Situated in the northwestern United States, Portland is a spectacularly beautiful city with a host of interesting attractions. The city has picturesque clean waterways, lush green parklands and a charming downtown district with numerous historic neighbourhoods that are filled with great shopping, trendy restaurants and cultural entertainment.
Known as the “City of Roses”, Portland will quickly embrace you with its warm and relaxing atmosphere. The beautiful city terrain is home to some of the country’s most impressive public parks and urban wilderness. The picturesque Japanese Garden is a stunning exhibition of peace and tranquillity overlooking the dramatic Mount Hood. The rare flowers, fauna and outdoor art make it one of the best Oriental gardens in North America.
Portland has an impressive array of historic and cultural museums coupled with art galleries displaying modern and traditional works. The Portland Art Museum is especially noteworthy with not only some great pieces from around the world but also a fascinating collection of Native American art and artefacts. There is a dedicated wing of the museum that showcases the local Indian tribes that lived in the region.
For a little exercise coupled with scenic adventures, the cycling and walking tracks that carve through the city’s parks and along the lush riverbanks are perfect. Bicycle hire is readily available and highly recommended to allow you to enjoy parts of the city otherwise unseen.
The choice of accommodation in Portland is endless, with a plethora of affordable family hotels, budget guesthouses, and charming bed and breakfasts. Spectacular five-star suites offering luxury combined with stunning views of the picturesque city are also available. If you plan on visiting during the peak season of June until August, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
Portland is conveniently reached with Amtrak trains arriving from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia every day. Greyhound buses offer connections from numerous major cities across the country including: Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago. By air, flights arrive daily to Portland International Airport from all over America and also some major cities in Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
The weather in Portland is much the same as the rest of the US’s Pacific Northwest, mild with consistent rain. Throughout the year temperatures remain mild with summertime’s hitting highs of around 27° Celsius and winter rarely seeing a light snowfall. The city is famous for misty showers of rain, which can sometimes fall for days on end. It is because of the rain that the city is particularly lush and green.
The best weather for Portland is between June and September when the temperatures are comfortably warm and the rain subsides. The majority of visitors to the city come during these months so be sure to make advanced bookings for accommodation and activities to avoid disappointment. Autumn time in Portland is particularly beautiful with pleasant temperatures and a sea of colour from the abundance of leaves fallen from the many trees.
