Portland is a city that prides itself on being weird, quirky and fun. There are plenty of attractions and activities that cater to this vibe, but some of them are more hidden or unusual than others. If you’re looking for some offbeat experiences in Portland that will make your trip memorable, check out these 10 suggestions.
A dim sum feast at HK Café
Portland has a diverse culinary scene, and one of the cuisines you can enjoy here is dim sum. Dim sum is a Chinese tradition of small plates served with tea, usually for breakfast or lunch. You can find many dim sum restaurants in Portland, but one of the best is HK Café, which offers a wide variety of dishes like shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork buns, chicken feet, and egg tarts. The restaurant is spacious and busy, so be prepared to wait for a table and share it with other diners.
A hike to the Witch’s Castle
Portland is known for its green spaces, and one of them is Forest Park, which covers more than 5,000 acres of woodland. Within this park, you can find a mysterious stone structure known as the Witch’s Castle, which has a dark history and a spooky atmosphere. The Witch’s Castle was built in the 1930s as a ranger station and a restroom, but it was abandoned after a storm damaged it in the 1960s. Since then, it has been the subject of legends and rumors, and some people claim to have seen ghosts and heard voices there. You can reach the Witch’s Castle by hiking along the Lower Macleay Trail, which is about 0.8 miles one way.
A Latin American market at Portland Mercado
Portland Mercado is a vibrant and colorful market that celebrates the diversity and culture of Latin America. Here, you can find a variety of food carts, shops, and services that offer authentic cuisine and products from countries like Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. You can sample dishes like tacos, arepas, ceviche, and empanadas, and shop for groceries, crafts, and clothing. You can also enjoy live music, art, and events that showcase the rich heritage of the Latin American community in Portland.
A submarine tour at OMSI
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, with exhibits and activities that cover topics like physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and engineering. But one of the most unique attractions at OMSI is the USS Blueback submarine, which is moored on the Willamette River next to the museum. The USS Blueback is a decommissioned naval submarine that served in the Cold War and was featured in the movie “The Hunt for Red October”. You can take a guided tour of the submarine and see how the crew lived and worked in the tight quarters.
A historic mansion at Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into the lives of Portland’s early pioneers. The mansion was built in 1914 by Henry Pittock, the owner of The Oregonian newspaper, and his wife Georgiana, a philanthropist and socialite. The mansion is full of rich history and architectural details, and you can tour its 23 rooms and see the original furniture, art, and personal belongings of the Pittock family. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the mountains from the mansion’s grounds.
Taste Portland’s best doughnuts
Voodoo Doughnut is a Portland institution that serves up some of the most creative and delicious doughnuts you’ll ever try. From classics like glazed and chocolate to more adventurous flavours like bacon maple and grape ape, there’s something for everyone at this shop. You can also get married at Voodoo Doughnut, as they offer legal and non-legal wedding ceremonies at their locations.
Stop by the FreakyButTrue Peculiarium
If you’re into the odd and morbid, you’ll love this art gallery in downtown Portland. The FreakyButTrue Peculiarium features exhibits like life-size monster statues, a three-eyed dog sculpture and an alien autopsy. You can also browse the gift shop for some zany souvenirs to take home.
Visit Bison Coffee House
This locally-owned coffee shop showcases the rich Native American history of the land where Portland sits. The owner is from the Shoshone-Bannock tribe and sources coffee beans from indigenous farmers. The shop also serves pastries, sandwiches and soups made with local ingredients.
Grab a drink at Creepy’s
If you’re looking for a bar with a twist, Creepy’s is the place for you. This spot is decorated with creepy dolls, clowns and skeletons, creating a spooky atmosphere that’s perfect for Halloween or any other night. You can enjoy cocktails, beer and wine, as well as snacks like popcorn and nachos.
See the world’s smallest park
Mill Ends Park is a tiny park that measures only two feet in diameter. It was created in 1948 by a journalist who planted flowers in a hole that was meant for a light pole. The park has since been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and has hosted events like concerts, picnics and snail races.
