Things You'll Need:
- A notebook that will travel with you
- A computer with internet access
- Comfy shoes
- A camera
- A desire to sleuth and explore!
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Step 1
Discover Portland, Oregon electronically well before you are slated to arrive. This is ideally after you have booked your travel but before you select your hotel or hostel. Do a search for "Visiting Portland, Oregon" on Google and be wowed at the results. This is an inexpensive but effective way to research your destination.
Make a list of activities you want to be sure you enjoy on your trip and add them to your notebook. This will ensure you don't forget to research them in advance. You will find a wealth of information for free using the online research approach. Tip: Make sure to work with different keyword variations which will help maximize the effectiveness of your Google searching. For instance, instead of searching for "Portland" search for "Portland maps" or "Portland hotels". The longer your phrase is, the more exact the Google results will be. A great end to end website I found using this search was www.portlandneighborhood.com -
Step 2
Your list of activities will help drive your choice of hotel in terms of both cost and location.
Cost: If you plan to be running around seeing and doing- who cares about the hotel so long as it's clean?
Location: For most travelers, staying in downtown Portland is going to be best as you will be connected to all things the city has to offer. Shops, restaurants, a light rail and easily accessed walking routes abound. There are plenty of pedestrian maps (available at your hotel) to help guide your way. Bring comfortable shoes- you're gonna need them! -
Step 3
Bring your camera and keep it with you at all times. You never know when a great shot will present itself. Portland is famous for being weird so don't miss out!
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Step 4
Rent a car only if you really need one. Parking is expensive and permits are required pretty much everywhere. Parking at the hotel will run you at least $20 a day. Portland is a Mass Transit heaven (bus and light rail are FREE downtown) and there are always wonderful car options such as Zipcars which is a convenient way to rent cars by the day or the hour.
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Step 5
Things you cannot miss:
A walk on the Portland river front
A trip to one of Portland's many farmers markets
A trip to the Portland Saturday Market
A trip to the Japanese Garden
A tour of the dozens of independent breweries in Portland
Hawthorne, Alberta Arts and NW 21st and 23rd Avenue for shopping, food, coffee and great people watching!
