Portland at sunset, Photo Credit: Kenji Sugahara
With great local microbrews and fresh-roasted coffee fueling an urban-meets-outdoors lifestyle, PDX (local shorthand for Portland, Oregon, and the airport code) is home to public art displays, distinctive neighborhoods and enticing restaurants.
What to pack for a trip to Portland, Oregon
If you plan to visit Portland in the spring, you’ll want to prepare for off-and-on light drizzles. Be sure to pack an umbrella, some light sweaters and closed-toe shoes. It wouldn’t hurt to grab a light rain jacket or trench coat, either.
Come summertime, the temps can climb up into the 90s with plenty of sunshine, so be sure to tote along your sunscreen, shades and even a bathing suit. For the daytime, sundresses, tees and shorts are your best bet for exploring the city, and come sundown, you’ll want to have a few nicer outfits for dining out at Portland’s fantastic restaurants — though locals have been known to wear jeans to just about every eatery in town.
During the colder months, layers are essential for the chilly Pacific Northwest. Be sure to bring your hiking boots— the fall foliage is exquisite.
The best time to visit Portland, Oregon
Autumn in Portland is pretty hard to beat. The leaves take on hues that range from bright pinks to deep golden browns, providing the perfect background for fall-themed selfies.
Because it’s not quite umbrella or rain jacket weather yet, locals and visitors alike tend to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Dining alfresco is still an option and long walks on shaded trails are a must.
For foodies, Portland in the fall means plenty of new menus packed with fresh, local ingredients. Autumn is also a great time to visit wine country, just a 30-minute drive outside the city. From fancy tasting rooms and unmatched views of colorful hills, to some of the best pinot in the world, you won’t want to leave.
Should visitors rent a car in Portland, Oregon?
If you’re planning to visit the famous wineries that dot the countryside surrounding the city, then you’ll want to have a car for your Portland getaway. However, it is entirely possible to traverse the entire city without ever having to get behind the wheel.
We highly recommend purchasing an all-day Max pass. Max is Portland’s light rail system, and it has an extensive network of stops in all corners of the city and beyond into the suburbs. The pass also gives you access to the Portland Streetcar (connecting NW Portland to downtown and the waterfront) and buses, so there’s no limit to the places you can go.
Max also goes straight to and from the airport, so you can rely on mass transit your entire trip, if you prefer.
