Are you heading to Portland in the summer? Then we've got a line up of activities, sights, and stops, that you have to make while you are here. If you have extra time, don't forget about these optional day trips from Portland. If you want to take an Oregon Coast road trip or Oregon road trip these itineraries all depart from Portland.
In this post, myself and fellow travel bloggers will give you some can't miss activities and stops that are special to Portland in the Summer.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Weather in Portland in the Summer Months
Average Temperatures
June: High 71℉ to a Low 49℉
July: High 80℉ to Low 53℉
August: High 84℉ to Low 54℉ and is considered the hottest month of Portland in the summer. August is also considered the least humid month in Portland.
Rainfall
June: 25% chance of rain daily
July: With a 7% chance of rain daily, July is considered the driest month of Portland in the summer and the clearest month with the least amount of cloudiness.
August: 8% chance of rain daily
Getting Around Portland in the Summer
Portland, Oregon has great public transportation with a bus system, rail system, and even a streetcar. It’s also very walkable and very bike-able with dedicated bike lanes separated from the normal flow of traffic for safety. So, do you need a car? No. Although during my visit, I rented a car, and would do so again. It’s been many years since I’ve been to Portland, and I don't feel that it’s as safe now as it was at that time. I would especially recommend renting a car if you also intend to visit elsewhere like an Oregon Coast road trip or on day trips from Portland, or to explore on an Oregon road trip. As always if you need a place to rent a car, check out the link below.
Portland in the Summer Activities
Portland Japanese Garden
Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 10am to 4pm (Closed Tuesdays)
Last entry is at 4pm and up until 5pm to explore the garden.
Gift Shop: 9am to 5pm
Cafe: 9 am to 5pm (Last seating at 4:30pm) It is recommended to reserve a table in advance (up to 10 days prior), although walk-ins are welcome.
Cost: Adults: $21.95, Seniors (65+): $18.95, Students (with ID): $17.95, Youth (6-17): $15.95, Children (5 and under): FreeTicket includes access to the Garden, the Gift Shop, the Cafe, and Art Exhibitions.
Rose Festival Fleet Week (June 7-11) allows free admission for active military (with appropriate identification/paperwork)
There is a $10 charge for anyone using a tripod
In the middle of the bustling city of Portland in the summer, you can find peace and tranquility at the Portland Japanese Garden. Here you will find long windy paved paths to take you to numerous different garden exhibits, each one more beautiful than the next. Amongst all the lush greenery, waterfalls, and ponds, the Portland Japanese Garden also has art exhibits, galleries, and demonstrations to fully immerse you in Japanese culture.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
If you want to learn more about all the beautiful gardens, then take a guided tour which is included in your admission ticket.
Here are some helpful tips to make the most of this perk.
Tours are 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, and 2:15pm daily and last one hour.
Tours are limited to 10 people at a time. Reservations can be made in advance.
Tours are outside and continue rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
Tours start on time and arriving late can forfeit your reservations.
International Rose Test Garden
Cost: Free, but you may need to pay to park. Parking is also limited during summer months.
Hours: Open daily from 5am to 10pm. Closed from 5am to 10am every other Wednesday from May through August for maintenance.
Rose Garden Store Hours: 9am to 6pm Wednesday to Monday
Free public tours are offered at 1pm daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Tour starts from the Rose Garden Store 10 minutes before. You can also take a self-guided tour, using the following guide provided by the parks department.
Let your nose lead the way into the beautiful International Rose Test Garden. With over 10 thousand rose bushes blooming in Portland in the summer months, this is a great FREE activity. The International Rose Test Garden has beautiful surroundings with all the different rose types, but it also has beautiful views overlooking the city of Portland. If you want to make a day of it, then pack a picnic meal and set out for the Washington Park Amphitheater which is just steps away. Within Washington Park which is where the International Rose Test Garden is located, you’ll also find a nearby kids playground. Or you can take this 2 hour trolley tour which makes a stop here at the Rose Garden too.
Powell’s City of Books
Hours: 10am to 9pm daily year round
Rare Book Room 10am to 5pm
Guilder Cafe 10am to 8pm
If Portland in the summer is too hot to handle, then step inside of Powell’s City of Books. Taking up an entire city block of Portland, Powell’s City of Books is one of the largest bookstores in the world. Here you can get lost in one of the nine different rooms and choose from almost a million books in every kind of genre. You can also head upstairs to the gallery to see what authors may be present promoting their books. Powell’s City of Books is every reader's dream store. And if you liked your visit, aside from the obvious books for purchase, you can also purchase some memorabilia from this famous place.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
Portland Oregon Sign
Located on top of a building on the westside of the Burnside Bridge, the Portland Oregon sign (AKA Made in Oregon or White Stag Sign) can be found. There are a few great places to get photo ops of this iconic sign. The first would be from the Eastbank Esplanade located on the other side of the Burnside Bridge from here you can get the bridge and the sign in the photo. The second would be by walking across the Burnside Bridge or driving if you have someone that can take a fast photo out the window. Lastly, would be right across the street from the building. While there is a waterfront park and trail, there are trees which block the sign because it’s so close, so just across the street from the sign is better.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
Portland Waterfront
- Written by Hannah Falkosky from Plate & Compass
With the average summer temperatures ranging from 75-85 degrees, it doesn’t get much better than spending a perfect Pacific Northwest summer day strolling along the downtown Portland waterfront! Any perfect Portland itinerary is not complete without it.
The waterfront stretches about 2 miles with paved paths along both sides of the Willamette River. But the Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the west side of the river is a popular spot for picnicking, walking, jogging or biking along the path.
Salmon Street Springs, a splash pad in the middle of the park, is perfect for kids or anyone wanting to cool off on a hot summer day. You can also extend your walk or bike along the riverfront by crossing several of the iconic bridges of Portland like the Hawthorne or Morrison bridges.
Portland in the summer season is a great time of year to visit because there are several events taking place along the waterfront! Popular events include the 4th of July fireworks, Waterfront Blues Fest or the Portland Saturday Market.
Spending your time outdoors is the best way to soak in a PNW summer, and the waterfront is a great way to escape the high rises and city atmosphere for a moment. Whether you choose to relax in the sun, or get active with a bike or a job, the waterfront promises a perfect blend of nature, history and beautiful views.
Pittock Mansion
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 4pm May and June and 10am to 5pm July and August. Opens at 12pm on Tuesdays
Cost: Adults: $15.50, Seniors (65+): $13.50, Youth (ages 6–18): $11.50, Kids under 6: Free. Admission includes the mansion and gate lodge.
From Armed Forces Day to Labor Day, there is free admission for active duty military and up to 5 family members (Valid ID required).
Parking is pay to park and summer is the busiest season so parking can fill up.
- Written by Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff
Visiting Pittock Mansion in Portland is a must on any Portland Itinerary. Pittock Mansion is a historic landmark in the city's West Hills, providing stunning panoramic views of Portland and its surrounding natural beauty. The mansion itself is a beautiful architectural gem and offers a glimpse into the history of the region. Pittock Mansion is roughly about 2.5 to 3.5 miles from downtown Portland, making it easily accessible by car, public transportation, or even on foot for those who enjoy a good hike.
When you arrive at Pittock Mansion, you can take a guided tour of the interior. The tour guides often provide fascinating insights into the history of the mansion and the Pittock family, who were prominent figures in Portland's history. The mansion's rooms are lavishly decorated with period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the early 20th-century elite.
One of the standout features of a visit to Pittock Mansion is the breathtaking view from its garden. The mansion's location on a hill provides an unparalleled vantage point to admire the city views, the Willamette River, and the distant mountains. The garden itself is well-maintained and often features a variety of seasonal flowers, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, photography, or simply soaking in the area's natural beauty.
Portland in the Summer - Food and Drink Stops
Voodoo Doughnut
While there are many Voodoo Doughnut locations popping up throughout the United States (I mean we have one here at Universal Studios CityWalk Orlando), Portland will always be the birthplace. Trust me you’ve never had a doughnut like this before. They are insane and the flavor options are just crazy and cool. Word of warning though: They do NOT have gluten free doughnuts. I hadn’t been diagnosed with gluten sensitivity at the time of this trip, but I was vegan. They do have multiple vegan options. So if you are dairy free, then they’ve got you covered, but just not gluten free.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
As mentioned above, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is to Portland what Starbucks is to Seattle. It’s the coffee of the locals. For those diehard coffee drinkers, just because it’s Portland in the summer that doesn’t stop you from drinking a nice piping hot cup of Joe, right? Then be sure to stop at one of the few Stumptown Coffee Roasters locations scattered throughout the city of Portland. Stumptown Coffee Roasters also now has the option to purchase their coffee online if you taste it and love it.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
Portland Coffee Tour
- Written by Adam and Kathryn from Adventures of A+K
Portland, Oregon arguably has the current hottest coffee scene in the country. The city is focusing more on boutique coffee shops and supporting small coffee bean farms around the world. So why not taste test this theory and find out if they truly do have the best coffee around? Plan a self-led coffee tour around the city throughout your Portland trip to taste out a variety of the best coffee shops in town.
Stumptown Coffee broke into the coffee scene over twenty years ago in Portland and was part of the “third wave coffee movement”. They are now one of the most popular in the city. Try Stumptown first to get you started on your coffee tour and have their draft cold brew, yep it's on tap!
Good Coffee is the next spot to try. They also have several locations around Portland so find one closest to your next activity. The menu has all of the typical drinks you’d expect plus some super unique seasonal options. Try one of those to see what kind of coffee magic they have up their sleeve.
Next up is Coava Coffee Roasters, with their three beautifully designed shops in the city. Their Honey Latte is delicious and the most popular drink there!
For the special stop of the tour be sure to visit Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Chai. Chai is obviously the specialty drink here, so try one of the many different flavor options. But you must also get a plate of the mini doughnuts of course! The flavors rotate and there’s always something unique and decadent.
While you’re exploring Portland in the summer, be sure to stop in any coffee shop that catches your eye. There’s always a ned coffee shop in town so give it a try and find your favorite coffee in Portland!
Food Cart Pods
- Written by Denise from Chef Denise
The Portland food scene is one of the best in the U.S. Moreover, Portland consistently ranks as the number one food truck city in the nation. So, for foodies visiting the City of Roses, eating at one its iconic food cart pods is a must! The best part about eating from Portland food trucks is that you always know which ones will be where. There are more than 15 spots that have multiple food carts in a designated area—Portland calls these “food cart pods.” New pods seem to pop up every year with over 600 total food trucks estimated in total. Pods span every neighborhood and there’s even one in the center of town at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
There is literally a food truck for every type of food you can think of. From sushi burritos to Belgian waffles to Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian, Korean, and even Guyanese cuisines. There is something for everyone. Hawthorne Asylum food cart pod is one of the most popular and is just a stone’s throw from one of the original pods, Cartopia. The Prout Marketplace is also a great option. It’s located in an eclectic neighborhood on Mississippi Ave. Grab some burnt end brisket from the legendary Matt’s BBQ. Your taste buds will thank you!
Salt & Straw
- Written by Ashley from Adventuring with Ashley
Be sure to include Salt & Straw on your itinerary of Portland in the summer, even if you’re only in Portland for one day. With 4 locations in Portland conveniently located near major Portland attractions, it’s the perfect way to cool down or end a day of sightseeing. Salt & Straw serves 13 classic flavors throughout the year and additional seasonal options, including a few vegan choices. With so many options on the menu, it's hard to pick a flavor or two, so opt for the ice cream “flight.” Similar to a beer flight, this is a great way to taste multiple flavors, and each scoop is served with a piece of waffle cone.
Some of the most popular flavors at Salt & Straw include Sea Salt with Carmel Ribbon, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, and the Salted Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. My favorite is the Sea Salt with Carmel Ribbon, it's the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Of course, there are other flavors available like Chocolate Nocino Cherry Pie and Pink Rose & Watermelon Sorbet. Salt & Straw wouldn’t be a true Portland-based company if it didn’t offer a “weird” flavor. In the summer, you’ll find Deviled Egg Custard with Smoked Black Tea on the menu.
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