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Bright colored fish at Portland Japanese Garden capture the attention of visitors of all ages.
Credit: David Alvarado, Travel Portland
Plan your vacation with these fun ideas for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.
5 min read
Tuck Woodstock
Tuck Woodstock wrote and edited content for Travel Portland from 2014–2020. Read More
If you’re looking for a Spring Break getaway beyond the usual destinations, Portland is a sleeper hit. With scenic beaches (minus the rowdy crowds), stunning waterfalls, skiing for all skill levels, and vibrant city life, it’s the perfect place for adventure, relaxation and everything in between.
Portland offers beautiful landscapes, incredible food and drink, free and cheap activities, and FUN. Take the stress out of planning with these Spring Break ideas and have a great trip—whether you’re traveling with family, a significant other, friends or solo!
Know Before You Go
Layers and a light rain-proof jacket are the winning wardrobe for spring in Portland.
Spring Break in Portland for Families
Museums & More
While Portland’s countless parks and gardens, including the Oregon Zoo and Washington Park, are perfect family activities on a nice spring afternoon, there are also plenty of indoor activities to keep your youngsters entertained. Families can spend the entire day exploring the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI).
The World Forestry Center and Oregon Rail Heritage Center have kid-friendly exhibits. Portland also offers several children’s theater productions and countless other indoor activities to entertain visitors with warm, dry and family-friendly fun.
Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Head to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, located south of Portland, for their annual springtime Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. This kid-centered fest features 40 acres (16 ha) of gorgeous blooms, plus plenty of children’s activities. Kiddos love the hay wagon rides, duck races, tire swings and cow train rides, along with plenty of food and drink offerings.
Watch for Whales at the Oregon Coast
Oregon beaches may not fit certain spring break stereotypes (for example, you’re unlikely to stumble into a wild college party or game of beach volleyball). They are, however, perfect for peaceful whale watching. Every spring, as many as 20,000 gray whales pass through Oregon waters while migrating between Mexico and Alaska.
Indoor Activities for Kids
Portland offers a broad array of indoor activities for kids and families, including story times, indoor playgrounds, arcades, skating and more.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Discover Portland’s top kid-friendly eateries — including breakfast spots, pizzerias and breweries — which offer awesome children’s menus, play areas and more.
Spring Break in Portland for Couples
Gardens Galore
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Portland Japanese Garden, one of the most authentic such gardens outside of Japan. The popular attraction expanded in 2017, adding classrooms, a library, a tea café and several additional gardens. Spring is also a beautiful time to visit Lan Su Chinese Garden, a tranquil, walled Suzhou-style garden in the heart of Old Town. And don’t miss the lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, where the flowers reach peak bloom in late April (coinciding with the garden’s annual Rhododendron & Daffodil Show & Sale).
Hit the Slopes
It may surprise you to learn that March and April deliver excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions near Portland, on Mt. Hood. While Mt. Hood Meadows offers the largest ski resort, Timberline features the iconic Palmer Glacier and Hollywood-famous Timberline Lodge. Mt. Hood Ski Bowl has bragging rights as the largest night skiing property in the United States.
Credit: Mt. Hood Territory
Portland Date Ideas for Every Season
Fun things to do in Portland for adults out on a date night abound! Whatever the season, find gardens to wander through or sweet treats for your sweetie.
Spring Break in Portland for Friends
Get Rolling
For old-school fun, head to Oaks Amusement Park & Roller Skating Rink in the Sellwood neighborhood of Southeast Portland. The rink hosts frequent DJ and themed nights, and is the only roller skating rink in the country to still house a traditional Wurlitzer pipe organ.
Itching to explore the city? Portland’s Biketown program makes it easier than ever to rent a bicycle. With 1,000 eight-speed, bright orange bikes spread across 100 locations, you’re never far from a Biketown station. Electric scooters are also pervasive across the city. Once you’ve saddled up, map your route on the city’s 350 miles (563 km) of designated bikeways and start rolling!
Eye on the Ball
Cheer on your March Madness picks at one of Portland’s many welcoming sports bars. Favorites include Jackie’s, which boasts unique stadium seating, the Portland Trail Blazers-inspired Spirit of 77 and The Sports Bra, which exclusively features women’s sports.
Beervana
Speaking of bars, many of Portland’s 75+ breweries offer limited-edition spring beer releases. Elevate your tasting experience by grabbing some friends and pedaling together from pub to pub on a Trolley Pub.
Spring Break in Portland for Solo Travelers
Join the Timbers Army
You’re sure to make fast friends while cheering on the celebrated Portland Thorns and Timbers, the city’s championship-winning professional soccer clubs. At Providence Park, join the famous (and friendly) Timbers Army section to learn all the chants from the dedicated fans.
Shop Like a Local
March marks the return of the Portland Saturday Market, America’s largest weekly outdoor arts and crafts market. After perusing the 250 booths of handcrafted goods, take MAX light rail to the Portland Farmers Market at PSU. This massive open-air market overflows with fresh flowers, seasonal veggies and artisan-made snacks.
Treat Yourself
There are plenty of ways to practice self-care in Portland, including treating yourself to a luxurious spa day. Indulge in a tranquil soak at Knot Springs, a body scrub at The Blooming Moon or a massage at KIVA.
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