Fun Things To Do On A Weekend City Break In Portland, Oregon

Oregon’s largest city, Portland nestles on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, backed by Mount Hood. The city is renowned for its microbreweries, coffee houses, eco-friendly parks and bicycle paths. Meanwhile, the city’s Washington Park offers the Oregon Zoo and the Japanese Garden. Moreover, Portland is known for its music, art and theater scenes. Read on to find out some of the best things to do on a weekend city break in Portland, Oregon.

Visit the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon

Catch the MAX light rail train in Washington Park to visit the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi. Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the zoo hosts 2,697 animals from more than 215 species. Even better, more than 40 percent of the zoo has recently been renovated, including giving space for rhinos, a new elephant expanse and the best real estate for primates.

Freakybuttrue Pecularium

Located in northwest Portland, the Freakybuttrue Pecularium has been keeping the city weird since 1967. Moreover, this unique space is packed with fun, creepy features, such as Al Capone’s safe, a Bigfoot display, an exhibit relating to spontaneous combustion and an alien autopsy table. If you love all things weird, make sure you head to the Freakbuttrue Pecularium during your weekend city break.

Explore the Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is located close to Portland State University and is the largest in Oregon and one of the oldest in the USA. Among its most famous pieces are Vincent Van Gogh’s Ox-Cart and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. Meanwhile, the art museum also features an incredible collection of Native American and Northwest art.

Oregon Center for Contemporary Art

Along with Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Center for Contemporary Art is a must-see location in north Portland. Accessible on the MAX Yellow Line and covering 12,000 square feet, the art gallery hosts community events, four artist studios, performing arts programs and an open space showcasing some of the best contemporary artists.

Visit Glowing Greens PDX

Returning to the weirder side of Portland, Glowing Greens PDX is located on southwest Taylor Street. It is easy to miss, as the attraction is hidden behind a discreet door and down two flights of stairs. Once there, visitors will discover a glow-in-the-dark, pirate-themed indoor miniature golf course perfect for rainy or cold weather.

Take a hike in Forest Park, Portland

The city of Portland is renowned for its green spaces including the 5,200-acre Forest Park. Meanwhile, one of the largest urban parks in the US nestles on the city limits and offers 32 miles of hiking and biking trails. Here, you will walk or ride through moss-covered Douglas firs, big leaf maples and western hemlocks in what is the best escape from the busy city.

Gaze in wonder at the Portland Japanese Garden

The Japanese are renowned for their beautiful and restful gardens and the Portland Japanese Garden is no exception. Created in 1963, the garden is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature, while learning about Japanese culture. Meanwhile, among its many features, are centuries-old archways and sculptures donated by Japan.  Moreover, it hosts waterfalls, koi ponds, bonsai trees and a Zen rock garden. But that isn’t all, as the garden hosts art and culture events at its Cultural Village.

Take a weekend city break in the City of Roses – Portland, Oregon. Find out more about this exciting city and its attractions on the official Travel Portland website.