Portland, Oregon help

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

My DH and DD are going to Portland, Oregon for a few days. What are some fun places they can go to that are either in Portland or within a few hours drive? Also can anyone recommend a good, safe, inexpensive hotel?

In advance, thanks!

 

[Stitch Inside]

Don't miss Multnomah Falls. Also try to get up to Mt. St. Helens.

 

[Duckfan]

Portland has a good zoo, a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, a science discovery center called OMSI (with an Imax theatre), Oaks Park amusement park with Roller Skating, and lots of art museums and shopping. Also, as far as that goes. The beach is about a two hour drive.

 

[MinnieM21]

Hello! I live in Portland, Oregon so I probably can help a lot.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Multnomah Falls
NW 23rd - It has a lot of interesting cafes, shops, etc.
Farmer's Market
Saturday Market
Japanese Gardens
International Rose Garden
Pittock Mansion
The Waterfront
The Zoo
OMSI
Forest Park

 

[katerkat]

What about Astoria? DH and I are going there thisd summer with a side trip or two to Portland.

 

[cardaway]

Another vote for Mount St. Helens. Could be the only time you'll be only two hours away, and the best time to check it out is during the summer when the mountains in this area shine like a diamond on the horizon.

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. Keep them coming.

Any ideas on a centrally located hotel that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?


Minnie, I may PM you later. Thanks

Elise

 

[MinnieM21]

Minnie, I may PM you later. Thanks

Elise

Your welcome.

 

[caitycaity]

if you like books, make sure you stop by powell's.

http://www.powells.com/

 

[cardaway]

No specific hotel advice, just advice to stay on Oregon. Less taxes than Washington.

 

[dizluvr71]

I would definately recommend the beach (only a couple of hours away) and the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.

If they are flying into PDX, you might try a couple of the hotels in Clackamas, Oregon which is about a 15 minute drive from the airport and very close to shopping (malls and such).

 

[Lil_Tink]

The mall is really neat, It has a ice rink inside it... Also the portland science center is to die for, (its not nerdy its cool).

 

[Stitch Inside]

Also the portland science center is to die for, (its not nerdy its cool).

Love the disclaimer.
Is that like saying, "The band camp I went to was cool?"

 

[MinnieM21]

Here's a link with a bunch of hotels from the Official Tourism site for Portland: http://pova.travelhero.com/index.cfm/country/US/state/OR/city/Portland/aid/622/index.html

And here's the link to Portland's visitor site: http://www.travelportland.com/

I recommend staying somewhere in Southwest Portland. That's the downtown area, so it's the safest and it's near everything.

 

[chadfromdallas]

If they are flying into PDX, you might try a couple of the hotels in Clackamas, Oregon which is about a 15 minute drive from the airport and very close to shopping (malls and such).

I would not stay in Clackamas. Ghettoness

 

[TerryKitten]

I would not stay in Clackamas. Ghettoness

Heh, and I lived there for 10 years It depends what part of Clackamas. Near the mall is ok (Sunnyside exit off 205). But the actual Clackamas Exit, theres gettoness.

Most everyone got the big hot spots. Newport is kinda "far" in for my taste (over 2 hours). But Portland itself has lots of great things to do for all types of people. Enjoy!

 

[Darcy]

Any ideas on a centrally located hotel that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?


What kind of hotel do you wnat? functional, fancy, pool etc?

 

[Darcy]

The mall is really neat, It has a ice rink inside it... Also the portland science center is to die for, (its not nerdy its cool).

last time I was there the ice rink was closed and a carosel park was in its place. Heard they were not reopening it, but not sure.

 

[TeresaMc]

My vote would be for a Portland Pirates game

 

[dizluvr71]

I would not stay in Clackamas. Ghettoness

I suppose some would say that, though I'm thinking of people on the westside who are a bit snobbish! I live in Vancouver, Washington but grew up in Portland, Oregon and lot's has changed in Clackamas over the years. Don't know when you were there last.

Also, depending on what you are used to as far as staying in a downtown environment vs something a little more quieter and maybe safer, Clackamas would be my choice if you are used to the latter. The Westside of town has horrible traffic and lots of snobs and Downtown is fun to visit but I think a bit noisy to stay there. Clackamas has some nice and moderate priced hotels that are near several restaurants plus shopping and IMHO a nice variety of atmosphere. You are also only about 20 minutes from Downtown Portland and close to a major freeway.