Hey, Portland.

The days are getting longer. Did you notice? This Friday, the sun doesn't dip below the West Hills until 5:01 PM. That's a full minute later than last week. It's not much, but it's something. And around here, we celebrate the small wins.

So whether you're visiting for the first time or you've lived here for decades, this weekend is shaping up to be a good one. I've put together a simple, no-fuss itinerary that hits the highlights without making you feel like you're sprinting through a checklist.

Grab your layers. Let's do this.

Friday Night: Sunset at Mt. Tabor Park

Where: 622 SE 60th Ave, Portland, OR 97215

There's a reason Mt. Tabor is one of the most beloved parks in the city. It's an extinct volcanic cinder cone right in the middle of Southeast Portland. You can drive up, sure. But the real move? Park near the base on SE 60th and walk.

The main summit has a wide-open view of downtown, the West Hills, and on a clear evening, Mt. Hood peeking out to the east. This Friday, sunset hits at 5:01 PM. Get there around 4:30, find a spot on the grass near the reservoirs, and just sit.

Local tip: The parking lot at the top fills up fast on nice days. If you're walking up from the east side, take the staircase near SE Salmon Street. It's a bit of a climb, but the view is the reward.

After sunset, head back down and grab dinner somewhere close. I like Bread and Ink Cafe on Hawthorne (3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd) for a casual, old-school Portland vibe. They've been around since 1983. Order the meatloaf. Trust me.

Saturday Morning: Portland Farmers Market at PSU

Where: 1803 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201 (South Park Blocks, between SW Hall and SW Montgomery)

When: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

The Saturday farmers market at Portland State University is the flagship. It's one of the largest farmers markets in the country, and it's been running for over 30 years. But here's the thing, it doesn't feel huge. It feels like your neighborhood.

You'll find the usual suspects: fresh produce, artisan bread, local honey, handmade pasta. But you'll also find things you didn't know you needed. Like mushroom jerky. Or a lavender lemonade that'll change your whole morning.

My Saturday routine:

Get there around 9:00 AM (before the crowds really build).
Grab a coffee from one of the roasters on-site.
Do a full lap before buying anything. Scope it out.
Pick up a pastry from Tabor Bread or a breakfast sandwich from Pepper Box Cafe.
Find a bench in the Park Blocks and people-watch.

That last part is key. Portland's Park Blocks are tree-lined, shaded, and perfect for sitting with a coffee while the city wakes up around you.

Parking tip: Street parking is tough on Saturdays. Take the MAX Green or Orange Line to PSU Urban Center station. It drops you right there.

Saturday Afternoon: A Stroll Down NE Alberta Street

Where: NE Alberta Street, between NE 15th Ave and NE 33rd Ave

After the market, head across the river to the Alberta Arts District. This is one of Portland's most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods, colorful murals, independent boutiques, and a laid-back energy that feels distinctly Portland.

Start near NE 15th and work your way east. You'll pass vintage shops, record stores, galleries, and more coffee than you can drink in a lifetime.

Your required stop: Case Study Coffee Roasters

Address: 1422 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Case Study is one of those places that takes coffee seriously without being pretentious about it. The space is bright, the baristas know their stuff, and the beans are roasted in-house. Order a pour-over if you've got time. Order an oat milk latte if you don't. Either way, you're in good hands.

While you're on Alberta, check out:

Ampersand Gallery & Fine Books (2916 NE Alberta St) – A gorgeous shop for art books and prints.
Tin Shed Garden Cafe (1438 NE Alberta St) – Great for brunch if you're still hungry. Dog-friendly patio.
Community Cycling Center (1700 NE Alberta St) – If you want to rent a bike and explore the neighborhood on two wheels.

Alberta has a Last Thursday art walk every month (the last Thursday of each month), but even on a regular Saturday, the street has that creative, easygoing feel.

Sunday: Hit the Classics

Alright, Sunday is your day to pick your own adventure. I'm giving you two solid options depending on your mood.

Option 1: Oregon Zoo

Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221

Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

The Oregon Zoo is nestled in Washington Park, up in the West Hills. It's home to over 1,800 animals, including elephants, polar bears, and a new primate exhibit that's worth the visit alone.

Local move: Don't drive. Seriously. Parking up there on a weekend is a headache. Take the MAX Blue or Red Line to the Washington Park station. It's one of the deepest transit stations in North America (260 feet underground), and it drops you right at the zoo entrance.

If you've got kids, this is a no-brainer. If you don't, it's still a great way to spend a quiet Sunday morning before the crowds roll in.

Always time for sip at or around the Oregon Zoo

Bonus: After the zoo, walk across the parking lot to the Portland Japanese Garden (611 SW Kingston Ave) or the International Rose Test Garden (400 SW Kingston Ave). Both are within a 10-minute walk.

Option 2: OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)

Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

If you're in the mood for something more hands-on, OMSI is your spot. It's right on the Eastbank of the Willamette River, and it's one of the best science museums on the West Coast.

The permanent exhibits are great for kids and curious adults alike. But the real draw? The USS Blueback submarine. It's a decommissioned Navy sub docked right outside the museum, and you can take a tour through the whole thing. Tight spaces, periscopes, torpedo tubes: the works.

Local tip: Walk or bike there via the Eastbank Esplanade. It's a flat, paved path that runs along the river with views of downtown. Park near OMSI and make a loop of it.

Bonus: A Few More Weekend Picks

If you've got extra time or want to switch things up, here are a few other things happening this weekend:

Wine & Chocolate Pairing at Hip Chicks Do Wine (4510 SE 23rd Ave) – Friday through Sunday at 2:00 PM. Artisan truffles from Creo Chocolates paired with local wines. Reservations recommended.
Rocky Horror Picture Show at Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton St) – Saturday night at 11:00 PM. A Portland tradition. Bring your rice and your tolerance for audience participation.
Drink & Draw at The Goodfoot Pub & Lounge (2845 SE Stark St) – Sunday at 7:00 PM. Grab a drink, grab a pencil, and sketch with strangers. No experience required.

The TL;DR

That's the weekend. Nothing too complicated. Just good food, good views, and a few hours outside before the rain comes back (it always comes back).

Enjoy the weekend,

Louie D.

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A Local's Guide to the Weekend in Portland (Jan 23–25)