Portland: a unique belnd of nature, art, and great food
Portland is one of the most special cities in the Pacific NorthWest. Between Oregon and Washington you’ll find a major metropolitan city with a very unique spirit. The city sprawls across the banks of Willamette river, separating the East and West sides that are connected via the many beautiful bridges that are the reason for the city's nickname “Bridge City”. Even within city limits Oregon's natural wonder is never too far out of reach with the view of Mount Hood in the skyline and the vibrant green tree lined neighborhoods and parks. The Pacific Northwest has been a hub for artists for generations, and the city of Portland embraces this identity with its many galleries as well as the dynamic and vibrant Portland Art museum. Portland is also well known for its culinary scene full of talented chefs and stand out restaurants and bars.
Explore Nature: Parks and Trails
Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Forest Park full of towering Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar trees. With over 80 miles of hiking trails you can spend hours exploring this peaceful forest tucked away in North West Portland. Whether you are seeking a hike, trail run or short, mindful nature walk, this park has options. The Wildwood Trail is known for its breathtaking views of the city and Mount Hood.
Washington Park
Washington Park is also located in North West Portland and is the home of multiple Portland attractions. The Oregon Zoo and beautiful serene Japanese Garden as well as the vibrant Rose Test Garden are located all in close proximity in the park. You check out these attractions, play a game of tennis at the courts, let the kids loose at a playground or gaze in awe at the picturesque views of the city skyline and Mount Hood. Locals and tourists alike enjoy visits to Washington Park, particularly a great spot for hiking and picnics.
Mt. Tabor Park
This park is located in SouthEast Portland, It was built on an extinct volcanic cinder cone and is known for its hiking trails and opportune sunset and sunrise watching. With basketball courts, tennis courts and playgrounds this is a great place to combine your exercise and outdoor time. A walk through Tabor combines beautiful enveloping trees as well as birds eye views of the city.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Just 9 miles from the Laurel Woods community in Cornelius right next to the Beaverton Creek Natural Wetlands. Located in Beaverton, this lush green oasis offers an escape from the surrounding areas. For those who love bird watching or folks with kiddos who are enchanted by seeing wildlife, you’ll definitely want to bring your binoculars. Check out the trails and get some cardio and fresh air or bring a picnic and spend the afternoon.
Hiking at Clackamas River
The Clackamas River is located west of the Cascade Mountain range. Just 12 miles from the Faraday Hills community in Estacada, it’s the perfect spot for a day by the river. Enjoy stunning views along the bank, or enjoy some fishing and kayaking. Get some cardio in and check out the wild life on the expansive hiking trails. The Clackamas river is the perfect location for a day trip!
Discover Local Flavor: Food and Drink
Food Carts
Portland is known for its distinctive food scene. Fresh organic foods mixed with a vibrant and experimental culture comes together to create the rich food scene that this city is home to. Part of what makes this scene so special is the food cart culture. Food cart pods are sprinkled throughout the city and usually take up a half block to a block and have a ton of different options to choose from. Your picky kiddos can get their cheese pizza while you enjoy Ethiopian cuisine. Some honorable cart pod mentions are: Cartopia, Alder Street Pod, Pioneer Courthouse Square Pod and Hawthorne Asylum,
Beer Heaven
Portland should be nicknamed Hop City. It has over 70 breweries just in the metro area alone. A venture out of the city limits up to Hood River or Bend and that number nearly doubles. This is a beer lover's haven. Some favorites are the Deschutes Brewery, one of originals in the Portland beer scene. A popular up and comer is the Breakside Brewery as well as Hair of the Dog. Every summer Portland's diverse brewing scene gets together to showcase their favorites at the Portland Brewers Festival, which is a must visit if you’re in town for the summer!
Voodoo Doughnuts
Portland is known across the country for its quirky little donut shop, Voodoo Doughnuts. This is a must have for tourists, and a favorite of locals as well. Try the maple bacon donut, or the fruit loops or cookies and cream. With its pastel pink boxes juxtaposed against the punk rock atmosphere, this spot has a very Portland feel.
Vancouver Waterfront
The Vancouver Waterfront located on the Columbia river across from Portland is a great destination to spend your evening at. With lovely riverside restaurants and breweries as well as the Grant Street Pier, there is something for everyone. Watch the sunset along the river and see the Portland Skyline illuminate the night while enjoying a new favorite restaurant.
Arts and Culture: Local Gems
Powell’s City of Books
Get lost in the world's largest independent bookstore. Powell’s City of Books is a must-see for any book lover. Located in the heart of the Pearl District, this iconic shop spans an entire city block and has a huge variety of books to explore. Wander through the multiple stories, check out the rare book room, and find your next page turner. This bookstore also features a cafe on its bottom floor, so you don’t even need to leave for a coffee break.
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum, located in the Park Blocks of downtown is a portal into a world of creativity, history and beauty. Make sure to check out the Northwest Art collection showcases this region's rich native history. Explore the museum’s impressive collection of art from around the world, as well as the many various rotating exhibits. The PAM is a perfect place to spend an enriching afternoon.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a serene oasis in the middle of the city. Modeled after traditional Chinese gardens, it features beautiful pavilions, a large koi pond, and intricate stone pathways. It even features a traditional tea service within its Yun Shui tea house. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature and learn more about the beautiful culture of China right in the heart of the city.
Day Trips: Nearby Adventures
Mount Hood
Just a 90-minute drive from Portland, Mount Hood is the perfect spot for snow-sport lovers, hikers and bikers alike. The Timber Grove community in Sandy is perfectly positioned for easy access to this outdoor wonderland.In the winter, it’s the mecca of skiing and snowboarding. Checkout the iconic Timberline Lodge, featured in the 1980 film The Shining. As the weather heats up, this area is known for its stunning hiking trails and picturesque lakes. With an abundance of campgrounds, trails and activities, there is something for everyone all year round at Mount Hood.
Oregon Coast
The grand views of the rugged Oregon Coast are a must see! Cannon Beach is an estimated 90 minute drive from the Middlebrook Community in Sherwood, Oregon. Coastal towns Seaside, Astoria and Newport deserve honorable mentions. Taking the US 26 West highway is a green and lush journey. During the fall, you can take in the beautiful changing of the leaves to then arrive at the foggy and atmospheric coast. Check out Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City or explore the charming town of Astoria, where Goonies was filmed! Whether you’re hiking the coastal trails or relaxing on the beach, the Oregon Coast is a special blend of green forests, rocky cliffs and pacific beauty that does not disappoint.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning canyon that cuts through the Cascade Mountains and creates a border between Oregon and Washington. It stretches on through 80 miles of land, and is popular for its variety of waterfalls. With over 100 hiking trails to choose from, exploring the gorge is a worthwhile day trip. Visit the iconic Multnomah Falls, or venture over to Wahkeena and Latourell Falls. The Historic Columbia River Highway offers stunning views of the gorge that make even the drive to your destination feel special.
Sauvie Island
25 miles from Reeds Crossing in Hillsboro, Sauvies Island, originally named Wapato Island. This beautiful Island on the Columbia River is home to lush farms with many you-pick berry and flower options. During the summer, Sauvies is known for its serene riverside beaches perfect for a refreshing dip! As the seasons change and the leaves turn orange, Sauvies Island is the best spot in the metro area for all things fall! Pumpkin patches, petting zoos and corn mazes are an annual autumn tradition at multiple farms on the island.
Local Events
Portland Saturday Market
Held every weekend from March to December, the Portland Saturday Market is one of the largest arts and crafts markets in the states! It takes place in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood. Check out handmade goods from talented local artisans, delicious food and occasionally live music! This is a fun way to spend your Saturday morning.
Portland Rose Festival
The Portland Rose Festival is an annual spring tradition. Held on the waterfront of the Willamette River, the festival includes Dragon Boat Races, the Grand Floral Parade, carnival rides and tasty carnival style food carts. The festival celebrates the city’s famous roses and ushers in its long awaited spring.
From its beautiful parks to its unique, vibrant food scene and proximity to incredible natural wonders, the Portland metro area offers endless opportunities for adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you're exploring the city's beautiful neighborhoods or venturing off to an outdoor excursion, the Portland metro has something for everyone!
About Holt Homes
For more than four decades, Holt Homes has built new construction homes for families in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The quality and experience of our people, the ease and efficiency of our approach, and the livability of our communities works hand-in-hand to make Holt Homes the largest locally-grown home builder in the region. For more information, live chat or call us at (971) 231-5560.
*All selections subject to change depending on availability
Posted: Apr 10. 2025