Washington Park Makes Portland the Perfect Place to Visit this Spring Break
While many spring-breakers might be looking for tropical fun, visiting Portland, Oregon is the perfect way to switch things up and experience the wonders of the pacific northwest. The New York Times agrees—it recently listed Portland as a top-tier destination for spring break vacationers. It’s no wonder people are starting to catch on about the fun to be had in Portland. With a wide array of great restaurants, museums, and sprawling greenery in every direction, Portland has a lot to offer.
Minutes away from downtown, Washington Park is a stunning example of what makes Portland a perfectly unique place to visit this spring break. How many other Parks encompass a Zoo, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, an expansive Arboretum, Forestry Center, and more—all connected by a Free Shuttle Loop? If you’re traveling to Portland, here is a thorough overview of notable Park activities you might want to add to your vacation itinerary.
Fantastic Find for Family Fun
Families looking for an unforgettable getaway will find plenty to love in Washington Park. Marvel at wildlife up close at the Oregon Zoo and enjoy an abundance of fun opportunities to see animals during Keeper talks and animal feedings. The Zoo is now home to a budding celebrity: Tula-Tu, an adorable baby elephant, who was born in February! Guests can visit Tula-Tu and the rest of the elephant herd in Forest Hall from around 10 am to 2 pm with limited capacity and viewing times. If you hit the Zoo around lunchtime, there are several great options to grab food, drinks, and snacks between the many animal habitats.
World Forestry Center is another must-visit family attraction within Washington Park. Its Discovery Museum introduces visitors to the importance of forests worldwide, offering interactive exhibits that teach sustainability, conservation, and the role of trees in our daily lives. Kids will love exploring the hands-on displays, climbing into a real-life logging truck, and learning about different forests around the globe. Build fun forest-themed creations together as a family with World Forestry Center’s upcoming Forest Crafts event on March 23. Experience their insightful featured art exhibit, Following Fire, which follows the aftermath of the infamous Oregon Holiday Farm Fire. This is a great part of Washington Park for families to connect with our forests and learn together!
Where Spring Splendor Meets Culture
Spring just so happens to be one of the most magical times to visit Washington Park. Although the International Rose Test Garden might not yet be in full bloom, the Park will be starting to burst with vibrant cherry blossoms, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Portland Japanese Garden is a wonderful way to enjoy spring splendor and embrace a moment of relaxation. Take a peaceful walk through the serene Garden paths, enjoy a light snack and some traditional tea at Umami Café (now with expanded options for Tea To-Go), and spend some time watching colorful koi fish effortlessly glide through koi ponds. Take note of Portland Japanese Garden’s Cultural Demonstrations that take place weekly, featuring tea ceremonies, musical performances, and much more. Earthen Elegance: The Ceramic Art of Bizen, the Garden’s featured art exhibit, celebrates contemporary ceramic art and vessels that preserve a time-honored collaboration of earth, fire, and the artist’s hand. There is no better way to experience culture, nature, and serenity in Portland, Oregon this spring.
Budget-Friendly Fun
Spring break doesn’t have to break the bank. Washington Park is home to many free and low-cost attractions, making it an ideal stop for budget-conscious travelers. The International Rose Test Garden is free to enjoy (try it for a sunny-day picnic). A walk through the Garden is always relaxing, and late March is a great time to search for the season’s first blooms.
If you’re looking for hiking options close to the city, check out Hoyt Arboretum’s lush trails, soak in breathtaking views of the city skyline, and make a note of thousands of tree and plant species throughout Hoyt Arboretum’s many miles of trails. Great for families with young children, Hoyt Arboretum features “Pop-Up Nature” Spring Break Stations designed for kids ages 3–8. These Spring Break Stations help connect kids with trees, flowers, and animals from March 24 to March 28, with no admission cost and no registration requirements.
For early spring breakers, World Forestry Center is offering a Free Day on March 16, when admission is waived for all visitors. This is a great way to take advantage of educational exhibits and experience the Discovery Museum’s featured art exhibit—for free!
Easy and Eco-Friendly Access
The best news? Getting to Washington Park is a breeze for Portland locals and tourists alike! Skip the hassle of parking and take advantage of Portland’s excellent public transportation system: TriMet. The Park is easily accessible by the TriMet Line 63 bus and Red and Blue MAX Light Rail lines, which take you right to Washington Park Station. Once you arrive, the Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop (operating daily) makes it easy to explore the Park’s many attractions without any need for a car. The ADA-accessible Free Shuttle Loop is especially helpful if you plan to visit multiple Park destinations on one of your vacation days, or if you have mobility needs.
Plan Your Spring Break Adventure
Whether you’re a local Portland Metro-area resident looking for a staycation or a traveler seeking a unique spring break experience, Washington Park makes Portland the perfect place to make memories this spring. Take a hike, plan a picnic, bring your camera, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Portland’s most iconic park.
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