10 Ways to Have an Unforgettable Portland Summer
During the summer months, the Rose City comes alive with vibrant colors, outdoor adventures, and a contagious energy that's hard to resist. Whether you're a local or just passing through, there are certain experiences that simply can't be missed during these sun-drenched months. So grab your sunscreen and your favorite shades, and dive into the top ten things you absolutely have to do in Portland this summer!
Lose Yourself in the Rose Garden: Start your summer off right with a visit to the world-famous International Rose Test Garden. With over 10,000 roses in full bloom, the fragrant air and breathtaking views will transport you to a floral paradise. Don't forget your camera – this is one Instagram-worthy spot!
Have a Picnic at Cathedral Park: Head over to St. Johns and immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of Cathedral Park. Nestled beneath the stunning St. Johns Bridge, this riverside gem offers the perfect setting for a leisurely picnic. Grab a blanket, some snacks and refreshing drinks, and enjoy the serene ambiance under the majestic arches as you watch the boats drift by.
Soak Up the Sun at Portland's Street Fairs: When summer rolls around, Portland's streets come alive with vibrant street fairs and festivals. From Mississippi to Lents, Alberta to our own cider house’s neighborhood Hawthorne Street Fair, and all points in between, you'll find a celebration of local artists, musicians, and delicious street food around every corner.
Bike along the Waterfront: Take advantage of Portland's bike-friendly reputation and pedal your way along the scenic Waterfront Loop. With the Willamette River as your backdrop, enjoy the cool breeze as you cruise along the waterfront path. On your circuit that runs from the Steel Bridge to the Sellwood Bridge, you’ll soak up the summer vibes and experience the city's vibrant atmosphere in the fresh air.
Explore Forest Park: Nature lovers, rejoice! Portland is home to the expansive Forest Park, a paradise for hikers, joggers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of the park's many trails, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking scenery. The 30-mile Wildwood Trail can be broken into hikes that you can easily complete in half a day, and showcases some of the most beautiful hidden spots in town.
Unwind at Sauvie Island: Just a short drive from downtown Portland, Sauvie Island offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore its picturesque farms, go berry picking, or take a refreshing dip in the river. It's the perfect place to recharge and reconnect with nature.
Catch an Outdoor Movie: Experience the magic of cinema under the stars by catching an outdoor movie screening. Throughout the summer, Portland Parks and Rec hosts free open-air movies in parks throughout the city. Pack a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a film under the stars.
Embrace the Arts Scene: Portland's vibrant artist community shines during the summer months. Check out First Thursday in the Pearl District, Last Thursday on Northeast Alberta, or First Friday in the Central Eastside, and discover dozens of galleries featuring hundreds of artists. From contemporary masterpieces to avant-garde installations, you're sure to find something that sparks your creativity and leaves you inspired.
Take In an Outdoor Show: Our thriving theater scene takes the show outdoors during the warm-weather months! Grab some culture with a twist from Original Practice Shakespeare Company’s shows in parks all over town, or drop a blanket at Laurelhurst Park and enjoy local and national comic talents courtesy of Kickstand Comedy In the Park.
Sip on Portland’s Best Summer Ciders, Delivered to Your Door: Joining the Portland Cider Club is the best way to enjoy Portland Cider Co.’s newest releases for the summer, including Graefruit Gimlet! A refreshingly summer sipper, club members are the first to taste this juicy grapefruit cider simmered in fresh sage herbaceousness. Each quarterly shipment includes 12 ciders from exclusives & limited-run cider batches, along with some of our fan-favorites to keep your cider cooler full no matter where you’re headed this season.
What did we miss? Let us know what’s on your Portland summertime bucket list at @portlandcider on Instagram!