Area Attractions

International Rose Test Garden – Washington Park
400 SW Kingston Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 823-3636

In 1940 the International Rose Test Garden became an official testing site for the All-America Rose Selection (AARS), a Chicago-based non-profit association of rose growers dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses. Since 1938 the AARS seal of approval has graced new rose varieties that have performed the best in the test gardens located throughout the country and representing all climate zones. Four plants of each entry are evaluated for two years on 14 different characteristics consumers desire in a garden plant including plant habit, vigor, disease resistance, color, flower production, form, foliage, and fragrance. About 200 rose cultivars are under test each year in 24 rose test gardens nationwide.

Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 223-1321

In 1988, His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, Ambassador from Japan to the United States, visited the Japanese Garden of Portland, Oregon, and proclaimed it to be "the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan." Ten years later, His Excellency Ambassador Kunihiko Saito exclaimed over the beauty of the Garden and also agreed to its authenticity stating, "I believe this garden to be the most authentic Japanese garden, including those in Japan."

Nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland, the Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty. The Garden includes a formal Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
1945 SE Water Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214
(503) 797-OMSI

Founded in 1944 and one of the nation's top ten science museums, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a world-class tourist attraction and educational resource that puts the "WOW!" in science for the kid in each of us. Five exhibit halls and eight science labs offer 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun through hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations. OMSI's multi-attraction complex features a big screen OMNIMAX® Theater, the Northwest's largest planetarium, and the USS Blueback, the last fast-attack, diesel-powered submarine built by the U.S. Navy and after serving for 31 years, the last of its kind to be decommissioned.

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, Oregon 97221
(503) 226-1561

The Oregon Zoo has about 1,029 specimens of representing 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Of these, 21 species are endangered and 33 are threatened. The zoo is currently active in 21 Species Survival Plans.

The zoo’s botanical garden has more than 1,000 species of exotic plants, including firebird heliconia, pelican flowers, and ground orchid. Some of the exotic plants are harvested and given to the animals as browse.

The zoo has many exhibits, representing various geographic areas of the world.

Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 226-2811

Visit Portland’s internationally renowned art museum featuring six stories of modern art and more.

Portland Center of Performing Arts
1111 SW Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 248-4335

The Portland Center of Performing Arts (PCPA) is the premier art and entertainment venue in the Pacific Northwest. Nationally recognized as one of the top 10 performing art centers in the nation, the PCPA hosts every type of event imaginable with over 900 performances each year in 5 different theaters.

Portland Classical Chinese Gardens
NW 3rd & Everett
Portland, Oregon 97209
(503) 228-8131

A year-round wonder, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden is an authentically built Ming Dynasty style garden. Covered walkways, bridges, open colonnades, pavilions and a richly planted landscape frame Zither Lake, creating views that are never twice the same. This urban oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony, built by Suzhou artisans will inspire and engage all who visit. Public tours and audio tours are available. A teahouse is located within the Garden.

Waterfront Park
Naito Parkway between SW Harrison St & NW Glisan St.
Portland, Oregon 97214


Within Waterfront Park you will find a Battleship Oregon Memorial, a Founder’s Stone honoring Portland’s founders, the Salmon Street Springs fountain, a Japanese American Historical Plaza and a Police Memorial.

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