Places to visit in Portland

The tourism industry in Portland, Oregon, has been booming for the past few years. The city has a long history of being a tourist destination, and there are many things to see and do here.

In 2021, overnight visitors totaled 11.3 million in the Portland metropolitan area. Direct spending by people who came to the Portland metro area was worth $3.8 billion.

Travelers through the area brought in an extra $193 million in tax money while also making it easier for residents of the state and the municipality to pay their taxes.

The tourism industry in the Portland metropolitan area supports 27,130 jobs and brings in $1.2 billion. Local tax revenues accounted for $88 million of this total.

The city's natural beauty, lively arts, music scene, and exciting landmarks make it a perfect spot to spend a few days.

  • The city has a rich history preserved in museums and landmarks.
  • Plenty of activities and attractions keep you busy all day long.
  • The city is known for its delicious food, including specialty coffee shops and restaurants.
  • The weather is perfect all year round, making it the ideal destination for a vacation or weekend getaway.
  • Portland is easy to get to from other parts of Oregon and the United States, making it a perfect choice for tourists exploring different parts of the country.

The city is home to some world-renowned attractions, like the Rose Garden and the Moda Center. If you're looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails and bike paths to take advantage of.

And plenty of indoor attractions are also available if you're looking for something to do on a rainy day.

  • Visit the Columbia River Gorge. This area is home to dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and abundant hiking trails.
  • Take a drive to Mount Hood, one of Oregon's most popular destinations. This majestic peak has fantastic views of the land around it and a lot of hiking trails that lead to beautiful lakes and glaciers.
  • Check out the local wine country in the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon. Several wineries are located here that offer tours and tastings, as well as retail outlets that sell wines by bottle or glass.

It's estimated that the city receives over 10 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

If you're interested in exploring some of the city's attractions. In that case, plenty of tours available at getyourguide.com will take you on a memorable journey.

Here are some recommendations.

Columbia Gorge and Bigfoot Jetboat Adventure in Portland

Take the Explorer Jetboat to the Columbia Gorge from Portland. The speed of the jet boat can reach up to 40 mph. Enjoy the historical and live narrative.

  • Search for the elusive creature known as Bigfoot within the depths of the Gorge.
  • Follow the Willamette River upstream.
  • Travel along the Columbia River on a bicycle.
  • Observe wildlife and navigate through riverboats.

Tourists will listen to live and recorded narration about the history of the Columbia Gorge and Bigfoot's presence in the Northwest to learn about the region's famous landmarks.

This entertaining, educational, and fully-narrated cruise will keep you on the edge as you learn about Portland, the Columbia Gorge, and, most importantly, Bigfoot.

Depending on the customer, the attractions may not be the paramount interest of this sightseeing excursion.

The Bigfoot Explorer does pass by the Gorge's most popular attractions, including Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock.

Portland: Guided 2-Hour Family Walking Tour

This two-hour family walking tour explores Portland's attractions. Visit some of the city's most iconic monuments and cultural and architectural attractions, and learn about local history and culture with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide.

Guests will be able to:

  • Enjoy a day with the family exploring Portland.
  • Learn about the city's history with your knowledgeable guide.
  • Observe some of the city's most renowned sights and structures.

This family-friendly guided walking tour is suitable for all ages and interests. Meet your guide, and then set out into the lively city streets of Portland, where your sightseeing trip will commence.

Along the journey, you will visit some of the city's most recognizable landmarks and attractions and hear fascinating information about Portland's past.

Discover hidden mysteries as you venture off the usual road and look for miniature ponies.

Your tour has a relaxed pace, and your guide will ensure that the entire family has a good time.

Portland: Sightseeing Cruise Through the Heart of Portland

Board the Portland Spirit for a tour of Portland from a completely different angle.

Captain's commentary provides information about the location.

Peruse all three floors, whether sitting in the climate-controlled lounge or outside.

This tour allows you to:

  • Observe the city of Portland from a different angle.
  • Enjoy the scenery and the captain's commentary while taking advantage of the onboard beverage service.
  • Enjoy spectacular city views from the observation deck.
  • Listen as the captain describes the views.
  • On a river cruise, you may kick back and unwind.

A full-service bar and bistro cuisine are available for purchase, along with views of the Portland harbor.

Before returning to the port, the cruise will travel south on the Willamette River to Milwaukie and north to the Steel Bridge.

Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Kayak Tour

Your local guide will meet you in the heart of Bend, Oregon.

  • Paddle your kayak around the mountain lakes in the mighty Cascade Range at high elevations.
  • Admire the expansive vistas of Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Paulina Peak.
  • Take in panoramic views of the Cascade Lakes from the peaks.
  • Obtain kayaking instruction from a competent guide.
  • Observe the native fauna of Central Oregon.
  • Take in the most incredible mountain vistas on a tandem kayak tour on a lake in Central Oregon.

You will leave the city with the rest of your group and make your way to the Cascade mountain lakes, where your kayaking trip will commence.

Before getting into your tandem sit-on-top kayak, you will receive a tutorial on kayaking safety. Bring a camera to capture the best mountain views in Central Oregon.

With the assistance of a naturalist guide, embark on a trek through hidden caves, bays, and wetlands. Observe the otters, minks, ospreys, and eagles in this area.

After around two hours of paddling and seeing your surroundings, you will have the opportunity to cool off in the lakes.

Take in the vistas of Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Paulina Peak before departing. You will then return to the kayaking launch site and be taken back to Bend.

Half-Day Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia River: Portland, Oregon

You will explore the natural grandeur and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge on a four-and-a-half-hour bus excursion from Portland.

This half-day coach trip of the Columbia River Gorge allows you to escape the bustle of downtown Portland for the morning.

Visit the renowned Multnomah Falls and the smaller Wahkeena, Latourell, and Horsetail Falls.

  • Experience the natural beauty of the most scenic region in Rose City.
  • Follow the Lewis and Clark expedition itinerary more than two centuries after the renowned explorers.
  • View the Gorge and the world-famous Multnomah Falls from Vista House on Crown Point.

Depart Portland at 8:30 a.m., across one of the city's numerous bridges as you take in the downtown sites.

Take the historic Columbia River Highway once you've left the city.

  • Crown Point provides a broad perspective of the river from several hundred feet above.
  • Descend the renowned highway loops to reach the magnificent Latourell Falls.
  • Continue through Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls and Lodge, Oregon's most famous natural site. Oneonta Gorge and Horsetail Falls should be visited.

Along the river-level route of the Lewis & Clark expedition, return to Portland while taking in panoramic views of Beacon Rock, Cape Horn, and Rooster Rock.

From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour

This tour offers the option to walk on well-kept trails, although it is not essential.

  • On average, the farthest distance you will walk in a single day is a half-mile round trip.
  • Some trails and paths are just minimally or temporarily graded.
  • Assistance animals are permitted.

You will marvel at this region's unique beauty and landscape, including the Columbia River Gorge, one of the most photographed natural beauty reserves in the United States.

This expertly guided tour of the Columbia River Gorge reveals its breathtaking magnificence.

  • Explore several waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Enjoy a fully narrated tour with your knowledgeable and qualified guide.
  • Visit the sturgeon named "Herman" at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery.

The tour stops at various waterfalls representative of the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty.

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