PORTLAND'S MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES
Do it for the gram - seriously
When you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed there are undoubtedly a handful of places that will pop up. After all, there is a reason people flock to these locations to get the perfect ‘grammable shot. And why not? We obviously don’t mind giving them a double-tap, no matter how many times we’ve seen them.
But it’s not just the feed scroll. I would bet my bottom dollar that it’s a pretty common thing before you jet off somewhere new to troll through Instagram looking for the best street art, architectural structures, or locations in general that lend themselves to be that perfect Insta pic.
You may or may not know this, but Portland, Oregon has got some pretty 'grammable locations. And I’m not only talking about the coffee shops, because not everyone in PDX only drinks coffee!
Caveat: If you are coming to Portland without a car, or car rental, I will say things are pretty spread out. Whether you’re going to be traveling via Uber or Lyft, or taking public transportation (what have you), give yourself ample time to get to each of these locations.
Plan that Instaworthy outfit, grab your camera and tripod (or a friend) and strap on your walking shoes! It's time to hit 20 spots around the ‘City of Roses’ that need to be added to your Instagram feed. After all, if there isn’t a photo did it even happen?
TO OREGON WITH LOVE
NE 22nd Avenue and Alberta Street
If you want to get a sense of what the Beaver State is all about this mural perfectly pulls together PNW (Pacific Northwest) elements in a story highlighting a Portlander's love for their state.
FUN FACT: This mural also happens to be right around the corner from the NE location of the famous Salt & Straw creamery. Make sure you stop by before heading out!
To Oregon With Love mural in NE Portland by Blaine Fontana
PIP'S ORIGINAL DOUGHNUTS
4759 NE Fremont Street
Everyone loves doughnuts - well everyone should love doughnuts. This place does them up right as they come in the cutest bite size rounds in some pretty impressive flavors. Plus, the cloud wall they have inside is so on point.
Pop in for a doughnut, or five, at Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai. Also located in NE Portland on Freemont Street
FLAMINGOS AT THE PIE SPOT
521 NE 24th Avenue
What could be better than a colorful wall of flamingos? The fact that this wall is connected to a pie place. Yes, you heard that right, pies! Pop into this cute bakeshop for a mini-pie post photoshoot.
It may rain while you're out on your Insta adventures, this is Portland after all! So don't forget to bring your cute umbrella as a prop!
CATHEDRAL PARK (AND THE ST. JOHNS BRIDGE)
North Portland, at the St. Johns Bridge
There are numerous spots to take photos in this park. Also, due to its location (being almost in Washington State) it's less crowded in general.
Walk along the tracks and under the bridge at Cathedral Park, located all the way North in Portland, just across the river from Vancouver, Washington.
IRA KELLER FOUNTAIN PARK
SW 3rd Avenue and Clay Street
Right smack in the middle of Downtown Portland, this is a place you will most likely walk by as you're exploring. Located directly across the street from the Keller Auditorium, the fountain is an impressive structure in itself and features an amazing water feature, which is turned off in late September.
If you want to get an even more impressive photo, make sure you visit before the end of September when they turn off the water
HAWTHORNE ARROWS
Hawthorne Blvd between 9th and 10th Avenues
When visiting Portland you are most likely going to make a trip to Hawthorne Boulevard. This east side street is most notably known for its hipster scene and for the plethora of great coffee shops and restaurants that dot it. This mural is just one of many that you will find along Hawthorne.
Another awesome mural by Blaine Fontana that you must see. And if you're curious there happens to be a dispensary right next door - it is legal in Oregon after all.
STELLA TACO
3060 SE Division Street
Like a couple other places on this list, Stella Taco has more than one location in Portland. But there is only one location with this cute wall art, so many sure the Division Street location is on your radar!
Tacos are for lovers. And to make your love grow even more this location of Stella Taco offers a daily happy hour (Monday-Friday) from 3 - 6pm
EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING
SE Division Street, next to the MLK/Grand Viaduct
Sometimes a piece of art is so big it requires you to cross the street just to take it in. This happens to be the case with this warehouse mural created by Zach Yarrington for the 2014 Forest for the Trees mural event.
Where's Lindsey? Can you spot me in this photo? This mural is one you will most definitely need to cross the street for
NEVER COFFEE LAB
4243 SE Belmont Street
Not only does this coffee shop have the cutest aesthetic (seriously it's meant to be 'grammed), they make some of the best lattes around! Their signature drinks have the most clever names and will take your tastebuds to the next level.
Finally, a place that isn't in NE Portland! Make sure you get one of Never Coffee's delicious lattes while you're there. Not only are the cups just as 'grammable, it will be one of the best lattes of your life.
PITTOCK MANSION & THE WILDWOOD TRAIL
3229 NW Pittock Drive
Take a step into the wild of the PNW and Portland's history by hiking up the Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion. Not only will you get some stellar views of the city below but you'll end at one of Portland's historical jewels. Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion showcases how Portland became to be what it is today.
The Wildwood Trail weaves its way through Forest Park. Start at the Vietnam Memorial (adjacent to the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center).
The trail will weave into Washington Park where it makes a steep ascent up to Pittock Mansion - which sits at one of the trail’s highest and most scenic peaks.
ART FILLS THE VOID! BANANA
SE 12th Avenue and Division Street
There is no way you could miss this 30 by 50 foot bruised banana mural (personally I prefer them a little brown). Don't confuse this with an Andy Warhol piece, though! A Gorilla Wallflare member (the group responsible for the art) has cleared up the confusion, stating it was originally about the war in Central America, a banana republic. Later they decided to change the wall’s exclamation to “Art Fills the Void,” as a protest to the existence of a boring, blank wall.
Gorilla Wallflare's potassium filled wall is sure to put you in a good mood
THE SOCIETY HOTEL
203 NW 3rd Avenue
Yes, you can also go to Portland's famed Ace Hotel for a photo opp, but make sure you also stop by this next hip spot in NW Portland! The Society Hotel has many 'grammable locations throughout the property (including a roof deck), and might make you even consider an overnight stay.
If you love cozy couches, warm, crackling fires, and amazing almond lattes, The Society Hotel cafe is the place you must go chill
JAPANESE GARDEN
611 SW Kingston Avenue
I cannot being to describe how amazing of an escape this place is in Portland. Not only is it simply beautiful there are many places to capture that amazing shot. From the entrance, to the perfectly manicured Flat Garden near the Pavilion Gallery, to the cute little bridges, to the impressive waterfall, you can be assured that you won't be disappointed with your visit.
This is just one of the many 'grammable places within the garden!
INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDEN
400 SW Kingston Avenue
Literally right across the street from the Japanese Garden, you would be crazy to not hop on over and take a walk through! Founded in 1917, the International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official rose test garden in the United States, and features more than 10,000 plants. They're doing exactly what the name suggests - trying out various rose varieties.
If you want to see the roses make sure you visit between April and October. If you come in June the roses will be at their peak, in full bloom.
SEVEN VIRTUES COFFEE
3538 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
What would an Portland Instagram post be without another coffee shop? Just don't make the mistake of going to any of the other Seven Virtues locations! The one on Hawthorne is the only one that should go on your list. Why you ask? Because of this amazingly fun turquoise wall of course!
Try to get here a little early so that you can get a photo in front of this wall. Serious decor goals!
STONE HOUSE AKA THE WITCH'S HOUSE
Wildwood Trail in Forest Park
This place is definitely random and definitely a little creepy. It was built in the mid-1930s (probably by witches), but really by the Works Progress Administration as a public restroom. Since the infamous Columbus Day storm on October 12, 1962 it has remained a favorite landmark to rest along the trail.
This is technically known as the Stone House in Forest Park - but it is more fondly known by locals as the Witch's House
180 XURROS
2218 NE Broadway Street
Either way, whether you stand in front of this wall with your churro, or you just hold it up like I did, 180 Xurros needs to go on your list. This is because they have the best tasting Spanish-style pastries and drinking chocolate outside of Spain.
Yes, the drinking chocolate is very, very rich. But it wouldn't be an 180 Xurros experience without something to dip your churro into
THE HEATHMAN HOTEL
1001 SW Broadway
Literally right around the corner (less than a 10 minute walk) from the Keller Fountain, The Heathman Hotel is a gorgeous, architectural slice of Portland's history. It's also located right next to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (and that famous Portland marquee). I suggest heading to their Tea Court Lounge. Not only will the chandelier wow you, the steps and oversized fireplace are perfect for those Insta shots.
The mezzanine at the hotel overlooks this gorgeous lounge which on misty days will make you want to cozy up in front of the fire all afternoon
TILIKUM CROSSING (AKA THE BRIDGE OF THE PEOPLE)
At the South Waterfront/SW Moody MAX Station or the OMSI/SE Water MAX Station
Why is this bridge so much cooler than the other bridges in Portland? Because it is the first bridge of its kind in the whole of the United States. Known as the Bridge of the People, it is the only bridge that has banned motor vehicles and gives MAX trains, buses, streetcars, cyclists and pedestrians a new way to cross over the Willamette River.
No cars allowed! Tilikum Crossing has the view of the Willamette you won't get anywhere else. Pop into OMSI afterwards to get your science on!
LAN SU CHINESE GARDEN
239 NW Everett Street
After you're done taking your cafe or rooftop pic (or both) at The Society Hotel cross the street and head into the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Not only will you feel as though you have stepped out of Portland and into China, you'll get a sense of giddiness as you look around at all of the bridge photo opps.
The areas of the Chinese Garden are conneected by a series of bridges. Perfect for rainy Portland weather!
As hard as I tried I wasn’t able to get to every, single place on my list – but this happens. That just means I’ll have to go back and continue the photo adventures!
If you want even more Insta worthy spots seek out in Portland, add the below to your list:
- We Are Rip City mural by Tom O'Toole - 1033 NE 6th Avenue
- White Stag Sign - 31 NW Naito Parkway
- Multnomah Falls (not in Portland but worth the 40 minute drive) - 50000 Historic Columbia River Highway, Bridal Veil, OR 97010
- Keep Portland Weird mural - across the street from Voodoo Doughnut
- Portland City Grill rooftop - 111 SW 5th Avenue
- OHSU Aerial Tram - 3303 SW Bond Avenue
- Sip Juice Bar van - 2210 NE Alberta Street
- Voodoo Doughnut (don't get a donut here, trust me) - 22 SW 3rd Avenue
Have you been to Portland and taken a photo in front of some of (or all of, you overachievers) these locations? Did I miss anything good? Let me know in the comments!
PS...Thank you to Travel Portland to providing me with a pass to see a lot of these sights. Although this post has nothing to do with the pass, and is not sponsored by Travel Portland, I thought I should give them a little shoutout :)
