Attractions & Destinations

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler This authentic paddle-wheeler departs from the town of Cascade Locks, just 45 minutes from Portland. Enjoy a champagne brunch, or dinner cruise through the world famous Columbia River Gorge. Reservations call 503-224-3900 | 800-224-3901. www.sternwheeler.com

Explorer Columbia River Adventures June through September. The Explorer is your ticket to the areas most memorable destinations – Multnomah Falls, Columbia Gorge, Bonneville Dam, Cascade Locks, or stay in Portland and explore it’s famous bridges. Reservations required. 503-224-3900 | 800-224-3901 www.portlandspirit.com

The Grotto An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary and botanical garden offering a place of quiet reflection amid a natural gallery in the woods. Gift Shop open daily. NE 85th & Sandy Blvd. 503-254-7371. www.thegrotto.org

International Rose Test Garden Enjoy 10,000 roses while overlooking Portland’s skyline & Mt. Hood. Free admission. Take SW Tichner off West Burnside, or Zoo exit off Hwy. 26. Enjoy the Rose Garden Store, a rose-themed gift shop while here. Call for seasonal hours. 503-227-7033. www.rosegardenstore.org

Lloyd Center Ice Rink More than 40 hours of public skate weekly! Great rainy day activity. Tax free shopping. 503-288-6073. lloydcenterice.com

Lan Su Chinese Garden The most authentic Chinese garden outside China. Garden, Teahouse, Store. 239 NW Everett. 503-228-8131. www.lansugarden.org

Marine Park Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Enjoy a picnic, barbecue, or catch a Sternwheeler cruise. Located just 45 minutes east of Portland on I-84 exit 44. www.portlandspirit.com/marinepark.php

Northwest Film Center Year-round foreign, classic, independent film & video. School of Film is at 934 SW Salmon. www.nwfilm.org. 503-221-1156.

Oregon History Museum Bring the whole family and visit our wide array of exciting exhibits, including the award-winning Oregon My Oregon. 1200 SW Park Ave. 503-222-1741. www.ohs.org

Oregon Maritime Museum Explore Portland’s maritime history on a floating museum showcasing large collections of historical maritime models and objects. Located on the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Open to the public. Call 503-224-7724. oregonmaritimemuseum.org

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Five enormous halls of brainpowered fun! See an OMNIMAX® film, explore the universe in a world-class planetarium, tour a real submarine and dine at Theory, where you can learn about the science of food! 1945 SE Water Ave. 503-797-4000.

Oregon Zoo See why Oregon Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world, and Oregon’s most popular attraction! 5 minutes from downtown on Hwy 26, or via MAX light rail. 503-226-1561.

Pittock Mansion Discover Portland’s Living Legacy. 100 years old. 1000 feet up. 23 treasure-filled rooms. 503-823-3623. Pittockmansion.org

Portland Aerial Tram Linking Portland Streetcar & South Waterfront to Marquam Hill & OHSU, spectacular views of Portland & the surrounding mountains. www.portlandtram.org

Portland Children’s Museum Hands-on exhibits, performances, arts and crafts, stories and music for kids age 10 and under, and their grown-ups. Hours & schedule of activities at 503-223-6500 or portlandcm.org

Portland Japanese Garden A must see – acclaimed as one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in the world. Open daily. 611 SW Kingston Ave. www.japanesegarden.com. Gift Store: 503-223-5055. See Visitor’s Best Bets.

Portland Spirit No trip to Portland would be complete without a cruise aboard the Portland Spirit. Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Cruises offer an unmatched view of the Portland skyline and bridges. Freshly prepared cuisine, full-service bars and live entertainment complete a river experience unlike any other. Reservations call 503-224-3900 | 800-224-3901. www.portlandspirit.com

Wells Fargo History Museum Explore Wells Fargo’s history in Oregon. Includes 1854 stagecoach, working telegraph, and education programs. 1300 SW 5th Ave. 503-886-1102. wellsfargohistory.com. Free.

World Forestry Center – Discovery Museum Located in Portland’s beautiful Washington Park. Raft Class IV rapids without getting wet or see the trees from a bird’s-eye-view. Open daily 10-5. Take MAX! 503-228-1367. www.worldforestry.org