Dreaming of traveling to the Pacific Northwest? There’s no better time to make your thoughts a reality than this summer. While the cost of a round-trip airline ticket can easily crush your dreams, don’t be discouraged. You can save money by traveling on the Misioneros Bus Line. Misioneros makes regular routes from the sunny state of California up to the green high deserts of Oregon. Along with saving you money, you can experience the captivating sights along the west coast.
If you’re ready to pack your bags for a budget-friendly getaway to Portland, then we have some suggestions as to what you’ll want to see and do while visiting the City of Roses.
Traveling Tips for Portland
#1) Attire
With the abundance of outdoor activities, the city has to offer, you’ll want to pack comfortable walking shoes. During the summer, the weather in Portland is sunny, with occasional rain, and often reaching the high 80s. As for clothes, you’ll want to wear breathable clothing material like cotton or linen so you can comfortably move around.
#2) Accessories
To be well prepared for the rain, pack an umbrella or raincoat. Since you’ll likely be spending a good amount of time outdoors, a hat and sunscreen will keep your skin free of sunburns. We also suggest a lightweight bag to carry your necessities along with brochures and souvenirs picked up along the way.
Things to Do and See in Portland
#1) Outdoors
There’ll be plenty of free activities to enjoy as Portland’s landscape is an outdoor playground waiting to be explored. Portland is home to 14 distinct bridges that can be walked or biked across. Make a list and cross them out as you spot them along with your commute. Be sure to make your way to Washington Park where you can plan for a picnic under the Coast Redwood trees. The 159-acre park also hosts the Oregon Zoo, International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, and the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. For a picturesque view, make your way to Silver Falls State Park where you can view breathtaking waterfalls.
#2) Museums
Enjoy time indoors by exploring Portland’s numerous inspiring museums. Discover the deep-rooted importance of trees and forests at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. It’ll change the way you look at trees. If animation and the arts are more your things, visit the Art and Science of LAIKA at the Portland Art Museum where you can learn how motion pictures are made. For a trail unlike any other, spend time at Portland’s’ Shanghai Tunnels, home of the city’s infamous catacombs and where stories of murder and mystery will spike your imagination.
#3) Nightlife
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down in Portland. Whether you’re looking to grab a drink at a horror-themed bar (The Lovecraft) or sip on a Mai Tai with the sounds of a volcano in the background (Hale Pele), the possibilities of a night out on the town are endless. Portland’s Entertainment District is a offers a wide selection of food, drinks, and music.
Where to Eat in Portland
#1) Breakfast Spots
For a hearty meal, Zell’s Cafe has you covered. They have a selection of corned beef, eggs, and potatoes, along with French toast and waffles. The best part of their menu is the German pancake, which is large enough for an entire table to share. For a classic Portland spot, Besaw’s comfort food, established in 1903 will fill your stomach’s with their ‘dream cakes’ which are three cinnamon sticky bun pancakes with cream cheese frosting, topped with walnuts and toffee sauce. You also can’t go wrong with their chicken and waffles or pecan smoked pastrami sandwich.
#2) Something New
When you’re in Portland, it’s a good time to open up your taste buds to something unfamiliar. Pok Pok (NW) is a pleasant fuse of regional foods from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Experience the blend of spices in the ‘kai krapao khai dao’, which is minced chicken and long beans, krapao (a Thai basil), white onion, black soy, fish sauce, garlic and dry chilies.
#3) Cheap and Savory
The best of both worlds come together when a meal is inexpensive and high in flavor. Portland is famous for its numerous establishments offering cheap meals that don’t shy away from deliciousness. We suggest hamburgers from Killer Burger who serve a mountain-size beef patty with toppings that include bacon, pickles, and cheese sandwiched together with fresh buns. For a variety of local, inexpensive dishes, be sure to make your way to downtown Portland’s collection of food carts where you’ll find tacos, barbeque, Japanese-inspired dishes, mini burgers, waffles, and pizza.
Start Planning Today
If Portland, Oregon has been on your list of places to visit, then this summer is the time to finally make it happen. The best part is, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. If you travel on Misioneros Bus Line you’ll save money and discover new parts of the west coast.
