This half-day Portland city tour includes a stop at the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States, along with iconic landmarks across both sides of the Willamette River.

Walk through the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, home to over 10,000 rose bushes and 610 varieties
Explore the Pittock Mansion grounds for panoramic views of downtown Portland and the Cascades
Ride the Portland Aerial Tram to the top of Marquam Hill for views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams
Cruise through the Pearl District, Nob Hill, and Pioneer Courthouse Square with a local guide
Small groups of 12 or fewer in comfortable, high-roofed passenger vans
Bottled water and Aerial Tram admission included

Whether the roses at the International Rose Test Garden are in full bloom or you're visiting during winter (when the Hoyt Arboretum steps in), this 3-hour tour ties together Portland's natural beauty, neighborhoods, and history in one relaxed outing.

What's Included

Bottled water
Fully narrated tour
Admission for the Portland Aerial Tram

Itinerary

This is a typical itinerary for this Portland city tour. The tour route and sights may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions.

The tour begins with a drive through historic downtown Portland and the South Park Blocks, an area lined with museums and performing arts centers. From there, the route heads toward Washington Park, passing Providence Park, home to the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns soccer teams. Washington Park is a 410-acre urban oasis, and its most famous attraction is your first stop.

Stop 1: International Rose Test Garden, 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205 -- Walk through the International Rose Test Garden, which earned Portland its proud "City of Roses" title. The International Rose Test Garden is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States, featuring over 610 unique rose varieties across 10,000 bushes spread over 4.5 tiered acres. You'll have time to wander the garden beds, take in views of downtown Portland with Mount Hood as a backdrop on clear days, and learn about the garden's origins as a World War I sanctuary for European hybrid roses. During winter, when the International Rose Test Garden is not at peak bloom, this stop is replaced with the Hoyt Arboretum, where you'll learn about the trees and plants of the Pacific Northwest.

Stop 2: Pittock Mansion Grounds, 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210 -- Explore the exterior of this French Renaissance-style estate, which was saved from demolition in 1964. The Pittock Mansion grounds feature expansive gardens, manicured lawns, and one of the most iconic city views in Portland. On clear days, look for Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Jefferson.

From Pittock Mansion, the tour continues through some of Portland's most famous neighborhoods. You'll pass through Nob Hill and NW 23rd Avenue, known for Victorian homes, boutiques, and cafes, then into the Pearl District, where you'll pass Powell's Books, the world's largest new and used bookstore. The route also takes you through Pioneer Courthouse Square, often called Portland's Living Room.

Stop 3: Portland Aerial Tram, South Waterfront -- Ride one of only two commuter aerial tramways in the United States. The tram carries you from the South Waterfront district to the top of Marquam Hill, covering 3,300 feet horizontally and 500 feet vertically in a three-minute ride. At the top, enjoy sweeping views of downtown Portland and the surrounding volcanic Cascade Mountains, including Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams.

After riding back down the tram, the tour passes Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the Willamette River, the site of numerous Portland festivals throughout the year, before returning to Director Park.

Pass-by highlights include: South Park Blocks museums, Providence Park (home of the Timbers and Thorns), Washington Park, Nob Hill and NW 23rd Avenue, the Pearl District, Powell's Books, and Pioneer Courthouse Square

Things to know

Children 7 years and younger must use an appropriate child seat per Oregon law. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Stops may be substituted based on season or closures, such as visiting Hoyt Arboretum when roses are not in bloom.

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