Since it’s high tourist season in my home city, we’re calling this Pacific North West week here on Land of Marvels! We’ll be posting all about my home city of Portland as well as other great spots around the Pacific North West all week long!
Starting off our Pacific North West week on Land of Marvels wouldn’t be complete without starting on my beloved hometown, Portland. If you ask me, Portland has a lot of reasons to fall in love with it but today we’ll cover my top 5 reasons to visit Portland. The City of Roses has been a lot of things to people over the years, but it’s definitely in its prime now and is becoming a major tourist destination in its own right, particularly in the Summer. So if you’re thinking of visiting, now is the time and here’s why you need to hop on the next plane to Portland!
Around Portland, you’ll see the slogan, “Keep Portland Weird” everywhere. It’s sort of our anthem here. We will accept you however you are, purple hair, tattoos and piercings or just the preppy girl in stripes everyday (that’s me by the way), we take you as you are and don’t question it. Portland is incredibly accepting and incredibly progressive in the culture here.
Portland’s food scene is becoming a bigger and bigger draw for visitors. Locals enjoy amazing food here in Portland at many of our award winning restaurants and chefs are flocking to the city because it’s so affordable. You’ll get amazing food here for amazing prices compared to big cities like LA and NYC and the quality, it’s just as amazing!
Our weather may be well renowned as rainy all year but actually that’s not really true anymore. It can be pretty wet and rainy from October to April, but the late Spring, Summer and early Fall are actually quite warm and clear. Granted we happen to be in the middle of a heat wave as I’m writing this, but most of the Summer our temps hover in the low 80’s which is great weather to wander the city and explore all it has to offer. And actually, Fall in Portland is so beautiful, so there are lots of times during the year where Portland is a great city escape.
One of the best things about Portland is the access to nature around it. You can be in the middle of the city in the morning and by afternoon be either at the coast, in the Columbia River Gorge or in Eastern Washington’s wine country. We’re 1-2 hours from incredible natural spots in the Pacific North West and with so many amazing spots within an easy drive, you’re never far from access to nature.
Portland is a big city made up of very distinct smaller neighborhoods which gives it a very unique vibe. Just downtown (to the West of the Willamette River) you’ll find the city center, the Pearl District, NW and Goose Hollow (among many others on the East side). Each neighborhood has a very distinct feel. From the new lofts in the Pearl District to the leafy streets of NW to the bustling downtown city center to the neighborhood feel of old houses in Goose Hollow. Each one is easily walkable from the others but each one is incredibly distant and unique in its own way.
Headed to my home town of Portland?
Check out our Portland Travel Guide in the Land of Marvels Shop for only $5!
Laura Notorangelo says
I literallty JUST booked a flight there on Saturday! I can’t wait! 🙂
Casey says
Yay!!!! If you want any recs, just let me know! 🙂
Mar says
Portland is definitely on my list, strictly for the nature. I love that photo with the seastar!
Casey says
If you like nature, Portland is your place! Even the city is super lush and green!
Emily Abernathy says
I’ve been dying to get to Portland for years now. We almost rented a car to drive down during our Seattle trip two years ago but decided with our limited time (less than 24 hours available to explore Portland), that would not have done the city justice, so we will plan a trip that includes several days in Portland whenever we can!
Casey says
Totally! Even though the city is fairly small in terms of cities, it has so much to explore that I think several days would be good to explore the city and the surrounding area!
Rachel @ STCL says
Portland is at the top of my list of places to travel in the U.S.! I was supposed to go years ago but ended up getting sick and had to cut the trip short. I’m hoping to get there in the fall!
Casey says
It will be beautiful in the Fall! My favorite time of year here!
Megan @Traveling Nine to Fiver says
All great reasons. I finally got up there to visit the other summer and absolutely loved it. Looking at planning a Pacific Northwest road trip sometime soon and will make sure it’s on the route. Thanks for sharing.
Casey says
Love a Pacific NW roadtrip (did you see my blog post today on this… perfect timing!)
Jessica @ WONDERMENTARY says
I’ve yet to visit Portland, but I know I’ll love it based on descriptions from friends who live there!
WONDERMENTARY @ http://blog.jessicapei.com
Casey says
It’s such a great city. So unique and so lovely!
Olivia says
I’ve never been to the PNW but I’m dying to go! There are so many cool cities and such natural beauty. Thanks for the guide!
Casey says
It’s such a beautiful part of the US and so many people have never been here! Let’s change that 🙂
Cynthia says
Was just there about a week ago (the weekend of the god-awful heat wave) and was shocked at how amazing the food culture is there. Coming from Seattle, I had high standards, but I think Portland seriously surpassed them! I can’t understand how anyone who lives in the city cooks at home because of all of the great options.
Casey says
Oh my gosh… the heat!!! It’s still like that lately (hopefully cooling down soon) and us locals are going crazy, we’re not used to that heat! And believe me, I hear you on the great restaurant options… there are so many! It’s a constant struggle 🙂
Marjorie says
Nice Intro to Portland Casey.
My walking tour covers some of this and much much more.
Just developing a new tour that adds to the 4Ts -Train, Trail, Tram, Trolley….
I look forward to sharing portions of my tour with you and Nick:
http://www.toursbylocals.com/DiscoverPortlandWalkingTour
Casey says
Thanks Marjorie! Can’t wait to experience your tour! 🙂
Marjorie says
Casey,
This is wonderful. Thank you 🙂
Adventurous Appetite says
I mean, just the fact that their slogan is “Keep Portland Weird” is reason enough for me! Really high on my USA to-do list!
http://www.adventurousappetite.com
Casey says
Totally. And you see that slogan EVERYWHERE!
Kiersten says
My brother recently moved to Portland and I’m planning a trip to see him this fall. I’ve never been that far north or west yet so I’m interested in how different people live compared to the southeast!
Classy Country Girl
Casey says
Wow! That will be awesome for you to get to explore the city then! It will beautiful in the Fall here 🙂