Eastside Travel Guide

Plan your trip to the Eastside of Portland Metropolitan Area with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Eastside, Oregon.


Introduction to Eastside

Eastside is a bustling region of Portland Metropolitan Area in Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. The Eastside is famous for its trendy neighborhoods, vibrant street art, local craft beer scene, and exciting outdoor activities. The Eastside has several neighborhoods, including Belmont, Laurelhurst, Sellwood, and Mount Tabor, each with its own unique charm.

List of Places to Visit in Eastside

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or an adventure enthusiast, Eastside has something for everyone. Some of the top places to visit in Eastside are:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: A hands-on science and technology museum with interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
  • Portland Art Museum: Features over 42,000 works of art from ancient times to contemporary artists.
  • Pittock Mansion: A historic home-turned-museum with stunning gardens and panoramic views of Portland City.
  • Oregon Historical Society Museum: A collection of over 85,000 artifacts that illustrate the rich history of Oregon State.

Natural Attractions of Eastside: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Tabor Park: A dormant volcano turned into a beautiful urban park with hiking trails and amazing views of the city.
  • Hawthorne Bridge: A pedestrian-friendly bridge across Willamette River with stunning views of the city skyline and the river.
  • Laurelhurst Park: A 26-acre park with a serene duck pond, picnic areas, and basketball courts.
  • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: A serene and picturesque garden with ponds, trails, and over 2,500 rhododendrons in bloom.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastside

Eastside is a paradise for bikers and hikers with its numerous scenic routes. Some of the famous biking and hiking trails in Eastside are:

  • Springwater Corridor Trail: An easy and scenic 21-mile trail that follows an old railway line and crosses wetlands, parks, and neighborhoods.
  • Esplanade Trail: A bike path along the Willamette River with beautiful vistas of the city skyline and the river.
  • Mount Tabor Summit Trail: A steep 1.4-mile hike to the summit of Mount Tabor Park with stunning panoramic views of the city and the mountains.

Best Things to Do in Eastside: Activities and Tours

Eastside has no shortage of activities, tours, and events for travelers. Here are some of the best things to do in Eastside:

  • Portland Saturday Market: An open-air market with unique art, crafts, and food vendors in downtown Portland held every Saturday.
  • Portland Breweries Tour: Explore the vibrant craft beer scene of Eastside with a brewery tour of some of the best breweries in the region.
  • Food Cart Tours: Sample some of the best street food in the region with a food cart tour of Eastside.
  • Oregon Wine Country Tour: Explore the Willamette Valley wine region with a day trip from Eastside and sample some of the finest wines in Oregon.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastside

Here’s a one-week itinerary for travelers visiting Eastside:

Day 1: Arrival and exploring the neighborhood Day 2: Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Pittock Mansion Day 3: Hiking on Mount Tabor Park and exploring the Hawthorne Bridge Day 4: Food cart tour of Eastside and dinner at a local restaurant Day 5: Explore the Portland Art Museum and Laurelhurst Park Day 6: Tour the Portland Breweries and city walk in Sellwood neighborhood Day 7: Day trip to the Willamette Valley wine country

Food and Drink Scene of Eastside

Eastside is famous for its food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Eastside:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Voodoo Doughnuts: Famous for their unique and quirky doughnuts like Voodoo Dolls and Bacon Maple Bars.
  • Pine State Biscuits: Delicious biscuits with gravy, fried chicken, and cheese.
  • Salt & Straw Ice Cream: Innovative ice cream flavors like Honey Lavender and Pear with Blue Cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Portland Breweries: Eastside has some of the best breweries in the region, offering unique and innovative craft beers like Breakside Brewery, Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, and Burnside Brewing Company.
  • Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Famous for their artisanal coffee blends and cold brews.
  • Townshend’s Tea Company: Offering a variety of tea blends and kombucha on tap.

Where to Stay in Eastside: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastside has plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. Some of the best options include:

  • Ace Hotel Portland: A chic and stylish hotel with a unique flair, with comfortable rooms, a coffee shop, and a famous restaurant.
  • McMenamins Kennedy School: A renovated elementary school now functioning as a cozy hotel and entertainment center with a brewery, movie theater, and soaking pool.
  • Hostelling International Portland: A budget-friendly hostel in a historic building, located in the heart of the Eastside.

What to Buy in Eastside: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eastside has several unique and locally made products that make perfect souvenirs like:

  • Powell’s City of Books: A massive bookstore with several locations in Portland, famous for its collection of new and used books.
  • Made in Oregon: A store featuring an array of handmade products from Oregon state like local wine, craft beer, and handmade jewelry.
  • Tanner Goods: A leather goods store in Portland, offering handmade leather products like wallets, belts, and bags.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastside

Eastside is known for its vibrant, eclectic, and unique culture. Portlanders have a friendly and relaxed demeanor, and the Eastside neighborhoods are characterized by a thriving arts scene, farmers’ markets, and street fairs. Visitors should respect the locals’ culture and practices, like keeping the streets clean and respecting the environment.

Best Time to Visit Eastside

The best time to visit Eastside is in the summer, between June and August. The weather is mild and pleasant, with plenty of outdoor events and activities. Spring and Fall are also good times to visit, with fewer crowds and mild weather conditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastside

Do:

  • Do explore the street art and murals in Eastside.
  • Do visit the Portland Farmers’ Market and other farmers’ markets in the region.
  • Do respect the local culture and customs of Eastside.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash on the streets.
  • Don’t smoke or vape in public places.
  • Don’t be loud or disruptive in residential areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastside

Eastside is a safe neighborhood, but visitors should take normal precautions like not leaving valuables in plain sight. Being aware of surroundings at night, using well-lit and busy streets, and not walking alone are some of the safety measures that visitors can take.

Health in Eastside

Eastside has several healthcare and medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Travelers should carry their medication and keep a list of emergency numbers and medical facilities in the area.

Getting to Eastside: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eastside

Portland International Airport is the nearest airport to Eastside, located just ten miles away from the city center. Visitors can hire a taxi, ride-share, or public transportation to reach Eastside.

Bus Stations Near Eastside

Greyhound operates several bus services to Portland, and visitors can take the Max Light Rail from Union Station to reach Eastside.

Other Options

The Eastside is well connected to the rest of the city with public transportation, including buses, light rails, and streetcars. Visitors can also rent a car, bike, or take a ride-share to explore the region.

How to Get Around in Eastside

Eastside is a pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhood, with several bike paths and bike-sharing services available. Visitors can also use public transportation like buses, light rails, and streetcars to explore the area.

Where to Go Next from Eastside: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore several nearby destinations and excursions from Eastside, like:

  • Multnomah Falls: A famous waterfall and park located 30 minutes away from Eastside.
  • Oregon Coast: A scenic coastal area located two hours away from Portland with beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
  • Mount Hood: A popular winter sports destination located just an hour away from Eastside, with skiing, snowboarding, and hiking opportunities.

Conclusion

Eastside is an eclectic, vibrant, and unique neighborhood in the heart of Portland Metropolitan Area in Oregon. With its charming neighborhoods, trendy bars, restaurants, art galleries, and scenic outdoor trails, Eastside has everything that a traveler needs to have a memorable trip. Plan your trip to Eastside using this comprehensive travel guide!

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