Situated on the west coast of America, Portland, Oregon has a temperate climate influenced by the nearby ocean. For that, it makes for a suitable destination for outdoor activities. This seaport city separated by the Willamette River is very famous for its beautiful rose gardens scattered throughout the city. However, when pouring rains drowns the city, it doesn’t mean your trip is ruined. You don’t have to feel stuck in a luxury hotel in Portland during inclement weather or snuggle up in a vacation rental waiting for the clouds to clear up. The City of Roses has a wide array of rainy-day activities to keep its visitors engaged. For a fun vacation, check out these best things to do in Portland when it rains.
1. Visit Five Oaks Museum
Two more weeks to visit the This IS Kalapuyan Land and other community-based memory activism displays in Portland's...
Posted by Five Oaks Museum on Thursday, June 17, 2021
Visiting Five Oaks Museum in Portland, Oregon, is a captivating and educational activity that offers a unique and diverse perspective on the region’s history and culture. Formerly known as the Washington County Museum, the museum rebranded to Five Oaks Museum in 2019 with a renewed focus on inclusivity and community engagement.
Inside the museum, you’ll find thought-provoking exhibits that explore topics ranging from local indigenous history and cultural heritage to contemporary social issues. The museum’s interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia installations provide an immersive and informative experience. Five Oaks Museum hosts various events, workshops, and community programs, fostering dialogue and connection among visitors.
Five Oaks Museum
Address: 17677 NW Springville Rd, Portland, OR 97229, United States
Website: Five Oaks Museum
Opening hours: Thur - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun - Wed)
2. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Voodoo Doughnut
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Be the star of any occasion and bring a custom doughnut to the party From weddings to gender reveals, our stores can do it ALL Give us a buzz at 661-786-6366 to make your vision come to life!
Posted by Voodoo Doughnut on Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Voodoo Doughnut is a renowned doughnut shop known for its creative and out-of-the-box flavors, playful designs, and irresistible treats. Inside the vibrant and quirky shop, you’ll find an array of unique doughnut creations, from the classic “Voodoo Doll” doughnut to the zany “Bacon Maple Bar.” Vegan and gluten-free options are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The shop’s eclectic decor and friendly staff add to the fun and inviting ambiance, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re a doughnut enthusiast or simply seeking a sweet and fun indulgence, Voodoo Doughnut promises a memorable and mouthwatering experience in the heart of Portland.
Voodoo Doughnut
Address: 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Website: Voodoo Doughnut
Opening hours: 5am - 3am (daily)
3. Go to Portland Art Museum
With its sculptures and an outstanding collection of historical galleries, Portland Art Museum will capture your interest, so there is no need to stay in the hotel’s lounge all day. This tourist attraction in Portland is the northwest’s oldest museum, thus it offers you an unforgettable art experience where you can see historical works of art.
It also exhibits Native American art, European art, Asian art, and modern and contemporary works. Adult ticket prices cost 19.99 USD and children 17 and under are free. You will get free admission if you come on the first Thursday of each month.
Portland Art Museum
Address: 1219 S.W. Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205-2445
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday); 10 am to 8 pm (Thursday and Friday); Closed on Mondays
Contact: +1-503 226 2811
Website: Portland Art Museum
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Spend time in Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s City of Books has become Portland’s iconic landmark that you need to visit on a rainy day. Powell’s, founded in 1971, is rated one of the best bookstores in the world by CNN. This cool bookstore, located in the Pearl District, has more than 1.5 million books. Enjoy reading for a moment with a hot cup of coffee that you can order at the store’s coffee shop. Readers are welcomed with a fairly fancy atmosphere so that you’ll never encounter any dullness.
Powell’s City of Books
Address: 1005 W. Burnside, Portland, OR 97209
Opening Hours: 9 am - 11 pm every day
Website: Powell’s City of Books
5. Go see a movie in Portland
A wide range of entertainment is available in Portland, and seeing a movie would indeed make your day. You can opt for one of Portland’s many movie theaters, from funky to classy. If you are lusting after an indie or foreign film, Living Room Theater with its six screens is the right place. This art cinema provides a bar where you can indulge in a glass of fine beer. Other options are Hollywood Theater with its Kung Fu programming, Laurel Hurst Theater, which is famous for its beer on tap and pizza, and Cinema 21.
Hollywood Theater
Address: 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, USA
Price: from 9 USD (Adult), 7 USD (Child), 6 USD (Member)
Contact: +1 503 493 1128
Website: Hollywood Theater
6. Take a stroll in Pioneer Place
Pioneer Place covers four city blocks in the center of Portland. Here you can do a vast array of activities such as shopping, enjoying local entertainment, dining out, hanging out, or just taking a stroll. Lose yourself in this spacious shopping center with friends or family. If you are a fashion enthusiast, you had better drop by at Louise Vuitton, Camper, Paradise Pen, Tiffany and Co., and Scotch to shop ‘til you drop. To fill your stomach, Yard House Restaurant is the place for dining.
Pioneer Place
Address: 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm.
Contact: +1 503-228-5800
Website: Pioneer Place
7. Roller skate at Oaks Amusement Park and Roller Skating Rink
Try out the best skating experience at Oaks Amusement Park and Roller Skating Rink. It is located only several minutes from downtown Portland. You don’t need to be a professional roller since the skating rink offers a Learn-to-Skate class for all beginners. A range of rental skates is also provided with various costs from toddler to adult.
A great thing to do with kids in Portland, visiting this hotspot allows family travelers to participate in skate sessions, classes, and other captivating programs.
Oaks Amusement Park and Roller Skating Rink
Address: 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202
Price: from 6.50 USD to 7.50 USD (open skate admission)
Opening Hours: 3 to 5.30 pm. (Tuesday to Friday), 1 to 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +1 503 233 5777
Website: Oakspark
8. Watch a live performance by the Portland Ballet
Enjoying a live ballet performance would be enticing, especially for those who are classic dance enthusiasts. Over Thanksgiving Weekend every year, the Portland Ballet performs, featuring live music from the PSU orchestra, which has earned many awards. Never miss this rare opportunity to witness this spectacular performance. You will be amazed by the graceful ballet movements by the company, outstanding costumes, lighting, and the best supporting music. Other performances by the Portland Ballet company are held throughout the year, so check their website for up to date information.
The Portland Ballet
Address: 6250 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239, USA
Price: Pricing depends on the performance and the age of the viewer. Check their website for more details.
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 6pm
Contact: +1 503 452 8448
Website: The Portland Ballet
9. Go shopping at the Lloyd Center
Shopping enthusiasts need to take their time at the Lloyd Center, the biggest shopping center in Portland, located next to the Willamette River. There are a plenty of facilities offered ranging from shops, an indoor ice-skating to have more fun, movie theaters, tempting food, and useful service providers. If you plan to hand out local knick-knacks to your family when you return from your vacation in Portland, the gift and souvenir section at the Lloyd Center is the answer.
Lloyd Center
Address: 2201 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR 97232, USA
Opening Hours: 10 am - 9 pm. Open every day.
Contact: +1 503 282 2511
Website: Lloyd Center
10. Eat a French brunch at Verdigris
If you’re craving French food, one of the best places to visit in Portland is Verdigris. You can create your own little paradise at this modern French restaurant of Johnny Nunn. Its elegant décor such as the hanging chandeliers surely makes your dreamy brunch or dinner more momentous and transports you to Paris.
The brunch menu is certainly worth a try with dishes such as croque-madame and maple-smoked trout. The tempting dinner menu features meals like beef bourguignon and steak frites.
Verdigris
Address: 1315 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97212, USA
Price: from 4 USD to 13 USD
Opening Hours: 9 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm (every day except Monday)
Contact: +1 503 477 8106
Near by Food: any good food.
Website: Verdigris
11. Get awesome coffee at Coava Coffee Brew
A rainy afternoon is the right moment to sip a hot espresso. Stopping in Coava Coffee Brew is an activity you need to consider. The unique design on the flooring, furniture, even the cutting boards of this coffee house has a bamboo theme. The ambiance created by the bamboo will create a different coffee experience in Portland — perfect while having the best brewed coffee. Coava uses a special type of reusable coffee filter so that your coffee is indeed rich in flavor.
Coava Coffee Brew
Address: 1300 S.E. Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97214
Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm (weekdays), 6 am to 7 pm (weekends)
Contact: +1-503.894.8134
Website: Coava Coffee Brew
12. Go to Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is located on the West Hill of Portland and provides visitors with an impressive art experience. Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was originally a home, but now holds an impressive art collection and objects original to the mansion. Also impressive is the mansion’s architecture, which is a French-Renaissance chateau combined with Victorian and Turkish style. It also provides an excellent view of downtown Portland and has well-manicured grounds.
Pittock Mansion
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, USA
Opening Hours: 11 am to 4 pm
Contact: +1 503 823 3623
Website: Pittock Mansion
Skip the Line: Pittock Mansion Museum General Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
You should travel to Portland regardless of the weather forecast
Portland is indeed the city of thousand gardens where you are pampered with green and flowery attractions on a sunny day. On the other hand, it’s totally false when you start thinking that when bad weather strikes, you’ll be stuck in the hotel room.
Go to the movie theater, visit a museum or historical mansion, try roller skating, or sample delicious food and coffee when the weather forecast predicts rain. These must-try indoor activities in Portland are sure to fill your trip with unforgettable adventures.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Portland when it rains
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to