Portland

Visit the tranquil Portland Japanese Garden and wander the colorful International Rose Test Garden, then explore miles of shaded forest trails that thread this expansive urban park. Bring comfortable shoes and a camera, linger for the seasonal blooms and park views, and go see it for yourself.

Wander tree-lined streets packed with contemporary art galleries, independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and converted warehouse lofts. Pause at Jamison Square or Tanner Springs Park for green space, then hop the Portland Streetcar and take your time to enjoy.

Ride the Portland Aerial Tram from the South Waterfront up to the Oregon Health & Science University campus on Marquam Hill for sweeping, bird's-eye views of the Willamette River, downtown skyline, and the Cascades on clear days. The short, scenic trip is open to the public and makes a great photo stop, so hop on and see Portland from above.

Portland is famous for its vibrant food cart pods, where clusters of independent vendors serve international flavors and inventive street eats. You can wander between stalls, share dishes at communal tables, and treat the city like one big tasting menu, so come hungry and explore.

You can walk or bike the wide riverside paths of Tom McCall Waterfront Park to enjoy public art, river and bridge views, and seasonal events such as the Portland Rose Festival and the nearby Portland Saturday Market. Go for a stroll at sunset and soak up the riverfront vibe.