OMSI
1945 SE Water Ave.
OMSI, or the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, is the perfect place for people of all ages to hang out. The museum has rotating exhibits, activities, and classes designed to help everyone understand how science works in our lives every single day. But don’t worry—it’s a whole lot of fun, too. You could spend days upon days here. Make sure to check out the planetarium, motion simulator, and the science playgrounds.
PITTOCK MANSION
3229 NW Pittock Dr.
Pittock Mansion is an iconic turn-of-the-century home surrounded by 46 acres of beautiful land. It was owned by Henry Pittock, who was also the owner of The Oregonian newspaper. After being badly damaged in the 1960s, the home has been restored and is a wonderful, authentic glimpse into Portland’s past (plus, it has some breathtaking views of the city). (Don’t miss the holiday light display, which runs from right before Thanksgiving through the end of the year.)
OREGON ZOO
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
The zoo is arranged in five areas that range across different continents and ecosystems: Great Northwest, Elephant Lands, Africa, Primate Forest and Discovery Zone. Within each zone you’ll find animals and habitats such as Africa Savanna or Polar Passage that recreate the habitats of specific animals. Spend a day in one area or circle the planet on your visit to the Oregon Zoo.
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave
The Garden sits nestled in the hills of Portland, Oregon’s iconic Washington Park, overlooking the city and providing a tranquil, urban oasis for locals and travelers alike. Designed in 1963, it encompasses 12 acres with eight separate garden styles and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood.
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston Ave.
Portland has long had a love for roses, even known as “Rose City.” Founded in 1917, the International Rose Test Garden is a rose garden in Washington Park with over 10,000 rose bushes of approximately 650 varieties. Free public tours are offered daily at 1pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
MULTNOMAH FALLS
53000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy
Just a 30-minute drive outside of Portland, you can soak in the views of Multnomah Falls. Experience the power of nature underneath these 611-foot-tall falls. Not only is this a beautiful site to see, but it is also a great starting point for hikers visiting several other falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Stop by Multnomah Falls Lodge for a cup of hot cocoa or a hot toddy to reward yourself after a day hike!
TIMBERLINE LODGE AT MT. HOOD
27500 E Timberline Rd. Government Camp, OR
Dating from the 1930s, this mountainside ski resort in the Mt. Hood National Forest served as a location in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. It’s 6 miles from Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, and 7 miles from Malibu Raceway. This return to this beautiful lodge complete with three-story fireplace after a long day of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or tubing on Mt. Hood.
HAYSTACK ROCK
Cannon Beach, OR
Cannon beach is a small coastal town on the Pacific Northwest coast. Take in a stunning coastal view and discover magic of the ecosystem living on Haystack rock. Ride bikes along the shore, feel the ocean breeze, and grab a delicious cup of coffee from the sleepy monk cafe. This iconic beach is just 90 minutes from Portland, famous for making cameos in cult-classic movies including the Goonies and Twilight.
OREGON WINE COUNTRY
Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley, OR
It is in the Dundee Hills where Oregon Pinot noir first won its worldwide reputation for greatness. Located only 28 miles from Portland, the Dundee Hills Wine Country is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Dundee is home to dozens of Oregon vineyards and wineries including Sokol Blosser, Argyle, Erath, Domaine Serene, Duck Pond, Durant, and many more.
