What to do and see in Portland, Oregon (OR): The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

January 8, 2022 Hana Mouser

You’ll wonder why you don’t live in Portland after you’ve visited this laid-back and friendly city. With a reputation for manicured parks, eclectic nightlife, fine micro-breweries and distilleries, and nature that cuts right into the city, Portland’s a Pacific Northwest must-visit. Don’t miss the famous Japanese Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful of its kind outside of Japan.
Restaurants in Portland

1. Downtown Portland Coffee & Donut Tour

40 LBS Coffee Bar, 824 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA Lost Plate Food Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Come walk around the bustling streets of Downtown Portland with your local guide and discover why Portland is the coffee and donut capital of the world! We'll visit several genuinely local craft coffee houses for an interactive look at different styles and flavors of coffee. Plus we’ll munch on a bunch of locally-made donuts from shops you can only find right here in Portland. We like to think this the perfect way to discover Downtown Portland, see where locals get their coffee and donuts fix, and have fun!

Inclusions: All coffee & donuts, 4-5 local coffee and/or donut shops , Small-group tour (less than 10 people)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By JamesC3596

Our sales team recently had the opportunity to meet face-to-face for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Michelle from Lost Plate Food Tours made the meeting an overwhelming success! She gave us a tour of the Portland food cart scene and provided VIP service along the way. She shared her knowledge of the history and culture of the food carts but also some fantastic mural artwork throughout the city. It was the perfect backdrop to allow our team to get to know each other and truly bond. Oh and the food was amazing too! I highly recommend booking a tour with Lost Plate the next time you are in Portland. I also recommend skipping breakfast in preparation.

2. Discover Portland Half-Day Small-Group City Tour

Terran Travels
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

On this 3.5-hour tour, you'll get a broad overview of the Central City. We'll make stops at Pittock Mansion and the International Rose Test Gardens. At Pittock Mansion, you'll get pictures of the best views of the city, and the five stratovolcanoes that are visible on a clear day. You'll have plenty of time to smell the roses at the Rose City's most famous garden. Your expert guide will provide background on the sites and city history, while navigating through city traffic, so you don't have to. You'll meander through all of the major neighborhoods of inner Portland on both sides of the river while gaining views of 14 of Bridgetown's 22 notable bridges. Your guide will return you to your departure location at the end of the tour. Book our Explore Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Small-Group Tour as well, and receive $10 cash back.

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Parking Fees, PA system

Exclusions: Gratuities (always appreciated)

Reviewed By ehalvo999

Chris was filling in for Marcus on our tour, and we had an amazing time! My parents were visiting Oregon from the East Coast for the first time, and I wanted them to see a different side of Oregon. Chris dazzled us with his impressive knowledge of the region, as well as the science and artistry involved in winemaking in the Willamette Valley. The drive was beautiful and we saw three wineries, each off the beaten track and each with their own unique personalities. The landscapes were breathtaking, and we became experts in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lunch was from Elephants Delicatessen in Portland and really hit the spot - my boyfriend and I will definitely go there for ourselves sometime. It was a great way to relax, learn more about Willamette Valley, and spend time with family, all under the guidance of a friendly and approachable expert. A perfect way to convince my parents to move out West.

3. Private Oregon Coastal Tour to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

Oregon Tour Experts
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Maximize your beach time while at the Oregon Coast! Oregon’s coastline is graced with unforgettable vistas: dramatic cliffs, offshore rocks and sea lions, wide sandy beaches, majestic capes, historic lighthouses, enchanted forests and lovely small beach towns which artists and artisans make their home. Locations we may visit include: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Short Sand Beach at Oswald West State Park, Neahkahnie Point, and Manzanita while enjoying spectacular views of the dramatic Oregon Coastline.

Inclusions: Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

4. Private Mt Hood Loop Tour including Multnomah Falls

Oregon Tour Experts
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Join us on our full day guided tour from Portland to Mt. Hood. By visiting Mount Hood with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, you will have multiple opportunities to get the best photographs of the awe-inspiring scenery, and to learn about the history and heritage of Portland’s iconic mountain. Our tour will depart the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland by first taking you into the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge. We will follow the Columbia River east to the town of Hood River for lunch before driving up through the Hood River Valley to the south side of Mt. Hood. The sites that we may visit include: Multnomah Falls, Rowena Crest, a farm stand (seasonally), and Timberline Lodge. Your route may vary based on weather and road conditions but our guides will make necessary changes to enhance your Mt Hood Loop tour experience.

Inclusions: Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By amykarns

This was our first trip to Oregon and we’re very excited to see the different parts of the coast. Our tour guide was awesome and pointed out lots of local facts. Cannon beach was the highlight of our tour.

5. Downtown Portland Bike Tour

133 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA Pedal Bike Tours
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4.9 based on 181 reviews

Discover the beauty, culture and history of Portland on a guided bike tour -- the ideal way to experience the city! Pedal through downtown, Chinatown and the Pearl District, and ride along the waterfront for great views. Pass 19th-century brick buildings, art galleries, classic food carts and a 140-year-old brewery. Your guide will offer interesting commentary on your easy ride, suitable for all riding skill levels.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle and helmet, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By FellowTraveler329652

The highlight of our quick weekend trip was this Tour with our guide Scotland on a misty Portland afternoon. So much history and information paired with some seriously delicious brews! Worth every penny! We got a real taste of Portland. Hope to visit again and try another Tour in the future! Thanks from Diana and Colette ????

6. 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour

150 SW Harrison St, Portland, OR 97201, USA Portland By Segway
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4.9 based on 48 reviews

Touring beautiful Portland, OR on a Segway it a great activity for tourists and resident alike. If you’re looking for things to do in Portland, look no further.

Inclusions: 2 hour guided Segway Tour of Portland, OR.

Exclusions: Gratuity for Tour Guide, Does not include meals

Reviewed By AspirationalFoodie

Kurt (our guide) was funny, knowledgeable, and kept a good lookout for us all, without making the trip feel slow or weird.

7. Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

America's Hub World Tours
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4.9 based on 260 reviews

Visit the top attractions near the Portland, Oregon area on this guided, half-day tour. Spend an afternoon taking in some amazing views of  Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls. Start along the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway. Some of the viewpoints in the area may include Portland Women Forum, Crown Point Vista House, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Multnomah Falls. Bring a camera to capture the indescribable views.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off at select downtown Portland hotels

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By 888travelert

We took three three tours with America's Hub. In fact, when they had to reschedule a coastal tour they provided us with a private downtown tour. All three tours - half day downtown Portland, half day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge, and full day coastal tour far exceeded our expectations. Phil was our tour guide for the two half day tours and Carrie was our tour guide for the full day coastal tour - they were both very knowledgeable, and offered lots of great tips on restaurants, and scenic hot spots, I would highly recommend all three of these tours,

8. Portland's Top Sights Half Day City Tour

877 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97205, USA Wildwood Adventures
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4.8 based on 77 reviews

With the Willamette River down the center and the Columbia River above, Portland is often more enthusiastically known by its nicknames such as “Bridgetown,” “Brewtopia,” and “City of Roses.” Nestled at the base of a volcano and bundled snugly by old growth forests, this city boasts a landscape beyond a basic urban environment. We will immerse you in the town’s history and discover how the once little-known fishing village has now become a popular international destination. Come see the wonderful city that Wildwood Adventures calls home and get a taste of the charm that Portland offers to its explorers!

Inclusions: Transportation in a luxury vehicle, Knowledgeable, local and friendly guide, Seasonal snacks and refreshments throughout the tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select downtown Portland hotels, Live commentary throughout the tour

Exclusions: Gratuity (optional)

Reviewed By slow3

We had the privilege of taking a tour of the entire Columbia River Gorge, and it is certainly breathtaking what Mother Nature has carved out. If you're looking to take your foot off the gas pedal, and exit off the proverbial fast lane of life, the Columbia River would certainly be a good destination for you!

9. Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour

Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA Around Portland Tours
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4.7 based on 11 reviews

10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. Start at DIRECTOR PARK Our downtown Portland tours are engaging, well-paced and colorful: the Best of the City! It’s a weird city, but there are stories in every building, park and brick. We’ve organized our city’s best things -- and of course, its most complicated and conflicted, as well. In an ever-changing world we Much of Portland’s history can be told through the buildings and street layouts including the prioritization of parks in the city center. It’s not a dry history: full of back-room deals, early deaths and greed; and then there were hippies! How did Portland become the 1st city on the West Coast with a fine art museum? And how did it develop into a hotbed for modern artists? How did the city's early cultural reputation influence its mid-20th century; and how did it become such a lightning rod for racial justice protests? We'll discuss what was, is, and will be the soul of the city. We keep groups small for personalization and safety.

Inclusions: Certified Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities (always appreciated)

Reviewed By Odyssey276497

First thing is first: you must have ridden a bicycle before before booking this trip. I myself am not a biker and neither are my wife and friend so we were all a little rusty but we did just fine. Biking around really is the best way to get to know a city and our tour guide, Ana, was so awesome! She had great local knowledge and was more than happy to talk with us and share tips for things to eat, drink, see and do around Portland. This was a lot of fun and I highly recommend!

10. Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Tour with Gray Line

525 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, USA Gray Line of Portland
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4.7 based on 102 reviews

This scenic tour takes you to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy the views from Vista House on the Columbia River Gorge Highway before travelling the historic highway to dramatic Multnomah Falls. Learn about the area from your driver guide as you follow the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition back to Portland. We travel over a some of the Historic Columbia River Highway which features a portion the famous waterfall corridor, the “Latourell Loops” and Falls, and Sheppard’s Dell. A 30 minute stop at Multnomah Falls and a 20 minute stop at Vista House is included. This 2.75-hour tour showcases the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the incredible diversity of scenery at Portland’s doorstep! Gray Line is the only operator in Portland that uses a full size deluxe motorcoach. Don't be crowded in a van, travel in style in a coach.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Live commentary on board, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By baal727

Friendly and knowledgeable guides. Good schedule with lots of stops. Good value. A hop-on/hop-off tour like this is my first priority when visiting a new city.

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