Portland, Oregon is known as a hippie, artsy mecca, and it’s a popular destination for RVers and travelers of all stripes. Whatever your budget or interests, there’s lots to do here. Here’s your guide on what to see, eat, and do in Portland, Oregon.
Where to stay in Portland
Portland is full of fun options, including lots of quirky rental homes, but if you’re RVing in the area, you’ll want to try Island Cove RV Park. The facility has mountain and river views, nearby beaches and short and longer-term stays — all right next to a wildlife refuge! Best of all, it’s only 10 miles from downtown Portland. Columbia River RV is also worth a look, just minutes from downtown and the airport.
Some other great RV parks in (and around) Portland, Oregon include:
You can find lots of Portland RV parks here.
What to do in Portland
There’s something for everyone in Portland. Whether you’re interested in a visit to Distillery Row, Multnomah Falls, the Portland Mercado (for Mexican, Central American, and South American eats), or even a cat lounge, there’s never an excuse to be bored in Portland.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Portland.
Visit powell’s books
Grab a latte in the coffee shop and wander this historic landmark. It’s free to visit, and it’s one of the most iconic spots in Portland.
Enjoy some live music
It’s easy to find some free music in Portland. Look around, and you can find free music every night if you’d like to. Some of the spots to check include Laurelthirst, The Firkin Tavern, and Alberta Street Pub. And if you’ve got some dough to spend, there are LOTS of additional venues, from intimate spaces to larger ones like the Crystal Ballroom.
Visit the Rhododendron Garden
On Mondays, it’s free to visit the Rhododendron Garden. If you visit in the offseason, October through February, it’s free every day. Enjoy the wildlife, paths, flowers, and tours here.
Celebrate First Thursday
On the first Thursday of every month, local galleries open their doors to you, for free, typically with some free beer or wine too. Expect more of a party atmosphere and cutting-edge works in Old Town, with other stunning offerings in the Pearl galleries.
Hike Mount Tabor
Hiking Mount Tabor doesn’t require exceptional athleticism, and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the city at the top. Worth a trip!
Explore Portland Japanese Gardens
When a Japanese ambassador refers to your gardens as the most beautiful and authentic outside of Japan, you should probably take notice. Tickets are $17 but well worth a splurge.
What to eat in Portland
There are so many great food options in Portland, far too many to list here. We’ll cover some of the highlights to help you make your choices.
Matt’s BBQ is a Texas-style food cart, with fall-apart brisket, ribs, and queso mac and cheese. Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty combines fancy wood-fired pizza with ice cream – one of my favorite combinations! Their offerings change regularly, but you can expect super local, pricey but worth it pizza and homemade ice cream. Han Oak serves up some surprisingly affordable Korean dishes with style. Bless Your Heart burgers are also well worth a trip, and if you’re craving ice cream, try Ruby Jewel Scoops, Cool Moon Ice Cream, or Fifty Licks.
Hit the road
However you slice it, Portland is well worth a trip. If you’re ready to rent an RV in Portland, Outdoorsy has some 5-star options:
So book your RV and start planning your coastal road trip!
