Portland Sights and Landmarks
Most of the fabulous sights and landmarks in Portland are all part of the natural beauty of the Northwest. The city is full of natural overlooks, great parks, amazing views and awesome hiking and other outdoor activities. Portland is an amazing place to visit no matter what you are into, but if outdoor activities are your thing then you’ve come to the right place. Plus, most of the best places to see in Portland are free!
Mount Tabor Park: This is a beautiful park and is a great place to take a romantic walk on a warm summer evening. It has a beautiful view of the city, located in southeast Portland. It has an outdoor amphitheater that holds events during the summer so it is a great place to take a date. It is a great way to view this beautiful city and experience its vibrancy and culture all at one destination.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park: This is one of the must-see places in Portland as it is breathtakingly beautiful and easily accessed by downtown. It is located on the west side of the Willamette River and is gorgeous anytime of the year. The waterfront is usually home to all kinds of different events like, Bite of Oregon, The Waterfront Blues Festival, and The Oregon Brewer’s Festival, so be sure to check it out during your visit. Ask your hotel’s reception if there is anything going on down at the waterfront. If not it is also worth taking a stroll along the beautiful path and breathing in some of that fresh Oregon air.
Powell’s Books: This giant store spans several blocks and is a booklover’s heaven. Powell’s is home to the world’s best literature, textbooks, maps, travel books, and coffee. If you have had trouble finding a rare book, look no further. This store has the most extensive collection of books in the Northwest and the whole atmosphere and feel of the place is a haven to booklovers. Its organization is certainly not conventional as each genre is assigned a different colored room. If you have trouble navigating the massive shop just ask on of the friendly and knowledgeable associates who are glad to help in any way they can. So, pick out your favorite book, sit in the coffee shop. Powell’s is a great rainy day stop.
Pioneer Courthouse Square: Referred to by some as Portland’s living room, this comfy square is full of benches and areas for relaxing and is situated right on the brink of some of downtown Portland’s best shopping. It is most beautiful on a sunny day where you can sit and relax and appraise your day’s plunder. This is also a great place to learn of Oregon’s great history.
Portland Art Museum: This is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. It houses some beautiful permanent collections but is also home to temporary collections as well. Much of the pieces and exhibits are works that reflect the wild beauty and nature of the Northwest. Fantastic Northwest artists or simply those that have been inspired by the landscape and cultures create many of the pieces. It is a great way to immerse yourself in what this city has to offer in the way of art and beauty.