One of the things we love most about Portland is how much there is to do that costs very little money. It doesn’t matter if you’re a long-time local or a first-time visitor; there is so much to do here that can be enjoyed by all.
Whether it is taking a walk through one of the largest (or smallest!) urban parks in the country, stopping to smell the roses (literally), or exploring one of the many quirky things that keep Portland weird, there is no shortage of things to keep your feet moving and your weekend busy.
Here are our favorite free and affordable things to do in Portland.
Hike through Forest Park
Forest Park is situated along the west hills that separate downtown Portland from the suburbs to the west. This sprawling stretch of forest is home to miles of trails (the Wildwood Trail runs for over 30 miles!), wildlife like deer, bobcats, and even the occasional bear, and towering trees.
You can access the trails from points all along the park and use them to connect sights like the Pittock Mansion, Hoyt Arboretum, and the Japanese Gardens.
Bikes are allowed on 29 of the park’s 80+ miles of trails, so you can also get in a quick spin if hiking isn’t your thing.
Smell the Flowers at the Rose Garden
Portland is known as the City of Roses, so it only makes sense that it would be home to a massive park with over 10,000 rose bushes.
The International Rose Test Garden is a proving ground for new and old varieties of roses, and it is open to the public 365 days a year.
Granted, you probably won’t find much blooming during the winter months, but during the spring and summer, the park is alive with color and the fragrant smell of roses.
Climb to the Top of a Volcano at Mt. Tabor Park
While tourists flock to spots like Hawthorne Ave, Pittock Mansion, and the Portland Waterfront, locals know to head to Mt. Tabor when they want to get outside and take in views of the city.
When we lived in Portland, this was our favorite spot in town for a picnic, to wander the trails, or take in one of Portland’s many quirky events like the Adult Soapbox Derby.
Occasionally, someone would even wheel a piano up the steep grade to the top of the park and serenade visitors with sometimes great and sometimes not-so-great music as the sun set over the city.
Check Out the Art at the Saturday Market
The Saturday Market is one of the longest-running continuous markets in the entire country. Here, you can find all sorts of oddities that range from handmade goods to mass-produced Portland-themed gear.
The market is a great spot to people watch and you can never beat a day along the waterfront.
Bike Around the Waterfront
Speaking of waterfront, did you know that you can run, hike, or bike a nearly 11-mile loop that runs from the Steel Bridge all the way down to the Sellwood Bridge and back? Best of all, the ride takes place almost exclusively on trails, so it’s the perfect family adventure without having to worry about dodging traffic.
The ride will take you along the water’s edge on the Eastbank Esplanade, through the wildlife refuge of Oaks Bottom, past the charming neighborhood of Sellwood, and along the shops and businesses that line the waterfront along the west side of the Willamette River.
Get Lost in Powell’s City of Books
It is no secret that Portland is home to the largest new and used bookstore in the world. But it isn’t until you actually visit this sprawling space, which takes up an entire city block, that you can truly appreciate just how massive this place is.
We have spent hours roaming through the racks of books, perusing Boy Scout manuals from the 1960s, guides on how to build your own log home, and history books from long-forgotten eras.
Make sure not to miss the rare books room, which is home to first editions, signed copies, and other must-haves for the avid reader.
Take in the Views from Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion stands high above downtown Portland in the West Hills and is a must-visit for the views and a glimpse into the city’s past.
The inside of the mansion is now a museum, which costs around $16 for admission. The rest of the grounds around the mansion are free to use, though, as they are a city park.
The best views are found from the lawn at the backside (or would it be the front side?) of the mansion, where you can look down onto Portland and Mt. Hood to the east.
Dance the Night Away at Last Thursday in Alberta
On the last Thursday of each month, Alberta St, found in the Northeast quadrant of Portland, comes alive with vendors, music, and fun that lasts well into the night.
Be prepared for crowds, as this event is extremely popular, but once you visit, you’ll quickly see why.
The celebration embraces this area’s artistic roots with handmade goods from local makers and performances that are very uniquely Portland in their creativity and quirkiness.
Immerse Yourself in the Chinese Gardens
Located within the hectic Old Town neighborhood in downtown Portland, the Lan Su Chinese Gardens offers a sanctuary from the world outside.
Admission to the gardens is $16 for adults and $13 for kids, and once you step inside, you’ll instantly be transported to a world of tranquility with reflection ponds, flowering plants, and an authentic Chinese teahouse.
Dine at a Food Cart Pod
Portland is known as the epicenter of the rise of the food cart dining scene. What began as a way to serve quick and affordable meals to nearby workers has grown into an entire culinary scene, with some food carts serving up meals that put brick-and-mortar restaurants to shame.
With pods all over town that range from roadside stands perfect for grabbing a meal on the go to pods that offer seating and beer on tap, there is no shortage of places to try.
Relax in Laurelhurst Park
Located within the historic Laurelhurst Neighborhood, Laurelhurst Park offers the perfect sanctuary to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a large pond, sports courts, and trails running throughout the park, there are plenty of areas to explore and relax under the towering trees.
After an hour at the park, head out for a stroll through this lovely neighborhood and take in the sprawling homes along the tree-lined streets.
Wander Amongst the Trees at Hoyt Arboretum
Just minutes from downtown Portland, you’ll find a park home to over 2,000 different species of trees and a dozen miles of trails perfect for exploring.
Hoyt Arboretum sits in the west hills just above the International Rose Test Garden and Washington Park. Every visit to the park makes for an opportunity to discover new finds like the Bamboo garden, Redwood observation deck, or the blooming magnolias.
Have a Picnic at Cathedral Park in St. Johns
Located deep within North Portland, Cathedral Park sits underneath the stunning and often overlooked St. Johns Bridge.
This bridge has an interesting history. When it was built in 1929, it was the first bridge painted with this distinct light green color known as ODOT Green, which became the standard paint for bridges across the country.
Today, visitors and locals alike come here for its gothic towers and picturesque scenery underneath its massive steel spans.
See the World’s Smallest Park at Mill Ends
What’s a trip to Portland without taking in one of its quirkier attractions? This one being the smallest park in the world: Mill Ends Park.
Originally nothing more than a small patch of dirt in the middle of a busy street, this park has built an international following and is now home to a single tree.
Hike to the Witch’s Castle
One of the spookier attractions within the city is the ominously named Witch’s Castle, located within Forest Park.
Getting to the castle requires a short hike through the forest and along a meandering stream from the Lower Macleay trailhead in Northwest Portland.
Once you arrive at this stone building, you’ll quickly see why it has taken on a spooky persona as its roof is long gone, and walls are typically covered in layers of graffiti.
Fear not, though, as no witches have been spotted here. Although a visit at dusk may have your mind telling you otherwise.
Wander through the PSU Farmers Market
Portland’s year-round farmers market keeps locals and visitors alike filled up on fresh produce, honey, baked goods, and meats. While things can get a little slow during the dark winter months, the market absolutely bursts with energy during the summer when Oregon’s bounty is on full display.
It is nearly impossible to walk out without a bagful of fresh peaches, berries, tomatoes, or squash on a visit during the summer months.
