Portland, Oregon keeps it low key – this is a place that’s all about paperback books and beer, pinball machines and pretty urban hikes, street art and soapbox derby races down the side of a dormant volcano. Moreover, it’s easy to find numerous free things to do in Portland, from trails accessible by public transit to community art projects, street fairs, and unusual museums.
Here are twenty of the best free things to do in Portland, aka Rose City, Stumptown, Bridgetown, and PDX.
Editor’s note: during COVID-19, there are restrictions on travel, and some of these free attractions may be temporarily closed or require pre-booking. Always check before departure, and be sure to follow local health guidance.
1. Forest Park
Stretching more than 5,100 acres along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, Forest Park is the largest wooded urban park in the US. Flanking Portland’s West Hills, its 70-mile network of verdant trails offers a great way to witness the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest’s forestlands without leaving the city limits, and is accessible by public transit.
2. Powell’s City of Books
Occupying five floors and spanning an entire city block, the iconic retailer is the largest independent bookstore in the country. Its nine color-coded rooms house millions of books on every subject imaginable, making it one of the best places in Portland for people-watching. Monthly, dozens of authors and artists visit for free readings and events in the Pearl Room’s Basil Hallward Gallery, along with children’s story hours, poetry slams, writing workshops, and game demonstrations.
3. Mill’s End Park
While having the largest park (Forest Park) within city limits is noteworthy, the smallest one is equally remarkable. Mill Ends Park – located on the median strip at SW Naito Pkwy and Taylor St – is a circle of green just 24 inches in diameter. It’s famously known as the home of leprechauns, and locals enjoy decorating this tiny park for various holidays.
4. Saturday Market
The largest and longest-running open-air craft market in the US, Portland’s features hundreds of artisan vendors, selected by a jury. Despite the name, it’s open on Sundays as well. You can easily spend hours wandering through various stalls that sell clothing, jewelry, handmade accessories, local art, and homewares. Moreover, you can enjoy bites from numerous food carts while taking in street performers’ antics, making this one of the prime locations in Portland for people-watching.
5. Last Thursday on Alberta
Artists, musicians, and buskers come together for the Last Thursday street art event on NE Alberta St, taking place on the last Thursday evening of each month. The festivities extend beyond the street, as galleries launch new exhibitions and local restaurants display new artwork for sale. As such, it’s an opportunity to browse for free while supporting local artists by purchasing unique wares, like paintings and handmade jewelry.
6. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
On the west bank of the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park spans downtown Portland, showcasing notable monuments and sights like the Japanese American Historical Plaza and Salmon Street Springs. This waterfront path is perfect for strolling, jogging, and cycling, while in spring, cherry blossoms line the path, creating a picturesque scene. Named after the governor who established Oregon’s urban growth boundaries, the park hosts numerous festivals like the Waterfront Blues Festival and LGBTQ Pride.
7. Portland Street Art
In a city whose mantra is “Keep Portland Weird,” expect plenty of creative street art. From towering murals adorned with florals on Division Street to vibrant graffiti in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District, the city is full of color. “Produce Row” is especially fun, featuring a skate park under one of the bridges along with colorful bunting, while the Alberta Arts District is known for its exemplary street murals.
8. Walking with Ramona Quimby
Ramona Quimby may be Portland’s most famous fictional resident – a character created by Oregonian Beverley Cleary. Her stories have enchanted readers since 1950, and her adventures take place in recognizable Portland settings. You can visit various locations from the series, from Klickitat Street where Ramona’s family lived to a statue of her in Grant Park. The Multnomah County Library even offers a printable PDF map for a free walking tour.
9. Washington Park
Washington Park features numerous key attractions across its 410 acres of greenery. The , showcasing over 700 varieties, offers fantastic city views. Additionally, Hoyt Arboretum showcases twelve miles of trails winding through a garden with over 6,000 diverse plants and trees, easily accessible through public transportation.
10. The Pittock Mansion
This exquisite 1914 mansion, built by the entrepreneur Henry Pittock, who revamped the Oregonian newspaper, is a stunning site to enjoy. While guided tours are available, visitors can also simply roam the grounds for a picnic, soaking up spectacular views. The mansion lies along the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, connecting to numerous scenic trails.
11. Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst Park features a picturesque spring-fed pond that is a favorite among locals for picnicking. Formerly a private farm, its beautiful old trees and sprawling lawns were transformed into a park in 1912, inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted’s designs. This park is an excellent place for people-watching, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the thriving local architecture surrounding the area.
12. Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square provides a perfect breather between sightseeing and shopping. Visitors can enjoy local food from carts and settle on the brick steps for prime people-watching. Additionally, bringing a chess set for play at one of the square’s painted or bronze chess boards is a delightful option.
13. Council Crest Park
Council Crest Park, perched in the Tualatin Mountains that create Portland’s western edge, offers stunning views of distant volcanoes, including Mount Rainier and Mount Hood. An observation plaza indicates which peaks you’re observing in the breathtaking 180-degree panorama.
14. Stark’s Vacuum Cleaner Museum
A small collection of historical vacuum models hangs on a wall at the Southeast Portland location. Although it has downsized since moving in 2017, the museum shares a new timeline of vacuum cleaners throughout history, leaving it a quirky must-see for visitors.
15. Chinatown and Old Town
The sights of Portland’s oldest neighborhood include serene cultural gardens, respected waterfront monuments, and underground passages filled with history. Once a seedy area in the 1890s, Old Town has transformed into a place with beautiful historic architecture, Waterfront Park, the Saturday Market, and vibrant nightlife. Chinatown, while no longer the heart of the Chinese community, still boasts the ornate Chinatown Gateway and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
16. The Simpsons Streets
The Simpsons creator Matt Groening grew up in Portland and incorporated many of the city’s street names into the cartoon. The city embraces Groening’s unique creativity, and avid fans of the show can take a free walking tour to visit locations that inspired him, exploring quirky neighborhoods along the way.
17. Mt. Tabor Park
Few cities can claim access to an extinct volcano, but Mt. Tabor Park boasts this rare feature alongside beautiful Craftsman homes. Visitors can enjoy tennis courts, recreational facilities, and bike trails, while the unique open water reservoirs adorned with turret-like structures reflect the City’s Beautiful Movement ideals. It’s a great place to stroll and soak up the local ambiance.
18. The Eastbank Esplanade
While the west bank of the Willamette River features Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the east bank showcases the esplanade. This 1.5-mile paved path offers lovely panoramic views of downtown Portland’s skyline, including the Burnside and Hawthorne Bridges along with the local nickname for The U.S. Bancorp Tower, “Big Pink.” Public art installations make it a pleasant area to wander or bike with a coffee in hand.
19. Lone Fir Cemetery
Lone Fir Cemetery, dating back to the mid-19th century, presents a beautiful garden-style resting place for many influential figures in Portland’s history. Beautifully designed mausoleums, such as that of the MacLeay family, provide a serene environment perfect for peaceful walks while appreciating the city’s heritage.
20. Hunting for Horse Rings
In many cities established during the horse and buggy era, you might find rings embedded in sidewalks, a relic of the past. Portland, however, kept its horse rings, and they now serve as a community art project mechanism. Keep your eyes peeled, especially downtown, to discover tiny toy horses and figurines hitched to these old rings, perfectly reflecting Portland’s characteristic quirkiness.
