So I am looking for a place to drag the family to this summer (myself, wife a 10 yr, and a 7 yr old) - I'd like to drive as it would likely be cheaper than flying, plus we'd have a vehicle when we got to where ever.
We went to Seattle last spring and it was nice, so I was thinking of going to Portland and i am looking for some opinions. I took a look at a website for Portland and it did not enthuse me. so I am looking for the opinion of those of you that have been there
I'd be open to other destinations (nothing more than a two day drive) and we have done the Vancouver, Kelowna, Fairmont stuff.
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I really enjoyed Portland when I was there, but I wasn't on a family vacation.
I spent a day and a half there as part of another trip, and saw my favourite band and drank a lot of the local micro brews (of which there are a lot). Probably not family friendly activities.
They do have some cool things at the OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), which is basically a really nice science centre, plus there is a submarine you can tour. Not enough to fill up a whole vacation, but it's a start.
There is also a really cool Aerospace museum not to far away (can't remember how close, but probalby close enough) where they have the Spruce Goose. So there's also that.
I've never been to Portland and I have nothing of value to add to this thread. However, if this video is a realistic portrail of Portland than I'd say it's well worth the trip.
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I've never been to Portland and I have nothing of value to add to this thread. However, if this video is a realistic portrail of Portland than I'd say it's well worth the trip.
Portland is amazing for a young couple or singles. There are more breweries there than any other city in the world. Beer is dirt cheap (like $4 pints) and even cheaper during happy hour, which every bar and restaurant has ($2-3 drinks, $3 food). They have 100's of food trucks covering every facet of food created, and almost every meal is $5 and under. I'd love to spend 10 days getting drunk and fat in Portland. There are also a ton of great wineries in the Willamette Valley area, right around the city.
For a family, there is Mount Hood for hiking and outdoorsy stuff, the coastline is supposed to be amazing.
a buddy and I did a trip to Seattle and Portland for some concerts a few years back. Seattle was awesome, vibrant downtown with lots to see and do, and the waterfront was great. Portland was the exact opposite, downtown was a drab cement filled deadzone. we walked around for a couple of hours looking for something to do and finally found a decent brewpub. but if i was driving that way again i'd either just stay in Seattle or drive the extra bit further down to California
Portland is an amazing city. Tons of cool cafes, local micro-brews, and the bars and restaurants all have a great vibe. Not sure how good it would be for kids for an extended vacation. However, it's very close to the Oregon Coast. Small towns like Seaside are a lot more family orientated. You'll find great things for the kids like old fashioned candy shops and western themed restaurants. Not the cheesy kind of Western either.
If you like seafood at all, the Oregon place is also the place to go. Cheap and amazing Oyster and crab shacks abound.
If you're going with the family for a week, I'd recommend 2-3 days in Portland and then drive down to the Oregon Coast and visit the plethora of cozy beach towns.
Edit: Just saw the comments above. He's right downtown Portland sucks. Portland is a very poor city and the downtown reflects that. It's the smaller beatnick areas in Portland that you want to check out. Seattle has a vibrant "club" scene downtown, by there isn't much more going on outside of that. The city as a whole has a much more plastic feel to it. The best way I can describe is, Seattle is a Starbucks and Portland is a local no name cafe.
Last edited by blankall; 04-11-2012 at 02:37 PM.
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Just outside of Portland to the east is Multnomah Falls which is spectacular.
If you're really ambitious you can try hiking to the top of it but just walking up to the bridge is easy for kids. Lots of other good hiking in the Columbia valley. Voodoo Donuts is a popular spot and Powell's City of Books is great depending on your interests. The International Test Rose Garden is also worth a visit.
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Portland itself wouldn't be that high on my list of places for a family vacation (I've been there a couple of times and wasn't that impressed - I don't think there'd be that much for the kids there), but some of the nearby areas, particularly along the coast, are fantastic. As j_j mentioned, Cannon Beach is well worth visiting. I've done a couple of camping holidays along the coast there and really enjoyed them; if camping isn't your thing there are also lots of bed & breakfast spots, etc.
My summer camping trip is going to be Oregon. Kids are 3 and 1. My basic plan is to hit Crater Lake, Red Wood National Park, up the Oregon coast, into Portand and the Columbia Valley, Mt St Helens, Mt Ranier, Seattle for a baseball game and then back to Calgary.
In looking at Portland itself I think there is only maybe a day of stuff to see. For me the Columbia valley, Crater Lake and the Coast are the bigger attractions.
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We love Portland, and have been there a few times. Most of the advice on this thread is spot-on. I'd also agree on Cannon Beach; we spent a week there two summers ago, and it was one of the best low-key vacations we had. We hated Seaside, but I could see it being alright for a family with kids that need constant activities and entertainment.
We love Portland, and have been there a few times. Most of the advice on this thread is spot-on. I'd also agree on Cannon Beach; we spent a week there two summers ago, and it was one of the best low-key vacations we had. We hated Seaside, but I could see it being alright for a family with kids that need constant activities and entertainment.
Agree. Cannon Beach is definitely cooler than Seaside. Seaside has much more in the way of family orientated entertainment. If I were you I'd hit up both. It's only a short drive.
Possible summer Vacation in Portland
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