The 15 Most Unique and “Weird” Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a city like no other. It’s a haven for creative types, environmentally conscious citizens, and individuals who simply appreciate colorful and unique experiences. If you’re looking for things to do in Portland, Oregon, that stray from the ordinary, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the 15 weirdest and most unique experiences to be had in this quirky city.
Visit Powell’s City of Books
If you love books and you love strange experiences, Powell’s City of Books is a must-visit destination in Portland. This massive bookstore spans an entire block and boasts over a million books in categories ranging from art to science fiction. The sheer size and variety of books make this bookstore a one-of-a-kind experience, but what sets it apart is its weirdness. Powell’s also carries some truly bizarre and obscure titles, like the “Collected poems of e.e. cummings” and “An Anthology of Oz” - so you never know what you’ll find.
Play Pinball at Different Pins
Portland is home to a number of different pinball locations that cater to players of all skill levels. Different Pins, however, is a little different. This unique venue is a combination of an arcade, bar, and gathering place dedicated to pinball. With plenty of machines and a welcoming atmosphere, Different Pins attracts a wide variety of players and provides a weird, fun experience. Plus, with cocktails and craft beers available, why not try and hit a high score after a few sips?
Enjoy a Meal at Teoteo
Teoteo is a food cart pod in Portland serving up ceviche, anticuchos, lomo saltado, and more. But what sets this food cart venue apart is its open-air kitchen, which allows you to watch the chefs prepare each dish. Watching the chefs work their magic is almost as enjoyable as tasting their food, and the outdoor seating at this location provides a relaxed, weird experience that’s perfect for a casual meal.
Explore Washington Park’s Stone Circle
Washington Park is a large, peaceful park in Portland filled with walking paths, gardens, and natural beauty. One of the most unique and strange features of this park is the Stone Circle, a ritual magic and meditation space that is a little hard to find. But if you make the trek, you’ll be rewarded with a mystical and otherworldly experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Check out Voodoo Doughnuts
Voodoo Doughnuts is arguably the weirdest doughnut shop in the world, let alone Portland. This doughnut shop sells all kinds of strange and delightful pastries, from the classic Voodoo Doll doughnut to the equally creepy and delicious Oreo Jackwagon. Even if you’re not a doughnut fan, it’s hard not to appreciate the creativity and humor that Voodoo Doughnuts brings to the table.
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If you’re looking for a weird and fantastic experience in Portland, visit the cafe at the Portland Art Museum. Known as “the best-kept secret in downtown Portland,” the cafe features stunning works of art, from paintings to sculptures to a giant rainbow logo. The cafe also serves up a variety of delicious coffee options and food, making it the perfect stop for both art and sustenance.
Take a Trip to the Portland Flea
Calling all vintage and antique lovers - the Portland Flea is the ultimate destination for tracking down unique and strange items. From taxidermy to vintage clothing to books, music and more, the Portland Flea has something for everyone. If you’re interested in finding something completely unique and out-of-the-box, this is the place to start.
Wander Through Lan Su Chinese Garden
One of the most beautiful and peaceful sites in Portland is the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This tranquil garden features traditional Chinese architecture and a wide variety of flora, making it a perfect place to escape the bustle of the city. Featuring bamboo groves, ponds, and waterfalls, Lan Su is a beautiful and otherworldly experience that’s hard to come by in many other places.
Visit the World’s Smallest Park - Pioneer Courthouse Square
It may not be the most bizarre experience in Portland, but visiting the world’s smallest park is certainly unique. Measuring in at a mere 6,632 square feet, the Pioneer Courthouse Square is a teeny tiny park with a historical and cultural significance that can’t be ignored. Plus, it’s home to the Delaney Building, which claims to have the shortest elevator ride in the world.
Spend an Hour at Radar Sunset Bistro
Radar Sunset Bistro is a small bar and restaurant that has been serving up delicious food and drinks for over 20 years. But the real draw at Radar is their eclectic and unique atmosphere, featuring art, live music, and events. With everything from stand-up comedy shows to food cart meet-ups, there’s always something strange and delightful happening at Radar.
Take a Trip to Powell Butte Nature Park
If you’re looking for a strange, otherworldly experience that comes with a healthy dose of exercise, head to Powell Butte Nature Park. This city park features miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the city, but its real draw is the strange and mystical presence of the Park’s many wild creatures, from squirrels to birds to the occasional snake.
Visit the Magic and Mystery Circus
No, there isn’t actually a circus in Portland - but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the wild, weird world of circus arts. The Circus Adventure camp offers a range of circus classes, from juggling to trapeze to hula ho lương, and provides a unique opportunity to explore the strange and mind-bending world of circus arts.
Soak in a Film at Disjecta
Disjecta is a contemporary art center that features a range of exhibitions, from paintings to photography to installations. But their most weird and wonderful experience is their seasonal film series, which showcases a range of films from around the world. With both cult classics and indie films, Disjecta’s film series offers a unique and out-of-the-box experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Check Out Portland’s Many Street Murals
Portland is a city that loves public art, and one of the most unique and weird experiences to be had in the city is exploring its many street murals. Featuring a range of subjects from icons like Nina Simone to activist groups like Black Lives Matter, Portland’s street art is as strange and eclectic as the city itself.
Stop by The Mystery Dive Bar
Finally, if you’re looking for a strange and surreal experience, look no further than The Mystery Dive Bar. While it’s not in Portland, this dive bar located in nearby Beaverton offers a unique experience that’s definitely worth the trip. Featuring a decidedly 1970s vibe and over three decades of history, The Mystery Dive Bar is a true Portland treasure that’s worth exploring.
So, there you have it - the 15 weirdest and most unique experiences
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