11 Amazing Things to Do in Portland, Oregon in Summer!
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Portland in summer just hits different. The clouds finally part, the city comes alive with outdoor festivities and packed patios, and suddenly everyone remembers why they moved here in the first place. JT and I have visited Portland five times now, and we keep coming back because this city has a way of surprising you even when you think you’ve seen it all!
Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for fresh ideas on your return trip, this guide breaks down the best things to do in Portland, Oregon during those golden summer months. We’re talking rose gardens in full bloom, food carts that finally have outdoor seating worth using, and hiking trails where you won’t need three layers and rain pants (hopefully)!
Why Visit Portland in Summer?
Summer transforms Portland from a drizzly, moody city into an outdoor playground. Between June and September, you’ll get consistent sunshine, temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and daylight that stretches until 9 PM. The city’s festival calendar explodes, food carts set up outdoor seating, and breweries open their patios.
One thing we love about summer in Portland is how walkable everything becomes. The rain isn’t chasing you indoors, so you can actually wander neighborhoods, browse shops, and stop for coffee without constantly checking the weather app.
Plus, day trips to Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, or the Oregon Coast are way more enjoyable when you’re not dodging storms. If you’re thinking about exploring beyond the city, we have a complete 7 Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary that includes Portland and some incredible stops throughout Oregon and Washington.
Where to Stay in Portland
Downtown Portland puts you in the middle of everything with easy access to Powell’s Books, the MAX light rail, and food carts.
- Budget: The Society Hotel – Quirky historic spot with character, starting around $80/night
- Mid-range: Hotel Lucia – Clean, stylish boutique near downtown, around $180/night
- Luxury: The Dossier – Sleek stay with gourmet dining, $200+/night
Alberta Arts District gives you that neighborhood vibe with local coffee shops and vintage stores.
- Budget: Bluebird Guesthouse – Cozy with garden views, starting around $120/night
- Mid-range: The Woodlark – Boutique with local art and thoughtful design, around $220/night
- Luxury: Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel – Waterfront with river views, $350+/night
Pearl District combines walkability with galleries and upscale restaurants.
- Budget: NW Portland Hostel – Clean with private rooms available, around $90/night
- Mid-range: The Paramount Hotel – Comfortable downtown stay, around $190/night
- Luxury: The Nines – Downtown luxury with rooftop bar, $400+/night
How to Get Around
Public transit works well within the city with MAX light rail and buses (day pass around $5). Rental cars become useful for day trips to the Gorge or coast. Portland is seriously bike-friendly, and walking honestly works for most downtown Portland sightseeing!
Okay, with all of that aside, let’s jump into some of the most amazing things to do in Portland, Oregon!
1. Explore the Portland Japanese Garden & International Rose Test Garden
These two gardens sit next to each other in Washington Park, and visiting them back-to-back gives you the best garden experience in Portland. Summer is when both gardens hit their peak.
The International Rose Test Garden features over 10,000 rose bushes and is completely free. You’ll get views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood from the upper terraces, and the roses bloom from late May through September. We’ve gone multiple times, and each visit feels different depending on which varieties are peaking!
The Portland Japanese Garden sits just up the hill and requires a ticket, but it’s worth every dollar. The design follows traditional Japanese principles with carefully placed stones, pruned trees, and views that shift with every step. We spent over an hour here just sitting on benches watching the koi swim!
Timing tip: Mornings before 10 AM or late afternoons after 4 PM offer the best experience with fewer crowds and better light for photos. Plan about three hours total for both gardens. The Japanese Garden sells timed entry tickets online, and summer weekends sell out, so make sure to book ahead.
2. Wander Washington Park’s Trails and Attractions
Washington Park is massive (over 400 acres) and holds way more than just the gardens. Inside of Washington park is also the Oregon Zoo (which is great for families, especially in summer when the elephants are active). Plan at least three hours if you want to see most exhibits.
Beyond the main attractions, the forested walking paths connect everything in the park. We love the Wildwood Trail, which runs over 30 miles, but even short sections give you that deep forest feeling! For viewpoints, the trails around Council Crest Park deliver panoramic views of Portland and surrounding mountains.
Plus, getting there is easy with the MAX light rail stopping right at the zoo! If you’re driving, arrive early on summer weekends as parking lots fill up quickly.
3. Join a Downtown Portland Walking or Food Tour
Walking tours give you context that wandering alone doesn’t. JT and I did THIS food tour when we were in Portland, and it completely changed how we saw the city’s food scene. These tours typically hit a mix of food carts, bakeries, and sit-down restaurants over three hours with enough food that you won’t need lunch afterward.
Downtown food tours usually include donuts (probably Blue Star), samples from food cart pods, maybe artisan cheese or local chocolate, and finish with coffee from a third-wave roaster. Every tour is slightly different, so just make sure to find one that suits you!
We’d recommend booking a food tour for your first full day in Portland. Summer is peak season, so reserve at least a week ahead to guarantee your spot!
4. Enjoy a Willamette River Cruise or Kayak Tour
The Willamette River cuts through Portland, and seeing the city from the water gives you a completely different perspective. Sightseeing cruises run about 90 minutes with narrated history while you pass under bridges and along the downtown waterfront.
Sunset dinner cruises turn the experience into an event with multi-course meals and golden light hitting the city. These fill up quickly, so make sure to book at least a week ahead for summer weekends!
If you’d rather paddle, kayak and paddleboard rentals let you explore at your own pace. Guided kayak tours are safer for beginners and usually run two to three hours. For gear, bring or rent a waterproof phone pouch like the Lamicall Waterproof Phone Pouch Case since you’ll want photos from the water.
5. Taste Your Way Through Portland’s Food Carts and Breweries
Portland’s food cart scene is legendary, and summer is when it shines. Food cart pods (clusters of carts with shared seating) are scattered throughout the city. Alder Street Food Cart Pod downtown is the most tourist-friendly with huge variety. Mississippi Marketplace leans more local with a neighborhood feel. Prices usually run $10 to $15 per person with generous portions.
For breweries, summer is when their patios become the place to be. Cascade Brewing Barrel House specializes in sour beers that are incredibly refreshing. Breakside Brewery has a great patio and consistently excellent IPAs. Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider is perfect if you prefer cider over beer.
JT and I would recommend doing a guided brewery tour if you want to hit multiple spots without worrying about transportation. Biking brewery tours are especially popular in summer, combining three to four breweries with bike rides between stops.
6. Bike the City on a Guided Tour
Portland earned its reputation as a bike-friendly city for good reason. Protected bike lanes, relatively flat terrain, and a culture that respects cyclists make biking legitimately fun. We’ve biked around Portland multiple times and you cover way more ground than walking without missing details.
The waterfront loop is the most popular route, about eight miles and mostly flat. You ride along both sides of the Willamette River, crossing bridges with great skyline views. For quirky neighborhoods, bike from downtown to Mississippi Avenue, then cut over to Alberta Street for murals, vintage shops, and coffee spots.
Guided bike tours typically run three to four hours and cover about 10 to 15 miles at an easy pace. E-bike rentals have exploded in popularity and make total sense for covering more distance. We’d suggest booking a bike tour for day two or three when you’re oriented to the city but want to see more.
7. Discover Portland’s “Weird” Side in the Central City
Powell’s City of Books covers an entire city block and stocks over a million books! Grab a map at the entrance (you’ll need one) and let yourself get lost among the color-coded rooms!
Portland’s quirky shops dot the central city, especially around the Pearl District and downtown. You’ll find stores selling only hot sauce, vintage clothing with actually good selections, and oddball gift shops full of Portland-themed finds.
The Portland Saturday Market runs every Saturday and Sunday from March through December along the waterfront. It’s the largest continuously operating outdoor market in the country with local artisans, food vendors, and street performers. Summer weekends bring huge crowds, so go early if you want to browse comfortably!
8. Relax in Neighborhood Parks and Rose Gardens
Mount Tabor Park is our favorite for sunsets. This extinct volcanic cinder cone offers 360-degree views from the summit and grassy slopes perfect for picnics. Summer evenings bring locals with blankets, wine, and snacks to watch the sun drop behind the West Hills.
Laurelhurst Park has a more traditional layout with a pond, walking paths, and old-growth trees. It’s beautiful without being overly formal.
What makes Portland’s parks even better is how they connect to the food scene. Mount Tabor sits near Hawthorne Boulevard with cafes and restaurants. Pick up sandwiches at Lardo or coffee nearby, then head to the park. For picnics, the Amazon Outdoor Waterproof Picnic Blanket (XL) keeps you dry since Portland’s grass can be damp even in summer.
9. Hike in Forest Park and Nearby Urban Trails
Forest Park offers over 80 miles of trails through dense forest right in the city’s northwest corner. You can literally take public transit to the trailheads.
Lower Macleay Trail to Pittock Mansion is probably the most popular route. The trail starts in a forested canyon, climbs gradually through ferns and Douglas firs, and ends at historic Pittock Mansion with panoramic views of Portland, Mount Hood, and Mount St. Helens (on clear days). The round trip takes about two to three hours.
For easier options, Leif Erikson Drive is a wide, flat gravel road running 11 miles through the park. It’s open to hikers, runners, and cyclists with no cars, perfect for families.
Pack essentials for Forest Park hikes: water (at least a liter per person), layers (the forest stays cool), and good shoes. The Raptor 10 Hydration & Day Pack is perfect for Portland day hikes with space for layers and a hydration reservoir.
10. Visit the Portland Saturday Market and Local Summer Events
Beyond the Saturday Market, Portland’s summer festival calendar is packed. The Portland Rose Festival in June is the biggest with parades, carnival rides, and concerts. Waterfront Blues Festival in early July brings blues musicians from around the country. Oregon Brewers Festival also happens in July with over 80 breweries pouring their beers.
Movies in the Park is a free series showing family-friendly films on big screens in neighborhood parks. Bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive early for good spots.
Farmers markets pop up throughout Portland neighborhoods during summer. The Portland Farmers Market at PSU runs every Saturday and is the largest in the city with fresh produce, flowers, and prepared foods.
11. Catch a Game or Outdoor Show in the City
The Portland Timbers (MLS soccer) play at Providence Park downtown, and the atmosphere is electric. The Timbers Army supporters group creates energy unlike anything else in American sports. Games sell out regularly, so buy tickets in advance.
The Portland Thorns (NWSL women’s soccer) also play at Providence Park with an equally passionate fanbase. Tickets are easier to get than Timbers games with the same fun atmosphere.
For baseball, the Portland Pickles play vintage baseball (1890s rules) at Walker Stadium. It’s quirky, entertaining, and very Portland with cheap tickets and a small, intimate stadium.
Rooftop bars like Departure offer skyline views with craft cocktails. Any rooftop spot gets busy on weekends, so arrive early. The views at sunset are worth the drink prices.
What to Pack for Portland’s Summer Weather
Portland summers are beautiful but still unpredictable. You’ll get mostly sunny days with temps in the 70s and 80s, but you can hit a random cool day or surprise shower.
Essential clothing:
- Lightweight shirts and shorts for warm days
- Long pants and long-sleeve shirt for cooler mornings
- Amazon Essentials Women’s Relaxed-Fit Lightweight Waterproof Long Hooded Rain Jacket for unexpected rain
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Kaha 3 GTX Hiking Boots – Women’s for hikes
Gear and accessories:
- STOJO Collapsible Sports Water Bottle to stay hydrated
- Amazon Basics Round Automatic Travel Compact Umbrella
- Supergoop! Mineral Sheer Screen SPF 30 for sun protection
- SP544 Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent 20% Picaridin (4 oz) for evenings
- Anker Power Bank (PowerCore 10K) for long days
Temperature can drop 20 degrees from afternoon to evening, so having layers in your bag prevents regrets!
Best Breakfast & Coffee in Portland
Alberta Street Coffee became our regular stop! Located in the Alberta Arts District, it serves excellent coffee in a super casual setting.
Blue Star Donuts appears on every Portland food list for good reason. These brioche donuts are rich and creative. Get there early as popular flavors sell out!
Pine State Biscuits serves Southern-style biscuits that somehow work perfectly in Portland. The Reggie (fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and gravy on a biscuit) is SUPER good.
Where to Eat Lunch in Portland
Dosalas makes some of the best lunch food we’ve had anywhere! Even though it’s technically across the bridge in Vancouver, WA, the food is so good it deserves a spot on this list.
Food carts solve lunch perfectly with multiple cuisines in one location and covered seating. We’ve had fantastic Thai, incredible tacos, and Vietnamese banh mi from carts that rival sit-down restaurants. Prices typically run $10-15.
Lardo makes sandwiches that prove Portland understands proper sandwich construction! The pork meatball banh mi and dirty fries are particularly memorable.
Dinner Spots Worth Trying in Portland
Dough Zone is hands down one of our favorite restaurants of all time! The soup dumplings are exceptional, the hand-pulled noodles are perfectly chewy, and prices are shockingly reasonable. Our go-to is the Dan Dan Noodles!
Radio Room impressed us enough that we’ve returned on multiple trips. The menu changes seasonally but focuses on creative cocktails and shareable plates with a neighborhood vibe.
Le Pigeon represents Portland’s fine dining side without the stuffiness. The tasting menu showcases creative Pacific Northwest ingredients. Reservations are essential, and it’s definitely a splurge.
Apizza Scholls serves New Haven-style pizza that Portlanders line up for! The crust strikes that perfect balance of chewy and crispy.
Planning Your Summer Trip to Portland
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our 3 Days in Portland, Oregon: A Complete Itinerary.
If you have more time and want to explore beyond Portland, consider day trips to waterfalls, beaches, and mountains (coming soon). The region around Portland is incredible, and our 7 Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary includes stops throughout Oregon and Washington.
If you’re venturing to Seattle, our Ultimate 3-Day Seattle Travel Guide makes the perfect complement. For mountain lovers, we’ve created guides for Mount Rainier 2-Day Itinerary, Sunrise Mount Rainier, and Mount Rainier Paradise.
Portland in summer is one of those places that exceeds expectations. The weather cooperates, the city opens up, and you get to experience why people love living here. JT and I have spent weeks in Portland across our five visits, and we’re already planning our next trip. Pack your layers, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall for Portland the way we did.
Plus if you go to Portland and give any of these things a try, let us know & leave a comment!
