10 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Portland Before You Die

Portland has seen expansive growth in the last decade, bringing in lots of new residents and tourists like never before. While lifelong residents may know all about these hidden gems, they are off the beaten tourist track and many new transplants may know nothing about them. If you haven't visited these 10 hidden gems around the city, now is the time to check them out.

1. Lan Su Chinese Garden

Literally hid behind a wall, this garden, taking up an entire city block in Old Town Chinatown, is hiding in plain sight. Modeled after gardens in Suzhou, China, the garden is certainly a gem of our city.

2. Oregon Historical Society

While the more popular museums get all the traction with families, this expansive downtown museum is often overlooked. However, it is definitely worth a visit to learn more about Oregon's roots, and is a fun experience for kids and adults alike.

3. The Grotto

Located right off of Sandy and 82nd Avenue, the Grotto is situated in the woods, allowing you to drive by and never even know it is there. This Catholic sanctuary is a place of reflection, and features sculpture gardens and a shrine carved into a 110-foot cliff.

4. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House

Strange things await you at this coffee house of tricks. Operating since 1980, the dimly lit cafe is known to be eclectic and spooky all at once.

5. Rocky Butte

This small park east of 82nd is not super well known outside of the area, but it is definitely worth a visit. Featuring some of the best 360-degree views of the city, try to plan your trip on a clear day to really take advantage of the vantage point.

6. Lovejoy Fountain Park

Located on SW Lincoln Street, you may miss the hidden park and fountain if you are not looking for it. A great place to soak up some sun on a warm day, this fountain park is a hidden gem right in middle of all the action.

7. Peculiarium

Featuring a fairly expansive guide of what's weird, this museum of sorts might just blow your mind. Zombie brains and extraterrestrials are all fair game at this Portland institution.

8. The Stark Vacuum Museum

Featuring a wide range of vacuums from as far back as the 1800s, this museum is in a league of its own. Whether you like the chore of vacuuming or not, this museum is a fun visit that is not on the radar of many in Portland.

9. Mills End Park

Many Portlanders have no idea that our city has claim on the smallest park in the world. Sure, you may miss it if you blink while crossing Naito Parkway at Taylor, but this park is a hidden gem that has Guinness book notoriety.

10. Warrior Rock Lighthouse

Known as the only lighthouse in the state not on the ocean, this Columbia River lighthouse is accessible from Sauvie Island. Take the 7-mile beach hike to reach it and enjoy the amazing views along the way.

Any other hidden gems in Portland worthy of this list? Let us know in the comments below.