Portland Attractions
Exploring Portland's top attractions is a favorite way to spend the day. Most of them are easily accessible by using the local bus system (Trimet), or the train/streetcar system (MAX).

Attractions Internet Link List

Click picture for close up view


Julia Butterflies
Oregon Zoo
The zoo is a favorite spot for visitors and residents alike. The award winning zoo features many exhibits, such as the Great Northwest exhibit, with mountain goats in the Cascade Crest area, Stellar's sea lions, sea otters and ocean fish in the Stellar Cove area, and the Trillium Creek family farm, which includes domestic, pettable animals in a farmyard setting. There are many other exhibits, such as the African Forest, African Savanna, and the Asian elephant area for visitors to enjoy.

A lush garden full of flowers is the setting for the Zoo's Winged Wonder seasonal exhibit. Different species of butterflies flutter throughout the enclosure as people walk through, or sit on benches inside. The exhibit includes a water feature, and educational displays about butterflies. The exhibit is available from late May through August. There is a small additional fee to tour the exhibit, part of which funds the zoo butterfly conservation and education efforts.



Learning in the Turbine Hall
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMSI (1945 SE Water Ave.) features interactive learning for kids and adults. With six exhibit halls, the USS Blueback submarine, the OMNIMAX theater a science store and the planetarium, it's a fun way to spend a day (or two). Located on the east side of the Willamette River, it's a good place to visit during Portland's inclement weather. Early education is the focus in the Science Playground and Discovery Lab, created just for the very young scientist. The Turbine Hall includes creative and innovative uses of technology. Try out the Chemistry Lab, launch a water bottle rocket, or see how physics affects your every day world. All this and more will keep your family active and involved with the world of science at OMSI.



Salmon Street Springs
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park runs approximately 1 1/2 miles along the western edge of the Willamette River in downtown Portland. Joggers, sightseers. walkers, strollers, fisherman, cyclists, rollerbladers and famillies all share the walkways, majestic views of Mt. Hood and the lush green grass of one of Portland's favorite parks. Many events are scheduled here, especially in the spring and summer months, including Rose Festival activities, Waterfront Blues, The Bite, the Brewers Festival and more. The Salmon Street Springs fountain is a favorite place to relax or watch children dance through the changing waters.



Flat Garden
Japanese Garden at Washington Park
The 5 acre Japanese Garden (611 SW Kingston Ave.) has five traditional gardens as well as a ceremonial tea pavilion. Designed in 1963 by Takuma Tono, it is a special place to walk and contemplate the beauty and serenity of the plants, water and stone that are the focal point of the gardens.



Rose Garden in May
International Rose Test Garden
More than 8,000 rose bushes in wide, visitor friendly rows grace the International Rose Test Garden (400 SW Kingston) . Known as the oldest official, continuously-operated, public rose test garden in the United States, the garden allows visitors and residents to experience the beauty of the flowers that gave Portland its nickname - City of Roses.



"Allow Me" at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Located at SW Broadway and Yamhill in downtown Portland, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a favorite place of Portlanders. Formerly a hotel site, then a parking lot, the square was purchased by the city and redesigned as an urban open space for all to enjoy. In the square, art pieces such as "Allow Me" by J. Seward Johnson, of a man holding an umbrella, and the Weather Machine, which forecasts the weather each noon, add to the whimsical air of Portland's living room.



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