With its welcoming downtown and vibrant creative scene, Portland charms visitors from all over the world. In this easygoing city, you can start your day with locally roasted coffee, shop for designer goods and artisan crafts, and conclude a fantastic night with a gourmet meal at one of Oregon’s hottest restaurants. Join the city’s booming bike culture by taking a ride along the Willamette River, and check out the live music scene at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom or the legendary Mississippi Studios. No matter what time of year you visit, Portland offers plenty of exciting activities to do. Book a stay at one of numerous Portland vacation rentals today. Check out the top spots situated in Portland.
1. Downtown
Experience the best of Portland in the Downtown neighborhood. Compact and easy to navigate on foot, this area makes it easy to leave your car behind. Vacation rentals near Pioneer Courthouse Square put you in the center of the shopping and entertainment activities. For fast access to the city’s best informal foodie fare, stay near the Alder Street food court pod. While you’re downtown, enjoy a stroll along the Willamette River and check out the Portland Art Museum.
2. Pearl District
Stay in one of Portland’s most popular neighborhoods in the Pearl District, which sits just north of downtown. Packed with historic warehouses that have been converted into luxury condos, this charming area offers some of the most stunning vacation rentals in the city. Minutes from any rental, check out the galleries and independent shops that dot NW 10th, 11th and 12th Avenues. In the summer, bring the kids to splash in the Jamison Square fountain, and don’t miss a visit to the world-famous Powell’s City of Books.
3. Old Town Chinatown
Get a glimpse at historic Portland in Old Town Chinatown. This fun, funky neighborhood was once the city’s downtown. Today, it’s home to an eclectic blend of Chinese architecture and indie shops. Start your day with a trip to Voodoo Doughnut, and don’t miss a photo with the iconic Portland, Oregon sign. If you’re visiting on a weekend, purchase local artisan crafts and snacks at the Portland Saturday Market.
4. Mt. Tabor
If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, a vacation rental in Mt. Tabor is the ideal choice. Most rentals in the neighborhood sit within a short walk of the sprawling Mt. Tabor Park, which offers forested hiking trails and panoramic city views. If you’re traveling with kids, check out the park’s two playgrounds, or explore the three onsite reservoirs. Vacation rentals in this area range from apartments to stunning Arts and Crafts homes, so it’s easy to find an option for small and large groups.
5. Nob Hill
Come home to a stunning Victorian vacation rental in Nob Hill where candy-colored homes stand next to tree-lined streets, and families enjoy evening bike rides as the sun sets. The heart of this beautiful neighborhood is NW 23rd Avenue, which is lined with shops and restaurants. Spend an afternoon trying out locally roasted coffee and wandering through carefully curated bookstores, or bring the kids to a performance at the Northwest Children’s Theater and School.
6. Hawthorne District
Experience classic eclectic Portland in the Hawthorne District, an energetic area where tech entrepreneurs and hipsters co-exist comfortably. Whether you prefer an adorable bungalow or a sleek condo, this funky neighborhood offers a vacation rental to meet your needs. Minutes away, browse vintage shops and try the latest restaurants on Hawthorne Boulevard, or indulge in a snack from local favorite food trucks Chicken and Guns and Fried Egg I’m In Love.
7. Sellwood-Moreland
Enjoy a quiet retreat within close proximity of downtown Portland in Sellwood-Moreland. With its wide variety of vacation rentals and activities, this up-and-coming neighborhood is great for families and couples. Browse the world-class antique stores along SE 13th Avenue, or spend a wild afternoon on the carnival rides at Oaks Amusement Park. On a warm day, head for Sellwood Riverfront Park for a picnic or a bike ride along the river.
8. Mississippi/Williams
Indulge your foodie dreams in Mississippi/Williams, which is known for its cutting-edge eateries. Once a neglected industrial area, Mississippi/Williams has been transformed into a hip, bustling neighborhood populated by young professionals and families. Many local vacation rentals are single-family homes, so you can come home to a comfortable retreat after a day of adventuring. For the fastest access to the best restaurants and street fairs, look for rentals near the busy North Mississippi Avenue. The MAX light rail stops nearby, so you can make the three-mile journey downtown in minutes.
9. Alberta Arts District
If you’re a lover of the arts, the Alberta Arts District is the ideal spot for a Portland vacation rental. Enjoy excellent people-watching at the monthly Last Thursday street fair, which draws crowds with its art demonstrations, live music, and locally made foods. Try out different sake varieties at the Zilla Sake House, and when you’re in the mood for ice cream, the delicious concoctions at Salt and Straw are worth the wait. After dark, enjoy an outdoor cocktail at the many unusual bars along Alberta Street or catch a comedy performance at the Alberta Rose Theatre.
10. Lloyd District
Situated a short light-rail ride across the Willamette River from downtown Portland, the Lloyd District places you in easy reach of everything Portland has to offer. Many area vacation rentals lie a short walk from Lloyd Center, a massive shopping center with an indoor ice rink. Catch a Portland Trail Blazers basketball game or a touring concert at the Moda Center, or cheer on the Portland Winterhawks hockey team at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
11. Division/Clinton
Division/Clinton, which is also called “Eat Street” and “Portland’s Kitchen,” is the heart of the restaurant scene in the city. Try the legendary Pok Pok, or go casual at the Tidbit Food Farm and Garden food cart pod. If you’re visiting Portland in late summer, don’t miss the Division/Clinton Street Fair, which combines the city’s most exciting artisans with live entertainment and a full-fledged parade.