It’s interesting to note that when people think about traveling to the United States, they often immediately picture glamorous cities like Los Angeles, New York, or Las Vegas. Few realize that Oregon, especially the city of Portland, harbors a unique and captivating beauty, particularly appealing to those who love independent travel. Portland isn’t as loud and bustling as other metropolitan areas, but it possesses an irresistible charm with its harmonious blend of natural beauty, distinctive culinary culture, and a slow-paced, relaxed lifestyle. If you’re seeking a novel destination for your DIY travel journey in the US, Oregon and Portland are definitely names to consider.
Oregon, with its diverse natural beauty ranging from the magnificent Pacific coastline to snow-capped volcanoes, from lush primeval forests to dreamy rivers, offers countless exciting exploration experiences. And Portland, the state’s largest city, nicknamed the “City of Roses” or “Rose City” and “Stumptown,” will be an ideal starting point for your self-guided Oregon trip.
What I adore most about Portland is the wonderful quality of life it offers. Portland isn’t too sprawling, and its well-developed public transportation makes getting around easy. The locals are friendly and hospitable, the food is diverse, and especially, the air is fresh and pleasant. All these factors have made Portland one of the most livable cities in the US, and also a highly attractive DIY travel destination.
From my experience traveling independently in Oregon, Portland has so much to discover, from historic architectural gems and stunning gardens to vibrant arts districts and unique street food scene. Below is a list of experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting Portland:
1. Admire the Vintage Beauty of Pittock Mansion
Majestic Pittock Mansion, a nearly century-old Victorian architectural landmark
Perched on a hill in West Portland, Pittock Mansion is a stunning Victorian architectural masterpiece, nearly a century old. From the mansion, you can take in panoramic views of downtown Portland and the majestic Cascade Mountains. Inside, the mansion displays valuable artwork and original furnishings from its early days. You can explore the mansion on your own or join guided tours to learn more about the history and architecture of this landmark. Pittock Mansion is not only a historical attraction but also an ideal spot to enjoy peaceful surroundings and watch the breathtaking sunset over the city of Portland.
2. Uncover the Mysteries Beneath Portland’s Old Town
The “Portland Underground” tour will take you on an intriguing journey through the mysterious tunnels beneath Old Town Chinatown. These tunnels are not just a part of Portland’s history but also hold many fascinating and thrilling stories. Tour guides will recount tales of the tunnels, once a notorious hub for kidnapping and human trafficking in the past. For those who love history and mysteries, this tour is an unmissable experience when visiting Portland. Additionally, if you’re brave, try joining ghost tours that explore spooky and mysterious stories related to these tunnels.
3. Stroll and Explore Downtown Portland
Downtown Portland, with Pioneer Courthouse Square at its heart, is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant rhythm. Here, you can explore unique local shops, meet friends at the square, or simply wander and people-watch. While it may not have overtly spectacular activities, downtown Portland offers a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Try visiting a sidewalk cafe, order your favorite drink, and sit and watch the daily life of Portlanders on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Pioneer Courthouse Square also frequently hosts cultural events, festivals, and farmers markets, providing enjoyable experiences for visitors.
4. Soak in the Artistic Vibe at Pearl District
Pearl District, a trendy neighborhood adjacent to the railway tracks, is a must-visit in your Portland DIY travel itinerary. This district is renowned for its harmonious blend of classic industrial architecture and modern style, creating a unique and characterful space. Pearl District is a hub for art galleries, designer boutiques, upscale cafes, and fine dining restaurants. You can spend a whole day exploring this neighborhood, admiring unique artworks, shopping for impressive fashion items, and savoring cuisine at the city’s best restaurants. Particularly, on the First Thursday of each month, art galleries in Pearl District open for free and serve wine and cheese to visitors, creating a lively festive atmosphere.
5. Immerse Yourself in Nature at Forest Park
Located on the hills northwest of the city, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, spanning over 5,000 acres. This park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful and nature-connected space. Forest Park features dozens of miles of hiking and biking trails, winding through dense old-growth forests, alongside babbling brooks, and diverse vegetation. A DIY trip to Portland wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to explore Forest Park and enjoy the fresh, relaxing atmosphere here. This park is the clearest testament to Portland’s “Rose City” nickname, where nature and urban life blend perfectly.
6. Find Tranquility at Lan Su Chinese Garden
If you seek a tranquil and serene space in the heart of Portland, visit Lan Su Chinese Garden. This beautiful garden is located right in the center of Chinatown, designed in the classic Suzhou-style gardens of China. Lan Su Garden is a peaceful oasis with a small lake, charming teahouse, traditional wooden buildings, and meticulously landscaped gardens. You can stroll along winding stone paths, admire graceful arched bridges, and enjoy tea ceremony in the garden’s tranquil setting. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, you can still walk around the exterior and admire the unique architectural beauty of Lan Su Garden.
7. Relax at Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst Park ablaze with golden autumn foliage
Laurelhurst Park is another stunning park in Portland, designed by Olmsted Brothers, the renowned landscape architecture firm that created Central Park in New York City. Like many parks in Portland, Laurelhurst offers a green and nature-friendly space. Here, you can stroll along tree-lined paths, watch ducks swimming on the lake, enjoy a relaxing bike ride, or simply sit on a bench and breathe in the fresh air. Laurelhurst Park is also a favorite spot for locals; you’ll see many families, couples, and groups of friends coming here to play and relax, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.
8. Discover Washington Park
Washington Park is a classic, expansive urban park with winding trails under shady trees, surrounding gentle hills. This park offers many attractions for DIY travelers in Portland, including the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lewis and Clark Memorial Column, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the entire city of Portland. Additionally, Washington Park houses the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the Oregon Zoo, providing a wide range of sightseeing and exploration options for visitors of all ages.
9. Savor Street Food at Food Carts
Portland is famous for its unique food cart scene, scattered throughout the city. The Alder Street food cart pod is considered the epicenter of Portland’s food cart culture, where you can find a myriad of delicious dishes from around the world. From Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese to American specialties, they are all present at these food carts. When traveling DIY in Portland, I often prioritize eating at food carts because the food is both delicious and affordable, with plenty of diverse options. If you miss the food cart dining experience, you’ve missed a significant part of Portland’s culture. Try wandering around the food cart pods, choose a few tempting dishes for yourself, and enjoy Portland’s unique street food meal.
10. Immerse Yourself in the Craft Beer World
Portland is nicknamed the “Craft Beer Capital of America,” with over 70 craft breweries scattered throughout the city. If you’re a beer enthusiast, Portland is definitely the ideal destination for you. Visit Deschutes Brewery to experience a diverse beer menu, or explore Widmer Brothers Brewery or Bridgeport Brewing, other famous Portland breweries. Most breweries in Portland have restaurants or bars right next door, very convenient for you to enjoy delicious beers and nibble on tempting dishes. Additionally, Portland also frequently hosts lively beer festivals, especially in the summer, providing unique cultural experiences for visitors.
Portland is a city that I truly love when traveling in the US, and I believe this city deserves more attention on the world tourism map. If you’re planning your next DIY trip to the US, consider Oregon and Portland. Especially if you visit in the summer, you’ll fully experience the vibrant and captivating beauty of this city. Traveling DIY in Oregon, exploring Portland and its surrounding areas will be a memorable journey filled with exciting experiences.