Top 5 Must-See Attractions on a Portland Vacation
Portland, Oregon is a city known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts scene and quirky charm. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover or a culture vulture, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Pacific Northwest city. Here are the top five must-see attractions on a Portland vacation:
1. Powell’s City of Books
If you’re a book lover, then Powell’s needs to be at the top of your list. This independent bookstore has been a Portland institution since 1971 and covers an entire city block. Get lost in rows upon rows of books, from the latest bestsellers to rare and obscure volumes. You can even bring in your own used books for trade credit.
2. Lan Su Chinese Garden
Step into a peaceful oasis right in the heart of downtown at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Designed by artisans from Suzhou, Portland’s sister city in China, the garden is a tranquil space filled with water features, vibrant plant life and traditional Chinese architecture.
3. International Rose Test Garden
Portland is known as the City of Roses for a reason, and the International Rose Test Garden is the perfect place to take in their beauty. Established in 1917, the garden houses over 10,000 rose bushes of more than 600 varieties. It’s the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.
4. Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and one of the oldest in the country. It features an extensive collection of American, European and Asian art from ancient times to today. Don’t miss the museum’s popular outdoor sculpture garden.
5. Pittock Mansion
Take a step back in time at the Pittock Mansion, a stunning French Renaissance-style home from the early 1900s. The mansion offers incredible views of Portland and the surrounding landscape, as well as a glimpse into the lives of one of the city’s most influential families.
In conclusion, Portland may be a small city, but it’s bursting with attractions and activities. From the quirky to the sophisticated, from the natural to the man-made, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots, your appetite and your sense of adventure. Portland awaits!
