Tours and Day Trips from Portland

Portland is a city full of life in and around its urban spaces. That's why it's one of the best places to sign up for some of the best local activities. These will allow you to explore the historical heritage, taste the exquisite cuisine and check out the quality of the craft beers.

There are also experiences that take you through the legends of ghosts and haunted tunnels that have become part of the local identity. There are treasures for everyone in this town, including taking in the natural beauty of Mt. Hood or heading out into the valley for a wine tasting.

The charm of the north coast exudes an irresistible magnetism that's hard to ignore, which is perhaps why it has become one of the most fascinating getaways near Portland. It is best to dedicate eight hours to a full day to admire the most emblematic locations in a relaxing adventure. Along the way, you'll hike along rugged cliffs and through areas full of curiosities.

Marvel at the trails of Ecola State Park, whose unique geography is filled with lush vegetation, natural sanctuaries and dreamy vistas. Nearby are two beaches that deserve attention, known as Canyon Beach and Short Sand Beach.

Details of interest

• Price: from 119 € per person.
• Duration: between eight and nine hours.
• Advantages: usually includes transfers and pick-up at selected hotels.
• Disadvantages: meals are usually not included.

If you feel like escaping the traffic and getting some exercise, then you should hop on a bike to admire Portland's opulence. These types of tours usually take place in the mid-afternoon for small groups, making them a must-do activity to see the most special places from a personalized perspective. Keep in mind that you will have to pedal 12 to 17 km through cobblestone houses, picturesque streets, tree-lined mazes and iconic monuments.

Would you like to live this experience? Then buckle up your helmet and get ready for fun stops at:

• Clinton Street Theater.
• Ladd's Addition neighborhood maze.
• The Solterra Building.
• El Poeta Beach.

Details of interest

• Price: from 40 € per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Advantages: child seats are usually available.

If you want to immerse yourself in a spooky adventure you should definitely consider a tour of the apparently haunted Shanghai Tunnel in Portland. Many people claim to have seen all sorts of paranormal happenings, so it now functions as a tourist attraction that you can explore on foot.

For 90 minutes you can see old restaurants, stores and hotels that connected to the Willamette River, as well as discover historic subway events and meet the ghost that haunts the area. To tone down the intensity and take in the local legends, these types of experiences often include a craft beer tasting at the end of the tunnel tour.

Keep in mind that to complete the tour it is necessary to be in good physical condition, as the route is full of obstacles and stairs. Additionally, the passages and doors are narrow and there are sensitive images, so it is not recommended for children.

Interesting details

• Price: from 38 € per person.
• Duration: approximately one hour and a half.

Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood are two Oregon landmarks within easy reach of Portland. Staying in these areas can be expensive, so the best way to visit them is with a tour from the city. For example, you can opt for a small plane ride lasting about an hour, a sufficient window of time to see the gems around the perimeter.

Specifically, Mt. Hood is Oregon' s highest peak and is covered in snow and glaciers from November through May, when it's possible to take advantage of a skiing experience. The Columbia George Gorge and its gorges also look beautiful from the sky and are worth a long look.

You'll catch glimpses of scattered forests, Multnomah Falls and other points of interest that the expert pilot will point out and contextualize. The landscape often reflects the famous Beacon Rock, a monolith that borders the sea. You can also see the Bridge of the Gods, considered a masterpiece for its strategic construction near the Columbia River.

Details of interest

• Price: from 231 € per group.
• Duration: about one hour.
• Advantages: it is usually a private and personalized experience for a maximum of 3 people with the company of an expert pilot.
• Disadvantages: not recommended for travelers with health problems.

Another memorable experience is to visit Mt. Hood by land to take advantage of its fun-filled activities. Stroll through the forest to reach this iconic peak at the highest point in Oregon. Generally, you'll find guided experiences lasting at least 8 hours, ideal for getting to know the surroundings at a pace that's enjoyable for the whole group.

Along the way you'll discover local legends and cool off with traditional wines or at the magical waterfalls and streams that sparkle in this dreamy panorama. Have you ever seen a sand river? It is an unconventional phenomenon that creates a desert in the middle of the jungle. The best thing is that it is located near the Bonneville hatchery, where the life cycle of different species of fish is promoted.

Of course, do not forget to take pictures of the stops to immortalize this moment. And given the duration of the excursion, it is advisable to include it in case you are planning an itinerary of several days in the city.

Details of interest

• Price: around 152 € per person.
• Duration: between 8 and 9 hours.
• Advantages: usually includes snacks and water.
• Disadvantages: note that the time on the road is about two hours, which can be tiring for some travelers.

Portland is a city known for its gastronomic variety, which includes street food offerings and fine dining alternatives. Typically, this experience begins with a selection of delicacies from various street carts around the city, so you can get an unfiltered taste of the food and experience the locals' way of life.

It's not just about sampling local food, you'll also take your palate on a journey through international options. To wash down the food you will be taken to try a craft beer and walk around different food stalls. Although it is possible to organize this tour on your own, a guided experience is the best way to find quality places and visit the most popular restaurants.

This way, you will know exactly where to try reindeer sausages, roasted yams, Cuban sandwiches or the best local dessert route.

Details of interest

• Price: from 89 € per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Advantages: if you have special dietary requirements, you can specify it in advance and enjoy a meal suitable for your health.

Hop aboard a Segway to get to know the attributes of Portland in record time, I promise it is an alternative that will make your trip more interesting and fun. Don't know how to use them? Don't worry! It is suitable for all levels and you will be accompanied by a guide who will give you a basic lesson before starting the adventure. This way, you will be able to travel along the coastal area in total comfort.

Along the way you will learn about the local history and feel the cool breeze against your face. Of course, you'll skirt the Willamette River and the waterfront, where water sports are offered that you can participate in later if you plan to be in Portland for at least 3 days

Details of interest

• Price: from $60 per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Disadvantages: minimum age to participate is 10 years old and it is not suitable for pregnant women or people suffering from vertigo.

Enjoy the sweetness of Portland's popular doughnuts, which will surprise you with original recipes created by culinary specialists in the region. Being one of the best-selling desserts, there are so many places that it is difficult to define an itinerary. Therefore, it is convenient to hire a donut route that will take you to explore soft flavors and creamy fillings that melt in your mouth.

In general, in the tours offered in the city you will not be a simple spectator, you will have the opportunity to enter the kitchens of the most famous stores to learn about baking and decorating techniques to try to replicate them at home. If you plan to visit Portland with children this plan is a must, as the whole family will have a great time.

In places like Voodoo Doughnut you can try a variety of doughnuts. In general, the most famous ones in town are lavender, rosemary, matcha, maple syrup, blueberry, old-fashioned bergamot chocolate, almond ganache and other unusual flavors. The doughnut boxes bring other delicious surprises such as laminated doughs, soft doughnuts inside and crunchy outside, yeast doughs and more traditional proposals.

Details of interest

• Price: from 62 € per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.

Craft beers are very popular in Portland because of the diversity of flavors, production quality and brewing culture that has spawned a variety of breweries and microbreweries. Since its heyday in 1984, there have been approximately 140 places dedicated to exploring the most refined brewing techniques, taking inspiration from the Belgian and German industry. Not for nothing is it known as the craft beer capital of the world.

If you're ready to get to know Portland through its traditional beverages, keep in mind that the most popular ones are located on the East Side, a neighborhood where you can enjoy seasonal offerings and beers on tap. Specifically, this experience challenges your taste buds and allows you to savor different types of beer such as IPA, lager, ale and saison.

Popular craft breweries include:

• Deschutes: offers more than 20 types of beers that can be paired with typical Portland dishes.
• 10 Barrel Brewing: here you can sip a beer on the rooftop, enjoy the views of the city or stay and explore the nightlife.
• Kells Brewery: an Irish-style brewery with 12 types of beer on tap.

Details of interest

• Price: from €60 per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Disadvantages: this type of experience may have age restrictions, since the minimum age to consume alcohol is 21 years old.

The bright pastures of the Willamette Valley are worth admiring with a glass of wine in your hands, so I invite you to join a wine tour that will take you to 3 to 5 popular wineries in the region. Soak your palate in exquisite preparations such as pinot, chardonnay and riesling, prepared with quality grapes.

You will be fascinated because the local wines have an international reputation and have been marketed since 1840, so it is worthwhile to get into this wine scene. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most interesting activities in Portland where you can delight your palate like a pro.

Note that the valley is about an hour away, many people travel by bus with FlixBus USA, but transfers are usually included in guided experiences.

Details of interest

• Price: from 212 € per couple.
• Duration: about seven and a half hours.
• Benefits: Lunch is usually included.

• Wear appropriate clothing according to the weather and type of activity, to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
• Don't forget comfortable shoes, considering that some tours invite you to walk for several kilometers and of course you don't want blisters to spoil your vacation.
• Book in advance so you don't miss out on any experience and fulfill all the expectations of your trip.
• If you plan to book a food tour of Portland and have any dietary restrictions, let us know in advance to ensure a pleasant evening.
• Stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially if you are traveling in the summer.

Portland is a city that captivates with every proposition, so you can create an itinerary to your liking that is flexible, affordable and full of adventure. However, in order not to miss any details, it is advisable to participate in a guided experience. This way, you will enjoy the informative commentary of an expert guide, who will take you through the most emblematic places.

In addition, you may enjoy additional benefits such as meals and transfers. It is also a good idea if you are traveling alone, since you will be able to join group tours and meet people. It's also the safest way to get out of Portland and optimize your time if you plan to explore the surrounding area.