Emerald forests within the city limits. Brewpubs where dogs abound. Bookstores with shelves that extend for miles. It's the stuff movies are made of. It's the stuff that Portland is made of.
A 5,000-acre park is smack-dab in the center of the city. As is the world's largest independent bookstore. Did we mention the microbreweries and coffee shops on every other corner? Or the absence of a sales tax and the fact that someone is always there to pump your gas? (It's the law!)
It's the stuff that awards are made of. And Portland's earned plenty: "Best Place to Live"; Best Walking Town in America"; Best Running Town"; Best Cycling City in the U.S."
Sweetening the deal even further is the fact that with LAIKA's commitment to a work-life balance, you'll have time to enjoy what lies beyond our doors.
Parks & Recreation
Portland is host to a multitude of lush, natural parks and gardens. Ranging in size from just over 3 square feet, to nearly 8 square miles, each is a testament to our community's on-going commitment to preserving and providing access to green spaces within the city.
Learn More About:
- Portland Parks & Recreation
- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
- Oregon Zoo
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Portland Classical Chinese Garden
- Leach Botanical Garden
- Washington Park
- Forest Park
- Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
- Mt. Tabor Park
Cycling
The Rose City has become renowned for its bicycle-friendly culture and residents. Pedal power reigns supreme on our streets, as we are continually named among the best cycling cities in North America and boast the highest percentage of bicycle commuters of any city in the US.
Also, legend has it that the mountain biking in and around Portland isn't half bad either.
Learn More About:
- Bike Portland
- Portland Cycling
- OBRA: Oregon Bicycle Racing Association
- Northwest Trail Alliance
- Portland Bike Maps
Mt. Hood & Oregon Coast
With both situated less than a 90-minute drive from the downtown area, Mt. Hood and the Oregon Coast provide residents with that rare, year-round surf-to-snow accessibility that very few metropolitan areas are lucky enough to be afforded.
Learn More About:
- Mt. Hood Information Center
- Explore Mt. Hood & the Gorge
- Mt. Hood Guide
- Oregon Coast Visitors Association
- Explore Oregon's Coast
- Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Oregon Surfrider Foundation
Arts & Culture
Portland's residents have considerable access to world-class arts and entertainment. An array of historic venues — coupled with strong local ensembles and a vibrant contemporary scene — all help provide Rose City residents with a diverse media of artistic expression.
Learn More About:
- Portland Art Museum
- Portland Center Stage
- Portland Jazz Festival
- Portland Children's Museum
- PORT – Portland Art
- Portland Institute for Contemporary Art
- Oregon Symphony
- Oregon Historical Society
- Oregon Ballet Theatre
Dining & Cafes
Portland has become increasingly well known for its wealth of quality restaurants that offer outstanding dishes across a broad range of cuisines. Here we have provided a listing of perennial favorites, as well as a sample from among the top editorial picks of 2007.
Learn More About:
- Top Restaurants
- Paley's Place
- Pok Pok/Whiskey Soda Lounge
- Lovely's Fifty-Fifty
- Park Kitchen
- Le Pigeon
- Castagna
- 3 Doors Down Cafe
Microbreweries
Since the beginning of Portland's craft brewing movement 15 years ago, the city has been known as the epicenter of America's microbrewing renaissance. Some 28 microbreweries thrive in Portland today; here are a few of the regional favorites.
Learn More About:
- BridgePort Brewing Company
- Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
- Roots Organic Brewing Company
- Laurelwood Brewing Company
- Lucky Labrador Brewing Company
