Portland, Oregon has so many free activities that you could spend five days there doing something different every day and still not run out of things to do. In fact, you could probably stay in Portland for much longer and yet not run out of best free things to do in Portland, Oregon.
Portland’s aim to maintain green spaces is one of the reasons for the abundance of free activities. The many parks and gardens across the city reflect this purpose. All of these parks are free, and several of them offer unique features like a children’s play fountain, 500 different rose kinds, and hiking trails.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, an award-winning green area and home to the famed Portland Saturday Market, which is also free, is one of the most notable.
There are numerous green spots to explore, as well as numerous museums. The Historic Belmont Firehouse is one of these museums, and it is always free. Many of the other museums give free admission to the public at certain periods throughout the month.
Even art galleries have banded together to give a fixed free day each month, such as Portland’s First Thursdays, when you may spend the entire evening strolling through downtown art galleries for free.
Keep reading for more on the 10 free attractions and activities in Portland, Oregon.
Free Attractions and Activities in Portland, Oregon
We hope that our list of the 10 best free things to do in Portland helps you plan a fantastic trip to the city.
1. PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
Despite its name, the Portland Saturday Market is open every weekend from March through December, including Sundays. The Burnside Bridge and a glass-roofed structure custom built for open-air shopping on rainy days protect the Market, which is located on the West Bank of the Willamette River.
Hundreds of sellers sell their original artwork and crafts that aren’t available anyplace else. At the Portland Saturday Market, every vendor only sells items that they have made themselves. Portland Saturday market includes the freshly prepared international cuisine that buyers may enjoy while sitting in front of the stage where free live music is performed every market day.
Buskers from all over the neighborhood provide live entertainment for the market.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: The Portland Saturday Market is a free and fun way to spend a day in Portland.
Expert tip: On summer mornings, come early because the market can get very congested in the afternoon.
2. INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDENS
You’ll not only see roses you’ve never seen before, but you’ll also be treated to a spectacular vista of the city and Mt. Hood from these terraced gardens. The gardens, which were founded in 1917, allow numerous rose hybrids a trial run before they are released to the general public.
With over 8000 plants representing over 400 different kinds, there is bound to be at least one rose type that captures your attention in this garden. If you’re tempted, keep in mind that picking any of the flowers is against the law.
Summer is the finest time to visit the exhibits, and you’ll also find a variety of seasonal concerts in the gardens. The Rose Garden Store in Washington Park has unique things for both the home and the garden.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: In the summer, the Rose Garden in Portland is really stunning, and there is no admission fee.
Expert tip: Visit between June and August if at all possible. You will be punished if you pick any of the roses.
3. POWELL’S CITY OF BOOKS
Powell’s is hardly exaggerating when it refers to itself as a “City of Books,” as it is housed in a five-story structure that takes up a full city block. Powell’s claims to be the largest independent book store in the country, and it is by far the largest bookstore in Portland.
Have you ever visited The Strand in New York? Powell’s is the larger of the two. Customers will be able to find almost anything in print at a reasonable price, as the store sells both new and old books. With 1.6 acres of floor space, shoppers may need to utilise a map (available for free at the front desk) to find their way around the many color-coded rooms.
One of the nicest venues in Portland to bring out-of-town visitors for an afternoon snack is Powell’s coffee shop. Powell’s has multiple satellite facilities in the Portland area, including one near the airport, in addition to the “City of Books.” Powell’s Books competes with Amazon on the internet.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Powell’s is one of Portland’s most well-known bookstores, and it’s a lot of fun to look for old books there.
Expert tip: On the fifth floor, visit the Rare Book Room.
4. GOVERNOR TOM MCCALL WATERFRONT PARK
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, like Pioneer Courthouse Square and Powell’s Books, is commonly referred to as Portland’s “living rooms.” Even when it’s raining, a large crowd gathers along the riverbank, and on sunny days, families, bikers, bladders, and joggers all cohabit amicably.
Many of the city’s major events take place in the park, including the Blues Festival, the Oregon Brewers Festival, and many Rose Festival events. Harbor Drive was removed and replaced by Tom McCall Waterfront Park in the mid-1970s under Governor McCall’s supervision.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Beautiful views and free entertainment may be found at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Expert tip: Visit on a Saturday to take advantage of the Saturday Market, and don’t forget to bring the kids’ beach suits.
5. FOREST PARK
Forest Park is a lovely forest in the heart of Portland. Forest Park is well-known for being the country’s largest urban forest within a metropolis. More than 5000 acres of lush woods, rivers, waterfalls, and bridges make up Forest Park. There are almost 40 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian paths throughout the park.
The majority of the paths are wide and well-maintained, making them ideal for runners and bicyclists. The park is located on the eastern side of the Northwest Hills, just 10 minutes from downtown. Even a brief trip through Forest Park can help you appreciate Oregon’s natural splendor. It can be difficult to know where to enter. McCleay Park, located at 29th and Upshire, is a wonderful starting point.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Forest Park is a 5,000-acre recreational area located in the heart of the city.
Expert tip: Before your first visit, do some research on the places you wish to go.
6. DIRECTOR PARK
Director Park is a public piazza in the heart of Portland’s downtown district. This park is built on top of a parking garage that lies subterranean. On hot days, they feature a huge fountain that also serves as a splash zone for the youngsters.
Director Park hosts a variety of free programmes throughout the year for people of all ages, including concerts, art events, trivia nights, chess, plays, cookery, and more. It’s a fantastic spot for a lunch break.
There is plenty of seating available, with chairs and tables strewn about the plaza. Concrete benches are also available for use. Elephants Café, which serves lunch and dinner, has a location here. They also sell ice cream and refreshments.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: In the heart of the city, Director Park is jam-packed with free entertainment and activities in Portland.
Expert tip: On a hot day, bring a picnic and let your kids play in the fountain.
7. JAMISON SQUARE
Jamison Square is a hidden gem of an outdoor park in the Pearl District, nestled among high-rise condos. During the summer, children can play in the continually running tiered fountain. As the fountain runs, it creates a shallow pool, drains it, recycles the water, and then begins the process all over again.
This keeps the fountain clean and safe for even small children to play in. In the evenings, the fountain is drained and free concerts are held. Small tables and chairs are accessible in Jamison Square. It’s a fantastic spot for lunch or just to unwind and read a book.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Jamison Square is a nice area to visit if you want to relax and have some water fun.
Expert tip: Bring a lawn chair to sit in while watching your children play or attending a music.
8. PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE
Because of its popularity as a gathering spot and a venue for large and small public festivals and events, this public plaza is lovingly referred to as Portland’s “living room.” The property was once home to a school, a hotel, and a parking garage.
The city did not acquire the land and build the lovely space that exists today until 1974. The square, which has been open since 1984, provides year-round activities such as spectacular outdoor concerts and civic celebrations.
Because so much of the money came from individual donations, the space is littered with bricks inscribed with the names of donors.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Pioneer Courthouse Square is Portland’s living room, with a plethora of interesting things to see and do.
Expert tip: Grab a bite to eat from a nearby food cart and enjoy it on the steps.
9. SPRINGWATER CORRIDOR
The Springwater Corridor is a multi-use trail that spans from SE Ivan Street in Portland to Boring, Oregon. The route is currently 14.2 miles long in one direction. Many parks, including Tiedeman Johnson Nature Park, Beggars-tick Wildlife Refuge, the I-205 Bike Path, Leach Botanical Garden, Powell Butte Nature Park, and Gresham’s Main City Park, are connected by the Springwater Corridor.
These parks are the ideal places to go to get on the trail, especially if you need a parking spot. The trail is at least 10 feet wide and paved throughout, making it suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, strollers, and wheelchairs. There are separate soft surface routes for horse use east of I-205 and at the trail’s conclusion in Boring.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: The Springwater Corridor is a 14-mile multi-use route that passes through Portland and is free to use.
Expert tip: Plan to rent or bring a bike and spend a few hours on the trail.
10. HISTORIC BELMONT FIREHOUSE
The Jeff Morris Fire & Life Safety Foundation has partnered with Portland Fire & Rescue to present you the “Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum” at the Historic Belmont Firehouse. The average tour lasts an hour or longer.
During the tour, you can try out the emergency response simulator “Fire Engine Experience” as well as the firehouse fire pole. The “Greater Alarm Dispatch Board,” a firefighter photo exhibit, the “Destructive Power of Fire” exhibit, and a fire engine pump panel exhibit are among the exhibits.
They also have a cinema room where they broadcast safety videos. The 1859 Jeffers Sidestroke Handpumper, the 1879 Amoskeag Steam Pumper, the 1860 Hose Cart, and a variety of hand tools utilized over the last 150 years will be on display. For $1, you can get a 30-minute audio tour. A gift shop and a safety store are also available.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: For kids, the Historic Belmont Firehouse is especially entertaining and educational, and it is always free.
Expert tip: On their website, you can request a tour in advance.
FAQ’s About Free Activities in Portland, Oregon.
What are the top attractions to visit in Portland?
The top attractions to visit in Portland are:
1. International Rose Test Garden
2. Portland Japanese Garden
3. Washington Park
4. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
5. Pittock Mansion
6. Lan Su Chinese Garden
What are the best outdoor activities in Portland?
The best outdoor activities in Portland are:
1. Washington Park
2. Forest Park
3. Director Park
4. Willamette Valley
5. International Rose Test Garden
6. Hoyt Arboretum
Why is Portland Oregon famous?
Portland, Oregon is a bustling and scenic city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is the state’s largest city and is known for its vast stretches of green space, which range from parks and forests to magnificent mountaintops.
Why is it called Rose Test Garden?
Jesse A. Currey, a rose enthusiast and the Sunday editor of the Oregon Journal, persuaded city officials to establish a rose test garden in 1915 to serve as a safe haven for hybrid roses grown in Europe during World War I. Rose enthusiasts feared that the explosions would kill these rare plants.
How long is the Springwater Corridor Trail?
From downtown Portland to Boring, the Springwater Corridor is a picturesque 21-mile paved walkway. Walkers, hikers, runners, and bikers frequent the trail. The paved surface is 10 to 12 feet wide, with the majority of it separated from public roadways.
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