20 Places to Experience in and Around Portland, Oregon

Known as The City of Roses or Rose City, Portland, Oregon is a growing hub for travelers. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the area and serving as a mecca for culinary delights, here is a comprehensive guide to ensure you don't miss any of the most-loved hot spots.

If you're traveling to Portland in early June, a stop at the International Rose Test Garden is a must. This is peak season to see the flowers in full bloom. The garden is free to visitors, but you will need to pay for parking or arrange transportation - the area can get pretty crowded and parking is limited.

Portland offers a wide array of culinary experiences and has one of the largest Russian communities in the United States. Kachka and sister restaurant, Kachinka, are great introductions to Russian cuisine. The interior of Kachka is designed to look like owner Bonnie Morales' childhood home in the Soviet Union, but the real showstopper is the food. You won't be disappointed ordering the dumplings or one of their specialty cocktails. The menu is seasonal, but all the restaurant favorites can be found in their very own cookbook.

Located less than an hour away from the city of Portland is one of the most visited natural landscapes of the area - Multnomah Falls. Pulling in record numbers of visitors during the summer, it's not uncommon to see signs indicating all parking is gone before noon. With two falls - the upper one measuring 542 feet - the area is a popular hiking spot, where you can traverse all the way to top. Luckily there is also a more scenic lookout spot at the base of the falls for those that cannot trek as far.

Portland's food truck scene is rated as one of the best in the world, offering international flavors with the convenience of quick takeaway options. The best is finding a hub of food trucks all gathered together - allowing you and your party to try samples from each.

Taking up a whole city block, Powell's City of Books claims to be 'the world's largest independent bookstore.' And although there are several satellite locations throughout the city, the flagship location is a must-visit. With multiple floors and a maze of bookshelves, there is sure to be something for every type of reader.

Wineries around Portland are thriving. The rich soil is perfect for vineyards, and the still under-the-radar notoriety makes it ideal for a laid-back afternoon of wine tasting. Johan Vineyards is one of the more popular wineries in the Willamette Valley, offering a robust variety of wines.

Receiving acclaim for its punk-rock style doughnuts, the now-famous bakery has branched out to places like Universal's CityWalk, Denver and Austin. But a trip to the birthplace of the iconic pink box will have you smacking your lips and licking your fingers to make sure you get every ounce of sugary goodness.

Bridal Veil Falls is a great alternate option for hikers that aren't able to find a parking spot near Multnomah Falls. With beautiful views of the Columbia River and fewer crowds, you'll be able to enjoy nature without the chaos of thousands of visitors.

My personal favorite doughnut shop in the city is Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai. It's likely that you'll find a line out the door at this bakery as well, but the pillows of bite-sized freshly-made spheres of fried dough are well worth the wait.

It's sometimes hard to remember that you are still in the city while being surrounded by the natural serenity of the Portland Japanese Garden. Seasonal activities and traditional Japanese performances can be found at the Cultural Village within the gardens, and an altering of exhibitions can be found in the Pavilion gallery.

Once serving as a school, Revolution Hall is now a center filled with multiple mixed-used spaces and perhaps one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Known more for its amazing views of the city, the Roof Deck does offer a full bar and BBQ options.

Serving up some of the best pizza in the Pacific Northwest, Apizza Scholls has been lauded by some of the biggest names in the restaurant industry - including Anthony Bourdain. Just make sure to get there early, as they have been known to run out of dough.

The Pittock Mansion is a beautiful home overlooking the city of Portland, with self-guided tours of the building displaying the grandeur of the Pittock family from the early 20th century. Just be sure to not miss the scenic grounds of the property as well.

Recognized as being one of the most famous train rides, the Coast Starlight is a perfect way of traveling into the city of Portland. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest while enjoying the ease of train travel.

Salt & Straw has quickly become a fan favorite among visitors and locals alike, offering homemade unique flavors of ice cream. If you're brave enough, try the pear & blue cheese, or stick with more of a classic like the Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper.

Hood River is a small city outside of Portland located on the Columbia River. In the summer, it's not uncommon to see a multitude of windsurfers and kayakers in the water. And any time of year is a great time to visit one of their breweries. My personal favorite is pFriem Family Brewers which also offers a delicious menu and great views of the river.

The Willamette River runs through the middle of Portland, and along the riverbank is Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon strolling by the riverside. There are often events that take place in the 30-acre park, especially if it is Fleet Week.

If you're in the Portland area, then a drive to see Mt. Hood is a must. The still-active volcano has laid dormant for over one hundred years, but it is still an impressive sight to see.

Located in the heart of Oregon's wine country, Soter Vineyards gives visitors a wine tasting with a beautiful view. However, a tasting reservation is required. Known for its Pinot Noir and Brut Rose wines, the trip outside the city is well rewarded.

Located in the Hollywood District of Portland, the Hollywood Theatre is one of only a handful of theatres still equipped for 70mm film projection. It was here that Quentin Tarantino decided to premiere "The Hateful Eight." Still reminiscent of theatres from the Golden Age of film, the Hollywood Theatre was opened in 1926 and has been restored to its original grandeur due to 'ongoing restoration efforts and the support of the community.'