Did you know Portland’s International Rose Test Garden has over 10,000 rose bushes and 650+ varieties? It’s the largest public rose garden in the country1. This beautiful garden is just one of many hidden gems in Portland. As you explore Portland like a local, you’ll find a city that loves the weird, has great craft beer, and blends nature with city life.
The Portland Japanese Garden, opened in 1967, is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in America1. Book lovers will love Powell’s Books in the Pearl District. It’s the largest independent bookstore in the world, covering four floors with over one million books1.
Foodies, rejoice! Portland’s food scene is amazing, with Voodoo Doughnut serving over 100 kinds of doughnuts since 20032. There are also many food cart pods around the city. Try award-winning craft brews at Breakside Brewery, a top brewery in Portland that has won a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival1.
Portland’s rich history and culture can be explored at its many historical movie theaters. Portland has more operating ones than all but three other U.S. cities2. For a unique experience, visit Ground Kontrol in Northwest Portland, a famous arcade bar2. Or, try one of Portland’s many escape rooms2.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore the International Rose Test Garden, the largest public rose garden in the country
- Visit the authentic Portland Japanese Garden for a serene escape
- Discover a book lover’s paradise at Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore
- Indulge in Portland’s iconic donuts and thriving food cart scene
- Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture at historical movie theaters and unique attractions
Uncover the Enchanting Witch’s Castle in Forest Park
In the heart of Portland’s Forest Park, a hidden treasure awaits. The Witch’s Castle, also known as the Stone House, is a mysterious stone structure. Its moss-covered walls and vines create an enchanting and eerie atmosphere.
Discover the Mysterious History Behind the Witch’s Castle
The Witch’s Castle was built in the 1930s as a public restroom for hikers. A storm in 1962 damaged it, leading to its abandonment3. Today, it’s a popular spot for those seeking a unique experience in Forest Park.
Despite its name, there’s no witchcraft or supernatural tales here. The name likely comes from its mysterious look. Yet, the Witch’s Castle is a beloved landmark, showing Portland’s rich history and beauty.
Embark on a Scenic Hike to Reach This Hidden Gem
To find the Witch’s Castle, start a scenic hike in Forest Park. The park has trails for all hikers, leading to the castle3. Upper Macleay Parking lot is a great starting point, just a half-mile to the castle.
Or, start from Lower Macleay Parking lot for a longer but beautiful walk. Keep in mind, parking is limited at Lower Macleay Park3. The trails can get busy, with over 150 hikers on weekends and summer weekdays3.
As you hike, you’ll see Forest Park’s lush greenery. It’s one of the best urban parks in the country4. Fall brings stunning leaf colors and a chance to see wildlife. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re on a leash3.
Getting to the Witch’s Castle is easy, with good cell coverage in the area3. Drive, hike, or use public transit. A visit to the Witch’s Castle is a must for exploring Portland’s hidden gems.
Savor the Flavors of Portland’s Thriving Food Scene
Portland’s food scene is a culinary adventure. It offers a wide range of flavors and experiences. From iconic donuts to authentic Ethiopian cuisine and bustling food cart pods, there’s something for everyone5.
Indulge in Iconic Portland Donuts at Angel’s Donuts
Visiting Portland isn’t complete without trying its famous donuts. Angel’s Donuts is the perfect spot for this. They serve homemade pastries, tasty ice cream, and good coffee. It’s a must-visit for donut lovers.
If you want to try the best donuts, join a Lost Plate Food Tour. Their Coffee & Donut Tour starts at USD 54 per person6.
Experience Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine at Bete-Lukas Restaurant
Bete-Lukas Ethiopian Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. They serve traditional dishes meant to be eaten with your hands. The warm atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it a favorite spot.
If you want to explore more of Portland’s food scene, join a food tour. The Side Dish Mafia tour starts at USD 119 per person6.
Explore the Vibrant Food Cart Pods Scattered Throughout the City
Portland is famous for its food cart pods. They offer a wide range of delicious and affordable eats. These hubs of culinary creativity are all over the city, making it easy to try different flavors on the go.
Some notable food carts include Baon Kainan, a Filipino food cart on Alberta. It offers inventive takes on Filipino staples. There’s also a pizza cart off Northeast Sandy run by Roberto Hernandez Guerrero, blending Neapolitan-style crust with Latin American flavors5.
To dive into Portland’s food scene, join a food tour. Food Tours by Daniel offers a Mississippi Avenue Food Tour starting at USD 110 per person. Portland by Mouth Food Tours feature tours in the Buckman and Kerns neighborhoods starting at USD 105 per person6. These tours let you discover the flavors and stories behind Portland’s beloved spots.
Discover Portland’s Underground History and Haunted Spots
Start an exciting journey through Portland’s hidden history. Explore the city’s underground tunnels and haunted spots. The Shanghai Tunnels, hidden beneath the streets, reveal Portland’s dark past. They were used for goods and even for kidnapping and opium dens in the early 20th century7.
Take a guided tour of the Shanghai Tunnels to learn about its spooky legends and ghost stories. Old Town Pizza & Brewing Portland lets you explore a part of the tunnels. You can enjoy great pizza and beer while learning about Portland’s haunted history.
Portland also has other haunted places for a chilling experience. The Heathman Hotel is famous for its ghostly activity, mostly on the third floor. The Benson Hotel has many reports of ghost sightings and strange happenings8.
For a deep dive, visit the Old Multnomah County Poor Farm, now McMenamins Edgefield. It’s said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents8. If you dare, try the Oregon City Municipal Elevator. It’s known for ghostly sightings inside and on the platforms8.
Whether you love history, thrill-seeking, or just want to uncover Portland’s secrets, a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels and a visit to haunted places will give you unforgettable memories. You’ll gain a new appreciation for Portland’s fascinating past.
Immerse Yourself in Portland’s Artistic and Cultural Treasures
Portland’s art scene is vibrant and full of cultural attractions. You’ll find world-class museums, unique galleries, and gardens. The city has a 3-day itinerary to explore its cultural highlights9. Three days in Portland is the perfect time to see its charm and diverse offerings9.
Find Tranquility at the Lan Su Chinese Garden
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a peaceful oasis in Portland. It was built with Portland’s sister city, Suzhou. Here, you can stroll through beautiful grounds and admire traditional architecture.
Discover Unique Treasures at the Goodwill Superstore
The Portland Goodwill Superstore is a treasure trove. It’s filled with clothes, housewares, electronics, and books. You’ll find vintage finds, unique decor, and affordable fashion here.
Explore the Vibrant Alberta Arts District
The Alberta Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood for art lovers. It’s full of hidden gems like upscale shops and art galleries. The Portland Art Museum, in the city center, has over 45,000 pieces9.
The museum will expand in downtown Portland in late 202510. Portland’s art scene also includes the Portland Playhouse and the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art. The Portland Chinatown Museum is Oregon’s first museum dedicated to Chinese American history10.
The city’s gardens reflect its eco-conscious culture. The Japanese Garden is the most authentic outside of Japan. The Rose Garden has made Portland known as “the City of Roses”10.
Indulge in More of Portland’s Hidden Gems
Portland is full of surprises, with many hidden gems to find. For a unique experience, visit Glowing Greens Portland. It’s a blacklight mini golf course with a pirate theme and an escape room called Mental Trap. It’s a fun challenge for everyone.
Voysey is a cozy, secret spot for cocktails, hidden in the Loyal Legion’s basement. It offers creative cocktails and live music. It’s perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring11.
Mucca Osteria is the top spot for Italian food in Portland. It’s a hidden gem downtown, famous for homemade pasta and authentic Italian ingredients. The romantic setting makes it great for a date night12.
Portland’s food scene is vibrant, with over 500 food trucks offering diverse cuisines. With hidden bars, unique attractions, and places like Mucca Osteria, there’s always something new to try in Portland.
Conclusion
Portland, Oregon, is a city full of unique experiences and hidden gems. You can explore like a local and find something for everyone. From the mysterious Witch’s Castle in Forest Park to the amazing food scene, Portland has it all13.
The city’s climate is perfect for outdoor lovers. You can bike, hike, or drive to places like Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge13.
Portland’s arts and culture scene is vibrant. Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden, hunt for treasures at Goodwill, or explore Alberta Arts District13. At night, the city buzzes with life. Enjoy happy hour at places like Departure, Slow Bar, and Cubo14.
Portland offers everything from outdoor fun to late-night music. By exploring off the beaten path, you’ll find the city’s true charm. Embrace the “Keep Portland Weird” spirit and make memories that will last forever.