Top 10 Things to Do in Portland with a Group
1. International Rose Test Garden
Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 823-3636
Located in Portland’s beloved Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden includes more than 10,000 rose bushes representing over 600 varieties of flowers. The best time to visit for peak blooms is May through October. Guided group tours are available depending on the season and is a must-stop location in the City of Roses!
2. Washington Park
Address: 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221
Phone: (503) 319-0999
Before hopping back on your charter bus to shuttle throughout Portland, explore the rest of Washington Park. This 458-acre greenspace includes over 12 miles of walking trails, a playground, and a variety of other gardens to explore.
3. Powell’s City of Books
Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (800) 878-7323
Powell’s City of Books is Portland's most iconic bookstore and is the largest bookstore in the world. With more than 3,500 different sections across nine rooms, this Pearl District landmark is a required stop for any bibliophile. Your group can spend hours exploring the shelves or enjoying a special event like author talks or story time for kids. Parking around Powell’s may be tricky for large groups in caravans, so consider booking one minibus rental to consolidate your travels!
4. Portland Japanese Garden
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 223-1321
The Portland Japanese Garden can be found in the northern portion of Washington Park and is a peaceful stop to add to your itinerary. The 5-acre garden includes a waterfall, koi pond, teahouse, and cafe. Consider visiting the gardens during the spring cherry blossom season for the most picturesque visit. If you’re visiting the gardens for a private group tour or school trip, be sure to book easy and comfortable transportation with Portland Charter Bus Company.
5. Pittock Mansion
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: (503) 823-3623
Built in 1914, the Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style château located in Portland’s West Hills neighborhood. This mansion was once a private home but is now a museum with exhibits that explore local history. Book a guided tour or educational program at the museum and leave the ride there up to our team!
6. Hoyt Arboretum
Address: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221
Phone: (503) 865-8733
This sprawling arboretum features 12 miles of trails filled with more than 2,300 species of trees, including various vulnerable and endangered species. The Hoyt Arboretum sits along the Tualatin Mountains, offering beautiful year-round nature views. The arboretum also includes accessible paved trails. If you’ll need an ADA-accessible charter bus rental for your visit, be sure to let your representative know.
7. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 797-4000
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is Portland’s premier science and technology museum, offering hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages. Explore exhibits about underwater exploration, outer space, paleontology, and the mummies of ancient Egypt. Rent a Portland charter bus and enjoy a field trip or group visit to the OMSI.
8. Mount Hood
Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum Address: 88900 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028
Phone: (503) 272-3301
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, Mount Hood is located about 90 minutes from Oregon and offers one of the best scenic drives in the state. One of the best ways for groups to explore the area (without hoffing it on trails) is by booking a charter bus to travel on Highway 26 & Highway 35.
9. Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley stretches 150 miles just south of Portland. The valley is home to more than 500 wineries and is the perfect [place for a day trip or weekend vacation. Plan a tour of your tip wineries across Willamette Valley and trust Portland Charter Bus Company to serve as your built-in DD with a private shuttle service for your entire winery trip.
10. Lan Su Chinese Garden
Address: 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 228-8131
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is located in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood and includes a tea house, traditional Chinese architecture, and rare plants native to China. The museum offers school tours and guided group visits with advance registration. Consider visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden during a special event like Chinese New Year for an immersive cultural experience.
Explore Neighborhoods in Portland
Pearl District
Located in the heart of Downtown Portland, the Pearl District is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The Pearl District is home to local boutiques, cozy coffee shops, craft breweries, and creative art spaces. While in the Pearl District, be sure to explore Powell’s City of Books, a local landmark after grabbing coffee and breakfast at Sisters Coffee Company. Enjoy a local brew at 10 Barrel Brewing Portland or get a cocktail and bites to eat at Pink Rabbit.
Goose Hollow
Goose Hollow is just east of Washington Park and is the perfect location to start if you plan to spend plenty of time outdoors. Hop on over to the park and explore the Portland Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum, offering miles of beautiful walking trails. Depending on the season, you can catch a sporting event at Providence Park stadium, then round out your day with food and refreshments at the historic Goose Hollow Inn.
Old Town/Chinatown
Portland’s Old Town is the city’s official Chinatown, located right off the Willamette River. Plan a visit to the Lan Su Chinese Garden where you can grab tea and appreciate beautiful architecture among pristine gardens. If you’re visiting during the weekend, stroll or shuttle over to the Portland Saturday Market to shop for locally-made goods.
Mississippi
Mississippi is a trendy neighborhood located on a historic strip of North Mississippi Avenue. This North Portland neighborhood is the perfect place for foodies to plan an easily accessible food tour. Stroll or shuttle in your charter bus down North Mississippi Avenue or hop over to nearby North Williams Avenue for more acclaimed eateries. A few highlights include Gravy for brunch, Prost Marketplace for German fare, Blue Star Donuts for sweet treats, and Mississippi Pizza for a slice.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne is a sprawling neighborhood located along 43 blocks of Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. This neighborhood has a quirky mixture of local shops, restaurants, and theaters. Enjoy drinks and a movie at the historic Bagdad Theater and Pub, search the racks for gems at House of Vintage, chow down on Cuban fare at Cubo, or start your day with brunch at Jam On Hawthorne.
