Are you thinking about visiting Portland with your partner? Great choice! Portland may not spring to mind when you think about love-struck cities, but I assure you it has more than its fair share of exciting, romantic things to do. Although it’s known for its cool, laid-back vibes and abundance of rain, Portland also has some of the most beautiful greenery, shops, and breweries in the country! So pack your bags and get ready to have a whirlwind adventure through waterfalls, bookstores, and lush green gardens. Here are the most romantic things to do in Portland!
Take a romantic stroll through some of Portland's most beautiful parks
There’s no better way to get to know your sweetheart than talking and laughing on a whimsical stroll through nature. Portland has some truly magical parks, so there’s no shortage of options, but here are some of the most beautiful parks and garden you’re sure to love.
1. Washington Park
This popular park is located in the heart of Portland. It encompasses lots of other parks, providing miles of trails, an extensive rose garden, a large Japanese garden and even a zoo (if you’re missing your dog or feel like feeding a giraffe). Take the free shuttle and hit lots of the parks and museums in one afternoon for a romantic day filled with nature and exploring.
Washington Park
Address: 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, 97221 Portland, OR
Website: Washington Park
2. The Rose Garden
Visit The Rose Garden! This beautiful and other-worldly garden is located within Washington Park and filled with multiple varieties of roses of all shapes, sizes, and colors! This vibrant and colorful area is home to roses, fountains, and ivy-covered benches that you and your partner will love wandering through.
The International Rose Test Garden
Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, 97205 Portland, OR
Website: The International Rose Test Garden
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
3. Portland Japanese Garden
This fascinating garden is also located within Washington Park. However, although this garden is no less beautiful, the atmosphere differs from the International Rose Garden. The Portland Japanese Garden often hosts a series of small events, such as Japanese bamboo art exhibits or tea presentations, and carries the serene and tranquil atmosphere of another time. Careful, you might even forget you’re in Portland for awhile!
Portland Japanese Garden
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, 97205 Portland, OR
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday, 12 - 7 p.m.
Website: Portland Japanese Garden
Explore the city
Once you’re done wandering around the gardens, explore the exciting nightlife and bustle of the city. And be sure to visit these three sights!
4. Portland Brewery Bike Tour (from USD 79.0)
Portland is famous for its beer, so try this fun way of checking out some of the city’s best breweries. This tour goes through the pearl district as well as some of the city’s most famous bars. Plus, if you ride your bike everywhere, you won’t feel nearly as guilty about the carbs in the beer. It’s pretty much a win-win.
Portland Brewery Bike Tour
Duration: 3 hours
5. Powell's City of Books
Do you like reading? Or books? Or just looking like a hipster as you traverse flights of stairs to explore the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world? Then wander through the floors and sections of Portland’s most famous bookstore and lose yourself in a good story as the rain outside gently pelts the window. Pro Tip: Watch the time, it passes more quickly than you’d think.
Powell's City of Books
Address: 1005 W Burnside St., 97209 Portland, OR
Website: Powell’s City of Books
6. Voodoo Donuts
One thing you absolutely have to do while you’re in Portland is to grab a donut from Voodoo Donuts! This donut shop is unique, quirky, and tons of fun to visit (basically Portland in a nutshell) and to top it off, the crazy combinations wind up tasting amazing! Think you’ll never like a maple bar and bacon donut in your life? Think again. Good things really do come in pink boxes.
Pro Tip: Voodoo Donuts is cash-only so be sure to bring some. Also, if you’re feeling like the line is too long, head over to Voodoo 2 instead!
Voodoo Donuts
Address: 22 SW 3rd Avenue, 97204 Portland, OR
Website: Voodoo Donuts
Take a little day trip
Last but certainly not least, take a day trip! Portland is amazing and all, but just outside of the city are tons of natural waterfalls and caves that are just begging to be explored.
7. Multnomah Falls (from USD 75.0)
One day trip, in particular, that is perfect for a romantic getaway (or even just a family trip, it’s really just perfect) is a short, gorgeous hike to the mystical waterfall at Multnomah Falls. This breath-taking waterfall is just under an hour outside the city, and a great excuse to share a hot chocolate and take pictures.
Waterfalls Tour from Portland: Multnomah, Columbia River Gorge
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Get excited!
Get excited and get ready to have the most magical weekend of your life with your best friend! All these activities are sweet, adventurous, and exciting experiences to share with your partner, and you’re sure to have an incredibly romantic time exploring the hidden gem that is Portland. However, Portland isn’t just limited to making endearing memories with the one you love. It’s also a great city for spending time with friends and family, so rest assured when you start to miss the lush trees and killer beer, there’s plenty to do and share with others when you return.
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