How To Spend A Fantastic Weekend in Portland

The ultimate guide for how to get there, where to stay, what to eat and what to do when spending a weekend in Portland, Oregon!

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Recently I was lucky enough to spend my birthday weekend in Portland, Oregon. I had been wanting to visit to experience the beautiful outdoors as well as the amazing allergy-friendly food scene!

Portland is definitely known for it’s eco-friendliness, many outdoor activities, and microbreweries. It’s residents tend to share passion for forward-thinking ideas and socially aware policies. For me, these underlying values were both seen and experienced in most all of my interactions with the great people of Portland.

For me, a big part of the draw to visit was to try the food! The food scene offers a broad appeal with something for everyone. As someone with food allergies I appreciate it offers everything from all vegan grocery stores, to menus that highlight grass-fed and local meats. It is clear that the restaurants are on trend with how people like to eat as paleo, keto, gluten free and vegan options abound!

If you’re considering planning your own weekend getaway to Portland, I want to make it as easy as possible for you to check out this awesome city. Keep reading for my guide on how to get there, where to stay, and what to do!

How To Get To Portland

Closest airport to the city of Portland is of course, the Portland International Airport (PDX). It is located about 30 minutes from downtown Portland by car.

I always start my search for flights on Skyscanner. It is the easiest way to compare prices. Setting up alerts always helps me find the best deal with the least amount of effort. It’s a life-saver!

Getting Around Portland

I decided to rent a car for my trip. This was partly because I was planning a few day trips, and party because the weather forecast was very rainy when I was there. Luckily, renting a car is easy as there are many rental car companies located right in the airport. Money saving tip: Searching for deals and comparing costs on rental cars can be super easy using Skyscanner as well!

If you’re interested in a more active way to get around the city, consider a bicycle! Portland is extremely bicycle-friendly and there are many resources available to offer maps and other information about routes throughout the city.

If you have read my My Top Tips To Get The Most Out Of Every Trip you know I love hop-on hop-off tours. They are a great way to see the sights of a city efficiently. The Portland hop-on hop-off tour is no different! The tour offers a guide to explain the history and culture of the city while you ride a trolley between each stop.

Where To Stay In Portland

As I was deciding where to stay in Portland, it ultimately came down to comfort and location. I wanted a location that was central so I could do a lot of walking and experience the city that way.

I chose to stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Portland. You guys, this hotel is GORGEOUS and the suites are huge! The service and amenities make for a luxury experience you wont soon forget.

One of the best parts of the stay was waking up to enjoy their spectacular breakfast each morning. I also appreciated that hotel offered a ramp with convenient parking for my rental car.

A note for other travelers with allergies: As I was searching for the perfect hotel, I noticed that many hotels in the Portland area allow pets in the hotel rooms. While I love my own pets, I do have allergies to other animals. This hotel did not allow pets which put my mind at ease that I would be safe from any stray dog or cat hair left by a previous traveler.

What To Do In Portland

With so many amazing activities to do, it isn’t hard to fill a weekend in Portland. During my time there, I had a few days of great weather and a few days of rain.

With the weather being somewhat variable depending on the time of year, some activities are more suitable for certain days. To keep it simple, I separated them into outdoor activities and rainy day activities so I could make the most of my time no matter the weather!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Gardens are truly spectacular. It is a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy the beauty around you. There are many places to stop, relax, and meditate if you wish. Watching the Koi fish swim is the definition is easy entertainment. It is definitely worth a stop to see these beautiful gardens.

Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is a great way to spend a few hours on a nice day. There is a wonderful variety of animals from across the globe. It is beautiful, clean and the animals even look happy! This place is fun for all ages.

RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES:

Pittock Mansion

If you love learning about history, don’t miss the Pittock Mansion! Learn about it’s past and enjoy the charm and amazing craftsmanship. I highly recommend the tour to fully immerse yourself in the experience. A bonus: From it’s location perched above the city, you will have a spectacular view on a clear day!

Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s claims the title of the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world! Depending on your love for books, you could spend hours exploring here. With multiple floors and a coffee shop inside, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

I made a stop at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry on a rainy day during my stay in Portland. It is a great place to learn and play! There are hands-on experiments and activities to expand your understanding of the world around you. After visiting the exhibits, you can catch a movie at the Empirical Theater to round out your day. You wont regret making a stop at OMSI!

Day Trips From Portland

If you have the time and want to experience more of the beauty of Oregon, you might want to consider taking a day trip. Even if you don’t have a rental car, you wont have to miss out! There are many tours available that will take you to see the sights. All you have to do is sit back and relax.

Multnomah Falls

A short 40 minute drive from Portland is the picturesque Multnomah Falls. When you arrive and park you will be wowed as you walk toward the amazing falls. If you’re up for some activity and feeling energetic, you can hike up to get a closer look at the falls. For those of you not as excited about a hike, you can stop for a drink at the lodge and check out the gift shop for some great Sasquatch gear.

Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood is not only beautiful from afar, it also offers 6 ski areas for anyone looking to hit the slopes. When I visited in May it was still hopping with skiers and snowboarders making the most of the season.

Around Mt. Hood you’ll find lakes with hiking and walking paths that offer spectacular views of the mountain. These are a great options for those looking to make the most of the scenery without having to go too far from the city. Depending on your route, it could take an hour to a few hours to reach your location around or on Mt. Hood but the drive is so beautiful you’ll hardly notice the time passing!

Cannon Beach

If there’s time in your schedule, I highly recommend taking the hour and a half drive from Portland to Cannon Beach. The unique coastline with a view of Haystack Rock will astound you. There is also plenty to explore in the town to add to the experience. I enjoyed walking around before stopping for some lunch and then checked out a glass blowing shop. It is a great way to spend an afternoon!

Where To Eat In Portland

With so many amazing food options available, finding something to eat in Portland is a breeze. I you have food allergies, these are some really exceptional places you wont want to miss during your stay!

Back To Eden

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan

Finding Back to Eden was like hitting the jackpot! Everything they sell is gluten free and vegan. The perfect treat for those of us traveling with food allergies. Not only do they have delicious food, they offer mouthwatering baked goods and desserts too! I would go back to Portland just to eat here again.

Cultured Caveman

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free Options

This paleo restaurant is the perfect choice for anyone traveling with food allergies and intolerances. Everything on their menu is gluten free, dairy free and soy free. Not only is the food delicious, it is also fresh and inventive. I actually ate here twice during my time in Portland because the food was so great!

Por Que No? Taqueria

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan Options

It seems like I can’t travel to a destination without finding some amazing tacos. Por Que No was the place that had the tacos of my dreams. This small, unassuming restaurant offers counter service with a smile. Fresh corn tortillas, homemade chips and guacamole, and some very friendly service made this a really exceptional meal. Everyone will enjoy a stop here with great options for vegans and meat eaters!

Time To Start Planning!

A weekend trip to Portland will be a weekend well-spent! You will see beautiful sights, eat delicious food, and experience the unique culture of Portland. Whether you explore the great outdoors, check out the many indoor activities, or you find a way to do it all – you will be happy you visited!

Now I want to hear from you! Which activities sound like the most fun to you? If you have visited Portland in the past, what was your favorite thing you did or place you ate?

My Travel Must-haves: