Top Portland Culture

Want to see a bit of Portland, Oregon, and get some exercise while you're at it? Try a walking tour in the center of the city. Uncover Portland's weird and wonderful tales on every corner as you explore its buildings, parks, and streets. Your guide highlights the cultural evolution of the city and offers insights into its past, present, and future.

Less than a 2-hour drive from Portland, the Oregon Coast is celebrated for its natural beauty. This tour gives you the chance to experience some of the best of what the coast has to offer, without having to do any driving. You'll visit the coastal town of Cannon Beach, spend time among the trees of Ecola State Park, and learn about local wildlife from your naturalist guide.

Learn about the haunted past of Portland, Oregon's Old Town with this guided ghost tour. Your guide will regale you with tales of the past as you walk to different allegedly haunted locations, wrapping up at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, believed to be haunted by a long-dead fire captain.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to explore the city's sights, this tour promises an enjoyable overview of Portland's unique charm. As you drive through historic districts, your guide will provide fascinating commentary on Portland's evolution from a dense forest, to rugged pioneer "Stumptown," to the lively tourist destination it is today. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the historic Pittock Acres, where you can admire the beautiful landscape and catch a magnificent view of Mt. Hood. Another not-to-be-missed stop is the International Rose Test Garden, home to over 300 colorful varieties of roses, offering a sensory experience unlike any other. We will cross the Willamette River on an iconic bridge, then explore unique east side locations beloved by locals. No matter the route, you'll witness both historic and emerging neighborhoods, a testament to Portland's rich heritage, architectural diversity, and continual evolution.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day on this guided tour to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls. Travel along the historic Columbia River Highway National Scenic Byway and stop at the magnificent falls of Multnomah, Latourell, and Bridal Veil.

See Portland like a local—by bicycle—with this guided tour. Your guide will take you on an eight- to 11-mile ride through town, past beautiful neighborhoods filled with flowers and across the river via the pedestrian- and bicycle-only Tilikum Bridge towards downtown, with a stop at a local donut shop for some sugary fuel along the way.

Escape the city for an afternoon exploring some of greater Portland's most scenic falls. Travel along the Columbia River Gorge, home to the largest concentration of waterfalls in the country, stopping at the epic Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls. Enjoy panoramic views from the Crown Point Vista House and hear about the local legends and natural history of the area from your guide.

Travel through four of Portland’s quadrants, and explore 8 to 10 of the city’s unique districts by foot and our European-style streetcar. Stroll, taste, see and learn about what makes Portland so special, with accompaniment of a passionate local, and 2.5–4 miles of slow-paced walking (4–7 km). Starting at Director Park at the edge of the Cultural District in Portland, we will begin our exploration with short streetcar segments interspersed by leisurely walks through several districts. Learn about the Art Museum, visit the Pearl District, explore the historically industrial Slabtown. See the mural district and the space-age buildings in the South Waterfront and into the University District. Walk park blocks and fountains that made the name for Portland’s urban planning, and also brought us into conflict over racial and cultural ideals. Explore how Portland’s activist spirit has challenged its government and structures, before returning you to the center of the city, Pioneer Square.

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.

Portland is home to a buzzing array of neighborhoods, historical highlights, and natural attractions—and this private, half-day tour makes for a seamless introduction. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times and hop aboard your luxury, air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll visit the International Rose Test Garden and Pittock Mansion, and will drive past landmarks like the Oregon Zoo, Portland Art Museum, and more as you explore the city’s neighborhoods.

Visit the top sights of the Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood on this guided tour. You'll stop to take in the views at the historic Vista House, spend time exploring Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls, Wakheena Falls, and famous Multnomah Falls--and that's all before lunch. You'll also get to take a drive through the Fruit Loop apple-growing area and Mount Hood's Timberline Lodge before returning to Portland.

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.

Our small group Eastside Coffee Roaster walking tour takes you to the makers who have called the neighborhood their home for decades, each with a different approach to coffee roasting and brewing. Across from downtown Portland, the industrial neighborhood has transformed from manufacturing and warehouses to the heart of passionate creators: artists, chocolate makers, food innovators, and every kind of free spirit. Portland has the most coffee roasters of any city in the world, and we would argue some of the most earnest and unique origins and barista artistry is happening right where Around Portland Tours makes its home. The tour in total is 1.5-3 miles (2-5 km) of walking, tasting and learning. You'll also discover a lot about Portland and how these artisans are nourished. We keep groups small, so you'll have an intimate experience with your passionate guides. Ask about larger private groups.

Whether you want to relax after a long day of sightseeing or need to unwind at the end of your workweek, a sunset dinner cruise along the Willamette River is sure to do the trick. The journey offers spectacular views of the Portland skyline and city’s main landmarks. Listen to live music while you enjoy a freshly cooked Pacific Northwest meal.

This is Portland’s elevated sushi night out: a small-group, omakase-style progressive dinner across three top sushi spots downtown. Instead of tiny samples, you’ll sit down at each stop for chef-selected dishes—crafted to highlight different styles, cuts, and techniques—so you leave genuinely full and seriously impressed. Over 2–3 hours, you’ll enjoy a curated progression that can include nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls, and seasonal plates (selection varies by night). Your guide keeps it fun and approachable while explaining what you’re eating, how to spot quality, and how to order with confidence the next time you’re at a sushi bar. All food is included, and group size is capped so the experience stays personal and high-touch. —and if you have dietary needs (gluten-free or vegan), message us after booking so we can plan your best possible menu. Why this is worth it: you’re getting a guided, chef-curated sushi progression at three restaurants in one night—without the guesswork.

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.

The Columbia River Gorge is known for its dramatic waterfalls and impressive vistas—but if you don't have car, planning a trip from Portland can be tricky. Instead, enjoy a hassle-free way to check off many top attractions in just half a day, all thanks to this small-group sightseeing tour. Visit the historic Vista House, admire Latourell Falls, stop at Multnomah Falls, and more, all while your guide shares insider stories.

Enjoy lunch along the Willamette River on a 2-hour cruise in Portland. Great for newcomers and locals alike, the leisurely cruise presents an expansive vista of Portland from the water. In addition to exceptional views and food, the afternoon tour also includes commentary from your captain and live entertainment. Prepared with local ingredients, your meal can be upgraded to include an appetizer and dessert.

Combine a fun night out with ghostly tales of the city during this Portland Haunted History Pub Crawl Experience. This pub crawl takes you to multiple pubs, including Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub and Shanghai Tunnel Bar as you pass by city highlights such as the Benson Hotel. Hear spooky stories of ghosts and paranormal activity from your guide during the evening.

Portland’s slogan may be “Keep Portland Weird”, but other adjectives like “stunning”, “vibrant”, and “creative” are just as accurate. Discover the city’s creative and refined sites as you visit different backdrops for this private vacation photography session. A local photographer will take your group to unique staging locations where you’ll capture your vacation memories. You’ll receive your photos within 5 days of your shoot.

Visit the top attractions in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest on this day trip from Portland. After spending the morning chasing waterfalls and marveling at 500-pound fish at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, enjoy free time for lunch in historic downtown Hood River. After lunch, we will visit a vineyard in the region for a wine tasting and drive more than halfway up the side of Mt. Hood to explore Timberline Lodge

Experiences both Portland’s rugged outdoors and renowned wine scene on this small-group tour. Visit the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area where you see waterfalls, admire the Cascade Mountain Range, and look out for bald eagles and osprey. Then explore Hood River and stop at a variety of boutique wineries to sample locally produced wines including the much talked about Oregon Pinot Noirs.

Explore Oregon’s rocky northern coastline, dotted with beaches and sea cliffs, on a scenic full-day trip from Portland. Travel the picturesque US Highway 101 through quaint beach towns, stopping in Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Oswald West State Park. Enjoy panoramic coastal views, geological wonders, and wind-swept beaches without the hassle of self-driving, and learn more from your guide than you would going alone.