Downtown & Cultural Highlights
Powell’s City of Books
Lose yourself in the world’s largest independent bookstore, covering an entire city block with over a million new and used titles.
🔗 https://www.powells.com
Portland Art Museum
Explore Northwest art, contemporary exhibitions, and rotating international shows. Admission is just $25 for a day pass, with free entry every first Thursday (10 am–7 pm).
🔗 https://portlandartmuseum.org Axios
Pioneer Courthouse Square & Food Carts
Stroll “Portland’s living room,” grab lunch at a nearby cart pod (try authentic Thai, Korean tacos, or vegan Ethiopian), and soak up the city vibe.
🔗 https://www.portland.gov/parks/pioneer-courthouse-square
Forest Park
One of the largest metropolitan parks in the US, Forest Park comprises over 5,000 acres and has beautiful trails for hiking, biking, and walking.
🔗https://www.portland.gov/parks/forest-park
Gardens, Parks & Local Markets
Washington Park
Home to several top attractions:
- International Rose Test Garden (10,000+ bushes, 610+ varieties) The Official Guide to Portland
- Portland Japanese Garden, a serene 12‑acre oasis reflecting traditional Japanese design The Official Guide to Portland
- Oregon Zoo, with 2,000+ animals in naturalistic habitats The Official Guide to Portland
🔗 https://www.washingtonparkpdx.org
Portland Saturday Market
(Weekend only, March–December) Browse handcrafted goods, live music, and local snacks under the Burnside Bridge.
🔗 https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com
Columbia River Gorge
Multnomah Falls & Vista House
Just 30 minutes from downtown, hike to the 620‑ft falls, then drive the Historic Columbia River Highway to panoramic views at Crown Point’s Vista House.
🔗 https://www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa Reddit
Latourell & Bridal Veil Falls
En route back, stop at these quick, family‑friendly waterfall hikes.
🔗 https://www.oregonhikers.org
Hood River Wine Trail
If time allows, continue east into Hood River for a tasting at a riverside winery overlooking Mount Hood.
🔗 https://www.hoodriver.org/wine
Timberline Lodge
The historic ski lodge perched on the side of Mount Hood is a local landmark, a beautiful 1937 building, and where the outdoor shots of The Shining were filmed! It’s about 1.5hrs from Portland but worth the trip. If you’re feeling adventurous you can take the lift to the top and walk back down.
🔗https://www.timberlinelodge.com/
Bonus Picks & Tips
- Pittock Mansion: Historic home with sweeping city views. PlanetWare
- Lan Su Chinese Garden: Authentic Ming‑style garden in the Old Chinatown district. PlanetWare
- Craft Brewery Crawl: Over 70 breweries—try a tasting flight in the Pearl District or Southeast’s Central Eastside.
- Mill Ends Park: World’s smallest park—perfect quick photo op.
Enjoy your stay—and congratulations to the happy couple!
