Exploring Portland's Best Solo Travel Experiences

what to do in portland traveling alone

Portland, Oregon is a great destination for solo travellers, with a range of activities to suit all interests. The city is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, its vibrant culture, and its natural beauty. Portland has something for everyone, from exploring parks and gardens to checking out trendy restaurants and bars.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, popular spots include the Portland Japanese Garden, Washington Park, Forest Park, and the Columbia River Gorge, home to the picturesque Multnomah Falls. Adventure seekers can take a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram, go kayaking, or explore one of the city's many urban parks.

Cultural hotspots include the Portland Art Museum, Powell's City of Books, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the unique Freakybuttrue Peculiarium. Foodies will delight in the variety of culinary choices, from food carts to craft breweries, and of course, the famous Portland doughnuts.

With its diverse neighbourhoods, eclectic art scene, and inclusive communities, Portland offers a unique and memorable experience for solo travellers looking to discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Characteristics Values
Population More than 650,000 residents
Nicknames PDX, City of Roses, Beervana, Microbrewery Capital of the World, America’s Bike Capital, America’s Greenest City
Currency U.S. Dollar (USD)
Language English
Best time to visit June-September; November or May
Transport Portland International Airport, 30 minutes from town
Accommodation Hostels, motels, boutique hotels, five-star hotels, mid-range hotels
Food Fire on the Mountain, Mama Dut, Kingsland Kitchen, Bar Dune, Hawthorne Asylum, Sizzle Pie, Ranch PDX, Life of Pie Pizza, Apizza Scholls, Pine State Biscuits, Voodoo Doughnuts, etc.
Attractions Multnomah Falls, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Powell’s City of Books, House of Vintage, Portland Art Museum, Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, Mount Hood, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Columbia River Gorge, etc.

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Explore the city's nature spots, like Washington Park, and the Columbia River Gorge

Portland, Oregon, is known for its natural beauty. If you're travelling alone, exploring the city's nature spots is a great way to get to know the area and its surroundings. Washington Park is a great place to start. Here, you can visit the Portland Japanese Garden, which showcases Japanese garden design and plants, as well as ponds filled with koi. The park is also home to the Hoyt Arboretum, where you'll find a variety of beautiful trees and walking trails.

Another nature spot in the city is the Leach Botanical Garden, a small garden with a guided tour that teaches visitors about the history of the garden and its plants, as well as seasonal nature.

Just outside of Portland, you'll find the Columbia River Gorge, a spectacular river canyon that's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and water sports. The gorge is known for its waterfalls, with more than 90 thundering waterfalls in the area. One of the most famous is Multnomah Falls, which can be reached by car in about 30 minutes from Portland. The Crown Point Vista House, a century-old observatory, offers a 360-degree view of the gorge and the Columbia River.

The Columbia River Gorge is also a great place to enjoy handcrafted beer and farm-fresh dining. The unique geography of the area means that it boasts a diverse range of wines, from pinot noir and chardonnay in the cool western hills to tempranillo and syrah in the drier, sunnier east.

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Visit museums and art galleries, such as the Portland Art Museum, and the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

Portland has a thriving arts scene, with plenty of galleries and museums to explore. Here are some suggestions for places to visit:

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the country, with a collection of thousands of objects. You can find well-known artists on display here, including Van Gogh and Claude Monet. The museum also offers public tours, which are a great way to learn more about the collection and meet other people.

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

This unique attraction is described as "Portland's ground zero for unique art, books, comics, gifts, urban legends, interesting history, interactive exhibits, events, and an unforgettable experience." It's a small space with two rooms, but it's filled with oddities and quirky exhibits. You can find interactive displays, such as lying in a simulated coffin, alien autopsies, and vampire-killing kits. The gift shop is also worth a browse, with items like insect cookies, posters, and t-shirts.

Other Art Galleries

In addition to the Peculiarium, Portland has a number of art galleries worth visiting. The Pearl District, a former warehouse district turned upscale neighbourhood, is home to wine bars, art galleries, and condos. Gallery walks are held every first Thursday of the month. So, if you're in town at the start of the month, this is a great way to explore the local art scene and meet people.

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Check out the food scene, including the Portland Saturday Market, and the city's famous donuts

Portland is a foodie's dream, with a wide variety of culinary delights to discover. The city is known for its donuts, with Voodoo Doughnut being the most famous spot in town. While it may be a tourist hotspot, it's worth checking out for the wacky toppings and quirky ambiance. However, for a true taste of Portland's donut scene, there are plenty of other options to explore.

If you're a traditionalist, Coco Donuts, Annie's Donut Shop, and Delicious Donuts offer classic, comforting, and nostalgic treats. These shops serve up simple, delicious donuts with all the familiar favorites, from maple bars to glazed cinnamon twists and sprinkled cake donuts.

For those seeking a more innovative take on the donut, Blue Star Donuts and Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai are must-visits. Blue Star offers an elevated, artisanal experience with brioche donuts topped with fresh, delicious ingredients. Pip's, on the other hand, serves up miniature, made-to-order donuts with unique flavor combinations like the Candied Bacon Maple and the "Dirty Wu."

If you're looking for vegan options, Doe Donuts has you covered with light, fluffy, and flavorful creations that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Their seasonal specials, like the Everything Donut (a bagel-donut hybrid) and the Portland Fog (an Earl Grey glaze topped with whipped cream), are not to be missed.

Beyond donuts, Portland has a diverse food scene worth exploring. The city is known as the "Microbrewery Capital of the World," so be sure to sample some local beers. The Pearl District is a great place to start, offering a variety of nightlife options, from flashy clubs to indie rock brewpubs.

For a unique culinary experience, take a self-guided Food Cart tour. Portland is known for its 'pods', or collections of food carts, that offer a range of international cuisine, including poutine, khao man gai, and goulash.

If you're a coffee lover, Portland will not disappoint. The city is a caffeine hub, with more than 30 local coffee roasters. Discovering local coffee shops and roasters is a must during your visit.

Finally, don't miss the Portland Saturday Market, the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the US. Open from March to December, it's the perfect place to find unique crafts and locally-made goods to take home as souvenirs.

With its diverse culinary offerings, Portland is a food lover's paradise, and exploring the food scene is a great way to discover the city, whether you're a donut connoisseur or a coffee enthusiast.

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Take in the Rose Garden, and other green spaces, like the Hoyt Arboretum

If you're travelling alone to Portland, Oregon, and you're looking for some green spaces to explore, then the Hoyt Arboretum is a great option. Located in Washington Park, just two miles from downtown Portland, the Hoyt Arboretum is easily accessible by car, public transit, walking, or biking. The grounds are open daily from 5 am to 10 pm, and there is no admission fee. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and you can find trail maps in English and Spanish. With 12 miles of hiking trails, the arboretum is home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, offering a gorgeous natural escape no matter the season.

The arboretum offers a variety of programs and guided tours to help you deepen your knowledge of trees and botany, as well as meet fellow nature lovers. If you're looking for a more structured experience, consider signing up for a guided hike or a class on topics like conifer identification or botanical illustration. The arboretum also offers ongoing programs and special events for kids and families, such as preschool walks and Family Forest Days.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the arboretum has several guidelines in place to ensure the safety of visitors, plants, and wildlife. Bikes, scooters, and skateboards, for example, must remain on roads, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails, except for mobility devices. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, and smoking and alcohol are prohibited.

If you're looking to explore more of Washington Park, the arboretum is conveniently located near several other attractions. Just a short walk away, you'll find the International Rose Test Garden, which features over 10,000 rose bushes and is known as one of the most impressive rose gardens in the world. The peak season for roses is usually in June, but the roses bloom from April through October. Nearby, you'll also find the Portland Japanese Garden, known for its serene beauty and authentic Japanese design. This garden charges an admission fee, but it's well worth a visit if you're looking for a peaceful escape.

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Enjoy the nightlife, including bars, clubs, and jazz halls in the Pearl District

Portland has a thriving nightlife scene, and the Pearl District is at the heart of it. As the "Microbrewery Capital of the World", Portland is famous for its beer, and the Pearl District is the place to sample it, with 58 microbreweries across the city.

Bars

For a classy cocktail, head to the Driftwood Room. For old-school charm, try the Horse Brass Pub, CLAUDIA'S Sports Pub and Grill, or Kelly's Olympian, which also offers live music. Slim's Restaurant & Lounge is another great option.

Clubs

If you're looking for something a little more upbeat, the Pearl District has flashy clubs and gay bars. The White Owl Social Club is a bar, restaurant, music venue, and event space offering vegan food, craft beer, and cocktails. Holocene is another popular independent music venue, hosting one of the city's longest-standing dance parties, Gaycation. For a more down-and-dirty vibe, Dixie Tavern is a rock-and-roll bar where servers dance on top of the bar.

Jazz Halls

For jazz lovers, the Pearl District has you covered with indie rock brewpubs. The Crystal Ballroom and Roseland Theater attract a range of musical acts, while the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall hosts the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, and Oregon Ballet Theater. For something more intimate, Live Wire is a sketch comedy and music variety show recorded in front of a live audience.

Other Nightlife Options

If you're looking for something a little different, there's the Ambassador Restaurant and Lounge, a Chinese food restaurant-cum-karaoke bar with a light-up stage and a fog machine. For private karaoke suites, head to Voicebox, or for a rock band experience, try Karaoke from Hell, hosted by Voodoo Doughnut co-founder Tres Shannon.

Portland's nightlife is not limited to the Pearl District, and there are plenty of other options to explore, including the Eastside and the Entertainment District in Old Town Chinatown.

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