4 reasons Portland, Oregon deserves a spot on your travel list

Perched above Old Town Chinatown, the White Stag sign (also known as the Portland Oregon sign) is a lighted neon-and-incandescent-bulb sign and a City of Portland Historic Landmark.

Nestled in a verdant temperate rainforest and bursting with culinary treasures and vintage finds, Portland, Oregon, was named a top solo travel destination by USA Today.

There’s something for everyone in Portland. Its diverse cultural offerings and proximity to stunning nature make it an ideal destination not only for casual tourists but also for business travelers looking for a unique blend of work and leisure.

Here are four things you’ll experience when in Portland that make it well worth a trip — or many.

1.Tax-free shopping

Portland’s lack of city sales taxes makes it a shopper’s paradise. The city is home to several eclectic, independent businesses selling vintage clothing, records, comic books, and even global luxury goods and streetwear.

Bookworms should definitely visit Powell’s City of Books — it’s the world’s largest independent bookstore, stretching an entire city block near downtown Portland and boasting an inventory of approximately one million books, a rare books room, and a Princess Bride-themed café.

Artisan shoppers will enjoy checking out places like Mexican-owned Orox Leather Co., specializing in fine leather wares made to last generations, or Kiriko, a “no fabric waste” brand of hand-crafted Japanese textiles and home goods.

For a taste of upscale shopping without the tax, The Nines boutique hotel offers a private shopping experience with vendors like Pioneer Place’s Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany’s.

2.Award-winning food scene

Portland’s food scene is a true standout, rich in both quantity and quality. In 2023, the city won seven James Beard Awards — the most out of any other competing city in the country. Notably, Kann, a wood-fired Haitian restaurant, led by local chef Gregory Gourdet, won the 2023 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in the country.

To no surprise, 8 more local eateries clinched a nomination, semifinal or win for 2024, including Gourdet’s third consecutive James Beard award. If you plan to dine at any of these spots, be sure to book well in advance.

In addition to acclaimed restaurants, Portland boasts more than 500 food trucks, known locally as food carts within food cart pods, some even complete with breweries, fire pits, covered seating areas, and enough culinary options to satisfy any craving. Those with a sweet tooth are in for a treat as Portland is famous for ice cream and donut shops like Blue Star Donuts and Fifty Licks, both of which specialize in unique flavor combinations, quality ingredients, and dietary restrictions.

3.Diverse culture

For lovers of art, farmers markets, and community-based festivals, Portland has you covered. There’s the occasional night market on select Fridays and Saturdays, the year-round Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University with over 100 local vendors, and the lively Portland Saturday market on the riverfront showcasing shops, art shows, and live concerts.

Discover the cultural influences that shaped the city and its region through enchanting urban gardens. Visitors can wander through the 12-acre Portland Japanese Garden filled with lush plants, stone walkways, an authentic Japanese tea house, and a stunning view of Mount Hood. There’s also the Lan Su Chinese Garden in the city’s historic Chinatown neighborhood, built to resemble a Ming Dynasty-style garden with koi-filled ponds, covered walkways, and rich landscaping.

As for festivals, there’s always something happening. The Biamp Jazz Festival is held during February’s Black History Month and features local and international jazz sensations. Pride in July is a non-stop celebration all month long with events and live music galore. And if you weren’t aware, Portland is nicknamed the “City of Roses,” so from May to June, the annual Portland Rose Festival commences with over 60 events surrounding art shows, parades, carnival rides, and — you guessed it — roses.

4.Proximity to nature

Nature is an integral part of Portland’s identity as it’s sandwiched between mountain ranges, wine valleys, waterfall-filled canyons, and the Oregon Coast. Skiing, whale watching, and surfing are all activities just an easy car ride away for residents and visitors.

Even without a car, nature excursions are still accessible within Portland’s city limits. Explore 70 miles of trails in Forest Park, one of the largest urban forest reserves in the country, or hike up an extinct volcano in Mount Tabor Park, one of four within the area.

Also within Forest Park, visitors who want to mix nature and culture can hike to the Victorian-era Pittock Mansion. Home to 23 rooms filled with art and antiques, the mansion overlooks an unforgettable view of the city skyline and Mount Hood.

If you’re more of the type to sip and savor the scenery, urban wineries like Amaterra Winery, located in the city’s western hills, make for a relaxed and elevated afternoon outdoors.