You Have Choices

When you arrive in Portland if you talk to a local and tell them you have come to visit Portland the first thing they will say is “WHY?”. For us locals we just live here and don’t think much about it.  It is hard for us to think of why someone would want to visit here. But carry on that conversation a little longer and ask why they live in Portland  and not move somewhere else, then the flood gate of information will open about what makes Portland special.

One of the main things is that Portland is very diverse. Diverse as in varied. For a small big city Portland has a lot of variety and for a visitor you have lots of choice of what you may want to explore. I have broken down some category that might help you decide what to see.

Popular Attraction

In checking around I found these 18 places turn up on most list of what to see and do in Portland. This isn’t my lists this is those other people’s list.

This is the backside of the house. This place was designed to impress. So the entry road wrapped around the house so you saw this side first.

Alternative Attractions

These places tend not to make the “top places to see” list even though many are often way cooler. It might be because they are to Portlandia or maybe you can’t make as much money off of folks. Might even be because it is in THAT city on the other side of the River. But these make for a second top list of places to see.

At it peak builds were stacked inside the palisade wall of Fort Vancouver.

Just Fun

I am on vacation. I just want to have some fun doing stuff. Don’t make think.

Food and Drink

Portland is a place for foodies. There are many places to try and many folks with their opinion on where you should go.

As the food carts and pod have matured they have taken on new style.

With the Kids

Visiting with kids. Here are some places the whole family can enjoy.

Portland in Depth

If you have a lot of time and want to know Portland in depth here are a series of special place and special interest tours. This is why I did the site. To show how to find the real Portland or what makes it Portlandia.

I am in town for a…

Not here for a visit of Portland but for other reasons. Maybe waiting for a river cruise to leave. Or you are here for a convention, meeting or conference. You do have some free time and would like to see something of Portland. Try a cluster to see the most in a short time.

Portland Tour Ideas

Cluster Tours, Walking Tours, Theme Tours, and Driving Tours, I have prepared a variety of self guided tours that you might find useful in exploring Portland and its surroundings. All are for the budget minded and none of them influenced by the Chamber of Commerce. These are places I would take my friends to when they come visit.

Portland Spirit dock along Harbor Wall with Portland skyline behind.

Getting out of Portland

The best part of Portland is getting out it. We have a lot natural beauty to enjoy and outdoor activities to do. This is really why we live in Portland.

Dock at Olallie Lake. End of season and the boats have been pulled out.

A lone skier makes his way up to Crater Rock on Mt. Hood.

Fall color along the shore of the lake in the Indian Heaven Wilderness.

The How To

The nuts and bolts of a visit. Getting to and from Portland, Where to stay, how to get around, I need food, What if there is a problem.

Everything – I have a page where I just list everything to do and see. You can flip through the page, look at the photos and see what might grab you. It is just a big buffet of things to do in Portland.