10 MUST DO THINGS IN PORTLAND (that you might have missed last time):

Portland is filled with amazing shops, restaurants, and parks to explore. But the really good stuff is just off the beaten path, maybe even hidden in plain sight. Here’s a local’s guide to some of the really fun hidden stuff to do in Portland, and it’s all totally open:

Published on April 18, 2021by The Society Hotelon Things to do in Portland, Tips

What to do in Portland

Powell Butte:

The nearby cascade mountains are all actually volcanos, with Mt. Hood last erupting in 1703, and Mt. St. Helens blowing its top sheer off in 1980. But a lot of the surrounding hills are also volcanic, serving as vents or other outlets for lava in eons past. One such lump is Powell Butte- take a car service, bike or bus out there, and stroll around the trails on this bald mostly flat top- you’ll be rewarded with rockstar views of said glaciated volcanoes, and maybe even a peek at distant Mt. Jefferson to the south. Hint: If you’re a cyclist, take a bike all the way to the base via the Springwater corridor.

Sunset at Overlook Bluff

N. Skidmore Terrace

When the sun comes out in Portland, people go outside anywhere and everywhere! Because of the Tualatin Mountains (West Hills) and they bits of clouds often clinging to them, we end up with great sunsets. One of the best places to watch (besides our rooftop deck!) is the Overlook Bluff. Take a bike or MAX up to the Overlook stop in North Portland, and walk to the end of N. Skidmore Terrace. Bring a blanket, snacks, and a sweatshirt (it will get chilly as soon as the sun is down). It’s a very local vibe and hangout- very chill.

Electric Boat Rental:

You may have noticed, but a river runs through old Portland. The Willamette (it’s pronounced Will-am-mut, Dammit!) River is one of America’s only north flowing river, and its lovely to explore. Renting an electric boat is an awesome way to explore all of the sights along it, including a nuclear powered submarine, from the movie Hunt for the Red October! You don’t need experience, only a driver’s license.

4T Trail:

Portland is known for its dedication to all things public transportation. Well, check out the 4T loop, where you can enjoy 4 ways to get around. Start at the hotel and take the Portland Streetcar (by Powell’s) over to the South Waterfront Neighborhood. It’s a leisurely ride, so bring a partner to chat with and take insta shots. At south waterfront, board the OHSU aerial tram (1 of 2 in the country) up to the hospital on the hill. From OHSU, walk the Marquam trail to the Oregon Zoo (a gentle 4.5 miles), where you can descend America’s deepest railway station. Take the MAX back to the hotel!

Shop some fancy weed:

If you ever saw the TV show Weeds, produced way before cannabis was legal in the US for recreational purposes, they envisioned a future with really fancy dispensaries. Well that reality is now, and Serra has the most beautiful space (in a historic building), staffed by super knowledge people. It’s an experience all its own…. (21 and older)

Pine Street Market:

This is Portland’s best food hall, like the much older ones in New York and Philly. It’s Portland sized, with a selection of 9 great restaurants in Portland, ranging from fancy soft serve, to amazing Korean BBQ, to CBD infused drinks (of course!). Best of all, it’s based in an 1880’s carriage house (horse carriage parking deck, basically) that’s been lovingly restored. Check out those old-growth Doug Fir timbers!

The best tacos in Portland

8630 N. Lombard Street

Tienda Santa Cruz- hidden inside a Mercado.

The best food is always a little hard to find, right? Check out this little Mercado (like a bodega or small convenience store) in North Portland’s St. John’s neighborhood, and you’ll find a little kitchen in the back, where you can get some heavenly tacos- make sure to try the carnitas. Get some tacos and a Tamarindo (tamarind flavored soda), and walk over to nearby Cathedral park. Enjoy your tacos under the soaring buttresses of this gothic bridge (same also designed the Golden Gate), rain or shine.

Restoration Hardware Rooftop:

Restoration Hardware is a very fancy housewares store, with locations nationwide. But the new Portland store has a special feature- a very cool rooftop deck (we’re fans, ya know!). Just walk in- act like you’re gonna buy some speedy furniture- and walk or take the elevator all the way to the top. There’s a crazy open air sanctuary filled with beautiful furniture and beautiful views. It’s a great way to take a quick break from the busy shopping district of 23rd avenue below…

BrewCycle:

Portland is known for beer and bikes, for sure. But what happens when you combine them? A barrel of laughs for sure! A sober pilot will guide your giant 8-12 person brew cycle around town, as you visit local breweries. You and your friends just provide the muscle for locomotion. You’ve gotta check out this best way to do a pub crawl (21 and older).

Redwood Grove and viewing deck in Arboretum.

Trees, trees, trees! Portland is filled with them, and of course, so is the arboretum. One of the nicest spots is the Redwood trail. About half way along, you come to a grove of redwoods, with a large deck cantilevering out amongst them. Bonus- look for the nearby monkey puzzle tree (it bleeds red sap and has spikes all over it) on the Bristlecone pine trail.

What to do in Portland

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