Portland Area Attractions
Portland, Oregon is home to a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions that appeal to seniors as well as their friends and family of all ages. Here is a sampling of the top attractions closest to Terwilliger Plaza.
Established in 1871, Washington Park has over 15 miles of trails, some of which are part of the 40-Mile Loop connecting Washington Park with Pittock Mansion, Forest Park to the north, and Council Crest to the south. Washington Park covers over 410 acres. The Oregon Zoo, International Rose Test Garden, Portland Children’s Museum, Hoyt Arboreteum and Portland Japanese Garden are all housed within the Park. With its various attractions, it is a place for all to learn, contemplate life, enjoy nature, smell the roses and have fun and play.
Oregon Zoo – in Washington Park (2.9 miles)
The Oregon Zoo is spread out across 64 acres and has five major exhibit areas: Great Northwest, Fragile Forests, Asia, Pacific Shores and Africa. Within these large areas are 23 specialized exhibits. The zoo is great for people of all ages. Child discount available.
International Rose Test Garden – in Washington Park (3.2 miles)
Officially established in 1917, the International Rose Test Garden was designed to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties. More than 10,000 individual rose bushes bloom in the Garden from late May through October, representing over 610 different rose varieties. Free admission.
Hoyt Arboretum – in Washington Park (3.4 miles)
Founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate the community, Hoyt Arboretum encompasses 190 ridge-top acres and 12 miles of hiking trails just minutes from downtown Portland. Home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, Hoyt Arboretum is a place of beauty and serenity no matter the season.
Portland Japanese Garden – in Washington Park (3.3 miles)
The Garden sits nestled in the hills of Portland, Oregon’s iconic Washington Park, overlooking the city and providing a tranquil, urban oasis for locals and travelers alike. Designed in 1963, it encompasses 12 acres with eight separate garden styles, and includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, walkway, and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. Child and senior discounts available.
Portland Art Museum (1.1 miles)
Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is the seventh oldest museum in the United States and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. The Museum is recognized worldwide for its permanent collection and special exhibitions, drawn from the Museum’s holdings and the world’s finest public and private collections. Child and senior discounts available.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) (1.9 miles)
Founded in 1944, OMSI is one of the nation’s leading science museums with an international reputation in science education. Their mission is to inspire curiosity by creating engaging science learning experiences for students of all ages and backgrounds. Labs, exhibits, touch tanks… even a submarine — SS Blueback Submarine. Child and senior discounts available.
Lan Su Chinese Garden (2.2 miles)
Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city in China’s Jiangsu province that’s famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou and is one the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. Child discounts available.
Pittock Mansion (3.8 miles from Terwilliger Plaza)
Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion tells the story of Portland’s transformation from pioneer town to modern, industrialized city through the history and legacy of one its most influential families, the Pittocks. Saved from demolition by dedicated citizens in 1964, the Mansion and surrounding estate was purchased by the City of Portland and opened to the public as a historic house museum. Child and senior discounts available.
Portland Farmers Market (.7 miles from Terwilliger Plaza)
The Farmers Market at Portland State University is open year-round on Saturdays 8:30 am to 2:00 pm (April-Oct) and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (Nov-Mar). Free for all ages.
Portland State University (.7 miles from Terwilliger Plaza)
Founded in 1946, Portland State University is Oregon’s most diverse urban public research university with 26,000 students and more than 200 degree programs. With more than 200 degree programs to choose from, PSU is Oregon’s most diverse, innovative and affordable research university.
Duniway Park (.1 miles from Terwilliger Plaza)
Literally in Terwilliger Plaza’s backyard, Duniway Park was once Portland’s first Italian settlement colony. The 14-acre park has a lilac garden and is surrounded by steep hillsides covered with fir and cedar. Free for all ages.
South Waterfront Park (1 mile from Terwilliger Plaza)
Opened in 1978, the 30-acre Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park highlights the beauty of Portland’s shoreline along the Willamette River. It has fountains, art and dozens of walking areas. Free for all ages.