Portland, Oregon, is a city that defies expectations. Carved by volcanic activity and shaped by the powerful Columbia and Willamette Rivers, it grew from a rough-and-tumble frontier town into a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and lovers of the outdoors. Nicknamed the Rose City thanks to its century-old dedication to cultivating roses, Portland is a place where history and creativity intertwine.
Portland is the perfect city to spend a little extra time in before or after you board any of our Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises. With so many things to do in Portland, Oregon, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to explore during your visit.
Washington Park
Perched in the city’s west hills, Washington Park is a 410-acre urban retreat with a history dating back to 1871, when the city purchased the land for $32,634 for public use. Today, it’s home to these three world-class sites, including stretching gardens, a renowned zoo, and some of Portland’s most scenic walking paths. A free shuttle loops through the park, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in one visit.
Portland Japanese Garden
Hidden within Washington Park, the Portland Japanese Garden is a masterpiece of landscape design. Opened to the public in 1967 as a symbol of post-WWII reconciliation between Japan and the United States, the garden’s winding stone paths, koi-filled ponds, and authentic tea house create a serene escape from city life. Complete with incredible natural displays, it’s hard to believe you’re in one of the nation’s biggest cities.
On clear days, Mount Hood rises in the distance, perfectly framed by maple trees.
Oregon Zoo
Founded in 1888 with a single grizzly bear, the Oregon Zoo is now home to over 230 species, including Asian elephants, Amur tigers, and Humboldt penguins. The zoo played a pivotal role in elephant conservation, with its breeding program producing the first-ever captive-born elephant, named Packy, in North America in 1962.
Visitors can watch lions prowl the Predators of the Serengeti exhibit or see sea otters dive for their lunch. Early mornings offer a quieter experience with more active animals.
International Rose Test Garden
Portland’s International Rose Test Garden began in 1917 as a sanctuary for European roses during World War I, ensuring that hybrid species weren’t lost in the turmoil. Today, the garden bursts into color each summer, with over 10,000 rose bushes covering its terraced slopes.
Walk among rows of experimental roses, many of which haven’t hit the commercial market yet. The Shakespeare Garden, filled with plants mentioned in the Bard’s plays, adds an extra literary touch. With free admission and breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, the International Rose Test Garden is one of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon, especially during peak bloom from May to September.
Hawthorne District
In the early 1900s, Hawthorne Boulevard was a quiet street lined with Victorian homes and streetcar tracks. By the 1960s, it had transformed into a hub for free-thinkers and artists, and it hasn’t lost its rebellious streak. Today, the Hawthorne District buzzes with vintage stores, record shops, and some of the city’s best coffeehouses.
Walking through these eclectic streets is one of the most fun things to do in Portland, Oregon, offering a blend of old-school charm and modern creativity.
Powell’s City of Books
Covering an entire city block in the Pearl District, Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. With a $3,000 loan and a dream, Michael Powell opened his first bookstore in Chicago. After working together one summer, his father, Walter, recognized that the idea of selling both new and used books—unconventional in 1970—would thrive in Portland, OR. One year later, in 1971, Powell’s City of Books was born. Now a third-generation, family-run business, Powell’s has expanded to four locations, ensuring that Portland readers always have a place to find their next great book.
Inside, you can explore:
• Nine color-coded rooms, covering everything from rare first editions to indie zines.
• The Rare Book Room, showcasing antique leather-bound volumes.
• The Powell’s Passport, a fun way to collect stamps while exploring different sections of the store.
Explore Portland with American Cruise Lines
Portland is a city of contrasts—where rose gardens bloom beside modern skyscrapers, and historic districts give way to avant-garde art scenes. Washington Park’s botanical wonders, the Hawthorne District’s creative energy, and Powell’s legendary shelves are just a few of the highlights that make this city a must-visit stop.
Cruise the Columbia & Snake Rivers with American Cruise Lines and start or end your journey in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic cities.
