These are just a few your web master’s favorites, in case you haven’t explored Portland much but want a few specific ideas.
NOTE: Suggest carrying ID, a mask, and proof of COVID vaccination, just in case they ask. Some places may request you to stay away if you’ve recently had symptoms.
Daytime Cruising
Go to nighttime cruising
Shopping areas and restaurants to explore:
Northwest 21st and 23rd
Why? TWO laid-back, elegant neighborhoods and great for walking
Start around: 500 NW 23rd Ave, Portland (map link) and walk downhill.
N Mississippi Avenue
Why? Hip (but in a good way) neighborhood just off I-5.
Start around: 3700 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland (map link) and walk north (number increase)
SE Hawthorne Bouvelard
Why? High-energy urban neighborhood, lots of vintage shops
Start around: 3000 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland (map link) and walk east (number increase).
Powell’s World of Books
Why? Largest bookstore in the world (just a block from Scandals).
1005 W Burnside St., Portland
Cult
Why? Funky, odd, sexy books, gifts, and collectibles.
1204 NW Glisan St., Portland
Hollywood Beverage
Why? Best liquor store in town.
3028 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Sightseeing:
OHSU Tram
Fee.
Why? Cool ride up and back down with GREAT VIEWS.
3303 S Bond Avenue, Portland
Thomas McCall Park
Why? Long, pretty river front for walking or biking.
Along the Naito Parkway (west side of river) (map link)
Mill Ends Park
Why? World’s smallest city park: 452 square inches!
SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street (map link)
Is adjacent to McCall Park.
Ned Flanders Crossing
Why? New-diddly-doo pedestrian bridge. Look for Ned’s plaque.
NW Flanders St over I-405 (map link)
Biking
Why? You can make a really pretty, mostly flat 4-mile loop between the Tilikum Crossing and Steel Bridge.
Map link: Portland waterfront.
No bike? Bike rental places, from Portland.gov
Wonderful but*:
(*often crowded and a wait to get in)
Boxer Ramen
Why? The “vegetable curry” ramen.
1668 NW 23rd Ave, Portland
City Grill
Why? Great lounge with spectacular views.
111 SW 5th Ave (30th Floor), Portland
Departure Lounge
Why? Hip mid-town rooftop bar & restaurant. Bring sunblock.
525 SW Morrison St (15th Floor), Portland
Hale Pele tiki bar (ha-lay pay-lay)
Why? Best tiki bar in the country. Recommended: the “Jet Pilot.”
2733 NE Broadway, Portland
Shows of some kind:
Darcell XV
Fee; reservations recommended.
Why? See “Rhinestone Cowboy” while you still can.*
208 NW 3rd Ave, Portland
*Read: World’s oldest drag performer, a Portland legend.
Stag PDX
Why? Male strippers.
317 NW Broadway, Portland
Nighttime Cruising
Go to daytime cruising
Bars
Article: Portland’s Wildest LGBTQ Bars for 2022 for more ideas.
CC Slaughter’s
Why? Club with a sparkly dance floor.
219 NW Davis St., Portland
Eagle Portland
Why? Like you don’t know what an “Eagle” is about.
Scandals PDX
Why? Old-school gay bar opens daily at noon (just a block from Powell’s).
1125 SW Harvey Milk St., Portland
Sissy Bar
Why? Opened 2022, bars from around the world.
1416 SE Morrison Street, Portland
Focus on women:
Sports Bra
Why? Celebrating women in sports.
2512 NE Broadway, Portland
Doc Marie
Why? Honoring one of Oregon’s greatest champion of women’s rights.
203 SE Grand Avenue, Portland
Read about Dr. Marie Equi (1872-1952)
Focus on men:
Steam Portland
Admission fee and ID required.
Why? What man doesn’t like wearing a towel?
2885 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Focus on, um, whatever:
Catalyst
Admission fee and ID required.
Why? Events and activities for the energetic.
1006 SE Grand Ave #L100, Portland