It’s easy to fall for Oregon’s Portland Region again and again, and especially now. Lots of open green space in Oregon’s largest city and in nearby towns offer unique food, drink, culture and communities. You can bike through alpine forests and rolling vineyard hills, hike scenic trails, and indulge in the craft brew scene. And while the city has changed, it remains true to its roots and is ready for you to explore the city’s diverse cultures. One thing you can’t miss is the culinary delights that accompany these active pursuits. This region is the gateway to Oregon’s wine country, so expect exceptional wineries in picturesque settings, lively wine bars and specially crafted food items that complement the wine culture.
Makers and tax-free shopping
The Portland Region is a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and creators alike, with community studios, warehouses, and maker spaces that let you DIY your way around town. The region is also home to three of Oregon’s most acclaimed shopping centers near Happy Valley, Tigard, and Tualatin. The best part of all it all, there’s no sales tax in Oregon.
Culinary
The Portland Region’s food cart pod scene continues to push the city’s global culinary reputation forward. New food cart pods have opened. The Portland Region is surrounded by some of the most fertile farmland in the world, and local chefs make the most of the bounty, often letting the week’s farmers’ market hauls dictate their menus. Impressive wine, beer, cocktail, and saké lists—many with locally produced beverages—are the hallmarks of the region’s growing culinary offerings.
Credit: Andrea Johnson Photography, Travel Portland
Gardens and trails
In a city as green as Portland, it’s only fitting that some of the top things to do are outdoor spots that appeal to home gardeners and hikers alike. There are more than 200 parks and gardens within the Portland Region, from forests to marshlands, trails to skateboarding rails. Portland is home to the sprawling urban wilderness of Tryon Creek Natural Area, Forest Park, and the world’s smallest dedicated park, Mills End Park. Visit Luscher Farm, home to Rogerson Clematis Garden, or explore one of the region’s newest parks, the Chehalem Ridge Nature Park in Tualatin Valley. The Portland Region offers visitors a breath of fresh air wherever they are.
Credit: Andrea Johnson Photography, Travel Portland
Cycling
With bike lanes and paths all over town — not to mention cool forests and striking scenery — the Portland Region has great places to ride for cyclists of all abilities. Be sure to get out of the city and explore the countryside along the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway or along the car-free Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The region is filled with designated bikeways, trails, and scenic bikeways. Portland is truly obsessed with cycling.
