Portland, Oregon is home to more than 200 parks and gardens. In this travel guide, we’re featuring three of the must-see beautiful gardens in Portland, which are the best things to do in the city!
When I visited Seattle for the first time, we also did a short two-day trip to Oregon as part of our road trip. In Oregon, we checked out both Portland and Cannon Beach, one of the World’s Best Beaches.
Aside from going on a food trip in Portland’s popular restaurants, we also visited some of the popular gardens there. I enjoy city gardens because it’s actually a great nature getaway without driving too far unlike a national park.
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Once you’re inside the garden, you feel you are transported outside the hustle and bustle of the city. I kind of wish Toronto had more of these.
In one day, we visited three beautiful gardens out of more than 200 parks and gardens in the city. They are definitely must-see attractions and some of the best things to do in Portland.
Also Read: Best Nature Attractions in Washington State
Watch the full YouTube video of the best garden attractions in Portland here.
Best Gardens in Portland
International Rose Test Garden
One of the best free attractions in Portland is the International Rose Test Garden.
Located in downtown Portland in Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden is the United States’ oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden with over 10,000 rose in a 4.5 acres of parkland.
Travelling Foodie Tip: Go after 5pm when parking becomes free and the crowds have died down! Also, the free Explore Washington Park shuttle stops here from April through October.
I’m not too familiar with flowers, but I definitely admired the many varieties we saw at the International Rose Test Garden. We actually saw a lot of people doing photoshoots here.
There was also a very interesting area called the Shakespeare Garden which features herbs, trees, and flowers found in William Shakespeare’s plays.
At the edge of the garden, you can find amazing panoramic views of the city. You should also check out the gift shop where you can find a beautiful view of the garden.
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Price: Free
Website / Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA
The Grotto
In 62 acres of gardens, The Grotto is a national Catholic shrine and an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary dedicated to Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother.
This was my most favourite out of the three gardens we visited, and definitely one of the best things to do in Portland! Don’t worry – you don’t need to be Catholic to visit this place, and, yes, you will enjoy this even if you’re not Catholic.
The garden is so beautifully done. It really feels like you are not in the city anymore but in a peaceful sanctuary and oasis.
There are actually two levels to the Grotto. The Plaza Level (ground) is free to public and has the visitors center, The Grotto Gift Shop, The Grotto itself, The Chapel of Mary (closed for renovation during our visit), and the Stations of the Cross, a walking trail near the parking lot where you’ll find bronze bas-relief sculptures depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Though you have to pay to see the upper level of The Grotto, I highly recommend you to go.
You buy the tokens at the Gift Shop and take an elevator 110-feet up to the upper level. It’s worth more than the $6 you’re paying.
When you exit the elevator, on your left, you will see the Meditation Chapel, a 1,500-square feet chapel built of granite in 1991.
Take a seat on the comfortable meditation chairs and admire the view.
The Peace Garden comprises the majority of the upper level, featuring a large pond and flowing stream, and the individual bronze plaques depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous mysteries.
This is where you feel like you’re in a sanctuary in a secluded forest. It is so quiet and peaceful, and you are surrounded by just nature.
As you explore, you will find hundreds of intricately carved statues using different materials like bronze, marble and wood.
This scene sort of reminds me of the Little Red Riding Hood. What you see here is the St. Anne’s Chapel, built in 1934 to honor St. Anne, the mother of Mary.
One of the most popular sections for Catholic visitors is the Shrines, where you will see various shrines of Mary, Our Lady, from different parts of the world.
Coming from the Philippines, we were very excited to see the shrine from the Philippines: The Dambana, Filipino Faith Shrine, designed by Hermes Mallari.
Price: Lower Level Grounds: Free, Upper Level: $6/Adult, Parking: Free
Website / Address: 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, Oregon 97220, USA
Also Read: Best Gaudi Attractions in Barcelona
Portland Japanese Garden
Across the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden takes you to a 12-acre nature haven with eight separate garden styles, including an authentic Japanese Tea House.
If you haven’t been to a Japanese garden before, then this is a must-see attraction in Portland. Apparenty, it is “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan,” according to His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States.
Travelling Foodie Tip: Parking is not free, but you can get to the Portland Japanese Garden via the free Explore Washington Park shuttle as well.
Aside from the gardens, you will get immersed in Japanese arts, culture and food here since they also have a cultural village, the learning centre, umami cafe and the gift shop.
There is a free guided tour included with admission. I highly recommend you do it as that’s the best way to learn about the garden and the Japanese culture and elements behind them.
Price: $14.95 – Adult
Website / Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA
MAP: Best Portland Gardens
Hope this travel guide gives you an idea on the best gardens in Portland. These are really some of the best things to do in PDX.