10 Days in Portland: Unveiling Hidden Gems

Lisa Harrison

24 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through the eccentric city of Portland, where enchanting gardens, mysterious tunnels, and captivating museums await. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Rose City as you explore its unique attractions and discover its best-kept secrets.

Trip to Portland

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Enchanting Castles and Blooming Roses

$ 20

On the Lower Macleay Trail, this old stone building with no roof is surrounded by dense woodland.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Serenity in Japanese Gardens and Bizarre Wonders

$120

$ 10

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

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$95

16 - 20 min

Directions

The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum

Museum featuring strange & creepy exhibits, artwork & merchandise (not recommended for children).

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$25

Day 3Roaming with Wildlife and Crossing Iconic Bridges

$70

$ 10

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$70

14 - 17 min

Directions

Fancy cable-stayed bridge opened in 2015, open to pedestrians, cyclists & mass transit only.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Tranquility Amongst Arboretums and Riverside Bliss

$ 10

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5Majestic Mansions and Haunting Underground Mysteries

$160

$ 10

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$60

15 - 18 min

Directions

Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnels Tour

Company offering guided tours of the historic Chinatown tunnels with rumored organized crime ties.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$100

Day 6Artistic Marvels at the Portland Art Museum

$100

Collection of Asian, American, Native American & European art, plus touring shows & film screenings.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$100

Day 7Nature's Oasis in Washington Park

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Unveiling Oregon's Rich History and Maritime Heritage

$100

$ 10

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

6 - 8 min

Directions

Guided tours & educational exhibits on a historic steam-powered tug moored on the Willamette River.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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$50

Day 9Serene Gardens and Blossoming Rhododendrons

$85

$ 10

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$60

13 - 16 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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$25

Day 10Science and Railways at OMSI and Oregon Rail Heritage Center

$110

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$75

7 - 10 min

Directions

Indoor museum housing historic exhibits & multiple restored trains, some of which are operational.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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$35

Budget breakdown: $825 In total

Activities & Food:$745

Transport:$80