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

October 6, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

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. 1-Hour Private Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge

Portland, OR, USA Envi Adventures
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TOUR IS VERY WEATHER DEPENDENT AND MAY RESULT IN AN ALTERNATE ROUTING AT PILOT'S DISCRETION** This private air tour is a summer favorite for people visiting Portland. We’ll fly you along the Sandy River up toward Mt. Hood, over the Mt. Hood National Forest with terrific views of the mountain on your right heading north toward the Columbia River Gorge. We will descend into the gorge with stunning views of the mountain and the length of the gorge toward Portland. We will fly past Multnomah Falls and other Gorge highlights rounding it all out for a private Columbia River Gorge tour to remember. This tour is truly a beauty and will permit countless photographic memories.

Inclusions: Private tour, Bottled water, Once in a lifetime experience

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Niamachavariane22

We were able to book and ride the same day. Amazing experience. Oregon is a beautiful place. My 2yo son loved it!! We all loved it so much. We’ll be telling our friends about it.

2. 40-minute Private Downtown Portland Air Tour for 3

Portland, OR, USA Envi Adventures
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

** PRICE IS PER FLIGHT FOR UP TO 3 PEOPLE. NOT PER PERSON.** Downtown Portland, Oregon extends west from the Willamette River to Interstate 405, and south from the Union Station train depot to just south of the Portland State University campus. High-density business and residential towers rise into the skies of Oregon's largest city and metropolitan area where bustling highways and roadways converge to maintain the demands of commerce and tourism. With a network of public transport light-rail train stations, trams, streetcars, and pedi-cabs, the city is vibrant, unique, and awesome in a way only Portland can be. Surrounded by hills to the west, a river populated by numerous bridges, and a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood to the east, Portland is one of America's favorite cities. 

Inclusions: Private tour, Bottled water, Once in a lifetime experience

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Niamachavariane22

We were able to book and ride the same day. Amazing experience. Oregon is a beautiful place. My 2yo son loved it!! We all loved it so much. We’ll be telling our friends about it.

3. Private Oregon Wine Tour-Full Day Tour with Lunch

Willamette Valley Tour
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Explore Oregon's world famous wine country known as the Willamette Valley and experience the best Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Rose, Chardonnay and other varietals guided by local wine lovers with complimentary gourmet lunch. Gain an inside perspective about the growing region, the winemaking process and the history of this valley at each vineyard during your tasting. Expect to be pampered, entertained, and truly have a memorable trip in Oregon's Wine Country. 2 person minimum to book.

Inclusions: complementary main entree at Red Hills Market, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Water/Small Snacks, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By K1019SPstevena

We were so excited to visit Portland for the first time, but then we had an injury to a family member and could no longer go. Paul was very courteous, professional and easy to contact about re-scheduling. So, even if we did not have a chance to go on the tour, we are still impressed. Thanks Paul!

4. Private Air Tour of Multnomah Falls for 3

Portland, OR, USA Envi Adventures
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

** PRICE IS PER FLIGHT FOR UP TO 3 PEOPLE. NOT PER PERSON.** Enjoy Oregon's Multnomah Falls on this 360º adventure flight in the Columbia River Gorge. Experience untarnished views of the state's most famous waterfall while flying over the Columbia River and passing by the many different landmarks found in this incredible scenic area.

Inclusions: Private tour, Bottled water, Once in a lifetime experience

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Niamachavariane22

We were able to book and ride the same day. Amazing experience. Oregon is a beautiful place. My 2yo son loved it!! We all loved it so much. We’ll be telling our friends about it.

5. Visit Multnomah Falls, two waterfalls, & Vista House

603 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, USA Explore Oregon Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Meet downtown and head to the Columbia Gorge to enjoy 3 amazing waterfalls. All of the waterfalls are located in the Columbia Gorge which is about 30 mins outside Portland. Each of the hikes will be about a mile or less. We will visit the most famous and some also lesser known waterfalls.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Snacks, Bottled water

Reviewed By wheresmykey

Ben was amazing! Before the Aerial ride, he gave us some insightful history about Portland and took us to some local gems in the courthouse. After the Aerial ride, we went to two rooftop views. There were more local gems that he pointed out to us, which I will not spoil here. This is well worth it. I highly suggest going, we went right when we landed and we did the rest of our stay based on his recommendations and was not disappointed.

6. Private Customized Oregon Wine Maker Tours

Oregon Wine Maker Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

This is not your traditional wine tour; we customize to meet your needs and interests. Carmine, your tour guide, will interact with you before the tour to ensure that your wine country experience is memorable. He has over 30 years experience cultivating grapes and making wines. You have the option to tap his expertise as you taste wines, tour wine cellars, or explore vineyards. This private tour was nominated for USA Today's Top 20 American wine tours in 2020. Oregon’s amazing Willamette Valley, located just outside the Portland metro area, is nature’s masterpiece for growing cool-climate grapes, such as Pinot Noir. There are over 450 wineries located in this region that produce elite and delicious world-class wines. A trip to wine country with Oregon Winemaker Tours is perfect for singles, couples, or small groups. Relax and leave the driving to us while you enjoy a gourmet lunch and some of the world’s best wines. Cheers!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Gourmet wine country picnic lunch, Bottled water

Exclusions: Tasting fees (around $15-30 per winery). Often these are waived if you purchase wine to take home.

Reviewed By ronleeb

Carmine was amazing and gave us the best experience. He was super knowledgeable, kind, friendly, and gave us a 5-star experience. Would highly recommend and even use him again!

7. The Bustling Buckman Hood - Hawthorne, the Goat Blocks and more

Buckman Neighborhood, Portland, OR 97214, USA Portland by Mouth
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Come on and let’s explore the bustling streets of the Buckman neighborhood. All the while this Portland culinary tour will take us to some of Portland’s distinctive foodie offerings. This once exclusively industrial neighborhood has undergone a Renaissance in recent years. It has come into its own as a favorite place for hipsters to live, hang out and of course eat! A plethora of diverse and delicious eateries await you. Our several stops in this Portland epicurean walking tour will create a varied and scrumptious meal and whet your appetite for what the Buckman hood has to offer. Examples may include ethnic contributions such as the well renowned Nostrana and Kachka, as well as a visit to a local cidery, a vibrant food cart pod and Dutch waffles for dessert. You will not leave hungry! We will walk a total of 1.3 miles,checking out vintage homes, repurposed industrial spaces and hipster hangouts while we visit a handful foodie hot spots in the historic Buckman hood.

Inclusions: They'll be plenty of food - arrive hungry!, A Portlander loving local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities - not required, but always appreciated by your guide., because it may be hot as we walk

Reviewed By jnoutinen

My wife and I took a trip to visit Portland for the first time and were overwhelmed by the million and one great food options around the city. So we decided to let the experts guide us and we booked a food tour! Our guide, Sherri, was amazing and took us to some really amazing spots on her Mississippi Avenue brunch tour. We learned a bit of history about each place, the city, and the food. It was an eclectic (in a great way) mix of restaurants and bars that gave us a wide sampling of some of what Portland has to offer. We’re so glad we did it and definitely want to check the other tours next time we’re able to make it back to Portland!

8. The Vibrant Kerns Hood - East Burnside and more

Kerns, Portland, OR, USA Portland by Mouth
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

In this Portland food tour, we will explore the charming streets of the Kerns neighborhood where we will sample some of the tastiest bites that Portland has to offer. This once sleepy neighborhood has blossomed into a Portland bazaar for diverse and delicious treats. Our five stops will create a varied and scrumptious meal and whet your appetite for what the Kerns has to offer. Examples will include ethnic contributions such as Cuban & Israeli food, as well as a visit to an eclectic food cart pod, charcuterie, and dessert and an artisanal ice cream shop. You will not leave hungry! While the Kerns extends more broadly, its core is centered on Restaurant Row, on NE 28th between Burnside and Glisan St. We will walk a total of 1.2 miles through tree lined streets and hipster hangouts while we visit six foodie hot spots in the Kerns neighborhood. Along the way we will also talk about the history of the Kerns and take in some classical Portland residential architecture. All ages welcome.

Inclusions: you won't leave hungry!, A Portlander loving, local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities - not expected but always appreciated, because it may be hot as we walk

Reviewed By jnoutinen

My wife and I took a trip to visit Portland for the first time and were overwhelmed by the million and one great food options around the city. So we decided to let the experts guide us and we booked a food tour! Our guide, Sherri, was amazing and took us to some really amazing spots on her Mississippi Avenue brunch tour. We learned a bit of history about each place, the city, and the food. It was an eclectic (in a great way) mix of restaurants and bars that gave us a wide sampling of some of what Portland has to offer. We’re so glad we did it and definitely want to check the other tours next time we’re able to make it back to Portland!

9. Private - Mt Hood & Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour From Portland

701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA Sea to Summit Tours & Adventures
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Join an intimate, Oregonian-led Private tour of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood with Portland, Oregon's original tour and adventure company. Your seasoned, local guide will take you on a full day adventure exploring the Pacific Northwest's most breathtaking views, waterfalls and Oregon's highest volcano. From the Vista House to Multnomah Falls and the Bonneville Dam you'll experience the awesome beauty of the Columbia River Gorge . After grabbing lunch, a glass of wine, or some fresh fruit in Hood River Valley - windsurfing capital of the world,  you’ll be guided up the east side of Mt Hood National Forest to the Historic Timberline Lodge, 6000ft on the south side of Mt Hood.  Unlike other companies, Sea to Summit does not skip anything...This tour is historically, geographically informative, and extremely scenic so don't forget your camera! Sea to Summit operates tours in the nicest and most comfortable, custom equipped 4x4 Mercedes Benz vehicles in Portland's tour industry!

Inclusions: Local guide, Live commentary on board, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Guide Gratuity

Reviewed By Alfalfasgirl

Excellent tour, friendly, prompt, knowledgeable, and able to accommodate me last minute..thank you! I could not have asked for more. The falls just opened the day before my arrival in Portland and the previous tour I had set up did not answer my repeated phone calls to verify pick up and even told me by email the falls were closed so I was left scrambling. I was so excited to see the falls as I had planned months ago. Having a private tour was very nice and the price was very reasonable. If I ever have the opportunity to come to Portland again I will definitely seek this company first. The owner grew up here and is the 2nd oldest touring company here. He will make your tour special for sure

10. 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

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