3 Steps to a Dreamy Valentine’s Day in Washington Park
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, which means you might be scrambling to figure out how you’re going to woo your boo. You can’t take the love of your life to another dinner and a movie—they’re expecting that. They think they know all the tricks up your sleeve. This year, mix it up and give them a date they’ll never forget—a Valentine’s Day that rivals the romance of Sleepless in Seattle.
One way to achieve a date of this magnitude is by planning a day in Washington Park—blending romance, adventure, and serene beauty into one unforgettable package. Follow our itinerary (including a morning walk, a rosy picnic, and an adorable animal-filled finale) for the ultimate Valentine’s Day date in Portland’s premier Park.
10:00 am – Romantic Promenade Through Cloud Forest
Lock arms with your partner and promenade through the peaceful paths of Cloud Forest. The Cloud Forest walk is located at the north end of Washington Park and easily accessible from the Park’s Burnside Entrance. (This entrance allows only walking or biking, no cars.) If you’d really like to spoil your boo, purchase them a delicious specialty coffee at Sunny Day Coffee & Pastry before walking down NW 23rd Avenue to the Park’s Burnside Entrance. This walk is fun, full of lush greenery, and a perfect way to enjoy stunning sights of our beautiful city. Another great way to reach Cloud Forest is by taking TriMet bus line 20 to the W Burnside & NW 24th Place bus stop, which is right across the street from the Burnside Entrance to Washington Park.
Trip Tip: If you have extra time or would appreciate walking options, another lovely stroll is the Redwood Trail leading to the charming Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum. Settled among towering redwood trees, the Redwood Deck is the perfect place to take selfies with your sweetheart. See our Washington Park’s Top 5 Selfie Spots post for other scenic selfie locations (the Redwood Deck is second on our list).
11:30 am – Cozy Picnic in the International Rose Test Garden
With sweeping views of the city, Mount Hood, and the West Hills, the International Rose Test Garden is a great place to take a break, have a bite, and enjoy a peaceful moment with your loved one. While roses will be sleeping in February, the Garden still provides a breathtaking backdrop for a romantic picnic (weather permitting). Don’t worry about needing to walk around everywhere—you can surprise your love interest with your ingenuity by taking the Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop straight to the International Rose Test Garden after your Cloud Forest stroll. Make sure you’re bundled up, pack a cozy blanket, and bring some of your boo’s favorite treats so you can enjoy a quiet, intimate moment together. Take a walk through the Rose Garden to see if you can spot any early awakenings. A popular place for weddings and other ceremonies, the nearby Shakespeare Garden may even inspire you to recite the romantic poetry you’ve been practicing for your darling dearest.
1:00 pm – Amorous Animals at the Oregon Zoo
If you’re looking for a lighthearted and unique Valentine’s Day experience, the Oregon Zoo makes for a fantastic afternoon date. Wander through exhibits hand in hand, watch playful otters frolic, choose which elephants are “totally us,” and grab a snack at one of the Zoo’s restaurants or cafés. Make sure you mind your time, as the Oregon Zoo closes at 4:30 pm during winter hours and is only open Friday through Monday (latest accepted entry is at 3:00 pm). There is a plethora of scheduled fun to be had, including: Keeper Talks (elephants, chimpanzees, and more), animal encounters, penguin feedings, and bat activity! Stop by the Zoo’s Elephant Lands exhibit and see if you can spot the brand new baby elephant that was born on February 1st, 2025! The Oregon Zoo is the perfect place to end your day of romance and is sure to impress your partner.
Trip Tip: Oregon and Washington residents who receive certain benefits (like the Oregon Trail card) are eligible for a 50% discount on up to four Oregon Zoo tickets. Check out the Oregon Zoo’s discount admission options and find out if you’re eligible.
Trip Tip: If the weather isn’t cooperating—or your beloved isn’t a picnic person—you can always change plans and take cover on the Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop. The Free Shuttle Loop presents an opportunity to get out of the rain and enjoy a beautiful drive around Washington Park. There is so much to see and do in Washington Park, you’ll likely spot another destination that you can keep in mind for your next visit! If you need a food back-up plan, get off the Free Shuttle Loop at the Oregon Zoo drop-off. Inside the Zoo, you can enjoy a delicious lunch and tons of adorable animal fun with your partner.
3:30 pm – Wrap Up Your Perfect Washington Park Valentine’s Day
Trip Tip: During the winter, the Washington Park Free Shuttle leaves the TriMet plaza (at the Oregon Zoo) for its last Park loop at 4:00 pm—so if you’re planning to take the Free Shuttle back to Washington Park’s Burnside St entrance, make sure to watch the clock.
As you leave the Zoo and cruise back to your starting point, take a final moment to reflect on your day together. Whether you’ve enjoyed adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Washington Park offers the perfect Valentine’s Day escape for Portland couples. Embrace the romance of nature, indulge in a peaceful Rose Garden picnic, share a stroll on an iconic Park trail, and enjoy an animal-filled afternoon at the Oregon Zoo. However you choose to celebrate this special day, your time spent together in Washington Park will surely be a memory to cherish forever.
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