The largest city in Oregon, Portland has a reputation as one of the US' cultural centers, with a diverse range of arts, entertainment and cuisine on offer. Portland residents embrace their quirky side, and you'll see the slogan 'Keep Portland Weird' throughout the city, where it's become the unofficial motto. The city is also known as a hub of environmental awareness, which is something to be aware of when you're looking at car rental in Portland.
Located just to the west of Downtown Portland, Washington Park is home to many of the city's most popular attractions, and there is something for the entire family within its 400 acres. As well as enjoying the many varieties of roses grown here, which give Portland its nickname of the Rose City, you can check out the Portland Japanese Garden, the Portland Zoo and the Portland Children's Museum.
For some stunning views of the city, Pittock Mansion is hard to beat. Located high above the west of the city, it offers an outstanding overlook of Portland and beyond, while the mansion lets you step back in time to the start of the 20th century. Inside, 23 rooms filled with art and antiques tell the story of Portland’s history and the work of early developers Henry and Georgiana Pittock.
Portland is famous for the huge diversity of its cuisine, and what better way to experience it than to go on a tour of some of its most iconic locations? While mainly known for its beer - indeed, Portland has more breweries than any other city on Earth - you can also sample its fantastic range of craft spirits at Distillery Row, track down one of the city's award-winning food trucks and treat yourself to dessert at the famous Voodoo Doughnut.
Oregon's most prominent natural feature, Mount Hood is easily seen from Portland and easily reached by a 90-minute drive east in your Portland car rental. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of activities all-year round, from skiing in the winter to kayaking and swimming in the nearby Trillium Lake in the summer. For the more adventurous types, Mount Hood also offers rock climbing, ziplining and bungeeing, while the Timberline Trail is a 40-mile hiking route that circumnavigates the peak.
Around an hour south of Portland along the I-5 freeway, Willamette Valley is the heart of Oregon's wine country. Here, you can take a drive around the 50-mile Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route to enjoy the region's natural beauty, stopping off along the way at one of the area's many wineries for a sample of the local specialties - Oregon's Pinot Noirs are particularly well-regarded. Come during July to experience the Valley's lavender festival, when a fragrant perfume will accompany your drive.
Renting a car in Portland is an ideal way to explore the 363 miles of coastline in Oregon, most of which can be accessed from the All-American Highway 101, which is rarely out of sight of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you can enjoy whale watching, hiking and even storm watching in the winter. Head to 3 Capes Scenic Drive, two hours west of Portland, to enjoy some of Oregon's most spectacular scenery along its 40-mile stretch of road.
A compact or hybrid car with low emissions and good mileage is the best way to fit in with Portland's eco-conscious lifestyle.
Portland International Airport
Portland is planning to operate a variable-rate congestion pricing scheme on the 1-205 and 1-5, but this has yet to be implemented.
July, with an average of 331.9 hours
November, with an average of 143 mm
Newport Seafood & Wine Festival, Portland Jazz Festival, Portland Rose Festival