13 Things To Do In Portland When You Thought You’ve Done Everything

There are so many classic Portland tourist spots: the rose garden, Voodoo Donuts, the Japanese garden, the PSU farmers market, the Saturday market, and the waterfront. But once you have explored those, you might think that you've seen it all. Well then, check out these 13 off-the-beaten path activities that will ensure you have a perfectly "most unique things to do around Portland" kind of day!

1. Go Skating

Hit the roller rink at Oaks Park to get a little exercise and have a whole lot of fun while doing it.

2. Visit the Grotto

Tour the grounds of The Grotto for a lovely quiet time and reflection.

3. Take a Fountain Tour

Explore the artistic fountains downtown on this fun fountain tour that will get you outdoors.

4. Visit the Leach Botanical Garden

Explore the Leach Botanical Garden, a hidden garden in East Portland for a walk through some of the unique foliage of the Pacific Northwest.

5. Climb an Extinct Volcano

Climb to the top of our city's extinct volcano, Mt Tabor, and enjoy the view from the top.

6. Shop for Hardware

Browse the shelves at the Hippo Hardware & Trading Company for some unique swag to dress up your home.

7. Make Chocolate

Try your hand at making a chocolate bar at Creo Chocolate and taste the sweetness for yourself.

8. Enjoy Tea at the Lan Su Chinese Garden

Next up on our list of some of the best things to do in Portland, is to sip tea at this enchanted tea house at the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

9. Tour a Wetland Area

Head to the Smith and Bybee Lakes wetlands to escape the hustle and bustle of in the city and get out into nature.

10. Get Your Carb Fix at Potato Champion

Enjoy perfectly fried potatoes loaded with gravy or chili at Potato Champion and you will be so glad you did!

11. Quench a Sweet Tooth

A city icon since 1914, The Candy Basket, Inc. produces the most delicious chocolates, confections, and saltwater taffy you've ever tasted!

12. Go Mountain Biking

Head to this east Portland treasure, Gateway Green, for some off-road fun on the skills course, jumps and pump track.

13. Stay in a Former School

The McMenamins Kennedy School is a former elementary school turned boutique accommodation offering a wealth of amenities, including saltwater soaking tubs in the rooms, a boiler room bar, cocktail bar, and more.

Have you ever been to any of these exciting and unique places to visit around Portland or participated in any of these activities? If so, which were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the most unique things to do around Portland? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

You could enjoy more of these attractions if you spent a few nights, or longer, in the Portland area. If so, we highly recommend that you check out the AC Hotel Portland Downtown.

For more Portland area accommodation options, be sure to read our previous article: These 8 Unique Places To Stay In Portland Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience.

What are some other things you enjoy doing around Portland? Let us know in the comments below.

If you’re still in the mood for more Beaver State adventures, take a look at this video about beautiful Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock: