Getting Around Weird Portland
With so much to do and see in Portland, Oregon, knowing where to start when planning your trip may seem overwhelming. If you’ve got a trip in the works, we’ve got you covered. From the ‘weird’ city ambiance to the stunning landscape, there is an adventure waiting for everyone in the Pacific Northwest.
What’s the best month to go to Portland?
As you probably already know, the area is known for its predominantly rainy weather. The rainy season usually runs from about November through March. Traveling during the summer months, will give you the highest chance of having drier weather. Consider planning your trip in September or October, which could be a more budget friendly ‘off-season’ price but provide warmer and dry weather. As a bonus, enjoy the changing colors of fall.
What should I pack for a trip to Oregon?
What to pack for your trip is going to depend greatly on when you decide to travel and what you are planning on doing. Summers in Portland are warm and dry, where the longer winter season is wet, cold, and tends to have more overcast days. Winters average around mid-40s, with a low in the 30s. Pack warm clothes and jackets but you may be able to skip the snow boots, as it’s not typical for Portland to get a lot of snow (though it could!)
No matter when you travel, be sure to pack your rain gear as to not let any last-minute rain disrupt your outdoor plans.
How do I get around the city?
If you are flying into Portland (and aren’t planning on driving there), consider how you want to get around. It may be worth getting a rental car for some, or all, of your stay. There are so many things to do outside the city, taking at least one day trip is a must. If you are looking to explore the city, you could opt for ride share, public transportation, or even just walking around.
How many days do I need to visit?
This answer might depend on how many different areas you want to explore. Plan for at least 4 full days to make the most of your trip. Luckily, if you are up for it, you can combine a few must-sees into one day trip. Consider renting paddle boards or kayaks on Trillium Lake and take in the stunning views of Mt. Hood. Just a few miles away, you can make a pit stop to take a tour of the Timberline Lodge featured in the movie, The Shining.
Explore downtown Portland or get out of town?
Opting for a combination of both is probably the way to go. Downtown Portland is famous for a few things you might not want to miss – donuts at Voodoo Donuts, Saturday Market, Food Trucks, museums and graffiti murals and freshly brewed beer. Consider a walking tour to learn about the city, explore new areas and enjoy craft beer.
Portland and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of landscapes to see, from the ocean to the forest. Travel the coast to the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook. Or spend a day at Cannon Beach and see the famous Haystack Rock (from the movie, The Goonies). Walk around the beach, shops and enjoy fresh Cajun cuisine at the quaint Castaways restaurant.
If you are looking to burn off some of the donuts, hike Multnomah Falls. While a moderate few mile hike, it can get steep at times, so pack your best athletic shoes.
Ready to get started?
No matter what you decide, you can’t go wrong. Portland, Oregon offers a little something for just about everyone. And when you are ready to book your flight, check out one of our 38 airport parking locations for a stress-free start and end to your trip!