Portland and its surrounding area feature an array of things to do. The city is known for incorporating the natural beauty of its region. A wildlife nature sanctuary and state park are located within the city. Portland is a culturally diverse place, evident in its art, entertainment and shopping scenes. Some of Portland's highlights include the International Rose Test Garden and the oldest art museum in the Northwest.
The Portland Art Museum is the Northwest region's oldest museum, according to the museum's website. The internationally renowned collections are housed in an historical building that includes an outdoor sculpture court. Numerous permanent collections, including six stories of modern art collections, are on display, as well as special exhibitions. The museum features activities for families on Sundays, and provides a schedule of tours, special events and lectures.
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503-226-2811
portlandartmuseum.org
Portland is home to one of the country's oldest and largest rose test gardens, located just minutes from downtown Portland in nearby Washington Park. Admission is free. More than 7,000 rose bushes are on display accompanied by panoramic views of the Portland skyline. A gift shop is on-site. It is recommended that visitors come to the garden in the early evening hours during summer months when it is less crowded. Two other gardens in the Portland area are the Peninsula Park Rose Garden in North Portland, with 6,500 rose bushes, and Ladd's Addition Garden in southeast Portland, with 3,000 roses on display.
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503-823-3636
portlandparks.org
The Oregon Zoo in Portland has several exhibits, including an African rain forest. Monkeys, birds and other wildlife roam free in these large exhibits. Giraffes, hippos and rhinos share the savanna exhibit. Other habitats featured at the zoo include Peruvian coastal waters and the Cascade Mountains. The zoo opens daily at 9 am but closing hours are seasonal. Children two years and under are free.
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221
503-226-1561
oregonzoo.org
