A Local Guide To Portland Oregon

Where to go and eat when visiting hipster capital.

1. The International Rose Test Garden

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This garden has every type of rose you could think of, and with a view of Portland it's perfect for a lunchtime picnic.

2. Japanese Garden

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The Japanese Gardens located right next to the Rose Gardens and transport you right to Japan. The former Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Nobuo Matsunaga, even said that is is the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.

3. NW 23rd Avenue

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NW 23rd is one of the most well-known streets in portland, good food, boutiques, and popular stores line the street. My favorite place to eat there is Escape From New York Pizza, $3 for the best pizza in Portland.

4. Saturday Market

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The Saturday Market is full of handmade items from ceramics to food. The best place to get one-of-a-kind pieces.

5. Waterfront

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The waterfront is the best place for a bike ride. Look and ride across the 12 bridges on the Willamette River.

6. Portland Art Museum

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The portland art museum is full of art from everywhere and every era. The architecture of the building makes the experience even better.

7. Forest Park

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Stretching over 8 miles and covering 5,100 acres of land this is one of the countries largest urban forest reserves. With 70 miles of trails you could hike for days.

8. The Grotto

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This is a Roman Catholic shrine, that anyone can visit. In the picture above is the meditation room, but the Grotto has way more to offer. From its botanical gardens to the shrine in a cave.

9. The Columbia Gorge

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The Columbia Gorge is not in portland but is too beautiful not to include. About a 1-hour drive and you're there. There's millions of hikes, each one of them breathtaking. The one pictured above is Oneonta Gorge.