Top Portland Art & Culture - page 4

Combine hiking and bicycling on this small-group tour of the Columbia River Gorge, ideal for active travelers. After a minivan ride from Portland to the Gorge, you'll hop on your bike and start exploring, stopping at the Vista House, Bridal Veil Falls, and Multnomah Falls along the way. You'll also visit Latourell Falls, where you'll take a hike al long a 2.1-mile loop trail up to the lower falls.

Whether it's the stories of human trafficking described as the Shanghai Tunnels, the origin of the vampire tales in Twilight, or the crafty madam with the floating brothel, from fiery deaths to watery graves, we explore it all. The city of Portland Oregon was built on an ancient crossroads; known as a place to step into alternate worlds. What visit to the city would be complete without lifting the veil, for at least a minute, between the living and the spirit worlds? Weaving in historical tales with what fiction authors and filmmakers (including Twilight author Stephenie Meyer) with local ties have written about this place, we tell the stories of darkness, death and the liminal space that comes beyond. Our 1.5 mile (2.5 km) walking tour along the waterfront will include luminous views of the city lights along the river, encounters with our local corporeal spirits (the crows!), and plenty of recommendations to extend your gothic experience to restaurants, cafes and bars nearby.

Solve a self-guided walking quest through Ladd's Addition, Portland's hidden architectural gem in the Southeast. Decode classic ciphers, hunt for landmarks, and explore a maze-like neighborhood with diagonal streets, five rose gardens, and over 100 historic homes. Use Questo app on your phone to follow 15 stops through Ladd's Addition: Seven Corners, Ladd Circle, the historic Hat Museum house, the East and West Rose Gardens, and hidden alleys. Solve riddles, decode A-to-Z ciphers, and find architectural details most visitors miss. Each chapter has its own puzzle and a real piece of Portland history, from the 1891 diagonal street plan to the bungalow and Craftsman homes that define Southeast Portland. Start anytime, pause whenever, and pick up where you left off. Bike-friendly: works on two wheels too. Perfect for architecture fans, repeat Portland visitors looking off the beaten path, families with curious kids, or anyone who wants to keep Portland weird.

Discover lava tube caves, old-growth forests, waterfalls, and more on a guided tour of Mt. St. Helens. The park’s vastness and variety of attractions can be overwhelming on your own, but by visiting with a guide you don’t miss any of the highlights. Plus, you can learn about the area’s geology, ecology, and history—much of which you might miss if visiting the park on your own.

Learn about Portland's history as you explore the city with a guide on this small-group tour. You'll meet your guide downtown and head up to the historic Pittock Mansion to take in the views. You'll then continue to the International Rose Test Gardens in Washington Park before heading back downtown to check out the cityscape and sample donuts.

This tour goes above and beyond your average city tour. Accompanied by an expert local guide who has deep insight into the history and culture of each district, this tour of Portland allows guests to stop at iconic Portland destinations and venture off the beaten path to discover exciting hidden gems of the city.

Experience the Willamette Valley, Oregon's largest wine region, on this wine-tasting tour from Portland. In a small group, head south of Portland to the Willamette Valley wine region, famed for its Pinot Noir. Spend the day tasting different wines (at your own expense) at three select wineries and learn about the region, and Oregon’s wine industry, from your guide.

This day trip is a tour along a section of rugged coastline along Oregon's northern coast. There will be one or two town stops, and multiple stops at headlands and beaches. The trip will include a short hike through oldgrowth Sitka spruce forest, beach time, tide pools (if tides allow), sea stacks, viewpoint stops, and a lunch stop in a charming coastal town. If group interest allows, stops with a more technological history focus may be made, such as the Tillamook Air Museum and/or Tillamook Cheese Factory.

Being short on time doesn’t mean you can’t see the best of Portland. This morning tour showcases some of the city’s most popular attractions in just half a day, including Pioneer Courthouse Square, shopping areas such as the Pearl District and NW 23rd, the Lan Su Chinese Garden, and more. Seasonal stops at the International Rose Test Garden and the World Forestry Center add to the fun.

Discover Portland's darker side on an adults-only haunted pub crawl through the city's historic Old Town district. Visit legendary bars, haunted landmarks, and infamous locations connected to Portland's most chilling ghost stories, true crime mysteries, and the notorious Shanghai Tunnels. Along the way, hear tales of restless spirits at Kells Irish Pub, the ghostly residents of the Benson Hotel, the unsolved murder connected to the Roseland Theater, and the tragic legend that still haunts Old Town Pizza & Brewing. Between stops, enjoy time at local pubs while exploring the history of sailors, bootleggers, performers, laborers, and outcasts who helped shape Portland's haunted reputation. Perfect for paranormal enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique night out, this 21+ experience combines haunted history, local legends, and Portland's vibrant bar scene for an unforgettable evening after dark. All guests must be age 21+ and have a valid I.D. with them.

Step into the shadows of Portland's past on a journey through the city's most haunted and historic locations. Explore the streets of Old Town and Chinatown as your guide uncovers tales of restless spirits, unsolved mysteries, true crime, and the dark history hidden beneath the modern city. Stand along the waterfront where victims of the infamous Shanghaiing trade were once forced aboard ships bound for distant shores. Visit haunted landmarks including Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, the Roseland Theater, and Old Town Pizza & Brewing, where reports of apparitions, phantom voices, and unexplained encounters continue to this day. Discover how Portland's underground tunnel network helped shape the city's haunted reputation. This family-friendly walking tour blends authentic history with chilling ghost stories, offering an unforgettable evening of mystery, hauntings, and local legends.

Experience highlights of the Portland area on this full-day sightseeing tour, including the blossoming food cart culture, diverse neighborhoods, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the unspoiled beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Immerse yourself in a guided tour of Portland’s fascinating history and quirky contemporary culture. Explore with a small group or upgrade for a private tour.

Enjoy superb views of the Portland riverfront on a 90-minute sailing cruise along the Willamette. Set out from Portland on a small-group tour up the river, stopping to view Portland's floating homes as well as uninhabited Ross Island. Savor the surrounding scenery―including placid Holgate Channel and the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge―as you go. Bring your own snacks, refreshments and spirits to satisfy both hunger and thirst throughout.

This 140-mile driving loop explores the geologically violent and breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Traveling from mossy rainforests to high-desert plateaus, you’ll trace pioneer history and dramatic landscapes carved by Ice Age floods. Highlights include: * Iconic Waterfalls: View the 620-foot Multnomah Falls and the elegant Latourell Falls. * Historical Marvels: Visit the "Crown Jewel" Vista House and a full-scale concrete Stonehenge. * Unique Legends: Discover the "Bigfoot Capital," where harming a Sasquatch is a felony. * Nature & Wildlife: Meet Herman, an 80-year-old sturgeon, and see "Silver Skeleton" forests recovering from fire. * Geological Giants: Marvel at the 848-foot Beacon Rock monolith.

Enjoy an immersive way to explore the beauty of the Oregon Coast—and check off many scenic highlights in just one day—on this small-group hiking tour. Departing in the morning from Portland, travel to Cannon Beach, and learn insider facts about its history from your guide. Have time to hike and explore at multiple coastal highlights, including Haystack Rock, Tillamook State Forest, and more, before returning to the city.

The Stevens-Crawford Heritage House in Oregon City, just south of Portland, offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century life in Oregon. Explore this beautifully restored Edwardian-era residence, originally built in 1908, and learn about the significant contributions of the Stevens family to the local community. This ticket not only grants access to the house, showcasing period furnishings and historical artifacts but also includes admission to the nearby Museum of the Oregon Territory within 30 days of your visit. A journey through time awaits you in this distinctive historical site.

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

Winery hop through the Willamette Valley, known for its Pinots, with this small-group tour. You will visit three different tasting rooms where you’ll get the chance to sample wine safely, without having to worry about driving. You’ll also stop for lunch along the way, included in the price of the tour.

Visit the Museum of the Oregon Territory, in Oregon City (just south of Portland), to explore the rich history of Clackamas County and the Willamette Valley. Discover captivating exhibits, including the latest on Jennings Lodge Camp and the cultural narratives shaped by the river. Learn about the lives of early Oregonians through engaging displays that highlight both everyday life and significant events. This admission ticket grants access to all exhibits, making it a perfect outing for history enthusiasts and families alike.

Argo is a mobile platform that transforms cities into interactive quest spaces. Imagine walking through your own neighborhood, or visiting a new city, and uncovering hidden stories, puzzles, and art, all woven together into playful narratives.

Discover Portland's storied past on a walking tour that explores its scandals, legends, and quirks. The perfect tour for those who like history with a wink, a shiver, and a dash of unexpected! This walking tour begins in Old Town, where we pull up the cobblestones to reveal the ghosts of rough-and-tumble early Portland. Once a lawless frontier outpost, the city was rife with scandal, from the infamous Shanghai Tunnels and floating bordellos to political intrigue and legends that grew as tall as the trees. Along the way, you’ll learn why Portland earned the nickname “Little Beirut,” how an Oregon governor once funded a rock festival, and how the city’s Naked Bike Ride became an unexpected symbol of protest and peace. We'll enjoy a stop for an iconic Voodoo Doughnut, a sweet taste of Portland’s weird side. Peak Tours is licensed and insured, local and family-owned, reliable and knowledgeable. We'd love to show you around!

Ready to trade the usual souvenirs for something you actually made yourself? Forget mass-produced trinkets. On this experience, you will shape a mug from raw clay with your very own hands. Guided step-by-step by an expert instructor, you'll transform a simple piece of earth into a functional, one-of-a-kind keepsake infused with your own creativity. Absolutely no prior pottery experience is needed—just show up ready to get your hands a little dirty and let your imagination run free. It’s not just a souvenir; it’s a tangible memory of your travels that you'll use and look back on for years to come.

Taking this 1.5 mile (2.4 km) walk through the heart of downtown Portland with a local, experienced guide offers an exploration into the city's rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. Portland, noted for its quirk and progressive ideals, unfolds its stories through a series of iconic landmarks, bustling public squares, and artistic expressions that color its streets. Your guide will reveal Portland's past through the emerging landscape. Depending on your guide, your path may vary. Peak Tours is licensed and insured, local and family-owned, reliable and knowledgeable. We'd love to show you around!

Delve into the fascinating history of Portland with the outdoor escape room game, 'Feuding Founders - The Choices That Made a City.' This self-guided experience invites participants to navigate through the city, solving puzzles that reveal the tensions and compromises of its founding days. As you explore real streets and landmarks, the app guides you to uncover clues that bring the story of Portland's early settlers to life. This immersive adventure transforms the city into a captivating outdoor escape room. Escaped Escape Rooms are a new kind of adventure that breaks free from four walls. Instead of being locked in a room, your surroundings become the game. Guided by your phone, your team explores real landmarks, uncovering virtual clues and solving puzzles that connect directly to the world around you. It’s part treasure hunt, part walking tour, and part mystery thriller.