Best Things To Do In Portland, Oregon

Whenever I travel to a new place, I love to find the best food, most photogenic spots, and coolest places to share with you all in the form of a city guide. You can check out my other city guides for Austin, Miami, Savannah, Charleston, and more. Let’s talk PNW! It’s my first time out in this part of the country and it is so beautiful. From tall pine trees to beaches to energetic cities, it’s definitely a place that I hope to come back to again some day. Our first stop on this trip was in Portland, Oregon and there is so much to do in the city. Here are what I believe are the best spots in Portland, Oregon to check out the next time you’re visiting.

Blue Star Donuts

Blue Star is a Portland institution and people are serious about their donuts here. Voodoo Donuts, which I had in Austin, was also recommended to us but so many people told us Blue Star came out on top and they were right. This place did not disappoint, My favorite was the raspberry rosemary donut and the passionfruit one. They were both seriously packed with flavor.

Blue Star Donuts, 672 S Gaines St #2, Portland, OR 97239

Cannon Beach

If you’re up for a road trip, Cannon Beach is absolutely worth the drive. Located about 90 minutes outside of the city center, this beach town boasts local restaurants like Pelican Brewery, beautiful landscapes including giant rocks shooting out of the ocean, and adorable beachside homes. The drive out from the city center was super scenic and like driving through a postcard. This would make the perfect Portland day trip.

Cannon Beach, US-101, Cannon Beach, OR 97110

Case Study Coffee

If you’re a longtime reader of Keep Calm and Chiffon you know that I am a freelancer and am always on the lookout for cute coffee shops to work from. Case Study Coffee is the ultimate spot for laptop-dwellers. Located in the city center, this place has a strong cold brew and an energetic crowd to accompany its sprawling central coffee bar. Whether you’re breezing through for a coffee and a bagel or sitting for a few hours, this is the spot to be.

Case Study Coffee, 802 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Deschutes Brewing

As a lover of craft beer, I was pleased to learn that Portland is eighth in the U.S. for breweries per capita meaning you’ve got a lot of options. Deschutes is probably the most well-known from what we experienced and I even had one of their beers in the Seattle leg of our trip too! The pretzel and bier cheese did not disappoint. Also head around the corner to Von Ebert brewing if you’re looking to knock out two in one afternoon.

Deschutes Brewery, 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

8 Can’t-Miss Spots in Portland, Oregon by austentosone on Jumprope.

Mother’s

I’m so glad my friend Flor recommended Mother’s where we stopped in for brunch on our last morning in Portland. Not only was the Bloody Mary one of the best I’ve ever had but the food didn’t disappoint either. Mother’s is the perfect spot to head to on a Saturday morning with a group of your closest girlfriends for food, laughs, and fun.

Mother’s Bistro, 121 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Columbia River Park

If you’re looking for a taste of nature without leaving from the city center, check out the pathway along the Columbia River. The river runs right through the city center and you’ll see residents biking, jogging, or just hanging out on a nice day by the waterfront. It also offers a cool view of the other side of the city, further from Pearl District and Downtown.

98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Portland paramount theater

Whether you’re just walking by and want a pic for the ‘gram or you stop in to enjoy some live theater, the Portland Paramount Theater is worth checking out. The theater first opened in 1928 and boasts an Italian Rococo Revival-style interior. It is also called “The Schnitz.”

1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

Punch Bowl SOcial Portland

My last food recommendation for Portland comes from my dad! He was blown away by their appetizer called A Pig, A Duck, and Some Cheese Walk Into a Bar… and we decided to check it out for lunch. I had the shrimp burger and a local craft IPA and can confirm that it was delicious. Plus, you can stay and watch a football game or bowl in the back!

Punch Bowl Social, 340 SW Morrison St #4305, Portland, OR 97204

Other recommended spots we didn’t make it to: Tusk, 10 Barrel Brewing, Mount Hood

Have you ever been to Portland? What was your favorite spot?

yours,

Austen