10 Must See Places in Portland (2024)
About Portland
Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon. It was awarded as the best American city in 2013. Portland is known for its beautiful landscapes, its hospitality, food, and beverages. People of Portland proudly state their city has something to offer for everyone right from a tourist to a new resident moving from another state. Traveling within the city is very easy with ample amount of public transport services and dedicated bicycle and even skateboard lanes. Downtown Portland boasts of a variety of statues, public art, and fountains which adds to its beauty. A person should not take more than half an hour to travel through Portland but many people prefer to use bicycles or public transport system to travel from one place to another.
Adventure enthusiasts and people who love camping and spending time outdoors have plenty to cheer about when in Portland. It has the largest urban forest in the USA and is within a couple of hours distance from various scenic places like Mt. Hood or the Columbia River Gorge. Portland also has a special place for booklovers and has the largest independent bookstore in the world right here. If you are out shopping and are on the lookout for a break with some hot coffee then there are many coffee shops and restaurants available that serve delicious and mouth-watering delicacies to light up your taste buds.
Portland may have more rainfall than average across the United States but no one complains as the moment you enter Portland it welcomes you with open arms and everyone just love this place.
10 Must See Places in Portland
There is a barrage of places that you can explore while in Portland but some of them are absolute “must-see.”
1. Hollywood Theatre:
If you are in Portland and you have not been to the Hollywood Theatre then you are missing something spectacular of great historical importance. The Hollywood Theatre gained attention of the people of United States when it found a place in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The theatre however has seen its ups and downs where it was literally irreparable until 1997 when it was taken over by a not-for-profit organization that has taken care of it since then. Today, because of the efforts of everyone at the non-profit-organization, the Hollywood Theatre has regained its lost glory with all the modern amenities where visitors can get a lifetime experience of the art of cinema.
2. The Grotto:
Originally known as National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, is an outdoor catholic shrine and sanctuary at the Madison South District in Portland. The Grotto is spread over a vast area of about 60 acres and covers both the foot and the top of a 110 feet cliff. It has a vast meditation hall that extends right from the top to the bottom of the cliff. The Holy Cross on the top of the hill can be seen from miles away. Along with the church there are also a variety of botanical gardens that also attracts tourists.
3. Ground Kontrol:
This is a premier Gaming Arcade around the west coast in Portland. It has all the classic games of yesteryears like pinball and almost 100 others. It also is known to host comedy shows, DJ nights, and also game tournaments. It also has a bar where you can chill out while playing. Although people from all ages are allowed by right of admission is reserved to only above 21 years with a valid ID after 4:30 p.m. till close which is usually late in the night. Ground Kontrol has a very nominal entry fee if any except for special events or tournaments and during peak hours especially on weekends.
4. World Forestry Center:
The World Forestry Center also has a 10,000 square foot Plaza which can be combined with the Discovery Museum and provide ample space for a grand function. The World Forestry Center is just 10 minute drive from Downtown Portland. Staff at the center designs the settings catering to the specifications provided by the customer along with a list of caterers providing the best of food for any occasion and catering all banquet needs. Being close to Mother Nature at the World Forestry Center provides just the right kind of ambience and relaxation required for a successful recreational or business event.
The World Forestry Center is the go to place in Portland for any social or corporate event. The park offers some of the most beautiful and unique settings that is bound to add flavor to your event. Washington Park offers one of the most unique and beautiful settings in Portland for any social or business event. The Mt. Hood room provides some of the best views of the mountain. This room is present in the Discovery Museum which is the perfect place for a social event with large guest list with plenty of space to get together and spend quality evening together.
5. Portland Art Museum:
This is one of the oldest art museums in the United States. Post its renovation, it is now among the 25 largest art museums in the US spanning over a whopping 240,000 square feet with about 100,000 square feet gallery space. The Portland Art Museum has more than 40,000 permanent art collections. The museum has a section for Native American Art, section for Northwest Art, and also a section for modern and contemporary art. There is also a picturesque sculpture garden which adds to the beauty of the Portland Art Museum. Portland Art Museum is definitely a must-visit place when in Portland.
6. Mississippi Studios:
This is quite a renowned music studio in Portland. The studio was inaugurated in 2003 and is built over a Baptist church. In fact some of the materials used for making the studio have been taken from the church itself.
7. McMenamins Crystal Ballroom:
Also known as the Cotillion Hall, the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom is a must-visit place in Oregon of great historic value. It was built in 1914 and was the center for dance revivals during The Great Depression. Since the 1960s, this hall has been witness to many concerts where figures from the music world, including pop, rock, and folk artistes have performed. It is also home to a variety of other entertainment programs as well.
8. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden:
This is a must see place when you are in Portland. This garden houses some of the rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and other rare ericaceous plants and quite an unusual collection of trees. The best thing about the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is that it is as beautiful in summers as it is in the winters meaning you can visit this place at any time of the year.
This has given the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden international recognition. From April through May, the azaleas and the rhododendrons are in full show making this garden more picturesque and amazing. The garden is surrounded by a lake which is home to thousands of fowls as this provides them the best natural habitat to live and feed. During spring and winters the trees and the shrubs add to the beauty of the place. There are also three waterfalls that pass through the gardens through which tourists walk through by way of two bridges and stroll down to the Crystal Springs Lake. What adds to the beauty of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is the view of the sunset through the west hills and is the favourite past times when at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.
9. Portland Saturday Market:
This is the largest continuously operated outdoor market across the United States. This market opens up every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March through till Christmas. There is no admission fee for this market and is easily accessible from anywhere in Portland. It is estimated that around $12 million is generated as revenue from this market every year and around 700,000 visitors come here every year.
10. Oaks Amusement Park:
it is a small amusement park which is around 3 miles south in Portland. This park is more than 100 years old and is a favourite among kids. The park is spread over 40 acres and has host of games and rides that are enjoyed by both children and adults alike. There is also a lot of space for people to bring their food and have lunch at various picnic spots in the park and is a place that cannot be missed while in Portland.