Everyone knows the classic Portland staples like Powell’s Bookstore and Voodoo Donuts, there are many hidden gems in Portland to be found. If looking for a more unique Portland itinerary, make sure to visit these lesser-known unique spots in Portland.
US Ghost Adventures is an awesome company that offers a variety of guided tours and haunted experiences across different cities in the United States. Visitors can learn the compelling history and stories of the paranormal and the city’s darker side. Make sure to check out the variety of tours offered in [Portland] here. They are very affordable too!
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Where to Stay in Portland
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Portland hotels here! Also, check out this post with some of my favorite Portland hotels.
The following are some of the best hotels in Portland. *means it is one of my favorites!
- Hilton Portland Downtown
- The Duniway Portland*
- Hyatt Centric Downtown*
- AC Marriott Portland Downtown*
- Moxy Portland Downtown
- Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland
- Home2Suites Portland Airport
- Residence Inn Portland Airport
- Hyatt Place Portland Airport/Cascade Station
- Hampton Inn Portland East
Hidden Gems in Portland: Outdoorsy Places
Cathedral Park
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Cathedral Park is located in Northwestern Portland along the Willamette River. Throughout the year, there are a variety of events hosted there, such as the jazz festival in the summertime. Cathedral Park is also believed to be a landing site of Lewis and Clark during their journey.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Cost: $5, Free on Mondays
Hours: Thurs-Tues: 10am-3:30pm, Wed: 1pm-3:30pm
The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens are one of the hidden gems of Portland. This super cute little garden can be found on the southeastern side of Portland near Reed College. It covers almost 10 acres of grounds and has many seasonal plants and several beautiful lakes. During the summertime, you will not want to miss the hydrangeas.
The Grotto
Cost: Free but $8 to view the gardens
Hours: 9am-5pm
The Grotto, built in 1924, is also known as the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother and one of the hidden gems in Portland. This shrine is located outdoors in the middle of a forest and is quite a spectacular site to see.
Although the actual shrine is located at the foot of a cliff, visitors can ascend to the top of the 110-foot cliff to view the gardens and catch a brief glimpse of Portland. During the holidays, everything is lit up and decorated in Christmas lights. The shrine itself is free, but it costs to go up to the cliff-top gardens.
Mills End Park
Cost: Free
Hours: Anytime
Mills End Park is known as the smallest park in the world, thus making it one of the hidden gems of Portland. In 1971, this park make a 2 foot circle and was originally supposed to be a place for a light post. The light post ended up not being put in and weeds started to grow in the area. Someone then planted a flower on the spot and since then, it became known as the smallest in the world.
Peninsula Park
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Many people have heard of the Rose International Test Garden in Portland, but Peninsula Park has a collection of roses almost as large and much less busy. Visitors can get some great pictures around the park, or there are plenty of spots to have a picnic. Peninsula Park is definitely one of the hidden gems of Portland.
Witches Castle Hike
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
The Witches Castle hike is a fun hidden gem in Portland. This short hike takes visitors to the Stone House which seems like it would be haunted and dates back to the 1930s. Many people believe it to be the site of the first execution in Oregon in the 1800s. It is usually covered in graffiti art and is only a half-mile hike to get here.
Hidden Gems in Portland: Foodie Stops
Bete-Lukas Ethiopian
Cost: $$
Hours: Wed-Sun: 5pm-8pm
Ethiopian food is not a well-known style of food in the United States. However, it should be, this making Bete-Lukas one of the hidden gems in Portland. Bete-Lukas is a great place to introduce yourself to the cuisine.
Ethiopian food usually contains tons of delicious spices and has tons of vegetarian options. I recommend going with a larger group and getting a variety of dishes to share. Keep in mind that Ethiopian food is eaten with your hands.
East India Co. Grill and Bar
Cost: $$
Hours: 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm
The East India Co. Grill and Bar is the best Indian food I found in Portland. Located conveniently Downtown, it is an easy walk from Pioneer Square. All of the food was super flavorful and they have a good assortment of dishes. This is another place to go with a group of friends and share dishes.
Fried Egg I’m in Love
Cost: $$
Hours: Varies by Location
Fried Egg I’m in Love is one of the foodie hidden gems in Portland. Although quite popular to Portlanders, outside of Portland many people may not have heard of these delicious breakfast sandwiches.
Mucca Osteria
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon-Saturday: 5pm-10pm
Favorite Dish: Spaghettoni alla Gricia
Mucca Osteria is an awesome Italian food hidden gem in Portland. They house make all of their pasta and even source some of the ingredients from Italy. It is conveniently located Downtown, so it is easy to walk to from Pioneer Square. Make sure to come with an empty stomach as you will want several courses.
Hidden Gems in Portland: Bars
Distillery Row
Cost: Free and Up
Hours: Varies by Place
Many people have heard of Westward Whiskey as it has gained in popularity, but many people do not realize Portland has a collection of 12 other distilleries that make up Distillery Row. Visitors can even opt to get a passport to get discounts at each distillery. Aria Portland Dry Gin, Straightaway Cocktail Company, and Stone Barn Brandyworks which I feel would be hidden gems in Portland.
Aria is perfect for gin lovers and they make some great gin cocktails. Straightaway has some awesome liquors that then make some delicious drinks. Stone Barn is unique because it makes a lot of brandys and other liquors that many people may not have tried before.
Hale Pele
Cost: $$
Hours: 4pm-12am
If you love tiki bars, you may have heard of Hale Pele, but it is still relatively unknown outside of the Portland area thus making it one of the hidden gems in Portland. Hale Pele has a ton of delicious tropical cocktails, rums, and tropical food. Although you cannot make a reservation, if you visit during the week, the wait to get in is manageable.
Interurban
Cost: $
Hours: 4pm-2:30pm
Interurban is one of the best bar hidden gems in Portland. Located in the Mississippi area, you cannot go wrong stopping here. It opened in 2011 and has grown to specialize in pre-prohibition style cocktails. Interurban also has a pretty extensive whiskey list, second only to the Multnomah Whiskey Library.
Multnomah Whiskey Library
Cost: $
Hours: Sun: 4pm-10:15pm, Mon-Thurs: 4pm-11:15pm, Fri-Sat: 4pm-12:15am
The Multnomah Whiskey Library is a hidden gem in Portland, especially for whiskey lovers. This exclusive whiskey club has over 3,000 bottles of whiskey to try and many whiskey cocktails. You can either get in with a member, buy a $25 “Hall Pass,” or opt to try and walk in.
Other Hidden Gems in Portland
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Cost: $10/person
Hours: Tues-Sat: 9am-5pm
Although not technically in Portland, Fort Vancouver is located just over the river in Vancouver, Washington, just a short drive from Downtown Portland. This historical fort was one of the last stops of the Oregon Trail and was a major trading post during its time. It is free if have an America the Beautiful Pass or $10/person to get in.
During weekends, they usually have many programs and demonstrations going on to depict life from that era. Visitors can also opt to browse through the different exhibits inside the various buildings.
Hawthorne Street
Cost: Free
Hawthorne Street contains a ton of delicious places to eat and cute little boutique shops. You can easily spend an afternoon strolling around browsing the shops and grabbing a bite to eat. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai is a great place for lunch. Many people focus on spending time downtown, and they miss out on this hidden gem in Portland.
Java Man Coffee
Cost: $
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 8am-3pm
Portland may have a lot of coffee shops but Java Man Coffee is one of the hidden gems in Portland. Many people know Stumptown and Dutch Brothers, but Java Man Coffee has some fun flavors and drinks and the best latte I have ever had.
McMenamins Kennedy School
Cost: Free and Up
Hours: Varies by venue
The Mcmenamins Kennedy School is a hidden gem in Portland due to the variety of fun to be had here. If you feel like a drink, head to the Detention Bar or the Honor Bar where there are themed drinks to fit those categories. At the Detention Bar, you can even buy cigars.
If taking in a movie is more your thing, they have a one screen theater with tickets for as low as $5. They typically show older movies like Harry Potter. They also have a pub-style restaurant, The Boiler Room, if you get hungry.
Visit Brick House Wines
Cost: $20
Hours: By appointment only
If you are a wine lover, you may have heard of the Willamette Valley wine region which is a fun day trip from Portland. This area contains over 700 wineries spread across 150 miles. Brick House Vineyards is one of the winery hidden gems in Portland. It is about a 30-minute drive from Portland, but it is well worth making the trek out to sample their delicious Gammays and Pinot Noirs.
Production at Brick House began in 1993. They are known for their Biodynamic practices which helps keep the wine organic. A tasting here costs $20 for 5 wines. All tastings are by appointment only to make the experience more personal, so make sure to plan in advance.
While these may now be hidden gems in Portland, Portland is a city that continually grows and changes. With each trip, I find more unique things to do. What are some of your favorite things to do in Portland?
