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Resources - Life in Portland - Things to Do

The International Rose Test Garden/The Japanese Garden:

Portland is known as the Rose City. The Portland Rose Garden is located in Washington Park in NW Portland, featuring an extensive array of roses as well as one of the best views of the city. Take bus #63 from the corners of Jefferson St. and SW Broadway. There is a $5.00 entrance fee for the Japanese Garden, a 5.5 acre traditional garden. On a clear day, you will have a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood and the city.

The Classical Chinese Garden:

New to Portland, the Garden of Awakening Orchid features a bridged lake surrounded by pavilions, courtyards, and walkways. Also includes a Tao Tea House. Located at NW 3rd and Everett. For more information: (503) 228-8131.

The Oregon Zoo:

(4001 SW Canyon Rd.) The Washington Park Zoo has a $5.50 entrance fee and is open from 9am - 5pm. The zoo has many kinds of animals, from elephants to birds, and award-winning exhibits. During the summer months, the zoo also has concerts on Wednesday and Thursday nights at 7pm. Check the Willamette Week or the Arts and Entertainment section of the Oregonian.

The Oregon History Center:

(1200 SW Park Ave.) A landmark in Portland, where many exhibitions bring Oregon's rich and colorful history to life. See Pioneer artifacts, Native American art, and maps and manuscripts from Oregon's past.

The Portland Art Museum:

(1219 SW Park Ave.) This is the Northwest's oldest museum, representing 35 centuries of traditional and contemporary art from around the world. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission for students with I.D. is $4.50.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - OMSI:

(1945 SE Water St.) Tour a real submarine, touch a tornado, or experience the power of an earthquake. Visit the Murdock Planetarium or the OMNIMAX Theatre. Over 200 hands-on exhibits. Take the Hawthorne Bridge and follow the OMSI signs. General admission is $3.50; theater and planetarium admission is $7.00.

Pittock Mansion:

(3229 NW Pittock Dr.) This is a mansion built on a high hill overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains. You can have a tour of the house and learn about Henry Pittock, builder of the house and founder of the Oregonian. It costs $4.50 to tour the house, but you may walk the grounds (and enjoy the view) for free. Hours are from 12-4pm daily.

Portland Saturday Market:

Saturday Market is the largest continuous open-air market in the nation, featuring live music, prepared foods, clothing, jewelry, and locally produced arts and crafts. This is a good place to find authentic Oregon gifts for friends or family. Located between Naito Parkway and 1st at Burnside and Ankeny. Hours: Mar 1-Dec. 24 (Saturdays) 10am-5pm / Mar 1-Dec. 24 (Sundays) 11am-4:30pm. For more information: (503) 222-6072.

Powell's City of Books:

(1005 W Burnside) People come from all over to go to Powell's. If you love to spend time with books, this is the place for you. Powell's is one entire city block of books!

City Search

This is a great site with lots of more information about things to do in Portland.

Portland Chamber of Commerce

The Portland Chamber of Commerce is not only a place to visit for building business relations, but they also provide a great web site that includes great information about living, working and playing in Portland.

Portland Trail Blazers

This is the local NBA basket ball team.

Portland Timbers

Local soccer team.