In town for a quick visit? Looking for the best possible introductory tour to Portland before you explore on your own? Join a few other travelers (each tour is ten people or fewer) as we seek out the best of Portland.
Our TripAdvisor ‘Hall of Fame’ guides aim to help you efficiently come to understand Portland by visiting her classic highlights and our off-the-beaten-path favorites. Some of our guides have written the actual guidebooks for the area! You’ll ride in style in a luxe high-roofed van or spacious SUV, hopping out to stroll through parks and neighborhoods. You won’t find a better overview tour of Portland.
First, you’ll head high for a big view of the city. The grounds around historic Pittock Mansion offer unparalleled views of Portland and Mt. Hood. We’ll press coffee and share local donuts as we contemplate the city.
Next, explore some of Portland’s gorgeous green space. Take in the fragrant bouquet of roses or cherry blossoms, see the landscapes of John Charles Olmsted, and learn about the cinder-cone volcanoes that once dotted the area.
After experiencing Portland’s natural side, dive into its artsy and independent charm! Walk neighborhoods like the Pearl District, Hawthorne, Nob Hill, Alberta Arts District, or North Mississippi for a slice of Portlandia, embodied in food truck pods, hip specialty boutiques, and craft breweries.
If you’re staying downtown, we’ll pick you up! We’ll text/call the day before your trip to confirm the exact timing. Don’t worry – we’ll take care of everything. We’re bringing coffee, tea, water, and sparkling water; we’ll even track down local gourmet doughnuts during our tour!
If you do have more time, check out our Columbia Gorge Waterfalls & Wine Tour! This is our other half-day tour from Portland, and we scheduled it in the afternoon so that you can do both in one day.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
The course of your day can go so many ways. Your guide will combine group preferences, weather considerations, mixed access & highlights, crowd avoidance, and more to create a lovely day. For many reasons, no two trips are the same.
7:30-8A: Downtown Pickups
8:15A: Pittock Mansion Grounds
Visit the Pittock Mansion grounds for big views and an overview of the city’s layout.
9:30A: Portland International Rose Test Garden & SE Neighborhoods
Explore the Portland International Rose Test Garden. Travel through SE Portland neighborhoods like Hawthorne Boulevard
11:00A: Mt. Tabor Park & NE Neighborhoods
Mt. Tabor Park is famous for the city’s most beloved vistas. Travel through NE Portland neighborhoods like Alberta Street and Mississippi Avenue.
12P: Drop-Offs Begin
Drop-offs at your hotel (or Powell’s City of Books) begin.
