Portland learned how to live with frequent rainy days, but visitors might be disappointed if they planned on sightseeing on foot. Soggy conditions stretch from November to April, and from June to September, there is little to no rain. That coincides with the peak season, crowds, and high hotel rates. If you do come on rainy days, there are some great options and things to do.
Tourists from abroad need travel authorization to come to the US. If you come from Visa Waiver Program countries, you can apply through the ESTA online application form. A straightforward online procedure has numerous questions, and the administration takes around three days to process the application. Once you obtain ESTA approval, it is valid for two years.
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Rainy day Activities in Portland
Check out why the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry attracts millions of visitors annually. Popular OMSI is ranked among the top science museums in the country with its permanent and unique exhibitions. You can go on a submarine tour, see movies on the IMAX screen, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Hot tubbing is a thing in Portland. Portland Tub and Tan offer a high-end private hot tub with amenities like a large TV, adaptive lighting, and a bar.
Knot Springs Social Club is a trendy soaking experience that offers additional treatments and fitness classes. McMenamins Kennedy School is a more down-to-earth establishment with a movie theater, heated pool, bars, and other fun things to do.
You can rent a car and take a 3.5-hour drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway. The first national scenic highway passes along the Columbia River Gorge. Its 75 miles is spectacular in the rainy season, with numerous waterfalls along the way and foggy conditions that make it dreamy. The biggest attraction on this drive is Multnomah Falls, with a 620 foot drop.
A popular rainy day destination in Portland is a DIY Bar, where you have a vast selection of projects with all necessary materials and guidance. Sip a beer and do your own project.
In general, Portland and Oregon have a huge craft beer scene, and you can go beer tasting. Breakside Brewery, Hopworks Urban Brewery, and Basecamp Brewing are among the most popular craft beer establishments.
Indoor Activities Portland
You can also go full 80s in Ground Kontrol to play more than 100 arcade games from the golden era of these massive standalone gaming consoles. Besides games, you can enjoy the considerable pinball game room, and part of the gaming premises has an adult-only gaming room with beer and cocktails.
Portland has several second movie theaters. Although they don’t run new movies, older quality films combined with cheaper craft beer, pizza, and snacks could be just what you need on a rainy afternoon.
Fun dates in Portland
Forest Park is the most significant public park in the city, and with 80 miles of trails, you can walk through a romantic outdoor setting and have some peace to talk, flirt, and enjoy.
Go for a drink in a bar during happy hour. Popular cheap, but not fishy bars include Aalto Lounge, Bhuna, Montavilla’s Observatory, and Rumbler.
Go to the beach, just 80 miles from town, to find Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach, or Seaside. You can take a long stroll on a huge sandy beach, beautiful ocean view, and impressive rock formation in the water.
You can go dancing at Clyde’s Prime Rib, with a live band rocking the joint on Saturday. Assorted beers, liqueur, and steaks, along with dancing, can be an excellent night out.
Best Cheap Food in Portland
Speaking of food, the city has exciting food scenes with fancy restaurants and a couple of cheap places to get a lovely meal like Birger Stevens. Affordable prices and famous cheeseburger, burger, and fries, or classic double cheeseburger can give you needed energy for sightseeing.
Los Gorditos has six places in Portland, and Mexican restaurant offers classic burritos, vegan menus, tacos, and other traditional food from Mexico.
If you want a rich and affordable breakfast, head down to Pepper Box Café, and PDX Sliders offers another cheap burger and sandwiches place. For pizza lovers, you can grab a stone oven delicious meals in Life of Pie Pizza. Locals claim the best fried-chicken sandwich is at Basilisk.
Enat Kitchen has authentic Ethiopian meals, and you can get incredible meals on a decent budget. There is a lunch buffet for just $10.
After you apply for the travel authorization, make ESTA status check frequently, and make travel reservations only when you get a positive answer from the American administration. With ESTA, you can visit the US for up to 90 days.
Bottom line
Portland has bustling bars, cafes, restaurant scenes, numerous craft breweries, and plenty of other indoor attractions to keep you occupied on a rainy day. But even light drizzling rain shouldn’t deter you from sightseeing. A quality raincoat and a clear goal, and you are ready to dive into this great northwestern city.