Oregon | Cheaper Airtickets

A- Overview:
Once known as America’s best kept secret, Portland is now one of the country’s hottest travel destinations. Money magazine recently ranked Portland #2 among Big Cities in which to live in the U.S., and its unique and thriving festivals, outdoors and dining scenes keep it consistently among the travel hotspots. Portland has the personality of a small community and the activities and vitality of a large city.

With moderate temperatures and varied and beautiful terrain, Portland is the quintessential outdoor city. The magnificent waterways overlook the Mount Hood glacier, a backdrop that sets the scene for a spectacular visit at any time of year. Forest Park offers 40 miles of wilderness trails, streams and woods within the city limits. Hiking, biking and exploring opportunities are always close at hand. Smith and Bybee Lakes display stunning wildlife and have great flatwater paddling in America’s largest protected wetland within a city. Just a short drive away, is magnificent Multnomah Falls, the nation’s second-highest year-round waterfall. For a mellower outdoors experience, visit one of the city’s stunning gardens: the Leach Botanical, Classical Chinese, Japanese, or Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens.

Chances are good that the city will be bustling with a festival when you arrive. Favorites include the Rose Festival in June, and The Bite of Oregon food and music fete in August.
The always popular Oregon Brewers Festival in July can be combined with a tour and sampling at one of the many excellent, local microbreweries. Tours of local vineyards and distilleries provide further tastings of family- produced, distinctive wines and brandies prepared by using the finest fruit and centuries-old methods.

Whether you travel around Portland by train, bike or on foot, a clear and unobstructed view is guaranteed. Building height restrictions prevent the beauty and majesty of Mount Hood from ever being blocked. Speaking of Mount Hood, with four ski resorts and North America’s longest ski season (including 90 summer days), this 11,235-foot peak is a mecca for skiers, ice climbers, snowboarders and hikers. The surrounding wilderness boasts spectacular trails for snowshoeing as well as cross-country skiing. All of this is just an hour’s drive from Portland’s city center. Long recognized as a fisherman’s haven, the Pacific Northwest is rich with steelhead, trout and sturgeon.

Portland’s history unfolds and the past comes alive as the carefully preserved landmark attractions are visited. Pittock Mansion reveals the day to day activities of the original Portlanders.

The Portland Art Museum showcases impressive touring exhibitions and permanent collections of American, European, Asian, Native American and contemporary art. View area history from an environmental point of view at the Hoyt Arboretum, where trees and plants are protected and nourished for the enjoyment of future generations. For families, there is also the Portland Zoo, the Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

For a change of pace, be sure to visit the numerous gourmet coffee shops, Powell’s City of Books with more than a million volumes, the Brew ‘N View Movie Theaters where comfortable couches, pizza, and beer accompany the movies, the local gardens and galleries: all of which made Portland famous.

Finally, don’t leave Portland without sampling some fine local fare. The region’s renowned seafood, berries, pears, cherries, hazelnuts, wild game and vegetables of all kinds inspired noted chef and Portland native, James Beard. This in turn laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to fine cooking, simple menus and fresh ingredients. The tradition continues, and Portland is known for its superb cuisine and exceptional dining.

Culture and art; the Trailblazers and the Hawks; Mount Hood with its tempting menu of year round outdoor activities; fine wines, beers, and restaurants; farmers markets and excellent shopping: these are just a few of the many reasons to visit and enjoy Portland, Oregon.

B- City Information:
Population: 529,121

Elevation: 50 feet above sea level

Land Area: 134.3 square miles

Location: Located in the northwest section of Oregon, very near the Canadian border, at the intersection of Interstate Highway 5 from the north and south and Interstate 84 from the east.

Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (when it’s noon in Portland, it’s 2pm in Chicago and 3pm in New York City. Portland observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October

Weather:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Average temp. (°F)
40.7
43.9
47.8
51.8
57.5
62.7
67.9
68.3
64.0
55.1
46.3
41.0

High temperature (°F)
45.5
50.1
55.5
60.7
66.9
72.5
78.9
79.2
74.3
63.1
51.5
45.5

Low temperature (°F)
35.8
37.6
40.0
42.9
48.1
52.8
57.0
57.4
53.7
47.0
41.0
36.5

Precipitation (in)
5.9
4.8
4.3
3.0
2.5
1.6
0.8
1.0
1.8
3.3
6.2
6.5

Climate:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Days with precipitation
18
16
17
15
12
9
4
5
7
12
18
19

Wind speed (mph)
9.9
9.3
8.3
7.4
7.1
7.2
7.6
7.1
6.5
6.5
8.6
9.6

Morning humidity (%)
85
85
85
86
85
83
82
83
86
90
88
86

Afternoon humidity (%)
76
67
60
55
53
49
45
45
48
62
74
78

Sunshine (%)
28
38
48
52
57
56
69
66
62
44
28
23

Days clear of clouds
3
3
3
3
5
6
13
11
10
5
3
2

Partly cloudy days
4
4
5
6
7
8
8
10
8
8
4
3

Cloudy days
24
21
23
21
19
16
10
10
12
18
23
26

Snowfall (in)
3.2
1.1
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
1.4

Local Seasons:

Summer is by far the busiest season in Portland. Beginning in early June with the annual Portland Rose Festival, visitors flock to this beautiful city to experience its beauty and tranquility. With the high temperatures near 80 F in the summer and the nights in the mid – high 60’s, it’s the perfect time to experience many of the outdoor activities available. It is also the time of year with the most sunshine and the longest days. Spring and fall showcase the vast number of beautiful neighborhoods and parks. With the changing of the seasons, both in the spring and in the fall, the area comes alive with a host of breathtaking colors. Winters are chilly but not cold with the low temperatures still approaching the mid 30’s F.

How to Get There:

By Air

Portland International Airport

7000 NE Airport Way

Portland, OR 97218

503-944-7000

The airport, located 10 miles east of downtown Portland is served by many of the recognized national and international airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.

Ground Transportation

Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service is available both at the airport as well as throughout the city.

By Car

The major routes to the city are Interstate 5 from the north and south, and Interstate 84 from the east. I-405 arcs around the west and south of downtown; I-205 bypasses Portland to the east; and U.S. 26 runs west to the Pacific coast.

By Train

Amtrak

800 NW Sixth Ave.
Union Station
Portland, OR 97209

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus

Greyhound

550 NW 6TH Ave.
Portland OR 97209

503-243-2310

How to Get Around:

Both walking and public transportation are easy ways to get around this visitor friendly city. Tri-Met public buses, the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail system, and the Portland Streetcar are all free within Fareless Square, the area between I-405 on the south and west, Hoyt Street on the north, and the Lloyd Center area, which is also where the convention center is located.

For schedules and further information call: 503-238-7433.

For all activities outside the city, a personal or rental car is recommended.

National Holidays:

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President’s Day, 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day, last Mon. in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
American Advertising Museum
5035 SE 24th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-226-0000
See how advertising evolved over the years of America’s history. From the 1700’s when The Boston News Letter carried one of the first advertisements for a buyer from Long Island to the 1984 Nike ad for the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, visitors can explore the magic of advertising and how it has influenced you and your family.

Cascade Sternwheelers
1200 NW Naito Parkway
Suite 110
Portland, OR 97209
503-223-3928
Come feel history as you explore the rivers around Portland. Follow a part of the trail blazed by Lewis and Clark in 1703. Enjoy brunch or dinner as you take in this two-hour tour of the magnificent views of Portland.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
SE 28th Ave. and Woodstock St.
Portland, OR 97202
503-777-1734
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Garden is a perfect solution to get back to nature. The many varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas create a perfect atmosphere for relaxing and tranquility.

The Grotto
Sandy Blvd. at NE 85th Ave.
Portland, OR 97294
503-254-7371
Set on 62 beautifully maintained acres in the heart of Portland, The Grotto is a prestigious Catholic sanctuary that opens its arms to all faiths and beliefs. Tour the lovely grounds and drop inside to visit the chapel and gift shop. For a small fee, visitors may access the upper level to get an extraordinary view of Mount St. Helens and other highlights.

Hoyt Arboretum
4000 SW Fairview Blvd.
Portland, OR 97221
503-228-8733
Get back to nature at the Hoyt Arboretum with ten miles of trails filled with numerous varieties of plants, trees and shrubs from 6 different continents. It’s a great midtown getaway for residents and visitors alike.

Oaks Amusement Park
East End of the Sellwood Bridge
Portland, OR 97202
503-236-5722
The park is home to the world famous 1924 Herschell-Spillman Carousel, known as Noah’s Ark because it features two of each animal. Still in operation today, the Carousel is a crowd pleaser to all. A childrens’ park, Acorn Acres, includes a family roller coaster and bumper cars. With a skating rink in the lobby, this is a great place for the family to have some fun!

Oregon History Center
1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-222-1741
Explore the artifacts from Oregon’s past, from 1859 to the present. Research the past in the numerous works on Oregon’s history; look through the many maps available to see how the region had changed with exploration; see the pictures of the pioneers of the land and how the times have changed the original area; and listen to the voices of those who have made Oregon their home. br>
Oregon Maritime Center and Museum
113 SW Front Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
503-224-7724
Ship lovers will delight in the merchant ships, military vessels, and riverboat models. Imagine the place come alive as the sounds of cranes and men take visitors back to when the river was Portland’s main mode of transportation.

OMSI- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
4015 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221
503-222-2828
A look at the list of attractions will give you a feel for the amazing things that are going on. OMSI features are labs ranging in physics, earth science, lasers and holograms, and computers (these are just a few). Be sure to visit Busytown where children experience their “own size” construction site, power plant, grocery and shipyard.

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR 97221
503-226-7627
From bats to zebras and everything in between, it’s all here at the Oregon Zoo. Check out the many exhibits that are featured including the Rain Forest, the Alaska Tundra, and the kids-only section at “ZooFun Safari”.

Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Dr.
Portland, OR 97210
503-823-3624
This elegant home nestled in the heart of Portland was once home to Henry and Georgiana Pittock. Completed in 1918, nothing was spared in the construction. The mansion includes everything from a central vacuum to an intercom center. It’s a wonderful way to experience the history of one of the first families of Portland.

Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-226-2811
Opened in 1892, the art museum was created for all citizens in the Portland area to enjoy. Permanent galleries include work from the Americas, Europe and Asia. Past exhibits have presented Native American Indians, regional artists, and the Stroganoff family of Russia.

Portland Children’s Museum
3037 SW 2nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
503-823-2227
Specifically designed for children under 10, this attraction is a child’s sanctuary. The “Under Construction” exhibit allows children to pretend that they are architects and construction workers. Other exhibits include a babies-only room and a shopping area for older children to make them feel more grown up.

D- Family Fun Attractions:
American Advertising Museum
5035 SE 24th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-226-0000
See how advertising evolved over the years of America’s history. From the 1700’s when The Boston News Letter carried one of the first advertisements for a buyer from Long Island to the 1984 Nike ad for the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, visitors can explore the magic of advertising and how it has influenced you and your family.

Oregon Maritime Center and Museum
113 SW Front Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
503-224-7724
Ship lovers will delight in the merchant ships, military vessels, and riverboat models. Imagine the place coming alive as the sounds of cranes and men take visitors back to when the river was Portland’s main mode of transportation.

OMSI- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
4015 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221
503-222-2828
A look at the list of attractions will give you a feel for all the amazing things that are going on. OMSI features are labs ranging in physics, earth science, lasers and holograms, and computers (these are just a few). Be sure to visit Busytown where children experience their “own size” construction site, power plant, grocery and shipyard.

Portland Children’s Museum
3037 SW 2nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
503-823-2227
Specifically designed for kids under 10, this attraction is a child’s sanctuary. The “Under Construction” exhibit allows children to pretend that they are architects and construction workers. Other exhibits include a babies-only room and a shopping area for older children to make them feel more grown up.

E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment

January

Chinese New Year Celebration

Held in late January – early February

Location: Classical Chinese Garden

503-228-8131

In keeping with over 4,000 years of Chinese tradition, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden welcomes the New Year with an exuberant and colorful celebration. For two weeks, the Garden showcases a number of activities for the whole family which include: lion dances, knot tying and paper cutting crafts, storytelling, martial arts demonstrations, and an art exhibit featuring David Lee. The Garden’s Annual Chinese New Year Plant Sale, its largest plant sale of the year, delights the senses with fragrant orchids, citrus, witch hazel, quince, Chinese paper-bush and more.

March

Spring Beer & Wine Fest

Held in late March

Location: Oregon Convention Center

503-238-3770

Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest is one of the nation’s largest “spring-time” alcoholic events held annually at Easter time and encourages responsible drinking.

St. Patrick’s Irish Festival

Held in mid March

Location: Kells Irish Pub

503-227-4057

Kells is host to the annual Portland St. Patrick’s Irish Festival, one of the largest on the west coast; a live music filled event for the entire family.

June

Portland Arts Festival

Held in mid June

Location: South Park Blocks

503-227-2681

The Portland Arts Festival is one of the region’s largest and most significant visual arts events.

July

Oregon Brewers Festival

Held in late July

Location: Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

503-778-5917

The Oregon Brewers Festival features handcrafted beers from 72 of the top craft breweries from around the country. The festival is considered one of the finest craft beer festivals in the nation. Joining the breweries are industry exhibits, vendors, restaurants and live entertainment.

Waterfront Blues Festival

Held in early July

Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park

503-973-3378

One of the largest blues festival in the U.S., the Annual Waterfront Blues Festival features four days and nights of top name blues acts, workshops, food vendors and more.

August

Homowo Festival of African Arts

Held in early August

Location: South Park Blocks

503-288-3025
The annual Homowo Festival of African Arts is a two-day community-wide event featuring jubilant African music and dance performances, food, arts and crafts, storytelling and more.

Annual Mount Hood Huckleberry Festival & Barlow Trail Days

Held in late August

Location: Mount Hood Village

503-622-4798

This festival has something for everyone: live music, Native American storytelling, singing, drumming and dancing; salmon bake and many food offerings, all featuring huckleberries. The carpool tour of the Barlow Trail, which became the first toll road over the Cascade Mountain Range, views remnants of the historic wilderness path including ruts and swales of the long gone Prairie Schooners and struggles of the Eden-seeking emigrants.

Annual Festa Italiana

Held in late August

Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square

503-644-5041

An international array of entertainers provides singing, folk dancing, strolling musicians and puppet shows. The festival is complete with authentic Italian food, wine and beer; raffles, kid’s events and merchandise.

Oregon International Air Show

Held in mid August

Location: Hillsboro Airport

503-629-0706

The annual Air show features the nationally renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet team including death defying aerial acts, military fly-bys, historic aircraft, static displays and a spectacular evening of pyrotechnics and fireworks.

September

Cascade AIDS Walk

Held in late September

Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square

503-223-WALK

Annual AIDS walk with family, friends, and co-workers. Thousands of walkers raise urgently needed funds, honor friends and loved-ones lost to AIDS or living with HIV/AIDS and send the message that the crisis is not over and together the course of the pandemic can be changed.

Annual Oregon Polish Festival

Held in late September

Location: St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church

503-286-3776

This ethnic celebration is one of the largest Polish festivals in the Western US. Included in the festival are rich, homemade, cream-cheese filled pierogies Polish entrees, soups, pastries and of course kielbasa sausages. The last day concludes with a “Let’s Gdansk” street dance.

PICA Time Based Art Festival

Held in mid September

Location: Portland Institute for Contemporary Art

503-242-1419

PICA’s annual Time-Based Art Festival brings artists and audiences from around the world to Portland’s urban core for 10 days of performance, lectures, workshops, parties and happenings.

October

El Dia de Los Muertos Festival

Held in mid October – mid November

Location: Miracle Theatre, Portland

503-236-7253

Every year, the dead are commemorated in a lively show of dance, music and theatre in Portland’s only annual Day of the Dead Celebration. Join everyone for an extraordinary bilingual journey through the traditions of this colorful Mexican festival.

November

Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Festival

Held in mid November

Location: The Heathman Restaurant

503-292-6871

The French American Chamber of Commerce announces the annual event. The event celebrates the arrival of the first, fresh “new wine vintage” – the famous Beaujolais Nouveau of the Beaujolais region of France, whose ceremonial uncorking announces the end of the harvest season in the countryside and in the cafes of France.

Tiny Treasures

Held in early – late November

Location: Yoshida’s Fine Art Gallery

503-223-9463

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas by providing exquisite, one-of-a-kind creations; Yoshida’s Gallery presents their annual miniature show with work represented by some of the gallery’s top-selling artists.

Meier & Frank Holiday Parade

Held in late November

Location: Downtown Portland

503-241-3900

Kick off the holiday season with this annual event for the whole family.

Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto

Held in late November – late December

Location: The Grotto

503-261-2400

Welcoming visitors annually, this ecumenical lighting and music festival is quite possibly the largest Christmas choral festival of its kind in the world. The Festival features 140 holiday music concerts performed in The Grotto’s 600-seat chapel with over 5,000 singers and musicians giving their gift of music during the annual celebration.

December

Annual Holiday Box

Held in early – late December

Location: Portland Window Project

A changing display of desirable art by gallery artists fills the PDX Window Project; the selection rotates frequently.

Handel’s Messiah

Held in mid December

Location: First Baptist Flanagan

503-222-6000

Portland Baroque Orchestra brings audiences home for the holidays with its annual performances of Handel’s enduring Messiah.

Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto

Held in late November – late December

Location: The Grotto

503-261-2400

Entertainment:

Artists Repertory Theatre

1516 S.W. Alder St.
Portland, OR 97205

503-241-1278

Call for performance schedule

BodyVox Contemporary Dance Company

1300 N.W. Northrup St.
Portland, OR 97209

503-229-0627

Call for performance schedule

Beyond poetry in motion, BodyVox is freewheeling imagination unbound. A fresh, lively blend of bold athleticism and creative choreography.

Chamber Music Northwest

522 S.W. Fifth Ave.,
Portland, OR 97204

503-223-3202

Call for performance schedule

Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center

5340 N. Interstate Ave.
Portland, OR 97217

503-823-4322

Call for performance schedule

The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, a community-based arts center, is committed to creating an environment in which people of every ethnic/cultural background come together as artists and audience to explore, preserve and celebrate their diversity.

Lakewood Center for the Arts

368 S. State St.
Lake Oswego, OR 97034

503-635-6338

Call for performance schedule

Miracle Theatre Group

425 S.E. Sixth Ave.
Portland, OR 97214

503-236-7253

Call for performance schedule

Miracle produces a broad array of programming that includes public performances as well as specialized touring and education projects that currently encompass all of the Western states.

Oregon Ballet Theatre

818 S.E. Sixth Ave.
Portland, OR 97214

503-227-0977

Call for performance schedule

Oregon Symphony

921 S.W. Washington St.
Portland, OR 97205

503-228-4294

Call for performance schedule

Portland Baroque Orchestra

1020 S.W. Taylor
Suite 275
Portland, OR 97205

503-222-6000

Call for performance schedule

Portland Center for the Performing Arts

1111 S.W. Broadway
Portland, OR 97205-2999

503-274-6557

Call for performance schedule

Portland Opera

211 S.E. Caruthers
Portland, OR 97214

503-241-1407

Call for performance schedule

Portland Symphonic Choir

921 S.W. Morrison
Portland, OR 97205

503-223-1217

Call for performance schedule

Sports:

Portland Trailblazers

Profession NBA Basketball

Games played at the Rose Garden

503-224-4400

Season runs October – April

Portland Rockies

Minor league baseball

Games played at the Civic Stadium

503-223-2837

Season runs April – October

Portland Fire

WNBA Basketball

Games played at the Rose Garden

503-797-9601
Call for schedule and additional information