LOOKING FOR AN ADVENTURE
There is so much to explore in Portland and the Pacific Northwest! Here are a few of our favorite spots in the area (and a little further) for you to check out.
EXPLORE PORTLAND
1120 SW Council Crest Dr, Portland, OR 97239
The most epic sunset spot you can find with stunning views of Hood, St. Helens, and the Portland skyline.
4099 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210
At 5,200 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. With more than 80 miles to explore, you couldn't ask for a better hiking spot!
611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
A Japanese-inspired oasis that can easily put your mind at ease after a stressful day. The garden is also in walking distance of the International Rose Test Garden.
SE 60th Ave &, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215
With more amenities than you could possibly need, this dormant volcano is one of the best picnic spots and places to spend a sunny day.
3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239
A relaxing and unique way to get one of the best aerial views of Portland.
11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219
Connected to the law school campus, Tryon is a favorite for L&C students needing to escape and connect with nature.
98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
From paddle boarding and kayaking to biking trails and too many walking bridges to count, Portland’s waterfront has it all.
EXPLORE THE PNW
US-101, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
One of Oregon's most famous beaches. If you're in the area and planning to go to the coast, this is the place to go.
From Multnomah Falls to Bridge of the Gods, the Columbia River Gorge has so much to explore and do! It is a true Pacific Northwest wonderland.
14040 OR-35, Mt Hood, OR 97041
With countless trails and the longest ski season in the country, Mt. Hood is a great day trip. We recommend hiking Trillium Lake for one of the best views of the mountain, and to stop by Sugar Pine on your way back into Portland.
4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141
Yes, it's a cheese factory. And yes, it's 100% worth the drive. Plus, it just so happens to be right along the Oregon Coast. What more could you ask for?
THINGS TO DO LOCALLY
Exploring and adventuring is one thing, but what else is there to do in Portland? We've provided a list for you of some of our favorite activities to do on the weekend and after classes on weekdays.
GET ACTIVE
925 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214
Mini-golf designed for all weather. This indoor pub/mini-golf hybrid is a great place for families looking for an activity on a rainy day in Southeast Portland.
341 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Okay, maybe this one isn't so active... Imagine the comfort of your living room combined with the amenities of a theater. The difficult part of going to a movie at the Living Room Theater is trying to stay awake.
833 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Pips & Bounce is Portland's premier ping-pong game room. With over five tables and rentable paddles, it's the perfect place for some friendly pong competition.
1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Consider this a must-see. The Portland Art Museum's mission mission is to engage and enrich diverse communities through the presentation, interpretation, and conservation of art and film.
21 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Bouldering is a growing passion in Portland. For those who are looking to try it for the first time or are seasoned veterans, the Portland Rock Gym (pictured right) is the place for you. We also recommend checking out Circuit Bouldering Gym.
1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is fun for the whole family. With various exhibits and a decommissioned submerged submarine to explore, there is bound to be something that will peak everyone's interest.
SHOP PORTLAND
426 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214
For all your outdoor and adventure needs, this local shop is one of our favorites to stock up on gear for your "next adventure."
NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
NW 23rd is one of the best streets to shop in Portland. With local favorites like Salt & Straw located directly on 23rd, you can snack while you shop too!
1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Rain or shine, the Portland Farmers Market at PSU is open year-round on Saturdays for all to enjoy.
1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Powell's City of Books is a must-see. Known as the world's largest new and used bookstore, and for covering an entire city block, Powell's is a point of pride for all Portlandians.
7927 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Located across the river from campus, Raven's Wing is known for its selection of crystals, candles, incense and other magical/spiritual tools.
8017 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
One of the best clothing thrift stores in the Sellwood area. The gems you find here are well worth the search!
THINGS TO EAT
To put it simply, Portland was designed for foodies. Below are some of our favorite places for meals and quick bites to eat.
SOMETHING MORE FILLING
200 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Our favorite Mexican establishment in the Portland area. Known for their tortas, Guero is a student favorite.
1080 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214
You can't go wrong with any of the food cart pods in Portland. Piknik Park and Cartopia are great options too, but Hawthorne Asylum is an all-time favorite and after one visit, you'll know why.
7912 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Jade is a Vietnamese/Thai/French fusion bistro with the best sesame balls in Portland. Located in Sellwood, it is the place to go on the weekends for students.
1605 SE Bybee Blvd #5714, Portland, OR 97202
Offering vegan and vegetarian options too, PDX Sliders has some of the best burgers around, made from locally sourced ingredients.
126 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Imagine food carts, but indoors. Pine Street Market is right in the heart of Portland on the westside and offers food options for everyone!
Pine State Biscuit is one of the top breakfast spots in Portland with half the wait compare to many brunch hot-spots. Catering to vegetarians and vegans as well, this is the place for some good morning comfort food.
219 SW 9th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
Offering what's coined as "Thai comfort food," Thai Peacock is a favorite for students during the cold months and finals. It's also one of the most delicious Thai places around!
A QUICK BITE
Which Portland donut/doughnut is the best? You decide! We recommend your first stop on the never ending list be Coco Donuts to get a true local donut experience.
For those looking for something a bit more filling but not over the top, Fried Egg I'm in Love is the place for you. Hands down the best breakfast sandwiches in Portland.
Pro-tip: order ahead online
Like donuts, ice cream is a big deal in PDX. One of our favorite ice creameries is Ruby Jewel, who offers cookie sandwich options with your choice of their top-notch ice cream in the middle.
A quirky and unique twist to ice cream, Fifty Licks offers flavors for the adventurous, as well as a few classic flavors for the purists.
THINGS TO DRINK
The coffee and brewery culture in the Pacific Northwest is no joke. But something many don't know is that we are just as big on tea and kombucha. Whether you're a tea or coffee drinker, we've provided a list for every taste, no matter your preference!
FOR COFFEE LOVERS
7901 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Blue Kangaroo is a great place if you're looking for a caffeine boost in the Sellwood area. The staff is as great as their coffee and quick as can be when making your order.
6647 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202
The absolute best chai latte can be found at Fairlane. They offer a variety of other drinks, too. We highly recommend pairing your coffee with one of their delicious toast options.
8524 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Looking for your new favorite study place? This is it! With lots of seating, Living Room offers coffee and snacks to help you get through your study-grind.
If you've never been to a Never Coffee, you need to go now. Pictured right, Never Coffee is one of the best roasters and coffee labs in the Portland area. The bright atmosphere is exactly what you need on a gloomy or stressful day.
FOR TEA LOVERS
239 NW Everett Street Teahouse, Portland, OR 97209
Lan Su is an oasis located in the heart of downtown Portland. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the gardens in spring and some of the best tea Portland has to offer.
ShareTea is the place to go for all your Boba and milk tea needs. With a ton of variety, this is our favorite quick stop for some Boba.
SOMA is one of the top kombucha producers from Portland, and their tap room is a paradise for all kombucha lovers!
Featuring a wall of over 100 types of tea and milk tea with some of the best Boba in town, Portal Tea is a campus favorite. The location in Sellwood is a converted railroad caboose and a must-see for any visiting Portland.
We love Oregon and know you will too.
But just in case you still don't believe us, below are a few of our favorite and totally accurate videos created by local artists that depict everything Oregon has to offer.