Here's Why You Should Book A Trip To Portland, Oregon ASAP

West coast, best coast.

Hannah Wong/BuzzFeed

If you've been to Portland, Oregon, you understand the allure of this vibrant, eclectic, and delicious city surrounded by the great outdoors. And if you haven't been to Portland, it's time to cross this city off your travel bucket list.

Getty Images

Here's a guide to a perfect weekend in Portland. You can find even more ideas in this video, and follow @alexisdeboschnek for some unique Portland travel tips.

Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

Fuel up for the day at VooDoo Doughnuts.

instagram.com

The best thing about doughnuts is that they're just as acceptable for breakfast as they are as a dessert food. Start your morning at Voodoo Doughnut. This shop has been a cult favorite since it opened back in 2003. Expect eccentric flavor combinations like the "old dirty bastard" made with chocolate frosting, crushed oreos, and drizzled peanut butter or the "voo-doo doll" dipped in chocolate and filled with raspberry jam.

Geek out at Powell's City of Books.

instagram.com

In West End you'll find the beloved independent bookstore, Powell's City of Books. Home to over one million new and used books and taking up an entire city block, it's one of the biggest bookstores in the world and a total book lover's fantasyland.

Hit up the farmer's market.

instagram.com

Portland takes farmer's markets very seriously, and chances are if you're walking around the city, you'll stumble upon one sooner or later. But don't miss the Farmer's Market at Portland State University. It runs every Saturday all year long (it's closed one day a year), and it's a great place to stroll around and browse the stalls for local products ranging from pickles and bouquets of dahlias to charcuterie and artisan bread.

Stop by Lardo for lunch.

instagram.com

Lardo began as a humble food cart, but it now boasts three restaurants comprising some of Portland's best sandwiches. And lucky for you, the Portland West location is just minutes from the PSU farmer's market. You can't go wrong with the Porchetta, which is made with pork loin, pork belly, house made gremolata, arugula, Parmesan, and caper mayonnaise on ciabatta bread. It's crispy, creamy, and all kinds of delicious. Oh, and save room for a side of fries.

International Rose Test Garden

instagram.com

You'll see why Portland is called the City of Roses when you head to this gorgeous setting in Washington Park. Visit the International Rose Test Garden from April through October and you can wander the serene grounds, which are lined with thousands of gorgeous rose bushes in every color of the rainbow.

Enjoy an Italian dinner at Nostrana.

instagram.com

This classic Italian spot in Southeast Portland is always a solid option for delicious pastas and perfect Neapolitan pizzas. Pay attention to the extensive wine list and order something red, hearty, and Italian to go along with your carbs.

Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

Wake and bake at Serra.

instagram.com

Maybe you don't smoke weed, and that's ok. But in case you do, you're in the right place. Because newsflash: Marijuana dispensaries are legal in Portland, and Serra is a fan favorite. A lit up sign that reads "quality drugs" will alert you that you're in the right place. You can ask the dispensary salespeople to explain the right dosage and the strain that's right for you. And from there, take your pick of sativa joints, chocolate bar edibles, and everything in between.

Have the brunch to end all other brunches at Screen Door.

instagram.com

Brunch is more than a meal in Portland — It's an all-morning activity. And if you're in the mood for southern soul food (which, you probably are) there's no better spot than Screen Door. There will undoubtedly be a line for a table, but one bite of the massive and life-changing fried chicken and waffles and you'll understand why you waited.

Escape from the city at Forest Park.

instagram.com

Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Portland, Forest Park is an urban oasis and one explanation why Portlandia is often called a city of treehuggers. There are over 80 miles of lush hiking trails to explore, and it's easy to forget you're in the middle of a big city.

Go on a brewery crawl.

instagram.com

Portland is home to tons of craft breweries and brewpubs, so if you're a beer-lover, make some time to check a few out. Lompoc Brewing, Burnside Brewing Company, and Upright Brewing are just a few local favorites. And if you need a snack, 10 Barrel Brewing has great pub food from pastrami fries to cajun chicken lollies to match the beer selection.

Delight in whatever the chef is serving at BEAST.

instagram.com

For a fine dining experience, you can't beat a meal at Beast. The romantic and intimate restaurant seats 26 people at a time, and everyone enjoys the same six-course menu. The kitchen focuses on local produce and flavors, and thanks to the open kitchen, you feel like you're taking part in the cooking. One thing is for sure: You'll probably never see more beautiful plating.

Find more Portland tips in this video.