'The Best of Portland' City Tour: Small-Group Sightseeing Tour

Portland , United States

'The Best of Portland' City Tour: Small-Group Sightseeing Tour

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About this experience

Experience the Pacific Northwest’s most-dynamic cultural hub on this small-group tour of Portland's highlights! Explore diverse neighborhoods with your TripAdvisor 'Hall of Fame' guide. You’ll be treated to morning tea and pastries, as well as walks & scenic views, with round-trip downtown Portland hotel transport included.

Begin with Pittock Mansion for unparalleled views of the city and Mt. Hood. The historic setting is an ideal place to discuss Portland’s pioneer history and development.

Take in roses or cherry blossoms, see the landscape design of J.C. Olmsted, witness sustainability integrated into an urban environment, and learn about cinder-cone volcanoes that once covered the area!

After experiencing the city’s natural side, dive into its artsy and independent spirit. Experience neighborhoods such as the Pearl District, Hawthorne, Nob Hill, Alberta, and North Mississippi for a slice of Portlandia, embodied in food truck pods, hip specialty boutiques, and craft breweries.

Available options

The Best of Portland: Small-Group Sightseeing Tour

May 29th, 2019

Pickup included

What's included

Water, snacks and other refreshments available.

Travel in luxury in our high-roof Ford Transit Vans

Morning tea, pastries and seasonal snacks. Fresh coffee while overlooking the city from Pittock Mansion!

A 4-hour tour of Portland's "must-see" highlights.

Our small tour groups mean we can really explore, unimpeded, like locals.

Pick-up and drop-off at your downtown Portland hotel, Airbnb, or rental.

Local, TripAdvisor 'Hall of Fame' naturalist guide. 'Certified Excellent' every year since 2010!

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The grounds around historic Pittock Mansion offer unparalleled views of Portland and Mt. Hood. We’ll press coffee and share local donuts as we contemplate the city.

Stop 2

Located atop the hills west of downtown, Washington Park is home to big trees and Portland favorites like the Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Children's Museum.

Stop 3

The oldest public rose test garden in the United States, the International Rose Test Garden is home to over 10,000 rose bushes! Lovely views of the city here.

Thrift stores, bookshops, hip boutiques, numerous cafes, walkable blocks, and a charming indie spirit make Hawthorne one of our favorite neighborhoods in Portland! Home to Mt. Tabor Park.

Named to the National Register of Historic Places - 630' high Mt. Tabor Park is one of the few extinct volcanoes found in any American city! Home to big views and lovely trails.

Home to galleries, restaurants, coffee, beer & bars, street art, and the beloved 'Last Thursday' monthly street fair - colorful Alberta lies in Northeast Portland.

Stop 7

The perfect neighborhood for a weekend of leisurely walking - Northwest Portland's Victorian homes, high-end shopping, and award-winning chefs provide plenty of reason to discover Nob Hill. Home to the Pittock Mansion and Rose Test Garden.

Stop 8

A former warehouse district, today, the Pearl District's cobblestone streets, stylish bars and shops, breweries, and cultural institutions make for highly enjoyable exploring. Home to Powell's City of Books.

A drive through Old Town, Portland.

When time permits, we'll drive along Waterfront Park as we head back into downtown Portland.

Stop 11 Pass by

If you like, we're happy to drop you off at the tour's end at Powell's City of Books (or we can take you back to your hotel)!

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

98 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

22 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We'll pick you up at your hotel in downtown Portland. If you are staying outside our restricted pick up zone, we are happy to meet you at our default pick up location - The Portland Visitor Center - located at 1132 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland, OR

Important notes

We'll pick you up where you're staying in Downtown Portland (the oval between Interstate 5 and Interstate 405) including hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels. If you are staying outside our legal pick up zone, we are happy to meet you at our default pick up location—The Hotel Monaco.

We will call/text/email around noon the day prior to your tour to confirm your pick-up location and exact pick-up time. No need to check-in before we contact you (unless you have a question, of course!).

If you haven't provided information on where you are staying while making your booking - you can update us later by emailing bookings@evergreenescapes.com or calling our team.

About Portland

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its eco-friendliness, craft breweries, and thriving arts scene. Nestled between the Pacific Northwest's rugged coast and the Cascade Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and outdoor adventure.

Top Attractions

Washington Park

Washington Park is a 460-acre park that features beautiful gardens, museums, and recreational facilities. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have admission fees)

Powell's City of Books

Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block. It is a paradise for book lovers.

Cultural 1-3 hours Free to browse (cost of books varies)

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is the largest art museum in Oregon, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.

Museum 1-3 hours $25 (adults), $20 (seniors), Free (under 18)

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, located just a short drive from Portland.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

Cultural 1-2 hours $19.95 (adults), $17.95 (seniors), $14.95 (students), Free (under 5)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Food Cart Pods

Portland is famous for its food carts, offering a wide variety of cuisines. These pods are a great way to sample different dishes in one place.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available

Craft Beer

Portland is known as 'Beervana' for its numerous craft breweries. Be sure to try a local brew or two.

Drink Non-alcoholic options available

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is a famous doughnut shop in Portland, known for its creative and unique doughnut flavors.

Dessert Vegetarian options available

Marionberry Pie

Marionberry pie is a local favorite, made with Oregon's famous marionberries. It is a must-try for dessert lovers.

Dessert Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Wind sports Spa treatments Yoga classes Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

June to September

Summer is the most popular time to visit Portland, with warm weather and a variety of outdoor festivals and activities. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and outdoor recreation is at its peak.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT) - GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Portland is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime and safety concerns. Visitors should take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Portland International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown

By train

Union Station

By bus

Portland Union Station, Portland Greyhound Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MAX Light Rail system is efficient, affordable, and covers most of the city. It is a convenient way to get around Portland.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Pearl District Alberta Arts District Hawthorne District Mississippi Avenue

Day trips

Mount Hood

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Mount Hood is a majestic mountain located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and scenic drives.

Columbia River Gorge

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning natural area located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.

Willamette Valley

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

The Willamette Valley is a renowned wine region located just a short drive from Portland. It is home to numerous wineries and vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours.

Festivals

Portland Rose Festival • June Oregon Brewers Festival • July Portland Christmas Market • November-December

Pro tips

Visit Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, and get lost in the vast selection of books.
Explore Portland's food cart scene, which offers a wide variety of cuisines at affordable prices.
Take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, where you can hike, waterfall view, and enjoy scenic drives.
Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Try a local craft beer at one of Portland's many breweries, which are known for their innovative and unique brews.