There’s so much to do in the laid-back city of Portland, it’s hard to choose between good beer, good food and good books. On your next visit to Oregon, be sure to add these must-dos to your list.
Portland has a feel like no other city; it’s bustling yet easygoing ambiance is obvious the moment you venture into downtown. Although you could spend many perfect hours just wandering through this incredible Pacific Northwest city or people watching at a coffee shop, there is no shortage of other fun things to in Portland.
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Grab a brew
First things first: Let’s talk beer! Who doesn’t want to sit down for a cold one after a day of traveling? Portland, home to 39 breweries, is definitely the place to be if you’re looking for great local beer. Since Portland has a huge bicycling community, you can get into the spirit by hopping on a bike and touring a few microbreweries and brewpubs via the Oregon Brewery Trail. Hit up some of the most well-known spots for beer, like Deschutes Brewery and McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. Just remember to ride safely!
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Read a book
Bibliophiles will not be able to walk by the massive Powell’s Books without going in. And with more than 1 million books to choose from, you’ll likely end up staying awhile. There are actually five stores in Portland, with two located side by side and taking up more than an entire city block. Powell’s is an institution, in business for more than 40 years, and maintains an incredible inventory of new and used books from every author, genre and subject you can imagine. In this day of online-only bookstores, walking through the doors of the brick-and-mortar Powell’s is truly an unforgettable experience.
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Enjoy nature
Looking for a little less concrete? Just minutes from downtown, you can find yourself surrounded by nature’s serenity at Washington Park. With more than 400 acres of green space and 15 miles of hiking trails, it’s easy to pass the day among the trees. Pack a picnic and enjoy a quiet lunch, or take advantage of some of the park’s other attractions. Plant lovers shouldn’t miss the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden, which has been designated as the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.
If you’re traveling with children, Washington Park is the perfect destination for the whole family with many activities and attractions geared toward kids. Visit the Oregon Zoo, home to 260 species (over 2,000 animals!) sprawling over 64 acres. Another family-friendly attraction is the Portland Children’s Museum, where kids are encouraged to touch exhibits and use their imagination.
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