Portland, OR Vacation Rentals

Portland Travel Guide

Portland is located in the northwest corner of the state of Oregon in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Things to Do in Portland

The city is lined by the Columbia River and enjoys great access to natural reserves such as Silver Star Scenic Area, and Mt. Hood National Forest where you´ll find great adventures like hiking and camping, as well as resorts like the Lost Lake Resort for even more fun times.

Downtown Portland should be the first place to visit for newbies because it offers a wide variety of lively restaurants, bars and boutiques in a walkable and friendly area. The Pearl District and Old China Town have also turned into areas filled with galleries, eateries, and just all-around great places to enjoy Portland´s friendliness and culture. Other Portland landmarks include Powell´s City of Books where you can find over one million books and enjoy a great cup of coffee at the same time, Lan Su Chinese Garden is built in the style of the Ming Dynasty and is a paradise to discover. Finally, make sure to visit Portland Saturday Market´s for open-air arts, crafts, food, produce, and live music.

Best Time to Visit Portland

During the months of May to August, Portland enjoys warm weather perfect for outdoor activities and strolling around town. In May and June make sure to catch the Portland Rose Festival´s parades, rides, and fireworks.

A Local's Guide to Portland

As the biggest city in the state of Oregon, Portland is a mecca of things to do and see. The city is packed with culture, from music and theater performances to museums and art galleries. The Museum of Contemporary Craft, the Oregon Historical Society, and Portland Art Museum are all worth visiting -- not to mention the Shanghai Tunnels where visitors can delve into the city's historic underbelly. For book lovers, the City of Books is an impressively big bookshop.

When the weather is nice, Portland has a wide range of green parks and outdoor spaces. Located just two miles west of downtown is the area's signature green space, Washington Park. As well has having towering trees and plenty of picnic spots, it is also home to a zoo, two museums and a rose Japanese garden, all easily accessible by the MAX light rail.

The Portland Japanese Garden is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. The space includes an authentic Japanese tea house, intimate walkways and bubbling streams. Nearby is the International Rose Test Garden, set high above the city and providing beautiful views over Portland. The space features more than 10,000 roses, and is a must-see when the flowers are in bloom. The Tom McCall waterfront park is another popular spot which lines the banks of the Willamette River. The park is ideal for joggers, cyclists and skaters and during the summer.

The city is split up into distinct districts, each with something new and exciting to offer. Travelers should take this into consideration when deciding where to book a Portland vacation rental.

The Pearl District is where the main galleries are located, as well as a range of eateries and cultural institutions. The cobblestone streets and loading docks hint towards the area's industrial past. Portland's downtown is compact, which means almost everything is within walking distance. Pioneer Courthouse Square sits in the center, and is a great place to sit and simply watch the world go by. Rentals in Portland here are in the heart of it all, ranging from trendy hotels and private apartments. Old Town Chinatown is where the majority of the entertainment is, as well as home to the famous Portland Saturday Market. Other noteworthy locations for vacation homes are the Lloyd District, Northwest Portland, Central Eastside, and the Alberta Arts District.