Best Free Things to Do in Portland

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Portland

Best Free Things to Do in Portland

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131 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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Showing results 1-30 of 131

What travellers are saying

  • Connector13189435046
    United Kingdom2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Place was to goood I like the place very much I will come again I will never forget this place I will tell my friends to visit here see you soon
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura H
    El Dorado Hills, CA431 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a huge park overlooking the city of Portland. Roses are the main feature of this beautiful park. There is a fee for parking and signs warning of car break-ins. While there, we met a family who had all their luggage stolen. Remember to not leave anything visible inside of your car.
    Written 26 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • minimize940314
    Los Angeles, CA3,528 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was traveling alone so I was not able to stop by wineries and have glasses of wine. However, driving through the valley itself is an experience as the scenery is gorgeous.
    Written 30 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KACB
    Texas17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked the Holly Loop, and it was a nice leisurely walk with so much beautiful scenery to stop and look at. We can’t wait until we can come back and check out the other trails. There is a small gift shop in the visitor center where we purchased a few postcards.
    Written 15 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew T
    272 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an incredibly beautiful forest to walk around in. If you have the time you can easily spend the whole day there. Lots of undulation so if that’s a difficulty walking need to be considerate of that. But the walking trails are really well paved. Overall rating 9.7
    Written 16 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kris B
    Milwaukee, WI3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walk the neighborhoods and enjoy the local food/beers! Northrup Inn great spot to stay. Staff awesome
    Written 26 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • YanJing Jiang
    Shanghai, China25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Due to today is a rainy day. Portland Saturday Market has not many food stall and another stall there. But the view of the river side is very beautiful. It’s a good place worth to visit it,
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeremy C
    Atlanta, GA883 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a really nice farmers market, right on the Portland State University campus. A large number of booths with a lot of variety. Definitely recommended for both locals and visitors.
    Written 18 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tony l
    Vancouver, Canada3,686 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    St. Johns Bridge is one of the three suspension bridges in Oregon , and tallest bridge in the city of Portland , connecting between Cathedral park on the North side to Linnton Northwest side , not as famous like Golden Gate or Brooklyn , but beautiful outstanding historical landmark , best of all No Toll , the best view is at the Cathedral Park , just Magnificent
    Written 10 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Putnam B
    Seattle, WA89 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A large park with many facilities - a playground, a swimming pool, wooded areas and lawns. Plus, of course, a large and well-tended rose garden surrounded by a walking path at a higher level making the whole array of roses visible at once. Closer inspection is also possible by walking down the stairs or a wheelchair ramp.

    From the name, you might expect it to front on the Columbia or the Willamette River, but it is in fact surrounded by a city neighborhood and obviously popular with nearby residents.
    Written 29 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wendi W
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing park with forest trails and perfect for sunset! Come on the sunny day and you’ll have such a great time. Bring a blanket and have a picnic or just sit and relax!
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FiftyFifty5050
    Montgomery, UK884 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have been staying near Laurelhurst Park for the past week, with dogs to look after and so, two to three times a day, I have walking the paths and grassy areas within the park with my charge.

    I love this space, the city are spot on with the balance between a managed park and a natural environment. It is situated in a dip, with layers of paths following the circumference of the park, and then offshoots crossing the centre. From one side you enter level with the street but, on the other, there is a slope to navigate, and a tier of red brick steps take you all the way from the top to the bottom, with small paths leading off at various stages on the way down.

    In the centre is an off-leash area for dogs, which is well used and despite the number of dogs and their owners who use the facilities, there are still a large number of squirrels, birds and, of course, ducks on the pond.

    The pond has seating overlooking it and is home to a healthy duck population. The water is an unusual colour, almost teal, like the colour on the head of a male mallard, this becomes almost ethereal at twilight and during the golden hour.

    Trees are super tall, giving the feeling of space. There are plaques underneath some trees to give visitors information and you can also find out about all the trees on information boards or by visiting the website of the park - I don't pretend to be an expert on trees by any means, but there are London Plane, Douglas Fir and Sequoia to name a few.

    A Horse Shoe Pit is temporarily closed, but there is a skateboard park, a children's play area and tennis courts at one side of the park; and picnic benches abound, either single of long rows of them - you could have a soccer match (there isn't a pitch by the way) and seat both teams on either side of one long bench for a picnic after the game.

    Toilet are provided on both sides of the park and water fountains are dotted around. Plenty of rubbish (trash) bins also.

    The park is well used by locals and, on our Saturday morning walk, we came across a Tai Chi group going through their movements, a couple of walking groups chatting whilst they walked, cyclists, dog walkers, runners and lots of people just out for a stroll. Of an evening in the week, after work, a little warmth and sunshine brings people out to sit on the grass and chat.

    There is plenty of colour provided by rose bushes, peonies and a multitude of flowers which, again, I can't name, but can appreciate. I did notice the first daffodils in bloom this morning.

    A really wonderful resource for the community.
    Written 2 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gary W
    Richmond, Australia885 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very tasteful memorial in Washington Park. The walkway has sculptures of a broken suitcase, violin, teddy bear, doll and a book. There is a summary of the treatment of Jews in Europe which is informative and lists of people living in Oregon who lost relatives.
    Written 21 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mostly_happy_camper
    New York City, NY226 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magnificant place, worth a visit even if you do not want to use the library. The staircase from the first to the second floor alone is worth a stop (Central Library on the streetcar).

    If you actually want to go to a library, you can't do much better than this one. It has loads of periodicals, computer stations on all three floors, an excellent children's reading room, and a choice staff, all of whom seem to me to be happy employees, and they are more than willing and totally competent to help you out.

    Not as iconic as the famous New York City library on 42nd Street, but a landmark building in its own right.
    Written 26 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ellen28
    New York City, NY1,016 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We found this enjoyable. Fresh fruit (wonderful cherries), flowers, sauces, soaps… hundreds of stalls with items made with TLC. Hot food too to grab a bite and listen to music. Worth checking out.
    Written 1 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.