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PDX Layover Ideas Portland Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Portland Airport

If you have a long layover at the Portland Airport (PDX), don't despair. The city of Portland, known for its vibrant art scene, beautiful parks, and a plethora of museums, offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained. Here are our top five recommendations for a memorable layover.

1. American Advertising Museum

Located at 211 NW 5th Ave, the American Advertising Museum offers a fascinating collection of print ads dating back to the early 18th century, along with radio and television advertising. If you're interested in pop culture and the world of advertising, this museum is a must-visit. It also features changing special exhibits on themes such as photography in advertising and the history of women in print advertising.

2. Children's Museum

If you're traveling with kids, the Children's Museum at 4015 SW Canyon Rd is an excellent choice. The museum is designed to stimulate children's interest in the natural world and society through interactive exhibits. Kids can experiment with light and shadow, manipulate water-powered machinery, play dress-up, and work on art projects. The museum also features a grocery store and cafe where kids can experience the world of adults.

3. End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Take a short drive to Oregon City to visit the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at 1726 Washington St. The center, with its covered-wagon-style buildings, offers a great educational experience, especially for kids. It features costumed interpreters, videos of the journey west, and exhibits detailing the lives of pioneers, black families in the West, and the coming of the railroad. The center also offers hands-on activities and a museum store for souvenirs.

4. Oregon Maritime Center and Museum

For maritime enthusiasts, the Oregon Maritime Center and Museum at 113 SW Naito Pkwy is a must-visit. The museum features navigation instruments, model ships, photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts from actual vessels. Visitors can also tour a steam-powered tugboat moored in the river nearby, including the captain's quarters and the engine room.

5. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, located at 1945 SE Water Ave, offers hundreds of exhibits related to computers, space, and earth sciences. The museum features an interactive village for kids, an earthquake simulation room, an Omnimax theater, a planetarium, a laser show, and an outdoor river walk that teaches about the Willamette River.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through PDX Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of PDX's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Portland airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near PDX to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you have an extended layover of 12 to 48 hours at Portland Airport, you're in luck. The city of Portland and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of attractions that are perfect for a longer visit. Here are our top recommendations for an extended layover.

1. Columbia River Gorge

Just a short drive from the airport, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular natural wonder that offers breathtaking views, numerous waterfalls, and plenty of hiking trails. You can spend a few hours or a whole day exploring the gorge and soaking up the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

2. Powell's City of Books

Located in downtown Portland, Powell's City of Books is a paradise for book lovers. It's one of the largest independent bookstores in the world, covering an entire city block and housing more than a million new and used books. You can easily lose track of time browsing the shelves or attending one of the many author events and readings.

3. Willamette Valley Wine Country

If you're a wine enthusiast, a visit to the Willamette Valley Wine Country is a must. Just an hour's drive from the airport, the valley is home to more than 500 wineries, making it one of the premier wine-producing regions in the United States. You can spend a day touring the vineyards, tasting the region's famous Pinot Noir, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

4. Oregon Coast

If you have a full day to spare, consider taking a trip to the Oregon Coast. It's about a two-hour drive from the airport, but the stunning coastal views, charming seaside towns, and fresh seafood are well worth the trip. You can explore the tide pools, walk along the sandy beaches, or simply relax and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

5. Mt. Hood

For outdoor enthusiasts, a trip to Mt. Hood is a must. Just over an hour's drive from the airport, Mt. Hood offers a range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. You can also take a scenic drive around the mountain, visit the historic Timberline Lodge, or enjoy a meal with a view at one of the many mountain-side restaurants.

Updated on: November 22, 2023