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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 observed the straitlaced gentleman forward of me was not a daily. When he approached the barista to position his order, I heard him say, “Forgive me, however I’m from out of city. What’s with all the 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 observed the distinctive inventive power of the folks right here. With its repute for out of doors 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 put up was written by Susan Stephens. Learn extra about her on the finish of the put up.
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 inventive folks.
Portland’s motto is “Preserve Portland Bizarre” and it tends to dwell as much as that moniker (in a great way!) with its large inventive neighborhood and ever-evolving music scene.
For individuals who are acquainted with the present Portlandia, I can inform you that on this occasion, artwork actually does imitate life! Portland is so much like how the present portrays it. You could very nicely run right into a Fred Armisen lookalike at a restaurant waxing philosophical concerning the well-being of the organically-grown rooster who made the final word sacrifice to grace his plate.
The beauty of Portland is that it’s an enormous metropolis with a small-town really feel. That is thanks largely to its assortment of numerous and eclectic neighborhoods – every with its personal neighborhood. Whether or not you might be an introvert or extrovert, Portland will welcome you into her open arms and produce out your greatest self.
Is Portland Good for First-Time Solo Feminine Vacationers?
Portlanders are a welcoming bunch, and with the convenience of getting round and so many solo-centric issues to do, Portland is likely one of the greatest cities for first-time solo feminine vacationers. One can find that this city is stuffed with progressive, think-outside-of-the-box souls, prepared and keen to share their data and experiences with those that are curious.
There may be additionally a big LGBTQ+ neighborhood that makes Portland one of the inclusive cities within the nation, if not the world. The identical is true for folks of shade. Portland has a repute for being a white metropolis, however that’s probably not true. You’ll discover many ethnicities right here and an enormous African-American neighborhood on the northeast facet, with plenty 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! In case you are an skilled feminine solo traveler, you’ll really feel very a lot at dwelling in Portland. With all the distinct neighborhoods you’ll discover throughout the metropolis limits, there are such a lot of fabulous nooks and crannies to get you off the overwhelmed path. Due to Portland’s quirky, vibrant, and off-beat power, there’s all the time 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 all the time see new artists exhibiting their work and artistic pop-up endeavors in every single place. Throughout a wet afternoon, I like visiting the artwork galleries to see what’s new. Extra about this eclectic neighborhood later on this article!
Is Portland Protected?
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’s best to all the time concentrate on your environment and stroll away from conditions that make you’re feeling uncomfortable — like wherever else on the planet.
You might have observed that Portland was within the information rather a lot throughout 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 repeatedly on the protests in Portland.
That stated, the protests passed off primarily within the downtown space, and regardless of some studies, the police helped restore issues to normalcy as peacefully as doable. This won’t have an effect on your travels to Portland right this moment, and if a protest takes place, it’s all the time straightforward to keep away from (once more, like wherever else on the planet).
There may be additionally a homelessness problem in downtown Portland, simply as there’s in any giant metropolitan space. For individuals who don’t dwell 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 it is a main problem — and it’s a disgrace how poorly the U.S. cares for its most susceptible folks — this isn’t a hazard to you. Homeless people in Portland largely maintain to themselves and are attempting to get via the day.
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 journey 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 beneath the long-lasting St. Johns Bridge in “NoPo” (north Portland), the gothic spires make it essentially the most lovely bridge in Portland. It’s an incredible place to hang around and folks watch. Catch some free dwell music throughout the summer season months.
Pittock Mansion
Not solely is Pittock Mansion a historic attraction, but it surely gives the perfect view of downtown Portland from its magnificent hilltop location. As soon as occupied by Portland’s newspaper mogul, Henry Pittock, the mansion gives 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.
City Outfitters is nice for attire and reward procuring, whereas The Fireplace is a comfortable gastropub, serving wonderful cocktails, wine, and contemporary Northwest-style American fare with an upscale twist.
Pearl District
Calling all artwork lovers and wine aficionados! That is THE neighborhood to hit up a lot of the artwork galleries and stylish eateries.
First Thursdays within the Pearl is a district-wide artwork and dwell music occasion that happens on the primary Thursday of every month, with most of the streets closed off to autos.
Alberta Arts District
A big inventive neighborhood thrives on this neighborhood and also you’ll see proof of it by all the road artwork murals peppered alongside NE Alberta St.
It has grow to be considerably gentrified in recent times, however with that comes an incredible 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 all the accommodations have been transformed from outdated deserted buildings. Plan on staying not less than an evening or two in one among their Portland space accommodations, such because the Crystal Lodge or Kennedy Faculty Lodge.
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 be vintage central for Portland, so in the event you love vintage procuring, Sellwood has the biggest focus within the metropolis, positioned alongside SE Milwaukie Avenue. For a diner-style breakfast that may final you well beyond lunchtime, head to Fats Albert’s Breakfast Café.
North Mississippi Ave
Just like Nob Hill and NW 23rd Ave., this road is jam-packed with distinctive outlets, intimate bars, and locally-owned eating places. Considered one of my favourite locations to catch some dwell music is Mississippi Studios. Extra on that later!
Greatest Issues to Do in Portland for Solo Vacationers
Mill’s Finish Park
Mill’s Finish Park is the smallest park on the planet. The Guinness Ebook of Data even says so! Volunteers will adorn the one lone bush or tree within the park for holidays, particularly Christmas.
Buying
Store the second-hand shops on Hawthorne Blvd resembling Purple Gentle Clothes Alternate. This funky house is a second-hand clothes mecca, with an enormous number of males’s and ladies’s duds in all sizes. I hardly ever stroll out of there empty-handed.
Tender Loving Empire is my native favourite for attire and presents that doubles as a report 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’d like a peaceable and serene spot to calm down, on this Chinese language backyard 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 impartial bookstore on the planet. I imply…it’s large. With three flooring of books taking over one full metropolis block of house, you may get misplaced on this place and simply spend a complete 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 incredible place to take a heart-pumping uphill hike the place you might be 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 night time. Mississippi Studios has a full bar serving burgers and sandwiches proper subsequent door.
Kennedy Faculty Lodge
In the event you can, spend an evening or two on the Kennedy Faculty Lodge. That is (yep, you guessed it) a historic transformed schoolhouse that could 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 lodge’s soaking pool. In case you are not a visitor of the lodge, for a mere 8 USD you may have a soothing scorching soak of their personal out of doors courtyard. Reservations are really helpful.
Portland State College Farmers’ Market
In the event you love farmers’ markets, Portland State Unversity Farmers’ Market is a must-visit. Not solely have they got dozens of distributors providing up contemporary 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, throughout the spring and summer season months in addition they have chef demonstrations and dwell 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 called 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 may present you a map of all the present road artwork; lots of them are achieved by artists who’re commissioned by the town.
Go on a kayak tour
Exploring the Columbia or Willamette Rivers on a kayak is one among my favourite actions and an effective way to see the Portland space from the water.
Greatest Time to Journey to Portland
The perfect time to go to Portland is late spring via early summer season. As you could 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 inclined to rise, so coming a bit earlier within the yr is all the time a very good factor.
Portland loves its festivals and road festivals. In the course of the summer season months, there’s all the time one thing happening. Right here is a good useful resource to maintain tabs on the road festivals.
Bare Bike Experience. Submit-COVID, this most well-known of Portland occasions is again on! Usually held in July, this clothing-optional group bike journey 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 Competition, Portland Rose Competition, and Craft Beer Competition, to call however a only a few! Extra festivals might be discovered right here all year long.
How you can Get Round Portland Solo
The general public transportation system in Portland is among the many greatest you’ll discover in any metropolis. Buses, trams, and lightweight rail are plentiful and are run by TriMet. Obtain the TriMet app to simply get you the place you wish to go, and the place you’ll find the perfect 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 can even discover Portland by bike. Scattered all through Portland you’ll see vivid orange banks of parked bikes. Funded by Nike (their worldwide headquarters is within the Portland suburb of Beaverton) that is the right technique to simply hire a motorbike utilizing 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 a lot of the important thoroughfares and plenty of facet streets.
In the event you do hire a automotive, know that within the extra densely populated areas, you DO NOT pump your individual gasoline. Don’t even strive – it’s towards the regulation. Simply drive as much as a gasoline station, wait in your automotive, and a pleasant gasoline station attendant will pump your gasoline for you. Fairly superior, proper?
In rural areas, nevertheless, you’ll be able to pump your individual gasoline. In the event you’re unsure, simply ask!
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. Among the greatest spots for a superb solo meal are:
Hearth on the Mountain. An excellent place to hang around solo along with your laptop computer whereas having fun with the perfect rooster wings ever. Select from a wide range of distinctive and house-made sauces starting from gentle to super-spicy. Additionally they have burgers, sandwiches, and an incredible craft beer choice.
Portland Meals Carts – a vacation spot unto themselves! This city has extra meals carts per capita than simply about wherever 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 referred to 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 Market. Different meals cart choices are listed right here.
With a reputation that I all the time discovered intriguing, Lardo has some nice upscale pub-style meals that includes handcrafted burgers and sandwiches in a soothing, dare I say, fashionable 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!
Portland doughnuts are the perfect. First, I want to steer you away from VooDoo Doughnut. You’ll see this world-famous donut store in all the different blogs about Portland. Don’t get me fallacious, it’s a implausible place, however get off the overwhelmed 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 occasional rule, so in the event you like both/or, you will have a dizzying array of choices. I wish to satiate my caffeine craving at Bison Espresso Home. It’s one among dozens of locally-owned espresso outlets, and this one has an exquisite Native American historical past to it.
In the event you’re into craft beer, head to Deschutes Brewery and Public Home. I like their laid-back ambiance and upscale pub meals. However actually, you may’t go fallacious with any native brewery on the town and Portland is a world chief in beer-making. Additionally they provide excursions of their brewery.
In the event you like sports activities (and even in the event you don’t!) head to the brand new Sports activities Bra Bar. This one is getting a variety of 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 a number of the greatest 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 scrub all of it down.
How you can Meet Individuals in Portland
Be part of a meetup on Meetup.com. Whether or not you’re into journey, operating, motion pictures, board video games, or simply wish to meet a gaggle of good folks, there’s a Meetup for that. Meetup.com is a good useful resource with plenty 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 meals tour is a enjoyable technique to meet fellow vacationers (and sometimes locals) whereas attending to know the neighborhoods higher!
Be part of the native mountaineering group. The Portland Climbing Meetup Group is an efficient one for exploring nature and assembly new buddies.
Put out feelers on social media. Typically a buddy of yours may have a cousin or buddy dwelling in San Francisco who will provide to fulfill you for espresso, simply so you understand somebody. Make the most of this in the event you can.
Tinder. In the event you’re trying to date or hook up, have enjoyable!
Portland Journey and Security Ideas
Portland’s airport has persistently been rated as among the best on the planet. 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 night time, so if you wish to catch a dwell present after darkish, it’s no downside. Simply use frequent sense and all the time concentrate on your environment.
What to Pack for Portland
Despite the fact that it rains fairly a bit right here, Portlanders will proudly inform you they by no means use an umbrella. We’re too busy holding espresso cups and canine leashes!
An excellent raincoat with a hood will do. Be sure you convey one, even throughout the summer season months, as you by no means know when Portland will get a downpour. (After all, in the event you don’t wish to put money into a model new coat, particularly if it’s for a brief journey, it’s nice to convey an umbrella with you.)
An excellent pair of broken-in mountaineering sneakers or boots is important, as you’ll be doing a variety of strolling.
Journey Insurance coverage for Portland
Even in the event you’re visiting Portland from inside america, it’s sensible to get journey insurance coverage. You won’t be capable of discover a healthcare supplier in your plan right here, and journey insurance coverage will typically cowl you wherever that’s 100+ miles away.
In the event you get sick or injured in your journey, in the event you get robbed, or even when you need to be evacuated, journey insurance coverage will defend you from monetary spoil. Try World Nomads journey insurance coverage for journeys to Portland and see in the event that they’re best for you.
Journey insurance coverage is the sort of factor that looks as if a waste till the second you want it desperately. Don’t underestimate its significance — make sure you defend your self.
Portland is ready for you!
I’ve spent many a day exploring Portland solo and I’m all the time discovering one thing enjoyable and new to do. There’s a freedom right here I’ve not skilled in some other metropolis.
One of the simplest ways 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 may by no means have deliberate for.
This occurred to me once I missed my likelihood to see a live performance because the present was already bought 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 among 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 without cost earlier than they began charging on the door and it turned out to be an ideal solo night. Like I stated…serendipity!
In regards to 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 making an attempt her hand as a merchandising supervisor, then a biochemist. It was then she found she would by no means actually be pleased until she was touring, so she went again to her past love 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 full information to solo feminine journey right here. Additionally make sure you 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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