natural Area
23. Attend an Event
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something unique going on in Portland. After you’ve had your fill of all the typical attractions, you can check out the city’s events calendar and see what’s going on during your visit.
From annual craft beer festivals and fun outdoor concerts to the massive My People’s Market, Dragon Boat Festival, and quirky bike events (biking naked around the city streets, anyone?), you’re sure to find some things happening around town.
24. Enjoy a Cup of Joe
Whether you’re in need of a morning cup or a mid-day pick-me-up, one of the best things to do in Portland is to drink coffee.
While many claim that Seattle boasts the best coffee in America, Portland is always a top contender on the list. You’d be hard-pressed to find bad coffee in this city, so get your fill of the stuff while you’re here.
There are tons of cute cafes all over the city, so try a new place every day and see which one has the best cup of Joe. No, seriously, there’s an awesome cafe just down the street from you, wherever you are in the city!
The Society Cafe, Caffe Umbria, Little River Cafe, The Dragonfly Coffee House…
25. Hang Around Cathedral Park
One of the more chill things to do in Portland is to simply hang out at Cathedral Park. This waterfront green space is a nice place to hang for an afternoon, and the main draw is the gothic spires of the St. Johns Bridge that sit in the park.
After you’ve had your fill of incredible viewpoints, you can venture out into the Cathedral Park neighborhood and visit one of the many coffee shops, bars, and restaurants that line the streets.
26. Take a Cruise along the Willamette River
We feel like one of the best ways to see a city is from its waterways, and Portland offers a stunning cruise up the Willamette River.
There is a running commentary for most of the route as you pass under famous bridges and iconic sights.
As a bonus, you can pick up some snacks on board, and snacks always make adventures better. If you’re feeling more hungry, you can opt for a dinner cruise or lunch cruise, allowing you to see the sights of this beautiful city while enjoying a delicious meal.
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There are several cruises to choose from. Which one fits your schedule best?
Cruise up the Willamette River | Dinner cruise | Lunch cruise
27. Go Cliff Jumping at High Rocks Park
High Rocks Park provides the perfect opportunity for a bit of an adrenaline rush. Large rocks surround the river at the perfect place where the Clackamas and the Willamette Rivers converge to create a natural swimming pool.
If you prefer not to do the jumping yourself, simply sunning on the rocks and watching those with a desire for the thrill is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Jumpers and swimmers need to exercise caution, as there are strong currents and hidden underwater ledges to contend with.
RELATED: 17 Best Beaches in Portland
28. Spice Things Up at Huber’s Café with a Spanish Coffee
This isn’t your typical coffee break! Head to Portland’s oldest restaurant, Huber’s Café, for their famous Spanish Coffee—watch as they light it on fire right in front of you!
It’s got drama, flair, and enough caffeine to power you through a night in Portland. Let’s be real—this is the only way coffee should be served after 5 pm—right?
29. Roll With the Rose City Rollers
Portland’s roller derby queens are fierce, fast, and ready to rumble! Catch a Rose City Rollers game and watch these athletes zoom around the track, throwing elbows and taking names.
It’s high-energy, totally unique, and way more fun than your typical sports game. Who needs mainstream sports when you’ve got derby girls?
30. Get Nostalgic at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
Ready to embrace your inner 90s kid? Ground Kontrol is packed with classic arcade games (think Pac-Man, pinball, and all the neon lights) plus a full bar—because why not sip a cocktail while you take on Galaga?
Whether you’re battling for the high score or just vibing to retro tunes, this place is a blast from the past in the best way possible.
31. Cheer on the Timbers at a Soccer Game
Get your green and gold on and join the Timbers Army! Portland’s soccer fans are hardcore, and you’ll be singing, chanting, and cheering along with them at a Timbers game.
The energy in Providence Park is electric, and whether you’re a soccer fan or just there for the hype, you’ll leave feeling like part of the squad.
See when the next game is here.
32. Grab a Pint From a Brewery
Portland breweries are a vibe, and many of them have been going strong since the 80s. There are also tons of newer additions, adding even more spunk to the mix.
Brewery hopping is the perfect post-hike, rainy day, or really anytime activity. It’s one of the best things to do in Portland to really get a pulse of the city.
You’ll likely need a lifetime to try every brew from every brewery in Portland (sounds like a dream), so if you’re looking for the best of the best, check out Level, Threshold, StormBreaker, Steelejack, and Grains of Wrath.
33. Experience Portland in the Winter
Don’t let the snow and cold temps scare you away – there are tons of awesome things to do in Portlant in the winter. There are tons of fun events throughout the winter, from a Christmas ships parade to the annual Jazz festival.
Once you’re ready to warm up, you can visit one of the soaking pools or spas in town, or grab a warm bevvy from one of the many cozy cafes around town.
Winter activities are abundant in this area of Oregon and are made even better by the towering presence of Mount Hood. There are so many things to do at Mount Hood in winter.
Tubing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are some of the most popular activities, and there are numerous areas where you can snap on your skis and hit the slopes.
There are also some great trails for snowshoeing, including one that will take you to Tamanawas Falls, which often freezes over in the winter.
Sledding and tubing are also fun activities for the whole family, with locations such as Ski Bowl being a favorite. It not only has a conveyor-assisted tubing run, but at night, the run transforms into a light-filled disco.
READ MORE: What to Do at Mount Hood in Winter
34. Chase Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is an unmissable park if you are waterfall chasers like us.
The park is home to the incredible Trail of Ten Falls, and although there are plenty of other things to do, this is the real highlight.
From one hiking path of 7.4 miles, you will be able to take in 10 awe-inspiring waterfalls and are even able to walk behind some of them, which is a pretty cool experience.
One of the waterfalls reaches a towering 177 feet, so we are not just talking about little trickles here. You certainly get a lot of bang for your buck, which is why it has made it to the list of best things to do in Portland.
READ MORE: Your Guide to Trail of 10 Falls at Silver Falls State Park
35. Go White Water Rafting on the Upper Clackamas
For something a little more thrilling, head to the Upper Clackamas for a day of white water rafting.
Various tour companies lead rafting trips, such as River Drifters, who will take you to this scenic stretch of the river for a full day or half-day excursion.
The Upper Clackamas is where all the action is, so you can enjoy some thrilling rapids and mountain scenery that will take your breath away.
There are sections of the river here that are between class II-III+, so although this isn’t a trip for the faint of heart, it is a lot of fun, and you might be able to spot some wildlife along the way.
RELATED: 7 of The Most Legendary Rivers For White Water Rafting in Oregon
36. Downtown Airplane Tour
One of the best ways to see a city is from above it, and this Downtown Airplane Tour gives you that opportunity.
It offers so much more than your standard viewpoint, as you will fly directly over some of Portland’s most iconic landmarks.
It’s a bit of an adrenaline rush as well, as the plane is pretty small— they only fit three people in. You will fly over the Moda Center, Providence Park, and Willamette Park.
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Get those epic aerial views of Portland from above on this Downtown Airplane Tour!
READ MORE: 13 Portland Tours for The Adventurous!
37. Visit the Columbia River Gorge
It would be tragic to visit Portland and miss out on the Columbia River Gorge. In under 30 minutes, you can be in this stunning area just outside the city, filled with raging waterfalls, epic hikes, and scenery that will leave you speechless.
While Multnomah Falls is an iconic visit, there are tons of other fun adventures to be had in this area. Try windsurfing on the Hood River, embark on a scenic road trip, or spend a weekend camping at The Gorge.
No matter how much or how little you have time for, prioritize spending at least an afternoon in the Columbia River Gorge. If you don’t know where to start, you can take a tour of the Gorge with local guides or prioritize wine and waterfalls on this full-day tour.
👉 Check This Out!
If you don’t want to drive out here or are low on time, this full-day tour will give you the best of the best!
38. Visit Moulton Falls and Other Nearby Falls
Located in Moulton Falls Regional Park, a trip to Moulton Falls will satisfy your cravings for waterfall viewing. In case The Gorge wasn’t enough for you?
This is a cool thing to do in Washington just over the state border from Portland.
Three bonus waterfalls can also be found nearby, so you could always check out Yacolt Falls, Lucia Falls, and Sunset Falls, all during a day trip to these four Vancouver waterfalls.
They are all along the same road and it makes for a great thing to do in Portland for the day. These are only less than an hour away from the city. You can never see too many waterfalls, right?
39. Go Hiking at Lacamas Park
Sparkling lakes, expansive meadows, and cascading waterfalls are what you should expect on a trip to Lacamas Park. This one is also just over the state line of Washington!
The three main hiking trails wind their way around the park, but if you want a bit of everything, you should tackle the Lake to Lake Trail Loop.
It takes in lots of the park’s main sites, so you should expect to see a good few waterfalls and lake views. If you prefer exploring on two wheels, there are also plenty of paths to explore on a mountain bike.
Fishing, water skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are popular sports on the lake, so there is something for everyone.
40. Explore Mount Hood
1.5 hours outside of Portland
Mount Hood is Portland’s backyard—How lucky are we?! A little over an hour away, you’re in a totally different world, with the city lights far behind you and Mount Hood’s incredible peak looming above you.
There are more great waterfalls, including the impressive Tamanawas Falls, serene lakes like Trillium Lake, and of course, plenty of crazy trails with jaw dropping viewpoints.
Here are our favorite things to do at Mount Hood, including a few of the best hikes in Mount Hood, perfect for a day trip outside of Portland.
41. Visit Astoria
2 hours outside of Portland
The historic settlement of Astoria is the perfect place for a little day trip from Portland—especially for all the Goonies fans out there!
The views from this hilly town are epic, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the scenery, including riverside trails, fun breweries, and even an old-school trolley.
This is always a must-stop spot on our Oregon Coast road trips!
READ MORE: Things to Do in Astoria
42. Relax in Seaside
1.5 hours outside of Portland
Seaside is as quaint and charming as the name would have you believe. The beachside town is full of local eateries, beautiful beaches, and some epic hiking trails.
For some of the best views along the Oregon coast, spend a day hiking around Tillamook Head and admiring the lighthouse.
READ MORE: Things to Do in Seaside
43. Discover One of Oregon’s Best Beaches at Cannon Beach
1.5 hours outside of Portland
The iconic town of Cannon Beach is perhaps the most famous of Oregon’s coastal towns, and for good reason. The town is picturesque and quaint, and the beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world.
There are also tons of cool things to do nearby, including epic trails at Ecola State Park and Oswald State Park, where I used to surf at Short Sand Beach during the summers.
TIP: If you’re short on time, you can take this Oregon coast tour from Portland. This eliminates the hassle of planning it yourself, as all transport and trip planning are included.
READ MORE: Things to Do in Cannon Beach
Phew! That was A LOT… We know. But we hope you’ve now found some of your favorite things to do in Portland for your future visit!
