Portland, Oregon Attractions

Oregon Convention Center -

With a million cubic feet, Oregon Convention Center is the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest and the perfect venue for any event. In September 2008, the Oregon Convention Center was recertified with the LEED-EB Silver rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the first convention center in the nation to achieve recertification at a higher rating. In 2004, the center was rated LEED-EB, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in the Existing Buildings category, upon completion of the center’s expansion. Located in Portland’s city center, around the corner from restaurants, tax-free shopping, cultural attractions and entertainment, OCC is the preferred venue for national conventions. The area’s spectacular scenery is complimented by the artful décor and atmosphere of the center's interiors. OCC features high-speed wired and wireless internet, parking, culinary delights, and superior service. The MAX light-rail can pick you up or drop you off for free. Visit www.oregoncc.org.

Portland Trailblazers -

Catch “Blazermania” as the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers heat up the hardwoods at Portland’s Rose Quarter. Recently celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1977 NBA Championship, the Portland Trailblazers will dazzle fans will an exciting lineup of star players. Since their beginning in 1970, the Trailblazers have been one of the most solid franchises in NBA history. Embarking on a new era of success, with a young team and talented new coach, 2006 Rookie of the Year, Brandon Roy, and the 2007 number one draft pick Greg Oden, the Portland Trailblazers are the NBA’s “most talked about team” and are sure to net exciting victories in Rip City! Visit www.nba.com/blazers.

Rose Quarter -

The Rose Quarter includes the 20,000-seat Rose Garden, the 12,000-seat Memorial Coliseum, the 6,500-seat Theater of the Clouds, the 40,000-square foot Exhibit Hall and Rose Quarter Commons.  Home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, the NHL Winter Hawks, and a National Lacrosse League expansion team- the Rose Garden is a multi-use arena that also presents concerts and events.  The Winter Hawks also play in Memorial Coliseum, which is attached to the Exhibit Hall and 7 meeting rooms.  The Commons, Portland's largest outdoor plaza, connects the Rose Garden and Coliseum and can accommodate 5,000 people for outdoor concerts and events. Visit www.rosequarter.com

Forest Park

Portland has a long history of setting aside land for public use and recreation. Forest Park is the nations largest forested park within one city's boundaries in the United States! Spanning over 5,000 acres, Forest Park is the pinnacle of the City of Portland's park system. Forest Park reminds us that we are deeply tied to nature and provides direct access to great wild places for many residents and tourists.

Forest Park is located within the western hemlock vegetation zone, which dominates much of Western Oregon's lowland forests. Forest Park affords us the opportunity to experience a living example of these forests well inside the city limits! The park provides habitat for more than 60 mammals and over 100 species of birds.

Forest Park has had a lasting and profound impact on our city, ensuring that ours is a city like no other. The park is a great gift; however, it is threatened. We are hoping that you will visit this treasure while in Portland, and carry the message of "conservation" back to your home town! Visit Forest Park Conservancy for more information.
 

Take a hike and pick up a trail map today.

Portland Rose Test Garden - 

On 4.5 acres in the West Hills above downtown Portland, these are the largest and oldest rose test gardens in the US. Established in 1917, the gardens are as a testing ground for new varieties. Though you will see familiar roses in the Gold Medal Garden, most of the 400 varieties are new hybrids. From spring to early winter, you'll find a garden of miniature roses and a Shakespeare Garden that includes flowers mentioned in the Bard's works. You'll understand why Portland is the City of Roses and why the Rose Festival in June is our biggest annual celebration. Visit www.portlandparks.org/gardens/introsetestgarden.htm.

Portland Japanese Garden - 

The finest Japanese garden in North America, Portland's Japanese Garden is one of the city's most tranquil spots. Enjoy five styles of Japanese gardens spreading over 5 acres, - showcasing bonsai,  views of volcanic Mt. Hood and a beautiful waterfall. The Japanese garden is colored by seasonal cherry trees, azaleas and wisteria bursts in spring and huge Japanese irises that color the banks of the pond in summer. On the third Saturday of each of summer month, there's a Japanese tea ceremony in the garden's tea house. Visit www.japanesegarden.com.

Portland Classical Chinese Garden - 

A harmonizing blend of water, architecture, stone, and poetry against a richly planted landscape, Portland Classical Chinese Garden takes up a city block in Chinatown. The timeless Chinese landscape evokes the wild mountains of China and creates a tranquil oasis within an urban setting. The gardens are centered around a small pond, at one end of which stands a rock wall meant to conjure images from Chinese scroll paintings. Viewing pavilions, a bridge, and a winding pathway provide ever-changing views of the gardens, which will transport you to ancient China. Overlooking the lake, the Tao of Tea teahouse features teas and Chinese snacks. Visit www.portlandchinesegarden.org.

The Oregon Garden - 

Located on 80 acres in Historic Silverton, Oregon Garden is one of Oregon's most enchanting destinations, where thousands of plants are displayed in over 20 specialty gardens. Explore amazing water features, the conifer garden, garden art, wetlands, the Rediscovery Forest, a playful kids garden, the 400-year-old Signature Oak and the Gordon House, the only house in Oregon designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Enjoy the Summer Concert Series and relax while enjoying evening music in a natural setting framed by 200-year-old Oregon oaks. There are a event venues and meeting spaces throughout the Garden. Visit www.oregongarden.org.

Oregon Zoo -

Since the 1800's, the Oregon Zoo has been preserving animals and their habitats. Known for the largest breeding herd of elephants in captivity, Oregon Zoo has several new exhibits, including the Africa exhibit, which features a lifelike rain forest and savanna populated by zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos. Equally impressive is the Alaskan tundra exhibit with grizzly bears, wolves, and musk oxen. The Cascade Crest exhibit includes a mountain goat habitat, and in the Steller Cove exhibit, you can watch the antics of Steller sea lions and sea otters. Don’t miss the bat house. During the summer, outdoor concerts are presented in the zoo's amphitheater. Visit www.oregonzoo.org.

Pittock Mansion -

At nearly the highest point in the West Hills, 1,000 feet above sea level, stands the most impressive mansion in Portland. Built in 1914 in French Renaissance style, this grand château, built by the founder of Portland's Oregonian, featured many innovations and today is fully restored and furnished with 18th- and 19th-century antiques. With an expansive view from the city of Portland to the Cascade Range, the lawns surrounding Pittock Mansion are a delightful spot for a picnic. You can also access Forest Park's Wildwood Trail. Visit www.pittockmansion.org.

Willamette Valley Wine Region -

Willamette Valley, Oregon's leading wine region, is home to 200 wineries and is the promised land for Pinot Noirs. Willamette Valley is a huge appellation that includes three sub-appellations - McMinnville, Dundee Hills and Yamhill Carlton. Following the Willamette River for 100 miles from the Columbia River near Portland to Eugene, the Valley provides excellent conditions for growing Pinot Noir. Wineries also produce Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and some Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. Tour the Willamette Valley wineries - 45 minutes from Portland - sample wines, enjoy wine tasting events and drink up incredible views. Visit www.willamettewines.com