7 Fun Facts About Portland, Oregon

Destinations International’s annual conference is a chance for the travel industry to explore a region that welcomed 8.5 million person-trips in 2025. It’s a vibrant and scenic destination with many experiences to enjoy.

For first timers or returning guests, here’s a primer about Portland:

1. The culture: Portland has a distinct laid-back, liberal, and countercultural vibe, so much so that it is often considered a sister city with Austin, Texas. Yes, they are both irreverent, but not officially related.

2. Accessibility is baked in. Wheel the World, a travel platform for people with disabilities, designated Oregon as the first “accessibility verified” state last year. Portland is a major reason why the state is considered so welcoming to all. TriMet Transit, including buses, MAX Light Rail, and the Portland Streetcar are fully accessible. The Portland Japanese Garden stands out by offering ADA-accessible spaces in the Cultural Village and a free, wheelchair-accessible shuttle from the Welcome Center. The Oregon Zoo and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry receive high ratings from Wheel the World, too.

Portland Street Car in the Pearl District. Credit: Travel Portland.

3. Food trucks are a way of life. It’s easy to support local businesses in Portland. There are 575 food trucks and 80 pods available to get a taste of the eclectic entrepreneurs while also getting a great meal, snack, drink, or dessert.

4. You don’t have to worry about sales tax. Oregon is one of five U.S. states with no sales tax. Compared to sales taxes of around 10% or more in other major cities, it’s like you have walked into a statewide discount store. Some neighborhoods popular for walking and shopping include Hawthorne, Alberta, Mississippi, downtown, the Pearl District and Nob Hill.

5. There are great outdoors to explore. Sure, it rains some in Portland, but that just adds some greenery to your views. Act like a local and embrace the weather. There are nearly 300 parks, gardens, trails and natural areas in Portland and the metro area comprising 18,000 acres to hike, walk, or bike. Consider a trip to Mount Hood.

6. You’ll want to find some hot spots. Knot Springs and Waterfront Park are natural to take a soak and relax. Why head inside for a spa day?

Proud Mary Owner Nolan Hirte adds to the coffee scene. Credit: Travel Portland.

7. Feel smart and chic here. Hipsters don’t have the monopoly on a coffee and bookstore kind of day. Java is almost as famous here as Seattle, and no city can compete with Powell’s City of Books, the country’s largest independent bookstore, and Third Eye Books, an independently owned Black bookstore.

Photo Credit: Travel Portland