The lush green surrounds of Portland make for a great place to enjoy outdoors activities from cycling to hiking in nearby wilderness. Kids will love the Oregon Zoo, which has a plethora of animals from around the globe. The Oaks Park amusement centre will keep the whole family entertained with roller coasters, games and fun activities.

Oregon Zoo 
The fascinating Oregon Zoo is located just a short drive from Portland’s downtown area. The zoo is home to numerous species from all over America as well as around the globe. There are several real habitat enclosures that recreate the animal’s natural surroundings. The exhibits include Africa with a mini rainforest and savannah desert, Cascade Mountains with alpine wilderness and Alaskan tundra showcasing grizzly bears and wolves. Phone: +1 503 226 1561; www.oregonzoo.org  

Cycling 
Dubbed the most bike-friendly city in America, Portland’s urban landscape has an abundance of enjoyable cycling paths. The city streets are all equipped with dedicated riding lanes so exploring the city by bike is not only good for your health and the environment but also a safe option. Bicycles can be hired throughout the city from numerous bike shops.

Hiking 
Throughout Portland and the surrounding area, a plethora of challenging hiking opportunities exist. Within the city’s Forest Park, which is the largest city park in America, there are over 80 kilometres of trails that cut through the natural terrain. For more challenging hikes, the serene Cascade wilderness is just a short drive away.

Oaks Park Amusement Centre 
Oaks Park Amusement Centre is a great place to entertain the kids with endless games, activities and carnival rides. The 44-acre park, which is filled with towering oak trees, opened in 1905 and is home to the country’s largest timber-floored roller rink. Phone: +1 503 2335777; www.oakspark.com

Portland Children’s Museum 
The Portland Children’s Museum is situated in the same complex as the Oregon Zoo. There are many educationalexhibits with numerous hands-on activities including a kid-sized supermarket, a magical forest and a water works. Together with the nearby zoo, an entire day of entertainment is possible. Phone: +1 503 223 6500; www.portlandcm2.org

Although not overflowing with cultural activities, Portland has some fantastic museums with extensive collections of art, history and artefacts. The maritime museum is a popular attraction with interesting models of ships past and present, coupled with information and displays of how they operate. For some early 1900s Portland architecture, the Pittock Mansion provides an enjoyable day out.

Oregon Historical Society Museum 
The Oregon Society Museum has a wealth of exhibits and information about the early pioneering days of the region. Up to the mid 1800s, much of the Oregon landscape was untapped until the early pioneering settlers discovered the Oregon Trail, which was a significant part of American history. The museum also chronicles the pre-European arrival, with exhibits and artefacts. Phone: +1 503 222 1741; website: www.ohs.org

Oregon Maritime Centre and Museum 
Located along the riverbank in the downtown district, the Maritime Centre is a popular museum with interesting artefacts, marine photographs and navigational equipment from early to modern ships. The museum itself is set in an old sternwheeler tugboat that is in perfect condition. Phone: +1 503 224 7724.

Pittock Mansion 
This historic building was completed in 1914 and is an interesting blend of 17th, 18th and 19th century architecture. The home belonged to the Henry Louis Pittock, who was the founder of Portland’s daily newspaper. Inside the beautiful residence, there is an impressive collection of fine art and antique furniture. From the balcony, uninterrupted views of the beautiful Cascade Mountain range can be enjoyed. Phone: +1 503 823 3624.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry 
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has a vast collection of interactive exhibits that will be enjoyed by all. The museum is regarded as one of the top 10in North America with a planetarium, Imax theatre and specialised children’s learning centre. Phone: +1 503 797 4000.

Portland Art Museum 
One of the oldest art museums in the Pacific Northwest is host to numerous works from around the world. The main attraction here is the extensive Native American collection of art and artefacts, which are displayed in authentic exhibits. Phone: +1 503 226 2811; www.portlandartmuseum.org

Portland boasts an impressive dining scene which rivals the nearby city of Seattle. The majority of the best restaurants are in and around the same few districts in the downtown area. You will find flavours and cuisines from around the globe including: Italian, French, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese and Moroccan. With Portland home to more restaurants than any other American city, you will be spoilt for choice.

The fantastically clean waters off the coast of Oregon provide Portland with an array of fresh and tasty seafood. The local speciality is salmon, which is served at numerous restaurants across town. Other favourite dishes include the local crab, mussels, halibut and oysters. If you want to try the best restaurants in the city, Nob Hill and the Pearl District have an array of fine dining and trendy modern eateries.

Portland has an exciting and vibrant shopping scene with numerous districts with everything from brand-name boutiques and funky new age shops to home-furnishings and local art galleries. The city is free from sales tax.

For some interesting and quirky finds, head down to Portland’s Bohemian centre in the Hawthorne District where an abundance of funky clothing, jewellery and other alternative goods are available. The Sellwood district’s charming streets are lined with beautiful Victorian homes, which house numerous antique shops with an impressive collection of treasures from the past.