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Trying to journey solo in Portland, Oregon? This information is for you — and I’ll begin with an anecdote from my life right here.
Standing in line for espresso one morning, I seen the straitlaced gentleman forward of me was not an everyday. When he approached the barista to put his order, I heard him say, “Forgive me, however I’m from out of city. What’s with the entire tattoos?”
With no beat, the well-tattooed barista smiled warmly and stated, “That is Portland. There’s no judgment right here.” And proceeded to inform him the story behind his bodily adornments as he ready his espresso.
From the very first day I landed in her hipster-friendly arms, I seen the distinctive artistic power of the folks right here. With its fame for outside recreation, cultural actions, and welcoming residents, I fell in love with Portland and knew it will be my dwelling for a very long time.
This submit was written by Susan Stephens. Learn extra about her on the finish of the submit.
![The city skyline of Portland, with skyscrapers poking up, with a big snow-covered mountain in the background.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Solo-Female-Travel-Portland-Oregon-1024x683.jpg)
Why Journey Solo To Portland?
Portland has been my dwelling for over twenty years. Throughout that point, I’ve seen it develop from the southern shadow of Seattle to a significant vacationer vacation spot. The Rose Metropolis is a dwelling, respiration entity, alive with inexperienced areas and communities stuffed with artistic folks.
Portland’s motto is “Preserve Portland Bizarre” and it tends to stay as much as that moniker (in a great way!) with its big creative group and ever-evolving music scene.
For many who are conversant in the present Portlandia, I can let you know that on this occasion, artwork actually does imitate life! Portland is lots like how the present portrays it. You might very effectively run right into a Fred Armisen lookalike at a restaurant waxing philosophical in regards to the well-being of the organically-grown hen who made the final word sacrifice to grace his plate.
The beauty of Portland is that it’s a giant metropolis with a small-town really feel. That is thanks largely to its assortment of numerous and eclectic neighborhoods – every with its personal group. Whether or not you’re an introvert or extrovert, Portland will welcome you into her open arms and produce out your finest self.
![Sue standing next to a plant at Mills End Park in Portland](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sue-at-Mills-End-Park-Edited.jpg)
Is Portland Good for First-Time Solo Feminine Vacationers?
Portlanders are a welcoming bunch, and with the benefit of getting round and so many solo-centric issues to do, Portland is without doubt one of the finest cities for first-time solo feminine vacationers. You’ll discover that this city is stuffed with progressive, think-outside-of-the-box souls, prepared and prepared to share their data and experiences with those that are curious.
There’s additionally a big LGBTQ+ group that makes Portland one of the vital inclusive cities within the nation, if not the world. The identical is true for folks of coloration. Portland has a fame for being a white metropolis, however that’s probably not true. You’ll discover many ethnicities right here and a giant African-American group on the northeast aspect, with a number of Black-owned companies concentrated on this a part of city.
Portland not solely accepts however promotes individualism and it’s common to see folks younger and outdated going about their enterprise solo. On this metropolis, you will have the liberty to “do you!”
Is Portland Good for Skilled Solo Feminine Vacationers?
Completely! If you’re an skilled feminine solo traveler, you’ll really feel very a lot at dwelling in Portland. With the entire distinct neighborhoods you’ll discover inside the metropolis limits, there are such a lot of fabulous nooks and crannies to get you off the crushed path. Due to Portland’s quirky, vibrant, and off-beat power, there’s at all times one thing new to find.
For instance, the Pearl District is floor central for artwork galleries, high-rise condo buildings, and a classy vibe. You’ll at all times see new artists exhibiting their work and artistic pop-up endeavors all over the place. Throughout a wet afternoon, I really like visiting the artwork galleries to see what’s new. Extra about this eclectic neighborhood later on this article!
![People taking their dogs to an overflowing fountain on a city square in Portland, Oregon.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Portland-Dog-Park-Fountain-1024x683.jpg)
Is Portland Secure?
Portland is by-and-large a secure metropolis to go to. As a long-time Portland resident, I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even strolling alone within the downtown space after hours. That stated, it is best to at all times pay attention to your environment and stroll away from conditions that make you’re feeling uncomfortable — like anyplace else on the earth.
You’ll have seen that Portland was within the information quite a bit in the course of the summer season of 2020. With COVID simply beginning to take maintain and the homicide of George Floyd resulting in nation-wide protests, the highlight was constantly on the protests in Portland.
That stated, the protests befell primarily within the downtown space, and regardless of some reviews, the police helped restore issues to normalcy as peacefully as potential. This is not going to have an effect on your travels to Portland immediately, and if a protest takes place, it’s at all times straightforward to keep away from (once more, like anyplace else on the earth).
There’s additionally a homelessness problem in downtown Portland, simply as there’s in any massive metropolitan space. For individuals who don’t stay in a metropolis with a big unhoused inhabitants, it may be jarring to witness at first, and hard to see so many individuals in ache.
Whereas this can be a main problem — and it’s a disgrace how poorly the U.S. cares for its most weak folks — this isn’t a hazard to you. Homeless of us in Portland principally preserve to themselves and try to get via the day.
![A hiking path through the woods, with a wooden staircase leading through trees.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Portland-Oregon-Hike-1024x683.jpg)
Issues to Do in Portland Whereas Solo
Go on an city hike
With so many parks and inexperienced areas, there are many locations to select from. Take a stroll or bike experience on the Eastside esplanade alongside the Willamette River, which runs north-south via the center of Portland. The three-mile loop takes you throughout two of Portland’s iconic bridges to the picturesque Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
If a shocking riverwalk that includes Portland’s downtown skyline doesn’t attraction to you, go to Forest Park. It’s one of many largest city parks within the U.S. Hike to the Witches Fortress – it’s presumably haunted! Forest Park has 80 miles of trails to select from and is secure for solo hikers.
Cathedral Park in St. Johns
One of many many city parks and positioned underneath the enduring St. Johns Bridge in “NoPo” (north Portland), the gothic spires make it essentially the most stunning bridge in Portland. It’s an excellent place to hang around and folks watch. Catch some free stay music in the course of the summer season months.
Pittock Mansion
Not solely is Pittock Mansion a historic attraction, but it surely provides the very best view of downtown Portland from its magnificent hilltop location. As soon as occupied by Portland’s newspaper mogul, Henry Pittock, the mansion provides excursions, a small museum, and a present store.
NW 23rd Ave
Also referred to as Knob Hill, that is by far my favourite neighborhood to go to. Encompassing each Northwest 23rd and Norwest 21st avenues north of downtown, right here you’ll discover a smorgasbord of enjoyable, eclectic outlets, and culinary decisions to swimsuit any palette.
Urban Outfitters is nice for attire and present purchasing, whereas Southland Whiskey Kitchen has some nice BBQ and different homestyle fare. Their Smokehouse sandwich is a celebration in your mouth!
Pearl District
Calling all artwork lovers and wine aficionados! That is THE neighborhood to hit up many of the artwork galleries and classy eateries.
First Thursdays in the Pearl is a district-wide artwork and stay music occasion that happens on the primary Thursday of every month, with most of the streets closed off to automobiles.
Alberta Arts District
A big creative group thrives on this neighborhood and also you’ll see proof of it by the entire road artwork murals peppered alongside NE Alberta St.
It has grow to be considerably gentrified in recent times, however with that comes an excellent number of outlets, eating places, and bars that make for a really “Portland” afternoon.
McMenamins Resorts and Pubs
The McMenamins Brothers have created a implausible regional chain of accommodations, music venues, and pubs positioned all through western Oregon and Washington. Every property options whimsical art work all through and the entire accommodations have been transformed from outdated deserted buildings. Plan on staying at the very least an evening or two in one in all their Portland space accommodations, such because the Crystal Hotel or Kennedy School Hotel.
The Sellwood neighborhood
Do not forget that small-town neighborhood vibe I used to be speaking about? You’ll get that right here. There are many native family-owned outlets, eating places, espresso, and tea homes to discover.
Sellwood can also be vintage central for Portland, so when you love vintage purchasing, Sellwood has the biggest focus within the metropolis, positioned alongside SE Milwaukie Avenue. For a diner-style breakfast that can final you well past lunchtime, head to Fats Albert’s Breakfast Café.
North Mississippi Ave
Much like Nob Hill and NW 23rd Ave., this road is jam-packed with distinctive outlets, intimate bars, and locally-owned eating places. Certainly one of my favourite locations to catch some stay music is Mississippi Studios. Extra on that later!
![A band performing on stage with a female lead holding a guitar](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Mississippi-Studios-Edited.jpg)
Greatest Issues to Do in Portland for Solo Vacationers
Mill’s Finish Park
Mill’s End Park is the smallest park on the earth. The Guinness Ebook of Information even says so! Volunteers will enhance the one lone bush or tree within the park for holidays, particularly Christmas.
Procuring
Store the second-hand shops on Hawthorne Blvd equivalent to Red Light Clothing Exchange. This funky area is a second-hand clothes mecca, with an enormous number of males’s and girls’s duds in all sizes. I not often stroll out of there empty-handed.
Tender Loving Empire is my native favourite for attire and presents that doubles as a document label! They’ve a number of shops all through city and a small outlet on the Portland Airport on Concourses D and E.
Lan Su Chinese language Backyard and Teahouse
If you would like a peaceable and serene spot to loosen up, on this Chinese garden you’ll certainly discover your Zen second. It’s an genuine Ming Dynasty-style backyard constructed by Suzhou artisans.
Powells Bookstore
Powells Bookstore is the biggest unbiased bookstore on the earth. I imply…it’s big. With three flooring of books taking over one full metropolis block of area, you would get misplaced on this place and simply spend a whole afternoon right here.
They even present maps and a uncommon guide part! Go right here, even when simply to browse. It’s a Portland establishment. You’ll discover smaller Powell’s branches all through the town.
Mt. Tabor Park
Simply down the highway from Hawthorne Blvd. is Mt. Tabor Park. Set on a dormant volcano, it’s an excellent place to take a heart-pumping uphill hike the place you’re rewarded with a killer view of downtown Portland to the west.
Catch a Present
Catch a present at Mississippi Studios and Crystal Ballroom; each are intimate music venues internet hosting each native and worldwide acts on any given evening. Mississippi Studios has a full bar serving burgers and sandwiches proper subsequent door.
Kennedy Faculty Lodge
Should you can, spend an evening or two on the Kennedy School Hotel. That is (yep, you guessed it) a historic transformed schoolhouse that may be a vacation spot unto itself. You’ll discover a number of eating places and pubs, a film theatre, and a soaking pool on web site.
I normally make a beeline to the resort’s soaking pool. If you’re not a visitor of the resort, for a mere 8 USD you may have a soothing scorching soak of their non-public outside courtyard. Reservations are advisable.
Portland State College Farmers’ Market
Should you love farmers’ markets, Portland State Unversity Farmers’ Market is a must-visit. Not solely have they got dozens of distributors providing up recent produce, regionally made honey, bread, jams, and flowers, however you’ll discover made-to-order meals and beverage distributors. As Portland’s flagship farmers’ market since 1992, in the course of the spring and summer season months additionally they have chef demonstrations and stay music.
Portland Avenue Artwork
One of many nice issues about Portland is the road artwork! As you meander round city, you can not assist however run into a number of implausible murals and sculptures. Portland even has its personal ‘Banksy’ who is named Klutch and also you’ll see his work all through city.
There are a whole lot of murals throughout city. Here’s a web site that can present you a map of all of the current street art; a lot of them are completed by artists who’re commissioned by the town.
Go on a kayak tour
Exploring the Columbia or Willamette Rivers on a kayak is one in all my favourite actions and an effective way to see the Portland space from the water.
![Sue in a blue and green kayak on the Columbia River](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sue-on-Columbia-River-Edited.jpg)
Greatest Time to Journey to Portland
The perfect time to go to Portland is late spring via early summer season. As you’ll have heard, Portland will get its share of gray skies and wet climate, and summer season doesn’t normally come into full view till July. However that’s when the crowds (and the costs) are likely to rise, so coming a bit earlier within the yr is at all times a very good factor.
Portland loves its festivals and road gala’s. Through the summer season months, there’s at all times one thing occurring. Here is a great resource to maintain tabs on the road gala’s.
Naked Bike Ride. Publish-COVID, this most well-known of Portland occasions is again on! Usually held in July, this clothing-optional group bike experience doesn’t promote its bike route till the final minute, however normally follows some route within the close-in downtown space.
Some notable festivals that happen in Portland are the Waterfront Blues Pageant, Portland Rose Pageant, and Craft Beer Pageant, to call however a only a few! More festivals can be found here all year long.
![Portland's streetcar -- a modern tram -- perched at a stop.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Portland-Oregon-Streetcar-1024x678.jpg)
The way to Get Round Portland Solo
The general public transportation system in Portland is among the many finest you’ll discover in any metropolis. Buses, trams, and light-weight rail are ample and are run by TriMet. Obtain the TriMet app to simply get you the place you need to go, and the place you’ll find the very best path to get from A to B.
You possibly can even buy and present your fare proper from the app or utilizing the Hop Fastpass.
You may as well discover Portland by bike. Scattered all through Portland you’ll see vibrant orange banks of parked bikes. Funded by Nike (their worldwide headquarters is within the Portland suburb of Beaverton) that is the right approach to simply hire a motorcycle using the Biketown app and discover the town on two wheels. Portland is a really bike-friendly city and also you’ll discover bike lanes on many of the fundamental thoroughfares and plenty of aspect streets.
Should you do hire a automotive, know that within the extra densely populated areas, you DO NOT pump your individual fuel. Don’t even strive – it’s towards the legislation. Simply drive as much as a fuel station, wait in your automotive, and a pleasant fuel station attendant will pump your fuel for you. Fairly superior, proper?
In rural areas, nevertheless, you’ll be able to pump your individual fuel. Should you’re undecided, simply ask!
![Sue behind a huge plate of food, with a sandwich and salad](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Miss-Delta-Lunch-Edited-768x1024.jpg)
Consuming Alone in Portland
Portland is such an individualistic metropolis that it’s fairly commonplace to see folks consuming alone in a restaurant, café, or bar. A few of the finest spots for a wonderful solo meal are:
Fire on the Mountain. An excellent place to hang around solo together with your laptop computer whereas having fun with the very best hen wings ever. Select from quite a lot of distinctive and house-made sauces starting from gentle to super-spicy. In addition they have burgers, sandwiches, and an excellent craft beer choice.
Portland Meals Carts – a vacation spot unto themselves! This city has extra meals carts per capita than simply about anyplace and it will take many months to discover all of them. You’ll discover quick, cheap meals from each culinary nook of the world, and a few are run by skilled cooks!
They’re known as meals carts and never meals vehicles as a result of they’re largely stationary and are gathered in “pods” scattered throughout Portland. The meals cart pods I like to recommend are Cartlandia and Prost Marketplace. Other food cart options are listed here.
With a reputation that I at all times discovered intriguing, Lardo has some nice upscale pub-style meals that includes handcrafted burgers and sandwiches in a soothing, dare I say, stylish ambiance. With wholesome parts, strive as I’d, I couldn’t end my Pork Meatball Banh Mi so I saved the opposite half for later, and it was simply as scrumptious chilly!
![A plate of stuffed donuts](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Pips-Doughnuts-Edited.jpg)
Portland doughnuts are the very best. First, I want to steer you away from VooDoo Doughnut. You’ll see this world-famous donut store in the entire different blogs about Portland. Don’t get me improper, it’s a implausible place, however get off the crushed path and go to Pip’s Donuts. They serve tiny, bite-sized doughnuts in amazingly distinctive flavors, with scrumptious chai.
Portland is the place beer and low rule, so when you like both/or, you will have a dizzying array of choices. I wish to satiate my caffeine craving at Bison Coffee House. It’s one in all dozens of locally-owned espresso outlets, and this one has an exquisite Native American historical past to it.
Should you’re into craft beer, head to Deschutes Brewery and Public House. I really like their laid-back ambiance and upscale pub meals. However actually, you may’t go improper with any native brewery on the town and Portland is a world chief in beer-making. In addition they supply excursions of their brewery.
Should you like sports activities (and even when you don’t!) head to the brand new Sports Bra Bar. This one is getting numerous press as a result of it’s the primary women-owned-and-operated bar that celebrates ladies in sports activities. They’ve a implausible meals and cocktail menu, together with wine and beer.
For among the finest New Orleans’-style soul meals on the town, check out Miss Delta on Mississippi Avenue. They’ve implausible gumbo, po’ boys, bowls, and extra, with the best craft beer to clean all of it down.
![People milling outside a red brick bar with string lights in Portland, Oregon.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/People-in-Portland-Oregon-1024x683.jpg)
The way to Meet Folks in Portland
Be part of a meetup on Meetup.com. Whether or not you’re into journey, operating, films, board video games, or simply need to meet a bunch of good folks, there’s a Meetup for that. Meetup.com is a good useful resource with a number of completely different Portland-area teams with all types of pursuits.
Be part of a tour or exercise. Becoming a member of one thing like a Portland food tour is a enjoyable approach to meet fellow vacationers (and sometimes locals) whereas attending to know the neighborhoods higher!
Be part of the native mountaineering group. The Portland Hiking Meetup Group is an effective one for exploring nature and assembly new buddies.
Put out feelers on social media. Typically a buddy of yours can have a cousin or buddy dwelling in San Francisco who will supply to fulfill you for espresso, simply so you realize somebody. Benefit from this when you can.
Tinder. Should you’re trying to date or hook up, have enjoyable!
![A tall green suspension bridge connecting two wooded sides of a river.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/St-Johns-Bridge-Edited-1024x768.jpg)
Portland Journey and Security Suggestions
Portland’s airport has constantly been rated as the most effective on the earth. Not just for its consolation and pleasing aesthetic (they just lately opened a brand new concourse that’s very good) however for the number of direct flights all through the world.
You actually don’t want a automotive to get across the metropolis. It is vitally commonplace for folks to journey alone utilizing public transportation, even at evening, so if you wish to catch a stay present after darkish, it’s no downside. Simply use frequent sense and at all times pay attention to your environment.
![A woman in a hooded orange rain jacket, leaning down to look at her phone.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hooded-Rain-Jacket-1024x576.jpg)
What to Pack for Portland
Regardless that it rains fairly a bit right here, Portlanders will proudly let you know they by no means use an umbrella. We’re too busy holding espresso cups and canine leashes!
A very good raincoat with a hood will do. You should definitely deliver one, even in the course of the summer season months, as you by no means know when Portland will get a downpour. (After all, when you don’t need to put money into a model new coat, particularly if it’s for a brief journey, it’s tremendous to deliver an umbrella with you.)
A very good pair of broken-in mountaineering footwear or boots is crucial, as you’ll be doing numerous strolling.
![A row of bright orange rental bikes in front of illuminated city buildings at night.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Portland-Bicycle-Rentals-1024x683.jpg)
Journey Insurance coverage for Portland
Even when you’re visiting Portland from inside america, it’s sensible to get journey insurance coverage. You may not have the ability to discover a healthcare supplier in your plan right here, and journey insurance coverage will usually cowl you anyplace that’s 100+ miles away.
Should you get sick or injured in your journey, when you get robbed, or even when you need to be evacuated, journey insurance coverage will defend you from monetary wreck. Check out World Nomads travel insurance for trips to Portland and see in the event that they’re best for you.
Journey insurance coverage is the type of factor that looks like a waste till the second you want it desperately. Don’t underestimate its significance — make sure to defend your self.
![The bright Portland Oregon sign illuminated against the sky, in the shape of the state of Oregon with a jumping deer on top.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/shutterstock_210967303-1024x683.jpg)
Portland is ready for you!
I’ve spent many a day exploring Portland solo and I’m at all times discovering one thing enjoyable and new to do. There’s a freedom right here I’ve not skilled in every other metropolis.
The easiest way to expertise Portland is to take your time and savor her slowly – have some points of interest and actions deliberate, but additionally go away loads of free time. You by no means know when serendipity will occur and also you’ll discover one thing wonderful you would by no means have deliberate for.
This occurred to me once I missed my probability to see a live performance because the present was already offered out. As I used to be wandering across the Mississippi Ave space, I occurred upon a tiny, out-of-the-way bar and walked inside.
After ordering a cocktail and taking a seat, I discovered that one in all my favourite native bands was taking part in later that night. Since I got here early sufficient, I used to be in a position to watch them at no cost earlier than they began charging on the door and it turned out to be an ideal solo night. Like I stated…serendipity!
![Sue sipping coffee in front of Portland street art](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sue-Street-Art-Edited-576x1024.jpg)
Concerning the Creator
Susan Stephens is a scientist-turned-travel-writer and has lived in Portland, Oregon for 25 years. Initially from the Midwest, she started her profession as a journey agent, then shortly moved on to attempting her hand as a merchandising supervisor, then a biochemist. It was then she found she would by no means actually be glad except she was touring, so she went again to her old flame and have become a solo traveler and blogger.
Her journey weblog, Explorer Sue, is devoted to serving to folks uncover the fantastic thing about the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not writing about wonderful locations to go to in Oregon and Washington State, she is an avid solo traveller and hiker. She is passionate about encouraging any feminine to interrupt out of their consolation zone and uncover absolutely the pleasure of solo journey.
Extra Solo Feminine Journey Guides
See our complete guide to solo female travel here. Additionally make sure to try our vacation spot guides:
Solo Feminine Journey within the US:
Solo Feminine Journey in Europe:
Solo Feminine Journey in Latin America:
Solo Feminine Journey Across the World:
Have you ever been to Portland? What are your favourite suggestions? Share away!
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