Things to Do In Portland This Summer! Interview with Travel Portland

by | Jun 26, 2017 | Interviews, Oregon

Nathan and Catalina discuss things to do in Portland this summer

Nathan and Catalina at the Travel Portland offices.

If you’re looking for things to do in Portland this summer, Travel Portland is where you should look first. They consistently publish great content on their website, put out an annual visitors guide, and operate the visitor information center in Pioneer Courthouse Square.They are, “…the city’s destination marketing organization.” according to Catalina Gaitán, Editorial Assistant for Travel Portland.

I recently did a Facebook Live interview with Gaitán who shared that Travel Portland exists to:

“…strengthen the region’s economy by marketing the metropolitan Portland region as a preferred destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel.”

They also have a partnership team that works with local businesses to get people into their stores and restaurants and using their services. According to Gaitán, “If we’re helping the smallest business get a chance to rise to the top, too, we’ll help everyone’s businesses get stronger.”

Gaitán was born and raised in Portland. Not only does this make her a great fit for her job, but also quite fun and knowledgeable when it comes to talking about the vast array of events and activities happening in Portland this summer.

Our hour+ conversation covered A LOT of ground. Below are the highlights (with links and dates) of a few things to do in Portland this summer:

Nathan and Catalina discuss things to do in Portland this summer

Nathan and Catalina at the Travel Portland offices.

Favorite Activities & Attractions in Portland

Travel Portland has a terrific “top activities” section on their website. If you’re new to Portland or are entertaining out of town guests, you’ll definitely want to get to Powell’s Books, The Oregon Zoo, walk around the rose garden, and wait in line at Voodoo Doughnuts, among other things.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path a bit, try these spots:

  • For a new doughnut experience, try Pip’s or Coco Donuts.
  • For a day of family fun, head to Oaks Amusement Park – Gaitán describes it as “a vintage amusement park with old-school rides, mini golf, and a huge old-fashioned roller rink with a disco ball and an organ dangling from the ceiling.” You can also purchase or bring your own food and enjoy it in the humongous picnic area overlooking the Willamette River.
  • For a challenging yet accessible hike (with bathrooms and a playground), visit Mt. Tabor – “the only extinct volcano within city limits in the country.”
  • For a nice walk with views of mountains and the city, walk across the country’s only bridge dedicated exclusively to light rail, buses, bikes, and pedestrians, Tilikum Crossing. “It’s beautiful and changes color according to how fast the river is flowing.”

Favorite Unconventional Food Spots

There is an alarming number of phenomenal places to eat and drink in Portland. We happen to think these breweries are the best, but still. Here are a few lesser known spots if you’re looking for something a bit different.

  • Portland Mercado (SE 72nd & Foster) “A community of more than 16 permanent businesses, bringing together diverse cultures through food, art, and entertainment.”
  • Tidbit Food Carts (SE 18th & Division) One of the largest food pods in the city with every possible type of food you could want.
  • Cartopia (SE Hawthorne & 12th) Some call this Portland’s “late night food cart pod.” It is very welcoming with a covered heated seating area and you can find something for just about anyone.
  • Pine St. Market (SW 2nd & Pine) Portland’s first food hall, the Market features nine of Portland’s best chefs and purveyors, all under one roof.
  • Portland Food Hall (SW 2nd & Yamhill)  According to Travel Portland, “This trendy take on a food court is home to five micro-restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

Places to Grab a Drink

There are too many things to do in Portland involving beverages, so here are just a few of Gaitán’s favorites:

Portland also has a ton of distilleries and wineries with tasting rooms right here in the city. Oh, and coffee too!

Cultural Things to do in Portland

Portland has a diversity of cultural opportunities to enjoy. Here are the ones Gaitán and I discussed:

things to do in Portland include the Forst Through the Trees murals

A collaboration with Mhak, an artist from Tokyo, and Eric Otto, an artist from California, on NE 11th and Stark (image by Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian)

Events

There are a billion events going on in Portland this summer. Start watching the interview here for commentary on each of the following events:

Portland Pride Festival (June 17-18) Although the festival is over for 2017, check it out next year! “The Rose City is open and accepting to every kind of visitor. During the month of June, it gets friendlier than ever, with the Portland Pride Festival and Parade and various LGBT celebrations all over town.”

Beer Related

Active Events

Music

Family Friendly Events

  • Centennial celebration of Rose Garden (Aug. 26) This happens every 100 years, so MAKE SURE you check it out this year! Includes music, art, dance, food vendors, and activities.
  • Good in the Hood (June 23-25 in North Portland) A multicultural music, arts, and food festival.
  • The Big Float (July 15) “An annual Willamette River fundraising event that benefits the Human Access Project.” Basically, hop in the river and float on your favorite flotation device with live music and more!
  • PDX Adult Soapbox Derby (August 19) Build a race car and fly down Mt Tabor! It’s super fun to watch if you’re not the daredevil type.

https://youtu.be/O-1hjexXj9I

Your Favorite Things to do in Portland

This list barely scratches the surfaces of what there is to do when visiting Portland. After you register for one of our next 5K’s (wink, wink), share your favorite things to do in Portland below. Use promo code TravelPDX5 for a $5 discount to any of our runs.