Portland, Oregon. What a beautiful, interesting and fun place to live and visit. With so many things to do and see, a girls weekend in Portland, Oregon, should be at the top of your list. Don’t miss our series on how to plan a girls weekend for some tips to help you have a better friends vacation.
Portland was coined Stumptown before the Civil War because it was growing so fast that the city didn’t have enough workers to remove all of the stumps when trees were cut down. It’s also known as the City of Roses and holds the annual Portland Rose Festival and Grand Floral Parade.
In recent months, Portland has become known for sensationalized stories of protests and anger. Some of its surrounding beautiful, thick forests have endured ravaging wildfires and toxic smoke. These impassioned people, also have a passion for good food, good beer and our beautiful environment.
If you’re planning to travel during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, please take precautions advised by medical and scientific experts. Some locations may require you to quarantine upon arrival or not allow visitors at all.
When to Go
The best weather in Portland is usually the warmer summer months, June through mid September. But, those are typically the most expensive too. Portland’s weather is pretty mild and can be visited year-round, just pack clothing to keep you warm and dry in case of rain.
I’m from the Pacific Northwest, and in the cooler months, you’ll usually find me wearing a light sweater with a vest when I’m outdoor shopping or in and out of stores and restaurants. If it’s really cold and icy, or you’re going to be standing outdoors for a long period of time, you probably want a warmer jacket with sleeves.
Getting Around / Transportation Options
Portland has a light rail system that’s inexpensive and will take you in and out of downtown pretty easily. This is nice if you want to stay outside of the downtown area, but don’t want to drive all the time. They used to have a free service that they no longer offer.
Fun Neighborhoods in Portland
There are many hotel and private vacation rentals in the area. Here are some popular neighborhoods to explore for a girls weekend in Portland, Oregon:
Nob Hill is full of beautiful older Victorian-style homes, cute shops and good restaurants. Linda from The Wanderlust Kitchen has a great insider’s post with tips for visiting Nob Hill.
The Pearl District is probably the city’s most popular district to stay, shop and eat.
Alberta Arts District is another great option for a girls weekend place to stay, eat and shop.
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Interesting Places to Stay for a Girls Weekend in Portland, Oregon
Are you a Twilight fan? Are any of your friends? Did you know that you can stay in Bella’s house? NO KIDDING! Many of the scenes from the Twilight movies were filmed in and around St. Helens, Oregon. In fact, the Cullen house is in Portland. St. Helens is about a 40 minute drive from Portland, but if you’re diehard Twilight fans, it may be worth the trip.
Built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic places, you can stay in a historic train station that’s been remodeled into a contemporary vacation rental.
Steps away from the famous Voodoo Doughnuts in downtown Portland, is this 3 bedroom modern apartment.
Located in the trendy Mississippi, is this beautifully designed 5 bedroom home. There is an additional 4 bedroom rental on-site if you need additional space.
This urban townhouse is located in Slabtown near many of Portland’s attractions.
What to do
Waterfalls
Grab a big breakfast then head out along Oregon’s beautiful Columbia River Gorge to find the famous and beautiful Multnomah Falls. The falls are only about 30 minutes or so from Portland. (Note: Due to social distancing, you may need to make reservations. Be sure to visit their website before you go.)
Between Portland and Multnomah Falls, there are a few other waterfalls you can stop to see as well. Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls and Latourell Falls are all nearby and provide short hiking options if you’re looking for a short adventure.
Be sure to stop at Vista House and take in the amazing scenery and grab some hot coffee if you need it. This is a great spot to take some group selfies (If you post them to Instagram, please tag me! I’d love to see!)
Museums
The lovely Pittock Mansion, opened in 1912, is located in the city if you want to stay in town. It is near both Washington Park and Forest Park.
Portland is also home to the National Hat Museum, the Japanese American Museum of Oregon, the Portland Chinatown Museum, the Portland Puppet Museum, the Oregon Historical Society, the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Museum of Science and History.
Parks and Gardens
Portland, Oregon is home to Beverly Cleary and her unforgettable characters, Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins and Ribsy. Beverly Cleary, an inspiration to generations of authors and children, is still alive and 104 years old young now. When you visit the city, be sure to visit Grant Park, the location of many scenes from Beverly Cleary’s books. There, you’ll find statues of Ramona, Henry and Ribsy.
Washington Park is the city’s most well-known parks and home to the famous International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Gardens and much more.
Forest Park is a beautiful 5000 acre park with more than 80 miles of hiking trails. One visit and you will understand why we love the Pacific Northwest so much, in spite of, and perhaps because of, the rain.
The Lan Su Garden and Teahouse, the Peninsula Park Rose Garden, and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden are enchanting places to visit.
Notable Portland Businesses
Don’t miss the famous Voodoo Doughnuts, Salt & Straw handmade ice cream, Powell’s Books and food trucks while you’re in Portland.
Tours
Let someone else do the driving while you have fun with your friends and tour the area. Here are some of Portland’s tour operators:
- Pedal Bike Tours
- A Great Oregon Wine Tour
- Portland’s Weird Homes Tour
- Around Portland Tours
- Forktown Food Tours
- Wildwood Adventures
- Gray Line of Portland
Wine
Portland, Oregon, like Portland, Maine, is known for its amazing craft beer. Oregon has also become an incredible region for wine, and there are SO MANY wineries and tasting rooms in and around the city. You can find many of them on my map of Things to Do and See on Girls Weekend in Portland below. Another good resource is Wilamette Valley Wine.
Dine
Portland, Oregon is a mecca of good restaurants, you’ll be able to find delicious food wherever you are. There are too many to list here, but you can find many of them on my map of Things to Do and See on Girls Weekend in Portland below.
TV Shows and Movies Filmed in and Around Portland
If you’re starting to plan your girls weekend but not traveling yet, here are a bunch of TV shows and movies that were filmed in and around Portland, Oregon. Grab a big, soft blanket, your favorite hot drink and dive in!
- Shrill
- Little People, Big World is filmed just outside of Portland in Helvetia. You can visit the Roloff Farm in-person.
- Portlandia
- Grimm
- Life Unexpected
- Leverage
- Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix original)
- Wild
- Leave No Trace
- I, Tonya
- The Edge of Seventeen
- Twilight
- Paranoid Park
- John Tucker Must Die
- The Goonies
- Stand By Me
- Free Willy
- Kindergarten Cop
- Mr. Holland’s Opus
- Wendy and Lucy
- Night Moves
- Drugstore Cowboy
- One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
- Animal House
Girls Weekend in Portland, Oregon Map
I created a map to help you find girls weekend restaurants, sights and wineries in and around the area.
More Ideas for Girls Weekend In Portland, Oregon
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