Congratulations on choosing Portland, Oregon as your new home town! After mvoing to the City of Roses, you’ll want to visit some of the city’s many attractions beloved by tourists and locals alike. Here is your guide to some of the top must-visit places in Multnomah County.
1.Henry Pittock Mansion:
Henry Pittock was the owner/publisher of the “Oregonian” newspaper, Georgiana Pittock was a philanthropist and cultural patron, and this historical home was built for them and their family in 1914. The century-old home is located on 46 acres of beautiful grounds.
2. International Rose Test Garden:
They don’t call it the City of Roses for no reason! Every year the city gives out a Gold Medal for the best new variety of rose, grown right here in the oldest test garden of its kind in the U.S.A., going back to 1919. You can also visit the Shakespeare garden, a specialty garden that contains only plants mentioned in the poetry and plays of William Shakespeare.
3. Lan Su Chinese Garden:
Formerly called the Classical Chinese Garden, this beautiful outdoor space is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Enjoy art, jazz, a tea house, and special exhibitions at this garden that incorporates traditional Chinese architecture with a garden of trees, bamboo, shrubs, and flowers native to China.
4. Northwest 23rd Avenue:
This is the place to go for upscale clothing boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and all-around retail shopping. You’ll find coffee, gelato, sushi, Thai food, Lebanese food, salons, pet grooming salons, massage spas, and much more.
5. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry:
With five halls and more than 200 exhibits, this science and technology museum contains something to interest everyone from young to old.
6. Portland Art Museum:
The Art Museum contains nine collections:
- American Art
- Asian Art
- European Art
- Graphic Arts
- Modern and Contemporary Art
- Native American Art
- Northwestern Art
- Photography
- Silver
Check back at the museum regularly for artist talks and other community engagement events.
7. Portland Japanese Garden:
This is actually nine different gardens in one, plus a cultural village with a library and Japanese arts education center, a gift shop, and the Umami Café serving traditional Japanese-style tea and refreshments.
8. Powell’s City of Books:
Powell’s is the world’s largest independent bookseller (and book buyer, if you’re looking to exchange your gently used tomes for cash or credit). Visit the store in person and you’ll not only be able to browse miles of bookshelves but also attend cultural events such as book signings and author readings.
9. Tom McCall Waterfront Park:
Visit public art and monuments such as the Battle-Ship Oregon Memorial, the Founders Stone, the Japanese American Historical Plaza, the Salmon Street Springs fountain, and the Police Memorial. You can also hike, bike, or launch from the boat dock.
10. Washington Park:
You’ll want to visit this beautiful park that many consider the city’s greatest attraction shortly after moving. It contains the children’s museum, zoo, arboretum, forestry museum, rose garden, and more, so expect to come here over more than one day to make the most of all the sights.
Welcome to the City of Roses, and enjoy your stay here!
