20 Best Tips for Day Trip to Portland from Seattle

Looking to get away from Seattle for a quick adventure? Consider a day trip to Portland from Seattle, just a 3-hour drive south. Portland offers a vibrant food scene, quirky attractions, and lush outdoor spaces perfect for soaking up in a single day. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your day trip to Portland from Seattle, including the route along I-5, top sights like the stunning International Rose Test Garden, where to grab tasty eats in Portland, and tips on getting around this eclectic city. With ample sights, activities, and eats, Portland makes for an epic and easy day trip escape from Seattle.

Day Trip to Portland from Seattle

Driving from Seattle to Portland

The drive from Seattle to Portland along Interstate 5 is fairly straightforward. The distance is roughly 175 miles and takes about 3 hours without stops.

Directions

Here are step-by-step driving directions:

1. Start out going south on I-5 S from Seattle
2. Keep left to stay on I-5 S, follow signs for Portland
3. After 172 miles, take exit 300A to merge onto I-405 N toward City Center
4. Take the Vaughn St exit and turn right onto NW Vaughn St
5. Turn left onto NW 23rd Ave to reach downtown Portland

The last stretch once you reach Portland can get congested during rush hour, so leave early in the morning if possible.

Toll Roads, Bridges & Parking Costs

The drive along I-5 itself is free with no tolls. However, on the return trip back to Seattle, you may take the SR 520 bridge which charges a $4.50 toll fee.

Parking costs in downtown Portland average around $15-$20 for all-day parking in a garage or lot. Street parking tends to max out at 1-3 hours without a permit. Considering the length of the day trip, a parking garage is the best bet.

Rest Stops

It’s smart to stop halfway through the 3-hour drive to take a break. The best option is the Ridgefield Rest Area around milepost 9, complete with restrooms, picnic areas and vending machines.

On the way back, you can also check out the La Center Rest Stop at milepost 37.

Transportation in Portland

Public Transit

Portland boasts an excellent public transportation system that’s easy for visitors to navigate. TriMet operates the MAX light rail, streetcars and buses travelers can ride using affordable tickets or day passes.

Fares start at just $2.50 for 2.5 hours of unlimited rides. A Hop Pass provides access all day for $5.

Biketown Bike Share

Biketown is Portland’s bike share system with over 1000 bikes available at stations around downtown. Purchase a Single Ride pass for $3 for 30 minutes of riding.

Using a bike is one of the best ways to experience Portland like a local while getting around easily.

Rideshare Services

Apps like Uber and Lyft also operate all over Portland and provide an alternative to public transit or biking. Prices vary depending on time and demand.

Top Sights & Activities

Portland may be smaller than Seattle, but still offers loads of fun things to experience in a day. Here are top attractions and activities visitors love:

International Rose Test Garden

Portland draws rose enthusiasts from across the globe to its renowned International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. Boasting over 10,000 rose bushes representing 650 varieties, it earns its name as one of the most spectacular rose gardens on Earth.

Forest Park

At over 5,000 acres, Forest Park towers above Portland as one of the country’s largest urban forests. Crisscrossed by over 80 miles of hiking trails, including the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, visitors enjoy superb opportunities to glimpse local wildlife and beautiful vistas over the Willamette River valley.

Japanese Garden

Considered perhaps the finest Japanese garden outside Japan, Portland’s exquisite 5.5 acre garden transports visitors across the globe. Stroll along lush gardens filled with cherry trees, bamboo groves, stone bridges and a traditional teahouse while taking in one-of-a-kind views overlooking the city.

Portland Farmers Market

Portland’s bountiful farmers markets shine a light on the region’s agriculture scene and foods. The biggest and most popular market sets up shop at Portland State University on Saturdays. Peruse over 140 vendors selling everything from fresh produce, meat and dairy to flowers, baked goods and prepared foods.

Voodoo Doughnut

No trip to Portland is complete without grabbing an iconic doughnut (or three) from Voodoo Doughnut. The Old Town shop draws epic lines 24/7 for its creative, quirky creations like the Bacon Maple Bar, Fruit Loop Doughnut and Voodoo Doll. Just save room for lunch afterwards!

Powell’s City of Books

Bibliophiles simply can’t miss Powell’s City of Books occupying an entire city block as the largest used and new bookstore on the planet. Spend hours getting happily lost wandering its over 3500 sections containing more than a million books. Don’t forget to peek down at the Rare Book Room below street level too!

Recommended Itinerary

Trying to cram as much as possible into a day trip means careful planning is key. Here is an ideal 8am-9pm itinerary:

8am: Depart Seattle

Leave early to beat traffic for the roughly 3-hour drive south along I-5 to Portland. Fueled up on coffee for the road? Excellent!

10am: Brunch at Tin Shed Garden Cafe

Start your Portland adventure right with a delicious brunch bite. Tin Shed Garden Cafe in charming NE Alberta Arts District serves seasonal, vegetarian-friendly fare crafted from locally sourced ingredients – try the Dutch Baby pancake with berry compote!

11:30am: International Rose Test Garden

Work off your meal with a spectacular stroll through over 650 varieties of roses blooming around every corner surrounded by Portland views. Don’t forget to stop and smell them!

1pm: Forest Park Hike

Head into Forest Park and select a hike that matches your ability and time, ranging from easy 1-mile loops to more intense climbs up to Pittock Mansion. Immerse yourself among the maple, cedar and fir trees making you forget you’re still inside the city.

3pm: Japanese Garden Visit

Slow down for some serene time wandering the meditative landscapes, stone paths and ornate structures of the authentic Japanese Garden before enjoying a traditional matcha tea ceremony. The natural tranquility transports you temporarily to Japan.

5pm: Portland Farmers Market

Swing by the bustling Portland Farmers Market on Saturday to sample incredible local produce straight from Oregon farms. Grab an early, light dinner picnic-style while supporting the region’s agriculture and small businesses. Live music provides the soundtrack as you eat.

7pm: Dessert at Voodoo Doughnut

Even if the line snakes outside, it moves quickly enough at Voodoo Doughnut to score some outrageous and eclectic doughnut creations before closing time. Sink your teeth into their famous Bacon Maple Bar or try the Fruit Loop variety…this is NOT your average doughnut stop!

8:30pm: Depart Portland

Start the drive north back to Seattle with happy tastebuds and hopefully the beginning signs of a sugar coma from Voodoo Doughnut. You probably need a Red Bull or extra coffee for the road home after such an activity packed day exploring the City of Roses!

Where to Eat & Drink

When hunger strikes at any point during your Portland day trip, you have ample excellent dining and drinking options. Here are top-rated places visitors rave about in a variety of locations:

Downtown

• Mother’s Bistro & Bar – Homestyle vegan comfort fare since 1993
• Andina – Upscale Peruvian with250+ specialty cocktails
• Nong’s Khao Man Gai – Simple street food stand slinging tender poached chicken & rice

Nob Hill

• Hat Yai – Playful Thai flavors with fried chicken or curry noodles
• Pacific Pie Company – Aussie/Kiwi-style hand pies for quick savory bites
• Nossa Familia – Third wave coffee roasters doubling as a cafe

Mississippi Ave

• Por Que No – Tacos, margaritas and ceviche casual taqueria
• Gravy – Southern comfort meals shined up with Pacific NW ingredients
• StormBreaker Brewing – Local craft suds alongside site-made bar eats

NE Alberta Arts District

• Boxer Ramen – Rich bowls brimming with pork/chicken broth and noodles
• The Bye and Bye – Vegan dive bar pizza and burgers everyone craves late-night
• Salt & Straw – Mind-blowing artisanal ice cream pushing flavor boundaries

20 Best Tips for Day Trip to Portland from Seattle

A day adventure to Portland from Seattle allows you to experience the eccentric vibe and urban greenspaces that make Stumptown so beloved. But with just 24 hours to maximize your time, careful trip planning is key. Follow these 20 expert tips to make the most of your day trip down to PDX.

1. Time Your Departure

Leave early in the morning, ideally before 8 am to avoid Seattle traffic heading south. The roughly 175-mile drive takes around 3 hours without stops. Arriving early lets you maximize time for sightseeing.

2. Gas Up

Fill your tank before hitting the road since gas stations may be sparse along some remote sections of the I-5 drive. The last thing you want is to sputter out halfway to Portland!

3. Pack Snacks & Drinks

Having munchies, water, and caffeine on hand allows you to save money and time by limiting stops. Stash road trip favorites like trail mix, protein bars, sandwiches, fruit, and coffee to stay energized.

4. Make a Pitstop

Consider stopping once along the 3-hour drive to take a quick break, snack or bathroom break. Good options include Ridgefield Rest Area at milepost 9 or Woodland Rest Stop at milepost 21.

5. Have an Itinerary

Carefully plan which Portland sights, neighborhoods, and activities interest you most. Map out an itinerary including transportation to efficiently budget time. Prioritizing is key for a quick 24 hour visit.

6. Travel Early Morning

Arrive early in Portland before 10 am since many attractions like the International Rose Test Garden and restaurants open around that time. You’ll maximize hours for exploration versus driving.

7. Grab Brunch

Start fueling up in Portland by hunting down a tasty brunch spot like Mother’s Bistro & Bar downtown or Tin Shed Garden Cafe in the Alberta Arts District. Portland brunch game remains strong.

8. Purchase Public Transit Passes

Invest in purchasing TriMet public transportation day passes for $5 unlimited rides instead of driving. Buses, light rail and the streetcar can transport you efficiently across Portland. Consider the hop card for tap boarding convenience.

9. Wear Comfy Shoes

Break out the reliable sneakers or walking shoes for a day spent on foot in Portland traversing through lush parks and gardens or downtown streets. Skip the fancy leather Oxfords to avoid suffering sore feet before sunset.

10. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle)

Many restaurants in Portland don’t serve liquor but allow BYOB wine and beer with minimal corkage fees. Bring that special bottle along to dinner! Just remember glasses and open container laws.

11. See One Key Sight

If tight on time, research Top 10 lists to determine that one Bucket List Portland sight you refuse to miss like Powell’s City of Books, the Rose Test Garden or Voodoo Donuts. Check it off then play the rest by ear!

12. Divide and Conquer

Split up must-see sights with your road trip buddies if interests vary to cover more ground efficiently then meet back up later. You can grab Voodoo Donuts while your friend explores the shops and breweries on NW 23rd Street for example.

13. Take the Aerial Tram

Enjoy a birds-eye view of Portland’s skyline and Mt. Hood riding the scenic Portland Aerial Tram climbing 500 vertical feet up to OHSU and back down. At just four minutes one way, it’s quick and stunning.

14. Download Offline Maps

Avoid getting lost driving around Portland without cell service for rideshare pickups by pre-downloading offline Google Maps of Portland onto your phone using the app. Then access maps anytime regardless of WiFi or data connectivity.

15. Try Food Carts & Pods

Skip burger chains and enjoy Portland’s famous food cart scene for cheap, quick bites. Hit pods downtown on SW Alder Street or Mississippi Marketplace for endless options from ramen to arepas.

16. Embrace Getting Lost

Part of Portland’s allure means happily abandoning rigid plans and letting yourself get a little lost strolling through funky new neighborhoods with their vibrant street art murals, shops and cafes. See where the day takes you!

17. Catch a City View

Don’t overlook stunning views of Portland and beyond from vantage points like Pittock Mansion or elevation gained hiking along Wildwood Trail in Forest Park over the Willamette River.

18. Visit Markets for Picnics

Stock up on artisan cheese, chocolate, fresh fruit, smoked salmon and Portland’s fabulous craft beer at farmers markets like Portland Farmers Market at PSU on Saturday to enjoy picnic-style later on park grass or Waterfront Park.

19. Stay for Sunset

Extend your quick day trip just a bit longer to witness Portland’s skies ablaze in pink and orange hues at sunset. The views overlooking the Willamette River dazzle. Cap it off right at one of Portland’s myriad taprooms and rooftop bars open late to raise a nightcap brew.

20. Schedule Repeat Visits!

No doubt after just 24 hours packed exploring Portland’s gardens, forests, bridges, culinary treats and quirky attractions you’ll already be planning another return visit before you depart. Each repeat trip uncovers more of Portland’s irresistible magic. Luckily the friendly city stays within an easy day trip away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Portland when it rains?

Portland gets its fair share of gray rainy days, but there are still ample indoor activities. You can browse endless books at Powell’s City of Books, check out city views from the 30th floor at Pittock Mansion, or sample flights at one of Portland’s many breweries or distilleries.

Where should I stay if visiting Portland for 2 days?

Downtown Portland offers the most central location with excellent access to public transportation options. The Pearl District and Nob Hill neighborhoods also place visitors steps from top shops, restaurants and breweries.

Is taking the train from Seattle to Portland feasible for a day trip?

Technically yes, as Amtrak Cascades offers daily service between Seattle and Portland. However, the 4+ hour journey time makes for a very long day. Driving directly takes half the travel time.

Is Portland safe for tourists?

Like any city, visitors should exercise common sense precautions in Portland. However downtown and most tourist areas see low crime rates during daylight hours. Simply stay aware of your surroundings and use rideshares or cabs at night.

Conclusion

A day adventure down to Portland from Seattle delivers beautiful scenery, bountiful culinary treasures and exhilarating city energy. From wandering vibrant farmers markets tasting locally grown goodies to strolling through peaceful gardens for undeniable zen, Portland surprises at every turn.

Whether hiking into soaring forests or stuffing bellies full of artisanal doughnuts and some of America’s finest coffee, a quick day trip or weekend in Portland leaves visitors planning the next escapade back ASAP. The quirky, laidback vibe simply gets under your skin. But a word to the wise: once you finally depart Portland, you’ll already start missing it before you even cross the state line.

Resources

Travel Oregon Official Guide

Travel Portland Official Visitors Site

Portland Facts & Tourism Statistics