What Is Portland Known For? (Besides The Obvious…)

What Is Portland Known For?
Portland is known for its vibrant blend of unique cultural, natural, and gastronomic offerings. It embraces a ‘Keep Portland Weird’ ethos that underscores its distinct charm. The city’s commitment to sustainability, its thriving arts scene, and tech industry growth further enhance its reputation. Additionally, Portland’s recognition as an LGBTQ+ friendly city, combined with its passion for basketball and its scenic setting along the Willamette River, contribute to its distinctive appeal.

Before I moved to the PNW I had always considered Portland to just be Seattle’s stinky little brother (don’t anyone from Portland I said that…).

However, while there may be some similarities between the two (they’re both Pacific Northwest capital cities after all) Portland is known for a heck of a lot more than I originally gave it credit for.

Mostly good things, a few stinky things, but nearly all of them are unique to Portland.

So, whether you’re interested in visiting or just want to know more about the capital of Oregon, let’s take a look at some of the things that Portland is best known for.

The Top 20 Things Portland Is Known For

1. Powell’s City of Books

As the world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s City of Books is a premier attraction in Portland, drawing in bibliophiles from all corners of the globe.

Spanning an entire city block, this booklover’s paradise houses over one million new and used books in 3,500 different sections.

Navigating its color-coded rooms can take hours, but it’s a delightful experience for anyone who loves the written word. Beyond just books, Powell’s also sells gifts, souvenirs, and has an in-house coffee shop, making it a perfect spot to relax. The store also regularly hosts author readings and special events, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant literary culture.

2. Craft Beer

Known as the “Beer Capital of the World”, Portland has a deep and rich craft beer tradition.

Home to more than 70 breweries within its city limits, Portland has a greater number of breweries than any other city globally.

From innovative IPAs, rich stouts, and refreshing lagers to adventurous sours and fruit beers, the city’s beer scene caters to every palate. Many breweries also serve fantastic food to pair with their beers, further enhancing the city’s renowned food scene.

Breweries such as Deschutes Brewery, Cascade Brewing, and Breakside Brewery have won national and international acclaim, further cementing Portland’s place on the global beer map.

3. Food Carts

Portland is often considered the birthplace of the modern food cart trend.

With over 600 food carts scattered across the city, the food cart culture is a defining characteristic of Portland. Organized into what locals call “pods,” these mobile eateries serve a diverse range of cuisines – everything from Korean BBQ and vegan bowls to Moroccan tagines and Mexican tacos.

Many successful restaurants, such as Nong’s Khao Man Gai, started as food carts, proving that they are a launching pad for aspiring restaurateurs. The diverse food cart scene contributes to Portland’s reputation as a foodie city and offers a culinary adventure to locals and tourists alike.

4. Bikes

Portland is considered one of America’s top cities for biking, owing to its extensive network of bike lanes, paths, and trails, as well as bike-friendly policies. The city boasts over 350 miles of bikeways, which include dedicated bicycle lanes on city streets, bike boulevards in residential neighborhoods, and off-street paths like the Springwater Corridor.

Portland’s commitment to biking is also reflected in community events like the annual Bridge Pedal, where several city bridges are closed to car traffic, and the quirky World Naked Bike Ride.

Portland’s bike culture, bike shops, and cyclist communities further underscore the city’s commitment to biking as a form of sustainable transportation.

5. Keep Portland Weird

“Keep Portland Weird” is more than just a slogan – it’s a cultural mantra that encapsulates Portland’s celebration of individualism, eccentricity, and all things out of the ordinary.

And trust me, Portland can be pretty freakin’ weird. And that’s coming from someone who actually likes the city.

This ethos permeates the city, from its independent shops, quirky doughnut flavors, and offbeat museums to its eclectic music scene, vibrant street art, and unique city events.

Embracing this motto has allowed Portland to resist the homogenizing effects of globalization and commercialization, ensuring that the city retains its distinctive character and charm.

6. Mount Hood

A short drive from the city center, Mount Hood stands as a majestic backdrop to Portland.

The mountain is an outdoor lover’s paradise, providing a range of activities year-round. In the winter, snow enthusiasts flock to the mountain’s ski resorts to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

During the warmer months, the area is transformed into a haven for hikers, climbers, and campers.

The Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark located on the southern flank of Mount Hood, offers stunning views and historical insight. The mountain’s diverse ecosystem, consisting of alpine meadows, forests, and glacial peaks, makes it a vibrant and vital part of the region’s natural landscape.

7. Rose Festival

In the City of Roses, the annual Rose Festival is a significant cultural event. The festival began over a century ago and continues to be a beloved tradition that highlights the city’s floral beauty.

Celebrations include parades with floral floats, dragon boat races, carnival rides, and concerts. It’s a community event that brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate Portland’s spirit.

The festival’s centerpiece, the Rose Garden in Washington Park, showcases over 650 varieties of roses and serves as a reminder of the city’s deep connection with this beautiful flower.

8. Voodoo Doughnut

When it comes to doughnuts, Voodoo Doughnut is an icon. This whimsical doughnut shop, recognized by its bright pink exterior, is known for its eccentric creations and odd hours (it’s open 24/7).

The menu includes classics as well as outrageous flavors, adorned with everything from bacon to bubblegum. Their iconic pink boxes, filled with doughnuts of unusual shapes and sizes, are a common sight around the city.

If I’m being perfectly honest, however, you’re going here for the experience more than anything. The doughnuts are good, yes, but you can also get great doughnuts from a dozen other places in Portland without the hour-long wait. Just sayin’.

9. Forest Park

Encompassing over 5,100 acres, Forest Park stands as one of the largest urban forests in the U.S.

This vast woodland provides a refreshing retreat from the urban landscape. With more than 80 miles of soft-surface trails, fire lanes, and forest roads, the park is a sanctuary for hikers, runners, and nature lovers.

The park’s diverse ecosystem, home to hundreds of plant and animal species, offers an opportunity to engage with nature and learn about local flora and fauna. Forest Park embodies Portland’s commitment to conservation and its respect for the environment.

10. Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum, established in 1892, is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest and an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric. It houses a vast and diverse collection of over 42,000 objects reflecting the history of art from ancient times to today. Its permanent collections, special exhibits, and educational programs offer an enriching artistic experience.

The museum actively promotes art education and community engagement through various workshops, classes, and public programs. Its commitment to preserving, interpreting, and enhancing art makes it a beacon of cultural enrichment in the city.

11. Music Scene

Portland’s music scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From indie rock and jazz to classical and electronic, the city’s musical offerings cater to all tastes. Its numerous music venues – ranging from intimate coffeehouses to grand concert halls – host performances by local artists and internationally renowned musicians alike.

Music festivals like the Portland Jazz Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival attract artists from around the globe. The city also houses the Oregon Symphony, one of America’s oldest orchestras. This rich musical landscape fosters creativity, encourages the exchange of ideas, and reflects the city’s diverse cultural heritage.

12. Sustainability

Portland is often lauded as the “Greenest City in America”, (take that Seattle) owing to its sustainable practices and policies. The city’s urban planning prioritizes walkability and cycling, aiming to reduce the reliance on cars.

The public transportation system is extensive and efficient, featuring light rail, streetcars, and buses. Moreover, Portland is home to many parks and green spaces, promoting outdoor recreation and enhancing the city’s liveability. The city’s efforts to minimize waste, conserve energy, and promote sustainable living have set a precedent for other cities striving for sustainability.

13. Portlandia Statue

Adorning the facade of the Portland Building, the Portlandia Statue is a distinguished emblem of the city.

Designed by sculptor Raymond Kaskey, it stands as the second-largest copper repoussé statue in the United States, following the Statue of Liberty. This monumental piece of public art, embodying the form of a woman reaching out to the city’s inhabitants, is featured prominently in the opening of the television show “Portlandia“.

Beyond being a city symbol, the statue serves as a nod to Portland’s commitment to public art and culture.

14. Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

Spread over 12 acres, it comprises eight distinct garden styles, each designed to inspire tranquility and reflection. From the meticulously manicured Flat Garden to the authentic Tea Garden, the Japanese Garden offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. It serves not only as a place of beauty but also a platform for cultural understanding, providing insight into Japanese culture and traditions through its design, exhibitions, and workshops.

15. Farmers Markets

Farmers’ Markets are a way of life in Portland. The city boasts numerous markets that bring locally-sourced produce, baked goods, flowers, meat, and artisanal products to the community. These markets act as important links between city dwellers and the farmers, growers, and producers in the region, promoting local economy and sustainability.

The markets also often feature live music and events, making them lively community hubs.

16. Tech Industry

Dubbed the “Silicon Forest”, Portland has seen a burgeoning tech industry over recent years.

A plethora of startups and established tech companies, including Intel, Puppet, and Elemental Technologies, call Portland home.

The city’s attractive quality of life, relatively low cost of living (compared to Silicon Valley), and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem have made it a hotbed for tech talent and innovation. The tech industry’s growth has also spurred developments in areas such as education, with local universities and colleges offering programs tailored to tech industry needs, further fueling the sector’s expansion.

17. Street Art

Portland’s urban canvas is a vibrant tapestry of street art. This art form is integral to the city’s cultural identity, adding color, narrative, and voice to the urban landscape. Murals, stencils, paste-ups, and graffiti, created by local and international artists, can be spotted throughout the city.

These works range from large-scale murals that cover entire building facades to smaller, unexpected pieces found in alleyways.

Through public art programs and street art festivals, the city encourages artistic expression, fostering a sense of community and creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

18. LGBTQ+ Friendly

Portland is recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States. The city has a long history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.

The City hosts numerous events, like the Portland Pride Parade and Festival, Queer Film Festival, and Peacock in the Park, which celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.

The city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, which includes numerous bars, clubs, and performance venues, along with a variety of LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations, all make Portland a welcoming and inclusive city.

19. Basketball

Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of Portland residents. The city is home to the NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, who have a fervent following.

Home games at the Moda Center are often sold out, with fans known as the “Blazer Maniacs” creating an electrifying atmosphere. The city’s love for the sport goes beyond the professional level, with a strong presence of basketball programs in schools and community centers, fostering a community that appreciates and participates in the sport.

20. Willamette River

The Willamette River, running through the heart of Portland, adds to the city’s scenic charm. It plays a vital role in the city’s recreational activities, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and riverside picnics.

Numerous parks and trails along the river offer beautiful waterfront views and space for outdoor activities.

The city’s many bridges spanning the river, including the iconic Burnside Bridge and the Hawthorne Bridge, are a testament to Portland’s reputation as “Bridge City”. The river is not just a geographical feature; it’s a living part of Portland’s urban life, a source of leisure, and a crucial component of the city’s ecosystem.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a lot to like about Portland! Of course, these days the city has also earned a bit of a reputation for civil unrest, homeless, and a drug problem. But we’ll leave those things for another time.

Even with all its bumps and bruises Portland is still a great city and one with lots to offer. Come visit some time!