25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon    

Photo: Andy/Fotolia

Plan a romantic trip to Portland, Oregon where you can enjoy stunning views, great restaurants, impressive art, music and some of the most beautiful gardens in the U.S. Here are the romantic things to do in Portland, Oregon. If you are traveling with children, be sure to read 15 Best Things to Do in Portland with Kids.

Built in 1914 for one of Portland’s most influential families, Pittock Mansion is an exquisitely preserved colonial-style mansion that provides insight into the history of Portland and how it became the city it is today.

The Pittock Mansion was originally the home of Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock, whose lives paralleled the growth of Portland from a tiny Northwest town to a thriving city. The home’s unique architectural design, richly decorated interiors, and vast collection of family artifacts stand testament to the family’s contributions to the development of Portland. If you are looking for unique things to do in Portland, Oregon, the Pittock Mansion offers a rare view into the lives of Portland’s early inhabitants.

Guests can walk through the house and learn about what life was like during the early 1900s, then enjoy a picnic in the beautifully landscaped gardens and take in the breathtaking city vistas. Read more

3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210, Phone: 503-823-3623

Next read: Portland to Eugene and Best Time to Visit Portland, Oregon & Other Travel Tips Photo: www.travelportland.com

Weekend Getaways, Attractions and Things to do near me: From NYC, Ohio, TX Places to Visit, PA, CA, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Chicago

Founded in the early 1960s by the Japanese Garden Society of Oregon, the Portland Japanese Garden was created to promote and preserve a more intimate relationship between the people of Japan and those of Portland.

The garden also aims to educate visitors about the vegetation and the culture of Japan through beautiful display gardens and architectural features as well as cultural, environmental, horticultural, and charitable activities. The Garden is composed of five distinct garden styles spread over 5.5 acres: the Flat Garden, the Strolling Garden, the Tea Garden, the Natural Garden, and the Sand and Stone Garden. If you are wondering what to do in Portland, Oregon on a sunny day, this is a great place to visit.

All of the gardens boast a deep sense of tranquility and reflect the ideals of peace and harmony that are so prevalent in Japan’s history and traditional culture. This hidden gem is one of the best romantic attractions in Portland. Read more

611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, Oregon 97205, Phone: 503-223-1321

More Portland attractions: the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center and the Portland Aerial Tram. Photo: Leslie/Fotolia

Fun Vacations & Things to do near me: Montauk Places to See, Tampa Attractions, Fun Tucson Date Ideas, Charlotte Places to Go, Top 10 in Newport Beach, Best Beaches in California

Founded in 1892 with the aim of providing Portland’s citizens with a first-class museum of local and internationally renowned artworks, the Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and one of the oldest in the United States.

The museum is home to an impressive collection of over 42,000 objects reflecting the history of art from ancient times to the present. The works on display include Asian and American art, modern and contemporary art, prints, drawings, photographs, and an exquisite English silver display. Forming the cornerstone of Portland’s cultural district, the museum includes the recently renovated, modernist-style Belluschi Building and the historic Mark Building.

The two buildings are connected by a subterranean gallery and an outdoor sculpture court. The museum offers free public tours daily, and patrons can reserve private group tours in advance. Read more

1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, Phone: 503-226-2811

Where to eat: 20 Must-Try Restaurants in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Portland Art Museum

Fun places to visit, events, facts, tours, all inclusive & photos of what to do last minute near my location: Great Attractions near my location & Free Activities

Operated by the Bosco-Milligan Foundation, the Architectural Heritage Center is dedicated to the conservation of the architecture, history and heritage of the greater Portland area. Home to one of the largest collections of architectural artifacts in the United States, the Center boasts a world-class research library and hosts a variety of exhibits, tours, programs and presentations throughout the year.

These features focus on the appreciation and preservation of historic and landmark buildings and “vernacular” homes, as well as cultural neighborhoods and traditional commercial areas. Visitors to Portland can enjoy a number of Center-led walking tours, such as the Old House Revival Tour and the Heritage Homes tour, where knowledgeable professionals lead informative and interactive tours through historic neighborhoods around the city.

The Architectural Heritage Center also features educational programs and monthly exhibits by local and international artists.

Related vacation ideas: Romantic Weekend Getaways in Oregon Photo: jkraft5/Fotolia

You are reading "25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon Today" Back to Top or Closest Weekend Vacations with Kids, Trip finder, Getaways near me & Scenic places near me

Best things to do with kids & fun things near me: Santa Barbara, Poconos, Cleveland Events, Key West Free Things to Do, SF Activities, Sanibel Island, OR, Island Getaways, SC

You are sure to have an authentic Italian dining experience at the high-end eatery, Ava Gene’s, in Portland.

Their Roman-inspired menu offers traditional dishes – such as the fritti or the shrimp linguine – all made with the best local produce and meats, grown and raised by farmers and ranchers in the Pacific Northwest. Ava Gene’s also boasts an impressive regional Italian wine list, as well as grappa and amari.

Stumptown Coffee founder, Duane Sorenson, opened this amazing restaurant in 2012 with partner and Executive Chef, Joshua McFadden. If you are looking for date ideas in Portland, enjoy a fabulous night at the simple, rustic Ava Gene’s on Southeast Division Street. Read more

3377 SE Division St, Portland, Oregon 97202, Phone: 971-229-0571

More road trip ideas: 25 Best Things to Do in Spokane, Washington. Photo: Ava Gene's

Vacations for Couples, Packages, Offers, Tours, Date Night Ideas, Pictures of Romantic Hotels, Summer Vacation & Free Things to Do Around Me: Best Romantic Getaways

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon Cool Points of Interest" Back to Top or Best Towns and Historic Cities for Travel, Popular day trip ideas, Farmers Markets, Living & Vacation Deals

Explore Portland and experience the city the way many of the locals do - on two wheels. Pedal Bike Tours offers a unique, easy-going and fun way to see the city and its best attractions.

Local guides lead the bike tours to various parts of the city, visiting favorite sights and attractions and sharing their knowledge and passion for Portland. Discover hidden gems and famous landmarks, and head off the beaten path to learn more about the intriguing history of the City of Roses. Tours travel through Portland’s Historic Downtown area, the magnificent Colombia Gorge, or along the Oregon Brewery Trail where visitors get to taste craft beer along the way.

Fun-filled Food Cart or Winelands Tours promise plenty to eat and drink, and Oregon Coastal Tours boast breathtaking ocean landscapes and beautiful vistas. Pedal Bike Tours also offers bike rentals for self-guided tours as well as bike repairs. Read more.

Next read: Oregon beaches Photo: RG/Fotolia

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon" Back to Top or More Family Weekend Trips, Excursions, Cool Vacation Spots & Summer Destination Facts

Places to go with kids & mini vacations: Best Family Vacations, Best Beach Vacations, CT, Yucca House, CO, Places to Visit in California, NJ, Canyonlands, Bermuda, Dublin

Enjoy a unique, creative fine dining experience at Portland’s Holdfast, which opened in February 2015.

The restaurant is located in the former Sauvage space in urban winery, Fausse Piste, in Southeast Portland. Well-traveled, well-experienced chefs, Will Preisch and Joel Stocks, make their own rules, serving a predictably unpredictable dinner menu.

The duo serve as your chefs, waiters, and bartenders in an intimate, yet relaxed setting. Dining there is by reservation only. Read more

537 SE Ash St #102, Portland, Oregon 97214, Phone: 503-504-9448

Next read: 25 Best Things to Do in Eugene, Oregon. Photo: Holdfast

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or Romantic Places to live, Last Minute Travel, Beach Vacations, Photos and Map of Conference & Wedding Destinations

Fun places to go near me: Tucson, Louisville, Cave of Swallows, San Jose, California City Ghost Town, Ski Colorado, Bar Harbor, Missoula, Fort Missoula, Last Minute Getaways

The International Rose Test Garden is all about roses and is the perfect romantic spot for couples. Established by the Portland Rose Society in 1889, this immaculately landscaped garden is brimming with all varieties of rose.

Through the Test Garden, the Rose Society aims to educate visitors and encourage them to learn about roses while enjoying the magnificent surroundings. The garden features a number of displays to explore and enjoy: the Royal Rosarian Garden features roses named for every past Prime Minister of the Royal Rosarians; the Miniature Rose Garden is one of only six testing grounds for the American Rose Society (ARS) miniature rose test program and contains award-winning varietals. The gardens have received a number of awards over the years, including the Garden of Excellence Award from the World Federation of Rose Societies, and is credited with having “Portland’s Best Roses.”

Botanists and rose experts offer free public tours. Read more

850 SW Rose Garden Way, Portland, Oregon 97205, Phone: 503-227-7033 Photo: www.travelportland.com

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon & Things to Do near Me" Back to Top or Best Restaurants near me, Images of Hotels, Discounts, Boutique Hotels, Inn & Bed and Breakfasts

Best attractions, points of interest & fun places to go near me: PA, New Mexico Things to See, NY Tourist Attractions, What to See in TN, Honeymoon Weekend, Romantic Getaways in Florida, Northern California, Charlotte, Charlotte Museum of History, Pigeon Forge

Located in the heart of Portland’s Southeast Woodstock neighborhood, El Gallo Taqueria has recently transformed from a charming food truck into a hip, brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Although the restaurant has a new menu to go along with its new look, diners can still enjoy favorites like their tacos, burritos, and the absolutely delicious Nevada Tostada. All dishes are made with high quality, locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. Don’t miss their “Melt Your Face” salsa.

Chef and owner, Jake Brown, first opened the taco truck in the Woodstock district in 2009 has spent years traveling through Mexico, refining his techniques and recipes.

4422 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97206, Phone: 503-481-7537 Photo: El Gallo Taqueria

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon & Destinations" Back to Top or Free Beaches near Me & Known for Attractions this month

Holiday ideas & Quick road trips: Birthday, Anniversary Ideas, Secluded, Girlfriend Getaways, Easter, Luxury, Beach Getaways, Memorial Day, Christmas

Based in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland’s Cultural District, the Oregon Symphony was established in 1896 and is the sixth oldest orchestra in the United States. Founded as the Portland Symphony Society, the orchestra has 76 full-time musicians and sees more than 225,000 patrons each year.

Over the course of its successful hundred-year history, the orchestra has seen a number of internationally acclaimed music directors and guest conductors - including the likes of Aaron Copland, Maurice Ravel, and Igor Stravinsky - as well as many outstanding performers. The Oregon Symphony continues to perform diverse programs and a variety of community services.

Upcoming performances include the National Circus and Acrobats of the People's Republic of China, Pablo Villegas, and The Music of Pink Floyd. If you are wondering what to do in Portland in the evening, watch a performance by the Oregon Symphony.

909 SW Washington, Portland, Oregon 97205, Phone: 503-228-1353 Photo: Photo Credit: Torsten Kjellstrand

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon" Back to Top or Romantic Wedding Ideas, Summer Honeymoon, Fall Anniversary Ideas, Getting Married & Romantic Places

Santa Ana: Santa Ana Zoo; Anaheim: Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center; Greenville, SC: Children's Museum of the Upstate, Roper Mountain Science Center

Couples can enjoy amazing, flavorful vegetable dishes at Veggie Grill in Portland. Stop in and try one of their signature dishes – like “The Stack” or “Santa Fe Crispy Chickin”. There are also seasonal specials, like the Sonoran Summer Bowl. Don’t miss their Sweetheart Fries and carrot cake!

The Veggie Grill chain originally started in Irvine, California back in 2007 and has expanded nationally since. It was founded by a couple of carnivore-turned-herbivore friends, Kevin Boylan and T.K. Pillan. You can find Veggie Trill either on Southwest Taylor Street in downtown Portland, or on Southwest Cedar Hills Boulevard in Beaverton.

508 SW Taylor St, Portland, Oregon 97204, Phone: 310-745-5228 Photo: Veggie Grill

Best attractions in: Paso Robles, Melbourne, Toronto, Canada, Brattleboro, Brattleboro Museum, Newport, Napa Valley, NYC Tours, Nantucket, Hoboken, Budapest, New Haven

One of the best places serving Indian street food in Portland is Bollywood Theater PDX, which strives to recreate a typical Mumbai eating experience. Enjoy vibrant Bollywood décor, while savoring incredible dishes, like Bhel Puri, and signature cocktails, like the Bollywood Shandy.

Chef and owner, Troy MacLarty, brings his many Indian traveling experiences to his delicious dishes at the unique Bollywood Theater, which he opened in 2012. Bollywood Theater has two locations in Portland - one on Northeast Alberta and another on Southeast Division.

2039 NE Alberta, Portland, Oregon 97211, Phone: 971-200-4711 Photo: Bollywood Theater PDX

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon" Back to Top or Places to Eat, Excursions, Bucket list, Fun & Cheap Weekend Getaways, What's near me

Best time to visit: Paris, Cheap Ideas in Barcelona, Gatlinburg, Fun in London, Amsterdam Attractions, Charleston, Fort Sumter, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Utah, MN, Great Sand Dunes, Houston, Denver, Montreal

Located in Hood River, Oregon and overlooking the Colombia River, Full Sail Brewing Company is a craft brewery that produces fully sustainable, artisanal bottled beers. Founded in 1987, Full Sail was one of Oregon's early microbreweries and the first commercially successful craft brewery to bottle beer in the Pacific Northwest.

First off the bottling line was Full Sail Golden Ale, followed by Full Sail Imperial Porter, Full Sail Amber Ale, and Wassail Winter Ale.

The brewers of Full Sail pride themselves on running a fully sustainable business, using less than three gallons of water per gallon of beer produced (most other breweries use six to eight gallons), running the brew house on wind power, and using only organic and locally sourced “backyard” ingredients for their golden and dark beers.

506 Columbia St, Hood River, Oregon 97031, Phone: 541-386-2247 Photo: Full Sail Brewing Company

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon for Locals & Tourists - Essential Restaurants, Favorite Wedding Venues & Hotels" Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, Travel guide & More Pictures of Fun Vacation Spots

Savannah, GA Sightseeing: Things to Do, When to Go & romantic getaways near me, Tybee Island, Atlanta to Savannah, Bohemian Hotel, The Westin Savannah, Olde Harbour Inn, The Gastonian, Hamilton-Turner Inn, Azalea Inn & Villas, The Marshall House, Mansion on Forsyth Park, Fort James Jackson, Isaiah Davenport House, Mercer House, Natural Bridge Caverns, SCAD Museum of Art, Telfair Museums, Savannah Historic District

Portland’s Salt & Straw serves exotic-flavored, “farm-to-cone” gourmet bone marrow-based ice creams, which are made from locally-sourced ingredients, including the bone marrow. Ice cream connoisseurs will melt over their many delectable flavors, such as Honey Lavender, Pear and Blue Cheese, Melon and Prosciutto, or the Viking Soul Food’s Goat Milk and Lingonberries.

Salt & Straw was created in 2014 by cousins, Kim & Tyler Malek. You can find Salt & Straw at three locations in Portland: on Northwest 23rd in the historic Esquire Building, on Southeast Division on Portland’s “Restaurant Row”, or on Northeast Alberta in Portland’s iconic Arts District.

12180 1/2 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, California 91604, Phone: 818-358-2890 Photo: Salt & Straw

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon" Back to Top or Essential Conference Venues & Places to Get Married, Where is the Closest Great Place to Elope

Places to go: Midwest, Milwaukee, Plano, Cheyenne, Wellness Retreats, Maui, Hudson Valley, More fun stuff to do near me

EverGreen Escapes is a tour company that provides a range of sightseeing tours and experiences in and around Portland with the aim of connecting people, places, and the environment.

EverGreen Escapes offers personalized tours to fit every taste, from exploring the magnificent surrounding landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, the regal Mt. Hood, and the legendary Mt. St. Helens, to exciting city and cultural adventures. Explore Portland is a small, fun-filled group tour that explores the eclectic neighborhoods of Portland, visiting the famous Pearl District, the International Rose Test Garden, the Pittock Mansion, Washington Park, Mt. Tabor Park, Alberta Arts District, Historic Mississippi District, and Powell’s Bookstore. Columbia Gorge Wine & Waterfalls lets visitors discover the Pacific Northwest’s two greatest attractions-- the Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and the wines of Oregon-- with a wine-tasting, gorge-trekking adventure.

Willamette Valley Wine Trail is a half-day tour that takes visitors into the heart of Willamette wine country to explore the countryside, meet the vintners and taste some of the region’s best vintages. Read more Photo: kanonsky/Fotolia

You are reading "25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon Today" Back to Top or Closest places near me, Threeday weekend, Solo travel, National parks, Day trip, Travel inspiration

Best Beaches: Pink Sand Beach, SC, NC, Black Sand, Florida Parks, Miami Attractions, USA, OR, Oahu

Higgins Restaurant and Bar has been serving Portland diners with classic, farm-to-table, country dishes – with an emphasis on its fresh, sustainable, locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients – since 1994.

Stop in and try their chilled asparagus appetizer, the Spanish potaje, or the “Pepper Pot” seafood stew. Grab an almond tart for dessert. James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef, Greg Higgins, co-owns the joint with restaurant veteran, Paul Mallory, who manages the eatery.

Higgins, an organic grower himself, says he serves fine cuisine in support of his premise that food is community. Higgins Restaurant and Bar is located on Southwest Broadway in downtown Portland.

1239 SW Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97205, Phone: 503-222-9070 Photo: Higgins Restaurant and Bar

Vacation ideas: Phoenix, Oceanside, OMA, California Surf Museum, Baton Rouge Attractions, LSU Hilltop Arboretum, Laguna Beach, Tropical Honeymoon, Gatlinburg, Malta, Lithuania, Malta, Philadelphia

Kachka is one of the only Russian restaurants in Portland and is devoted to serving dishes from former Soviet Union countries (such as Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan).

Try traditional dishes like mushroom-stuffed blintzes, the Herring Under Fur Coat, or the zakuski -small dishes meant to chase drinks. And don’t miss their ice-cold flavored vodkas, like the horseradish or coriander vodka. Kachka was opened by restaurateur husband-and-wife team, Israel and Bonnie Morales, and their business partner, Ramzy Hattar.

Bonnie brings her ancestral roots to all aspects of the restaurant. Check them out on Southeast Grand Avenue in Portland.

720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214, Phone: 503-235-0059

You may also like: the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center and the Portland Aerial Tram. Photo: Kachka

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon" Back to Top or Traveler trip finder, Labor Day, Air travel, Guide App channel, Live music, Art institutes

Places to go: NM, AK, SC, NJ, Germany Attractions, Coeur d'Alene, AL, Telluride, Weekend Getaways for Couples, Romantic Getaways in Florida

Three Degrees Portland Waterfront Bar and Grill has a superb view of the waterfront that may even distract you from their incredible food. If it is not raining, you can enjoy a wonderful cocktail or some of their delicious small plates out on the huge patio. It will more than likely be raining (it is Portland, after all), but not to worry – their spacious elegant dining room has a wall of glass that will separate you from the elements.

Modern American cuisine stands alongside good old comfort food from the chef’s own vision, focusing on seasonal locally sourced seafood and freshly grown produce. Their small plates are an absolute delight. Try Crispy Oyster Slider with barbecue bacon, Brie and apple, and fennel slaw. They offer eight local beers on draft and an excellent selection of Pacific Northwest wines.

1510 SW Harbor Way, Portland, Oregon 97201, Phone: 503-295-6166 Photo: Three Degrees

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon" Back to Top or Contemporary art, Spa Treatment, Watch live, Trip ideas, Beach vacations, Weekend getaways

More Trips: Spain, Ireland, MA, Inexpensive Maine Getaways, MN, Winter Weekend Getaways, Lakeland, Lake Mead, All Inclusive, Irvine, Hotel Irvine, Lodi

The Hoyt Arboretum is a living museum of trees and plants, where visitors can learn all about botany and the importance of trees and plants to the environment. Founded in 1928 with the aim of conserving endangered plant species and educating the community, the Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful romantic place to visit in Portland OR. Spread across 189 acres, it contains miles of hiking trails.

The Arboretum is home to more than 6,000 specimens from around the world, 63 of which are vulnerable or endangered. Located at the heart of the Arboretum is the Visitor’s Center, where guests can find maps, directions, information, and a research library with over 800 books, and get assistance from a friendly, helpful staff.

As a living classroom for both students and teachers, Hoyt Arboretum offers a variety of programs, classes, and workshops for learning each year. If you are wondering what to do in Portland, Oregon on a sunny afternoon, this is a great place to visit. Read more

4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97221, Phone: 503-865-8733

More things to do in Portland: the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Portland Farmers Market and Washington Park. Photo: Masamitsu/Fotolia

"25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Portland, Oregon" Back to Top or Fun places to go, Travel inspiration, Insider's guide & Vacation spots near me

More ideas: Cambridge, Harvard Art Museums, MA, California Vacation Packages, Andreas Hotel, Adamson House, Jenney Museum, Malibu, August Vacations, Fall Vacations, Burlington, Stowe, Stowe Mountain Ranch, VT, PA, Lake Getaways, Florida, Weekend Vacations