Portland Destination Guide
The Pacific NW is a gem for outdoor family travel. This guide shares family focused things to do + packing list.
Portland is my hometown. Growing up trips to the zoo, camping, and anything outside were the norm.
I didn’t truly appreciate the beauty of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) until living in Los Angeles and New York. Now when I return with my family of 4 I am truly in awe of what an awesome place this is for family adventures and beyond. There are endless outdoor activities with the kids, and lots of fun for parents too.
I suggest renting a vehicle so you can fully enjoy everything there is to do.
Family Adventures
Waterfalls! There is an abundance of waterfalls in the Colombia Gorge. My recommendation for families with toddlers is Latourell. If you can put the kids in carriers or they are older, Bridal Veil is a great hike (not recommended for toddlers because of steep cliffs and inclines).
Triskelee Farms is such a fun family event and gets you out into the non urban part of Portland, but a short drive. Reservations required in advance.
If you have time to get away to the beach or mountain, Cannon Beach is a great option. The most quaint family friendly beach, Short Sand is about a 1.5 hour drive from the city. *the path from parking lot to the beach is very pretty, about a 10 min walk with kids* . Our favorite restaurant is Yolk, a must try! We’ve had about everything on the menu and loved it all. Especially the spinach salad and lamb burger.
Need some adult time? Hire a sitter and check out wine country. Red Hills Market is the place to eat in Dundee (wine country). A few vineyards & tasting rooms to check out: North Valley, Tresori, Furioso. For a family friendly vineyard try Stoller.
For a more detailed guide on Portland and the food scene check out our AirBnB Guidebook.
Places to Stay
This is a destination where a short-term rental is probably the best option. Not only will you have access to a kitchen and washer/dryer, but you’ll be able to stay in one of the walkable neighborhoods like Sellwood (97202) or Hawthorne (97214) area. These areas do not have hotel options.
If you’re looking for some pool time and room service, check out Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Pearl District. It’s in a walkable neighborhood with 2 parks nearby.
Luxury Options:
Outside of Portland the Society Hotel in Bingen, WA has small but nicely furnished 2 bedroom rooms. This puts you in the hear of the Gorge, close to Hood River, with so much to explore for outdoor activities. The property features lovely indoor / outdoor pools and sauna.
The Allison Inn & Spa is about 40 minutes from downtown Portland. It features restaurant, spa and saunas, and proximity to all of the best wineries.
Brasada Ranch is beautiful family focused resort. Animals, pools, wellness activities galore. And the best part? They offer babysitting for restaurant guests on Friday evenings. We rented a cabin with a full kitchen. Make it a vacation and hire Dropping Beets to do the cooking. Brasada is located in Bend, OR about 3.5 hours from PDX. There is airport in Bend, OR that.
The Hallmark Resort & Spa is a great beach property. Ocean front rooms, complimentary bikes, and in room jacuzzis. We love falling asleep with the ocean breeze, then strolling out to the many restaurants. This is where we stay when citing Short Sand Beach.
Packing Checklist
Baby carrier
Clothing for different temperatures. Even when it’s warm, it can get cold at night.
If you are traveling November - May, bring rain gear. The sprinkles on the cupcake are that rainy season brings out the most amazing waterfalls!
Have you done something memorable in Portland? Share with the community.