Things to do in Portland, OR

Portland Expo Center International Raceway Beach Super Center Downtown Portland Mount St. Helens

The attractions in and around the city of Portland are some of the most underappreciated in the entire nation. Within this Pacific Northwest region there are an abundance of activities to be experienced, fit for visitors of all ages and interests. If you’re the outdoors type, the nearby Columbia River and Cascade Mountain Range offer endless hiking, swimming, and climbing possibilities. If you’re into shopping, Downtown Portland and Hayden Island will serve as a perfect tax-free outlets for all of your shopping desires. So, come discover one of America’s cleanest and most thriving cities by visiting some of these following Portland, Oregon attractions.

Portland Expo Center. For over 30 years, this multi-purpose center has been the number one location for conventions, trade shows, and other events in Portland’s metropolitan area. The massive facility offers visitors with 10 meeting rooms and 11 exhibition areas as well as sufficient parking and storage space to accommodate for it’s some 500,000 annual attendees. The campus encompassing the expo center spreads across an impressive 60-acres and in recent years, the area has been averaging approximately 100 events ever year. Visit: www.expocenter.org/

University of Portland. Whether you’re visiting as a prospective student or simply as an appreciator of great architecture and landscaping, this local private university is a fabulous place to come and tour. Established back in 1901, the University of Portland has, for over one hundred years, prided itself in its mission to provide traditional, value-centered education to its student class. In the past few years, the University of Portland has been ranked as one of the top five universities in the west, while possessing some of the nation’s top professionals of their field. Visit: www.up.edu/  [Top]

Portland International Raceway. Whatever type of racing you can think of, there’s a good chance that it’s here at the Portland International Raceway. CART, drag, motorcycle, motocross, bicycle, and sport car racing are just some of the many types of events that might be taking place when you come check out this popular racetrack. Each year, the racetrack hosts around 135 events and attracts an annual crowd of approximately 400,000 spectators. When no races are scheduled, the grounds are used for driving classes, car shows, and swap meets. Visit: www.portlandraceway.com/

Delta Park. Over 85 acres of trees, trails, paths, and picnic areas are available for guests to make use of when they visit this historic public park in Portland, OR. The park’s soccer, softball, and football fields are great for practice and pick-up games, while the its playgrounds will be sure to provide your children with hours of satisfied activity. So, take your family along to check out the Delta Park and enjoy a healthy day of fun and recreation in Portland’s clean outdoor environment. Visit: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=34&action=ViewPark  [Top]

Jantzen Beach Super Center . Explore 350,000 square feet of retail shops in this enclosed facility located on Hayden Island. Take a ride on the C.W. Parker Carousel that was built back in 1921 and is today listed as a National Registry Historic Monument or shop to your heart’s content as you take full advantage of the entirely tax-free items made possible through the Oregon’s no-sales-tax policy. For more information on the stores and brands you can expect to find at the Jantzen Beach Super Center, visit: www.jantzenbeachsupercenter.com/

Hayden Island. Located in the Columbia River, this historic island was once known for its amusement parks and ferries that would travel to and from the mainland. Following the completion of the Interstate Bridge in 1917, the island became a popular tourist destination because of its natural beaches and many sources of entertainment. Since 1970, however, following the closure of the last amusement park, Hayden Island has been known for its many marinas and yacht clubs. Visit: www.portlandneighborhood.com/haydenisland.html  [Top]

Downtown Portland. Whether traveling by bus, bicycle, lightrail, or streetcar, Downtown Portland is a must visit destination for anyone visiting the Portland, Oregon area. With hundreds of restaurants and retail shops offering an incredible range of tax-free cuisines and brands, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do in the downtown area. The area is also abundant with public art work and a well-kept landscape so that even if you’re just looking to walk around, you’ll be bound to encounter some awe-inspiring spots and sights. For more information on the restaurants, stores, and annual events in Downtown Portland, visit: www.downtownportland.org/

Heron Lakes Golf Club. If you’re a fan of golf, this club’s two championship golf courses will be sure to impress you during your time in Portland. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Great Blue Course and the Greenback Course offer some of the most thrilling rounds of golf in the region. Playing 6,902 yards and 6,615 yards respectively, both 18-hole courses utilize the breathtaking landscape to its fullest to provide a scenic and unique round of golf that will challenge golfers of all handicap levels. Visit: www.heronlakesgolf.com/   [Top]

Mount St. Helens. This world famous national volcanic monument offers visitors of Portland with more than just an inspiring view that can be seen from miles away in every direction, it also makes for an array of recreational activities on and around the mountain’s slopes. After last erupting on May 18, 1980, the landscape surrounding the 8,365 foot active volcano of the Cascade Mountain Range has been an illustration of the powerful impact that such a natural disaster can create. Hiking and climbing expeditions on Mount St. Helens can prove to be an eye-opening experience for any adventuresome traveler. Visit: www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm/

Vancouver, Washington. Take a trip to the area the Lewis & Clark explored over 200 years ago! Vancouver is a city rich in history and destined for growth. Visit some of the 19th century buildings and houses located throughout the city like the Covington House (1848), the Grant House (1866), and Mother Joseph’s Providence Academy (1879). Or check out the revitalization progress of the downtown district occurring on the waterfront of the Columbia River. Vancouver, as like all of the city’s of this lush region, also reveals a natural beauty, characteristic of the dense forests and flowing rivers that paint the Pacific Northwest. Visit: www.cityofvancouver.us/  [Top]