Walking Tours
Downtown
If your time here is limited, opt for a downtown hotel and stay in the city. It is easy to wander all over the heart of this city on foot, and Portland also offers an incredible public transportation system that allows you to ride the bus or MAX light rail free inside “Fareless Square.” Begin your tour at the Portland Oregon Visitor’s Association (POVA) where you can plan the day’s destinations and pick up any maps or tickets you will need. Do not worry about getting lost when leaving the premises-—the folks in the green jackets on the city’s streets are not fashion victims, but Portland guides who will be happy to point you in the right direction.

From POVA, cross the street to Waterfront Park. Stroll along the seawall, splash in the fountains and visit Portland Saturday Market. Head west to Fifth Avenue and seek shelter under the huge outstretched arm of the copper statue Portlandia. Continue down Fifth Avenue to Southwest Yamhill Street where the sidewalk is called Street Wise. This public art offers great quotations and no shortage of wisecracks. Take in the nearby Soaring Stone Sculptures located directly in front of Saks Fifth Avenue. There is always people-watching at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Continue toward the South Park Blocks to find out what is happening at the Portland Art Museum or the Oregon History Center. Stop at the Heathman Restaurant and Bar and dine alfresco while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

Guided Tours
Visitors manage to find plenty of Portland highlights on their own, while organized tours offer a unique perspective you cannot find elsewhere. This can also help visitors to tour the variety of sights in style.

Reserve a first-class tour with Pacific Towncar and take in the views of your choice–mountains, bridges, the city and more—while riding in a luxurious limousine or town car. For a less expensive look at some of the local attractions or those beyond the city, choose among the destinations of Evergreen Gray Line Tours of Portland.

A taste of the area’s variety is the aim of Ecotours of Oregon, which provides different themed tours including the Pacific Northwest’s lush rainforest, immense river valleys and snowcapped mountains. There are also tours focused on Native Americans and local wineries or breweries. Getting close to the vineyards and world-famous Oregon wines is the draw of the Grape Escape Winery Tours, a look at a series of local vineyards. The rolling hills of growing grapes, as well as the fall colors, are also a highlight of Vista Balloon Adventures. For those even more adventurous, take a high-speed tour via the river on Willamette Jetboat Excursions.

For a more historical look at the city, try Portland Parks and Recreation Historical Tours and if the family is along, the Metro Washington Park Zoo Railway is sure to please. Take ART: The Cultural Bus for a fun tour of Portland highlights. Find out why Portland is also called the “City of Bridges” by taking the Bridge Walk Tour.

Other organized tours include boat trips like the Portland Spirit, excursions on the Portland Vintage Trolleys, scenic flights over Mount St. Helens or the popular brewery tours.

Outdoor Tours
Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood
Guided or not, one of the best tours of the area is the route that takes you through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge to Mount Hood. Head east on Interstate 84, stopping at Multonamah Falls with its stunning scenery and wonderful hiking trails. Along this route, there is so much to catch your attention that you will have to forgo stopping if you plan to see it all in a single day. Continuing on the historic route you will find Timberline Lodge and the Timberline Ski Area, both open year round. The next stop is Government Camp where you can learn the story of the pioneers who followed the Oregon Trail, retracing their steps back to Oregon City and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretative Center.

Oregon Coast
The rugged beauty of Oregon’s coastline—-about two hours by car from Portland—-is also within reach of a day’s travel. All of Oregon’s beautiful beaches are accessible to the public.

Head west on U.S. Highway 26 to Astoria, the oldest settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Plan a night at the Astoria Inn Bed and Breakfast or move down the coast to touristy Seaside. After spending all of your quarters on the boardwalk or in the arcade, it is time to move on to Cannon Beach, a quiet community that is home to Haystack Rock. Continue south on Highway 101, and you will eventually notice black and white cows dotting the grassy landscape. This means you have arrived in Tillamook, home of the legendary Tillamook Cheese Factory where you can sample delicious Tillamook ice cream and award-winning cheeses. Continue south to Lincoln City and have some fun at Chinook Winds Casino. Heading back to Portland via State Highway 18 takes longer, but it will take you through the rolling hills of the wine country, and is worth the time.