Portland’s Best Experiences:
The top rated Experiences in Portland, OR are:
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park – features public art, historical monuments, paved paths & a fountain
- Portland Art Museum – a variety of collections include Asian, American & Native American art
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden – is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry – is a science and technology museum
- Forest Park – a 5,000+ acre wooded area with trails for hiking, biking & bird-watching
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park was established in 1956 to commemorate a ship that sank in 1893. On July 4, 1976, a time capsule was deposited in the memorial’s base. The time capsule will be unveiled on July 5, 2076. The Japanese American Historical Plaza was established on August 3, 1990, to commemorate individuals who were incarcerated in inland detention camps during WWII.
The artwork at the memorial garden portrays the story of Japanese immigrants in the Northwest, including elderly immigrants, native-born Japanese Americans, soldiers who served in the US military during WWII, and businesspeople who put in long hours and were optimistic about the future.
Products/Services:
Public Art, Historical Monuments, Paved Paths & a Fountain
LOCATION:
Address: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 823-7529
Website: www.portland.gov
REVIEWS:
“I’m so grateful to have a beautifully maintained piece of Portland to enjoy. Whether a leisurely stroll along the Willamette River, a sunny meditation on the whilst rolling grass, or a springtime treat of all the pink petaled blossoms carpeting the ground, this park will always be a Portland Staple for me.” – Genevieve M.
Portland Art Museum
Portland Art Museum opened in late 1892, the country’s seventh oldest museum and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. The Museum’s permanent collection and ambitious special exhibitions, drawn from the Museum’s holdings and the world’s finest public and private collections, have earned it international acclaim.
The Museum’s collection of almost 50,000 pieces, which are presented in 112,000 square feet of galleries, spans the history of art from antiquity to the present. The collection is notable for its holdings of Native American art, English silver, and graphic arts. The Museum dedicates 90% of its gallery space to its permanent collection, which is a dynamic collecting institution dedicated to preserving great work for future generations’ enrichment.
Products/Services:
Museum
LOCATION:
Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 226-2811
Website: www.portlandartmuseum.org
REVIEWS:
“Good collection for a city of Portland’s size. We particularly liked the pacific northwest Indian art and Asian art sections. There is also modern, U.S, European art sections.” – Scott L.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a one-of-a-kind 9.5-acre garden with an exceptional collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and other lesser-known ericaceous plants, as well as numerous companion plants and uncommon trees. Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society collaborated to create the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in 1950. This collaboration is still going strong today.
The garden is especially beautiful in April and May when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full flower. A spring-fed lake surrounds part of the garden, drawing a large number of ducks that use it to nest and graze. Trees and shrubs offer color and structure to the landscape in the fall and winter.
Products/Services:
Spring and Garden
LOCATION:
Address: 5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Phone: (503) 267-7509
Website: www.crystalspringsgardenpdx.org
REVIEWS:
“A gem. Whether or not you go during Peak Bloom season, there’s always something beautiful to see. A great place to walk around or have an event. On my last trip there we saw a bald eagle over the pond. What’s not to love. A great place to host the wedding. It’s not the largest garden, but it is so sweet. And I have always run into the nicest people there.” – Shrisada R.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Natural Science Hall, the USS Blueback Submarine, the Empirical Theater, and Planetarium programs are all available to visitors of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. OMSI remains devoted to the health and safety of all museum visitors, students, staff, and volunteers, and they want you to feel at ease and safe while exploring the museum. Despite the fact that their region is getting closer to community immunity, they nevertheless require visitors to wear masks.
Products/Services:
Rotating Shows, Science Labs, Submarine Tours, and Planetarium
LOCATION:
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 797-4000
Website: www.omsi.edu
REVIEWS:
“The Dinosaurs Revealed Exhibit is so cool! I brought my 5 and 3-year-old kids. We loved that the dinosaur models were so realistic, life-sized, and even moved and roared. I wish there were other parts of the museum open, but realize we’re just coming out of the pandemic. Overall, a unique and fun experience.” – Alyshia K.
Forest Park
Forest Park serves as a vital air and water filter, providing a safe haven for hundreds of natural wildlife and plant species. It also provides the region with significant access to nature, exercise, and educational opportunities thanks to its more than 80 miles of trails. The parking situation varies a lot, so we’ve divided it up into categories based on capacity.
Because many parking spaces are shared with neighbors, please be courteous and obey posted signs. Please keep in mind that parking facilities are not available on all paths. There is no charge for parking. Because most trailheads are primitive and have limited capacity, carpooling and ride-hailing are suggested.
Products/Services:
Park, Biking, Hiking
LOCATION:
Website: www.portland.gov
Mark has lived in Detroit, MI his whole life. He has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Mark covers national and local businesses.