River paths. Forest trails. Neighborhood streets.

Find your next Portland.

Start with the kind of day you want, then follow the local source. These are starting points for exploring Portland, with official links for current access, programs and travel details.

Along the Willamette

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park puts the river alongside downtown. Its history is part of the visit: Harbor Drive was removed in 1974 and the park was dedicated in 1978. Read our waterfront history for that transformation and check the park’s current project notices before you go.

Tilikum Crossing offers a different perspective on the river. The bridge carries public transit, people walking and people cycling. Use the operator’s information for connections and current notices; this guide does not prescribe a route or guarantee access.

Into the West Hills

Forest Park brings trails into Portland’s forested hills. The city’s page supplies maps, access points, trail conditions and the park’s history. Choose a trip that matches your needs and the current conditions. For a different starting point, the city park finder lets you explore parks, natural areas and facilities across Portland.

Beyond the city center

Portland’s neighborhood pages connect you with local associations, projects and community information. Start with St. Johns in North Portland, Concordia in Northeast, or Lents in Southeast. Alongside them, Sellwood-Moreland, the Pearl District and Downtown offer more starting points.

This is a small selection, not a ranking or a complete map. Find additional communities and address-lookup resources in the official neighborhood directory.

Science, makers & community

Explore science at OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Its visitor page lists exhibits, accessibility information and current notices. Programs and access can change, so use the museum’s own details to plan.

The Portland Saturday Market connects visitors with artisan craft and food vendors. Check its seasonal calendar, vendor information and visitor guidance before going; its name alone is not a promise that it is operating on a particular date.

For another perspective on the city, learn about the Native American Youth and Family Center and its culturally specific community programs, or explore the photographs, maps and records held by the Portland City Archives.

Getting there & what’s on

Use TriMet’s trip tools for transit planning and service alerts for current disruptions. The city events calendar lists public meetings, classes, activities and volunteer opportunities. Follow each organizer’s detail page for dates, eligibility and cancellations.

Sources reviewed November 2, 2026. These are independent editorial suggestions, not sponsored placements. Find more destinations in our local resource directory.