10 Places to Take Your Parents in Portland
Welcome to the City of Roses!
All month, UP is releasing articles and videos to help the Class of 2020 hit the ground running when they move in. Check out our past blog posts here.
We polled our “Portland experts” to come up with ten great places in Portland to take your parents while they are in town.
1. Washington Park
Located on a hill above downtown Portland, Washington Park is full of great places to check out with your parents.
From the world-famous Rose Garden and Japanese Garden to the Oregon Zoo and Hoyt Arboretum, Washington Park offers all sorts of fun outdoor activities and is the perfect place to take some family pics with Mt. Hood and the Portland skyline in the background.
2. Powell’s City of Books
Do your parents love to read? If so, Powell’s City of Books is a book lover’s paradise — it’s the largest used and new bookstore in the world!
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Powell’s takes up a full city block and has more than a million new and used books in every genre (and language!) you can imagine.
3. Mother’s Bistro
Brunch is a way of life in Portland. While there are seemingly countless options across the city, Mother’s Bistro is a place your parents will love (especially your mom.) Mother’s Bistro also serves lunch and dinner, if you can’t make it in the morning. Want brunch spots closer to The Bluff? Check out the brunch list in our North Portland post.
4. Living Room Theater
A gourmet restaurant where you can eat in comfy chairs and watch movies? The Living Room Theater — located in the heart of downtown Portland — is a perfect spot to catch a flick and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time.
This is also a great spot for your parents to go if you need some time to yourself to hang out with your new friends or get your dorm room all set up.
5. Kennedy School
An old grade school that has been converted into a restaurant, bar, movie theater, and hotel? Yep, the Kennedy School is the perfect place for parents to enjoy some of Portland’s “eccentric” side.
The Kennedy School is one of the many historic buildings in Oregon and Washington owned by McMenamins that have been converted into other uses.
If you want to check out a McMenamins closer to campus, check out the St. John’s Theater and Pub.
6. The Grotto
Are your parents looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Check out The Grotto — a Catholic shrine and botanical garden located near the Portland Airport.
Officially named the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, the Grotto offers some beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of the Columbia River and Mt. St. Helens.
7. Saturday Market
A Portland institution, Saturday Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday in downtown Portland.
It’s the perfect place for your parents to get some souvenirs from Portland to take home with them, and to get you a present for your dorm!
8. Multnomah Falls
Just a 30 minute drive from campus, Multnomah Falls is something your parents will be sure to love.
Located in the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the US and is a perfect spot to get a taste of some of Oregon’s natural beauty.
You can do some hiking there if you want to, but it’s also totally accessible from the bottom if you or your parents aren’t up for a climb to the top.
9. Lan Su Chinese Garden
Located in Portland’s Chinatown, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a perfect spot to get some peace and quiet in the middle of the city. Don’t forget to stop for a cup of tea at the garden’s beautiful teahouse!
10. Pittock Mansion
High above Portland in Forest Park is Pittock Mansion, which offers some of the best views of Mt. Hood and the Portland skyline to be found anywhere in the city.
You can tour the historic mansion if you would like, but you can also simply explore the grounds and soak in the amazing panorama views.
