So grab a comfortable blanket and your favorite novel, find a shady tree and relax the afternoon away.
Layout aside, this Portland park is full of firsts - the city’s first community center, public rose garden and is home to Portland’s second oldest playground. In fact, the first time I saw Peninsula Park, I was taken aback by the layout - it reminded me of carefully manicured gardens I’ve toured in Europe. Unlike most of the other Portland parks mentioned on this list, Peninsula Park is “formally designed” 16-acre park (typical of the 1900’s). If you’re looking for an iconic Portland park to visit then Peninsula Park will fit the bill. Lovejoy Bakery is a great option if you’re hungry. Local’s Tip: Grab a delicious cup of coffee from Sister Cafe and stroll around the neighborhood, you’re sure to find something interesting. I sitting down and watching the random jumble of folks that pass through, especially the kids mesmerized by the Koi fish below. This is one of the more artsy parks in Portland and speaks to our pride in recycling and caring for the planet. The park is comprised of 368 railroad tracks and includes 99 pieces of specially-made fused glass.īut all that pales in comparison to the healthy population of Koi fish swimming below. Tanner Springs Park is yet another park in the heart of the trendy Pearl District. Here’s a mini-guide on N Mississippi Avenue. There’s plenty of great restaurants nearby, if you’d like to swing by for a bite after the sun sets. You’ll get unparalleled views of the Fremont Bridge, which is especially beautiful at sunset. I suggest following suit during a warm summer night because the views of Portland are spectacular.
A patch of grass is shaded by a handful of trees, enticing visitors to linger with friends while lounging on picnic baskets and watching the sunset. Overlook Park is absolutely lovely, especially on a crisp fall day. Two-legged kids are not forgotten - there’s a great new children’s playground as well, tag the family along! It’s not uncommon for folks to picnic in the lawn and find themselves interrupted every few minutes by an excited dog. Just know that the the lawn is an off-leash dog park, so you’re bound to see many cute pups during your visit. Grab a delicious brew and plop down on a bench or spread out in the lawn. This Portland park is a great place to spend a weekday morning catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee from Ovation & Tea. Not only is it romantic but it may restore your faith in humanity, even if only for a second.įurther Reading: 10 Jaw-Dropping Viewpoints in Portlandįields Park is located in the lively Pearl District, a neighborhood that perfectly blends modern design while still exuding a relaxing Portland vibe. We saw so many couples picnicking on the lawn. Grab a picnic blanket and a good friend and make an entire evening of it.
It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. So if I may offer some advice, head to the park for sunset as soon as you see a clear day in the forecast.
What was I thinking? If you’re looking for a park with great mountain views, look no further than Council Crest.Īt 1,073 feet, Council Crest is the highest point in Portland, so you can bet the views from this park are glorious (especially during sunset). Here’s the only sunscreen I use.Īllow me to share my ignorance for a second – it took me way too long to visit Council Crest Park. So remember to pack it before you leave the house. Quick tip before we start: Remember that you + sunscreen = best friends (forever). But if you find yourself looking for the absolute best viewpoint, or merely a spectacular picnic spot, I’d like to share my personal list of the best parks in Portland.įun fact: Did you know that Portland is home to both the smallest park in the world (Mill Ends Park) and the largest urban park in the United States? Read on to learn more, I hope you enjoy! With so many parks to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong. Little did I know how fortunate I was to grow up in a city with more than 279 parks! I never fully appreciated Portland’s greenery until I started traveling to other cities only to notice a lack of trees. If you’re in search of the best parks in Portland then you’re in the right place.