If you are planning a trip to Portland, Oregon, then you will want to make sure that you take in the best local attractions and activities. Explore the Pearl District, the Columbia River Gorge, and check out the Oregon Art Museum. You can also visit the Northwest Film Center. In addition to being a great destination for a vacation, Portland is also home to many world-class attractions.

Explore the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful and mesmerizing region of Oregon. It spans across the Columbia River and is located between the tallest mountains in Washington and Oregon. From scenic vistas to stunning hiking trails, the Gorge offers a range of things to do and see.

One of the most popular hikes in the area is to Beacon Rock, a vast monolith that was once the core of a volcano. The trail to this mountain is steep and zigzag, but the views are stunning. Regardless of your age, be sure to get out and enjoy a hike on this magnificent site.

The best time to visit the Gorge is between March and early April. The weather is mild and beautiful in these months. The Gorge is also home to a number of waterfalls. Other activities include rafting, kayaking, fishing, and kiteboarding. There are also many unique shops, as well.

The Columbia River Gorge is home to 26 waterfalls, three dams, and more than 40 hiking trails. You can choose to spend a day or a few days exploring this spectacular gorge. Take your time, and remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. This area is hot in the summer, so be sure to dress appropriately.

Explore the Pearl District

One of the coolest places to visit while you’re in Portland is the Pearl District. This hip neighborhood is home to several art galleries, art shops, and breweries. You can even find a block-long bookstore. The Pearl District has a little bit of everything!

If you’re a beer lover, you’ll find a brewpub at the Deschutes Brewery. It offers a full tap menu and a full food menu. There’s also a taproom that serves 40 different types of beer. You can also try a cocktail made with spirits from the local distillery.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to stay near the Pearl District, consider booking a vacation rental near the neighborhood. There are plenty of great properties near the neighborhood, including Carefully Restored Wilsonville Farmhouse, which sleeps up to eight guests. It also includes a kitchen and DVD player. Another option is the Multnomah Guest House, which is located close to the Pearl District and the Veterans Memorial Colosseum.

Besides the trendy boutiques, there are plenty of cool chain stores and indie shops to browse. Outdoor gear lovers will find great outdoor gear at many of the stores. You can also save money when you shop in Oregon, since the state does not tax purchases. Other shops in the Pearl District include Snow Peak, Portland Gear, Keen Footwear, and Fjallraven Flagship Store.

Visit the Oregon Art Museum

If you’re a lover of art, you might want to visit the Oregon Art Museum in Portland, Oregon, United States. This museum was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest on the West Coast. It is also the seventh-oldest art museum in the US.

The museum features a wide array of works by world-renowned artists. The permanent collection is complemented by rotating special exhibits. The Portland Art Museum also features a gallery dedicated to Native American art and culture. The collection features more than 5,000 artifacts from various indigenous cultures, as well as works by the Impressionist C.S. Price.

The Museum offers guided tours that typically last about an hour, but you can also choose to take a self-guided tour. A self-guided tour allows you to take control of your tour. Visitors who prefer self-guided tours may want to consider these, as they are often less crowded.

After the first phase of construction, the museum underwent a major makeover in the 1960s. In addition to the newly-designed Hoffman Memorial Wing, the museum also added an auditorium and sculpture mall. The expansion of the museum was accompanied by its first capital campaign.

Explore the Northwest Film Center

If you’re in the mood to spend a day in the film-loving Portland area, don’t miss a trip to the Northwest Film Center in Portland, Oregon. Opened in 1971, the center aims to expand the reach of cinema while challenging traditional assumptions about who should tell stories. It also offers a variety of events and workshops for emerging storytellers and artists. Its mission is to promote the creation and distribution of independent films, as well as to promote the region’s thriving media arts community.

For film lovers, the Northwest Film Center’s exhibition program includes a variety of cinematic genres, from classics to independent and experimental works. You’ll also find short films, animation, and video art, as well as a rooftop cinema that’s open to the public. The center is also home to the Northwest Film School, which is one of the largest community-based film-making programs in the country.

In March, the center will host the Cinema Unbound Awards, a celebration of artists who have pushed the boundaries of film and media. The awards ceremony will showcase 5 new Northwest short films and two independent features.

Enjoy a quaint farmers market

If you love visiting local farmers markets, consider heading to the one in Portland, Oregon, USA. Open every Saturday, from April to October, this market is free to the public and offers a great opportunity to shop local and support the local economy. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, there are vendors with interesting food and drink items. The market is also a great place to watch cooking demonstrations by local chefs and enjoy some live music.

Portland’s farmers market is located in a park with shady trees. During the market’s Saturday sessions, you can buy locally made goods and sample some local and international dishes. The market also features a stage with original music performed by local musicians. The musicians play acoustic music during most of the market’s open hours. The music makes for a great experience with a snack. You can also enjoy a kids’ korner where activities for children are held. Some weeks, there are puppet shows and activities led by the Portland Art Museum.

Another local market in Portland is the Portland State University Market. This market is open every Saturday. It features local produce, fruits, and meats. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh local foods, including scrapple, chowchow, and more.

Take a tram ride

The Portland Aerial Tram, also known as the OHSU Tram, connects the South Waterfront district to the main campus of the Oregon Health & Science University. The campus is located in the Marquam Hill neighborhood. The tram offers panoramic views of the city and is a fun way to get around the city.

The Tram route crosses three major highways and interstates as well as several neighborhoods. While the route is 1.9 miles long, it involves several stoplights. It is recommended to take a trip during off-peak hours. The tram runs Monday through Saturday and is closed on major holidays.

The tram travels at twenty miles per hour and takes about three minutes to reach its destination. It was designed by a team from Zurich and Los Angeles, and the tram cabins were manufactured in Switzerland. The tram system is monitored by computers and features multiple backup systems. It meets United States seismic safety standards.

The Portland Aerial Tram is a popular tourist attraction that links the South Waterfront district with the main campus of OHSU. The tram’s scenic journey takes passengers 500 feet high above the city and offers breathtaking views of the downtown area. In the past, the tram has served the university’s campus and transported OHSU doctors and students. Today, over eighty percent of OHSU students ride the tram.

Visit the Oregon Zoo

Visit the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon, the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. Originally called the Portland Zoo, it has been in operation since 1888. It is located in Washington Park, 2 miles southwest of downtown Portland. It is home to more than 1,600 species of animals and more than 250 species of plants.

If you have little kids, the Oregon Zoo is a great place to take them. The zoo is open Monday to Sunday. Hours vary based on holidays and special events. Be sure to check the website for hours. Make sure you know what days are best for you and your family to visit the Oregon Zoo.

While at the Oregon Zoo, you should also look into its many seasonal events. The zoo holds special concerts throughout the year. On the second Tuesday of every month, it offers discounted admission. However, the zoo tends to be the busiest on these days, so arriving early is recommended.

The Oregon Zoo is a beautiful, well-known attraction located in the west hills of Portland. The zoo features exotic, native, and threatened species of animals. Located just steps from downtown Portland, it is a great place for families to spend a day with kids. The Oregon Zoo also offers a new Elephant Lands habitat, featuring five Asian elephants and numerous viewing platforms.