Taste four Portland donut shops with local history along the way
2 hours
Donuts, shop history, walking tour
Sample donuts at four Portland stops while uncovering the city’s donut history. Join the walk in English or Spanish and explore downtown on foot.
Your adventure begins at Sesame Donuts, located near the South Park Blocks, one of Portland’s oldest and most iconic green spaces. As you savor their fresh, handcrafted donuts, you’ll learn about the history of this lush, tree-lined park. Originally established in the mid-19th century, the South Park Blocks were designed to bring a touch of nature to the city and have since become a cultural and recreational hub, surrounded by museums, theaters, and historic landmarks.
Next, we’ll head toward Pioneer Square, often called Portland’s “Living Room.” Along the way, we’ll stop at a neighborhood café that expertly blends modern donut-making with Portland’s signature coffee culture. Here, you’ll taste the perfect harmony of sweet and caffeinated, a pairing that reflects the city’s love for local, artisanal craftsmanship.
From there, it’s off to the original location of the legendary Voodoo Doughnuts, a Portland icon known for its quirky vibe and even quirkier creations. While you bite into a Bacon Maple Bar or a Voodoo Doll donut, we’ll recount the story of how this offbeat shop put Portland on the map as a must-visit destination for donut lovers and helped define the city’s reputation for embracing the unconventional.
Our final stop is at the bustling Pine Street Market, where a boutique stand offers bite-sized donuts that pack big flavors. While you enjoy these warm, freshly prepared treats, we’ll discuss the history of Pine Street Market itself, a historic building now home to a variety of Portland’s most innovative food vendors.
This tour offers not just delicious donuts but also a glimpse into the city’s vibrant history and creative spirit. It’s the perfect way to taste your way through Portland’s past and present, one sweet bite at a time.
Full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before your tour. No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour.
Start at Sesame Donuts (1503 SW Park Ave). The tour ends at Voodoo Doughnuts, and it does not return to the starting point.
Plan for about 1.5–2 miles of walking. Wear comfortable shoes.
This is an outdoor walking tour. Dress for the weather and bring your appetite.
Sesame Donuts, 1503 SW Park Ave suite B, Portland, OR 97201
The guides really make this experience special. Reviewers consistently praise their tour leaders by name—Wade, Beau, Eric, Jackson, Nick, Michael, Emily, and others—describing them as knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely engaging. What stands out is how these guides weave local history and city stories into the walking tour, making it much more than just a food crawl. Multiple guests mention learning fascinating historical facts about their city while sampling donuts, and several reviewers who've taken tours in different cities (Chicago, Portland, DC, Boston, NYC) report consistently excellent experiences across locations. The donut quality gets thumbs up, with most stops offering delicious variety in styles and flavors. Expect comfortable seating at each location, which people appreciate. Tours typically run about two hours and cover a good walking distance, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Several locals have used these tours to entertain out-of-town visitors with great success, and at least one repeat customer has done six tours and counting. It's clearly a hit for dates, birthdays, and family outings alike.
This tour was initially a great way to entice our teenager to walk and talk about history in Chicago. Jackson was a knowledgeable guide, entertaining and engaging with the entire group. Definitely get a little protein before all the sugar, they are incredibly tasty. Our favorites were the Black and White at Doughnut Vault, the strawberry cream at Firecakes, and the Old Fashioned at Stan's
Rachel Schrier
June 16, 2026
This tour was initially a great way to entice our teenager to walk and talk about history in Chicago. Jackson was a knowledgeable guide, entertaining and engaging with the entire group. Definitely get a little protein before all the sugar, they are incredibly tasty. Our favorites were the Black and White at Doughnut Vault, the strawberry cream at Firecakes, and the Old Fashioned at Stan's
Rachel Schrier
June 16, 2026
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