Set at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland became a major port city in the 1830s when residents arrived via the Oregon Trail. Portland has since traded its pioneers for hipsters and, today, the bustling big city is a paradise for trendy businesses. Based in the Pacific Northwest, and with snow-capped Mount Hood serving as its backdrop, the city offers no shortage of outdoor excursions. Need a nature fix? Your Portland vacation rental puts you just 90 minutes from the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and the raw volcanic power of Mount St. Helens.
Love getting lost in a good book? Then shop until you drop at Powell's City of Books. Dubbed the world's largest independent new and used bookstore, the 1.6-acre shop covers a whole city block. Put your book away and explore the world of Native American and Asian art at the Portland Art Museum, a local institution since 1892. Sheer beauty is on display at the 400-acre, hilltop Washington Park, where you can stroll through an arboretum, Japanese garden, and the city's beloved rose garden. Little ones will gravitate toward the park's own Oregon Zoo and Portland Children's Museum.
Leave the comfort of your Portland vacation rental and let loose in downtown's collection of hip restaurants, bars, and museums. Foodies will drool over gourmet street food served from the food carts lining the downtown streets. If you want to hang with the locals, the nearby Pearl District bustles with activity, as former warehouses now house an array of cool bars, breweries, coffee shops, and galleries. For a fresh view of the city, walk the riverfront trail along the Willamette, or make the 90-minute drive to Mount Hood for an afternoon of skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Portland's rainy reputation lives up to the hype between November and February when the city nets 5 to 6 inches of rain each month. Winter also brings chilly daytime highs in the 40s and the occasional flurry, but snow rarely sticks to the ground for long. During the summer, you'll want to break free from your Portland vacation rental to take advantage of the sunny skies and 80-degree temperatures. Enjoy mild conditions in the spring and fall when daytime highs fluctuate between the 50s and 60s.
There's no escaping nature in Portland, even downtown, where the Willamette River flows from north to south, and lush green hills lie to the west. But if you really want to break away from the urban setting, venture east to Mount Hood, an active volcano whose hillsides feature glaciers and dense pine forests, or drive north to stare into the open crater of famed Mount St. Helens. Just northeast of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge offers even more natural beauty as the river cuts through a canyon whose sheer cliff walls are dotted with waterfalls.
Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), the closest airport, located 6.2 mi (10 km) from the city center.
If you'd rather travel by train, the main station is Portland Union Station. It's easy to get around Portland by jumping on the metro at SW 6th-Pine Street Station, NW 5th-Couch Street Station or NW 6th-Davis Street Station.
Portland has numerous romantic locations to explore on your vacation. Tranquil vacation homes are available near places like the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene, landscaped garden with waterfalls, a teahouse, and spectacular mountain views, and the Pittock Mansion, a museum shop within a historic home with crafts and historic gifts. You could also visit the International Rose Test Garden to view tens of thousands of plants in manicured displays.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and right now it wants to take a vacation. Now's the time to pack your suitcase and escape to one of these top vacation rentals in or near Portland:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Portland vacation rental for you.
You need only take a look inside our tiny house vacation rentals in Portland to realize that amazing things really do come in little packages. Ingeniously designed to maximize space, these pint-sized pads deliver a big vacation experience:
Whether you want to spend your trip chasing adventure outdoors or connecting with your favorite people, Vrbo has wonderful log cabins where you can do both. Have a peek at these favorites in and around Portland:
We all need an escape from the real world every once in a while. If you're dreaming of a couple of leisurely mornings in a cushy bed hugging a coffee, we've got some amazing weekend getaways in and around Portland. Check out two of our favorites:
You certainly can. If you want a small but stylish stay, you can't top a studio apartment. These compact properties exude charm and are often conveniently located in the center of town. Check out the following options in or near Portland:
From cozy apartments to huge vacation homes, Vrbo has your mini break sorted. Here are just two of our favorite stays in and around Portland:
Whether spent in a cabin, a cottage or a houseboat, a romantic weekend getaway is a wonderful way to spice up your relationship. Whisk your sweetheart off for a few days at one of these appealing escapes in or near Portland:
Share your vacation and have twice as much fun. Whether you're organizing an active escape with buddies or a family reunion, there's no shortage of large group vacation rentals in and around Portland:
A pool is often a nonnegotiable when choosing where to stay, particularly if you're bringing the kids along. Check out these houses with a pool in or near Portland and fill your days with frolicking and fun:
Not sure what the weather is like in Portland? It has a mediterranean climate, with average summertime temperatures ranging from 50 ºF to 80 ºF. If you're seeking more inspiration on places to stay in this amazing destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to scroll through our entire range of Portland vacation rentals.
Every catch-up with the family should be a memorable one. Whether you're organizing a fun escape with the kids or a celebration with relatives, Vrbo's large family vacation rentals in or near Portland offer a comfy home away from home with plenty of space for everyone:
If you're chasing family-friendly attractions in the area, you're spoiled for choice. Oregon Zoo, Multnomah Falls and International Rose Test Garden promise lots of fun for both adults and kids.