Portland, Ore., has a bustling local scene that visitors can take part in, neighborhood by neighborhood. The city's light-rail system provides easy access to all parts and attractions of the city, from the Cultural District downtown to the trendy Pearl District. Catch a live band, spend the day at the zoo or museum and relax in one of many parks and gardens. Portland also has plenty of accommodations, from hostels to hotels and bed and breakfasts.
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Northwest United States. It contains an outdoor sculpture court and permanent collection galleries. The museum also boasts six stories of modern art pieces and special exhibitions. The museum holds lectures, tours and special events. Families can attend family-oriented activities every Sunday. The museum is located in downtown Portland's Cultural District.
Portland Art Museum
1219 S.W. Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-226-2811
portlandartmuseum.org
The Oregon Zoo brings the world's animals and habitats to every visitor to the park. Tourists can experience the sounds and sights of the African rain forest and savanna, then travel to the coastal waters of Peru and "climb" up and see the wildlife of Cascade Mountains. The zoo opens daily at 9 a.m. but has seasonal closing hours. It charges admission, but children 2 years old and younger get in free. The zoo is accessible by Portland's light-rail transit system. Along with the exhibits, the zoo also holds lectures, special events and summer camps.
Oregon Zoo
Washington Park
4001 S.W. Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221
503-226-1561
oregonzoo.org
The Portland Japanese Garden has been proclaimed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan. Located in the city's West Hills neighborhood, the Japanese Garden encompasses 5.5 acres. Within this space are five garden styles, a Japanese tea house, streams and walkways. Tourists also get an unobstructed view of Mt. Hood. The garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 1 to Sept. 30; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 1 to March 31. Along with the flora on display, the garden holds events, workshops and cultural holiday celebrations.
Portland Japanese Garden
Washington Park
Portland, OR 97205
503-223-1321
japanesegarden.com
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has five halls within 219,000 square feet. Filling these halls are interactive exhibits and displays that help visitors learn about the earth, chemistry and physics, among other science topics. Other features of the museum include an OMNIMAX® Dome Theater, a planetarium and a submarine. With so much to see, visitors can take a break and eat between exhibits at the riverfront Market Café. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
1945 S.E. Water Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503-797-4000
omsi.edu
Oaks Amusement Park features numerous rides for kids and thrill-seekers, go-karts, a roller skating rink and a dance pavilion. There are food stands within the park grounds, and also picnic grounds for families who bring their own food. The park holds birthday parties, corporate picnics and other events. For large-scale events, people can use the amusement park's catering department. Visitors can park and get in for free. The amusement park offers ride discounts in summer.
Oaks Amusement Park
7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way
Portland, OR 97202
503-233-5777
oakspark.com
