7 Days in Portland: A Journey Through Nature and Culture

Darien Hammes

1 Jan 2024

Embark on a week-long adventure in Portland, where you'll discover stunning gardens, historic mansions, and captivating museums. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum, and delve into the city's rich history at the Oregon Historical Society. With something new to explore every day, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience in the vibrant city of Portland.

Trip to Portland

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Majestic Mansions and Blooming Roses

$30

$ 5

23-room mansion from 1914 now a museum, featuring gardens, period furnishings & scenic views.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$30

8 - 10 min

Directions

City-maintained rose test gardens founded in 1917, featuring 10,000+ plants in manicured displays.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Serenity in Japanese Gardens and Quirky Parks

$48

$ 5

Many styles of gardens showcased in serene 5.5-acre space with waterfall, teahouse & mountain view.

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$47

19 - 23 min

Directions

Teensy, quirky plantings area on a median strip, billed as the world's smallest park.

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Landmark sign with a white stag on a university building illuminated at night & erected in 1940.

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Discovering Nature's Treasures at Washington Park

Huge park with varied attractions including zoo, rose garden, Japanese garden & 12 miles of trails.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

Day 4Roaming with Wildlife at the Oregon Zoo

$35

64-acre zoo featuring elephants, polar bears & other animal exhibits emphasizing conservation.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$35

Day 5Tranquility and History at Hoyt Arboretum and Oregon Historical Society

$25

$ 5

190-acre park with thousands of native, global & endangered trees, plus 12 miles of hiking trails.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Rotating exhibits give insight into state history, art & more in building with 8-story-high murals.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

Day 6Strolling Along the Waterfront and Exploring Chinese Gardens

$30

Riverfront green belt featuring public art, historical monuments, paved paths & a fountain.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Tranquil botanical garden featuring rare plants native to China, decorative stonework & a tea shop.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$30

Day 7Science and Serenity at OMSI and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

$50

$ 5

Rotating shows, science labs, submarine tours & planetarium at a museum with monthly 21+ events.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$38

10 - 12 min

Directions

Park with 2,500+ plants that bloom in spring & summer, plus year-round water features & trails.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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$13

Budget breakdown: $238 In total

Activities & Food:$218

Transport:$20