Things to Do
Where to find the best doughnuts in Portland
I wish I got more. Photo: Meira Gebel/Axios
Doughnuts are one of Portland's defining foods. Sure, tourists go to Voodoo Doughnut to take pictures of the pink box, but the rest of us know where to find our favorites, sans long lines.
Meira here. I have a sweet tooth, so I don't discriminate. But my pick is hard to beat.
Portland's parks are among the best in the U.S.
With our nearly 12,000 acres of parks — from grassy fields and rose-filled gardens to thick-wooded forests — Portlanders are some of the luckiest people in the country when it comes to access to the great outdoors.
Driving the news: Portland ranks No. 9 among the 100 largest U.S. cities for public parks, per the latest report from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a pro-parks nonprofit.
Ride out the Portland summer with Pedalpalooza
Portland's summer-long bike extravaganza Pedalpalooza launches Thursday, with free, creative themed rides open to everyone.
Why it matters: It came to town as a traveling one-off festival more than two decades ago, and a collection of passionate Portlanders made it into three months of celebration and community.
Best Day Ever: Clown prince Angel Ocasio
Portland's clown prince on parade. Photo: Courtesy of Angel Ocasio
Right now is the best time of year to spot Angel Ocasio. Although his formal title is Rose Festival artistic director, he's better known as the festival's clown prince.
His best Portland day is always Rose Festival opening day. In his words:
- I start the day early, being interviewed about the Rose Festival and what we have in store for the upcoming three weeks.
Three off-the-beaten-track trails near Portland
Mount Hood from the top of Table Rock in Clackamas County. Photo: Emily Harris/Axios
The Columbia River Gorge is certainly gorgeous, and Mount Hood is fantastic, but as we're heading into summer, popular trails can get really crowded. Here are three beautiful hiking spots elsewhere to explore.
4 must-try rooftop bars in Portland
The view of the Willamette River from Departure. Photo: Courtesy of Departure
There's nothing better than enjoying a Pacific Northwest summer perched on a patio way up high, sipping on something refreshing. We're talking about rooftop bars here, people!
Why it matters: Lofty bars and restaurants are multiplying as new developments crop up across the city, fueled by consumers' desire for luxe social atmospheres with stellar views.
Long weekend fun in Portland
Roses in Washington Park. Photo: Greg Vaughn/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Looks like lovely weather this holiday weekend, and if you're staying in town — perhaps saving on gas? — there is so much to do.
🎇 The Rose Festival starts with a bang Friday night; the fireworks over Tom McCall Waterfront Park begin at 9:50pm. CityFair rides open there at 5pm Friday and run noon–9pm Saturday through Monday.
A quick guide to Portland's Rose Festival
A 2022 Starlight runner. Photo: Courtesy of Portland Rose Festival
Portland's Rose Festival kicks off Friday evening with fireworks at Waterfront Park.
Why it matters: It's the city's biggest festival, and this year the question is: Is Portland ready for fun?
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