After months of Covid-19-induced hibernation, Americans are starting to get a whiff of what summer travel might be possible this year. Some “Car-antine” time in the form of a scenic road trip could be just what you need after months of isolation. Thankfully, you don’t have to go far to find great adventure. From a stunning landscape of farms and mountains, through wine country, glaciers and spectacular waterfalls, some of the best windshield views are right in your own backyard. Oregon is best known for its beautiful rugged coastline, spectacular beaches and incredible mountain views.
Portland serves as the cultural and economic center of the state, and now, as the city reopens, some of its best attractions are ready to start welcoming visitors. From parks and outdoor adventure, to shopping, museums, and the food scene that has become part of the city’s fabric, there’s something for everyone in the family. With safety measures in place such as scaled capacity, limited hours, social distancing and face-mask precautions, TravelPortland continues to update Portland’s reopening attractions. As of this week, here are a few now-open, citywide highlights (check here for details):
- The Grotto – Take in meticulously maintained, sprawling outdoor landscapes and water features, perfect for meditation.
- The Portland Spirit – Incredible skyline views you won’t see anywhere else are captured aboard this ship, with scenic cruises along the Willamette River.
- Leach Botanical Gardens – Wander 16.5 meandering acres filled with 2,000 hybrids, cultivars, native and non-native plants: alpines, medicinal herbs, and rock gardens.
- Portland Saturday Market – This fun, quirky and expansive outdoor market features hundreds of different creations from local makers and artists.
- The Portland Japanese Garden opens July 22nd. This 12-acre Japanese Garden in the scenic West Hills above downtown Portland includes a variety of garden styles, a tea house, meandering streams, peaceful walkways and views of Mount Hood. With timed entry to phase guest visits, enjoy many garden themes showcased over 5.5 serene acres with a waterfall, teahouse and mountain view.
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) – Great for families, its Body Worlds exhibit and USS Blueback submarine are now open to guests.
- Portland Farmers Market – All five Portland-area farmers markets have reopened, so get your fresh produce straight from the source at the peak of summer’s bounty.
- Historic Pittock Mansion reopened on July 9. Featured in The Benson’s Historic Stairwell, the Pittock Mansion offers panoramic views of Portland, the Willamette River, and the distant Cascade Mountains.
- The Oregon Historical Society reopens July 11. Instrumental in the development of The Benson’s Historic Stairwell, the Oregon Historical Society’s museum features original and traveling exhibitions telling stories of the people, places and events that have shaped Oregon and American history. Public museum hours will be limited, and the Research Library remains closed for renovations.
- The Oregon Zoo reopens July 12. The Oregon Zoo offers 64 acres of zoo animals and conservation program education arranged in different continents and ecosystems: Asia, Fragile Forests, Pacific Shores, Africa and the Great Northwest.
- Northwest Portland’s Pearl District – from acclaimed restaurants, innovative food carts, to craft beer and stellar coffee, Portland is known as America’s best food city. Now, you can fuel your shopping and gallery-hopping in Portland’s trendy Pearl District in the city’s biggest outdoor dining room. From bistro fare, fine food to good old fashioned burgers, the streets of Northwest Portland offer safe and comfortable outdoor dining with great food and libations.
While in town, one of the city’s most treasured historic landmarks, The Benson, sits in the heart of it all. Our superb location puts you within walking distance to all that the Pearl District, Pioneer Square, and downtown have to offer. Shopping, dining, bookstores, and breweries are just steps away.
The Benson, a historic downtown Portland hotel, has long catered to celebrities, CEOs, dignitaries and every U.S. president since William H. Taft. It offers guests 287 tastefully appointed guest rooms, including a variety of suites, 18,000 square feet of meeting space and abundant guest amenities. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, The Benson offers comfort, luxury and proximity to all Portland has to offer.
