Oregon Botanical
Gardens Tour
Visiting Portland’s public botanical gardens in summer offers a peaceful and memorable escape, with roses in full bloom and the Japanese and Chinese gardens rich with foliage, water features, and timeless design. Together, they create a refreshing and inspiring retreat into nature at the height of the season, ideal for wandering, reflection, and photography.
PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN
Visiting the Portland Japanese Garden in summer offers a tranquil experience filled with layered greenery, dappled sunlight, and soothing sounds of water. Stone pathways wind through moss-covered grounds, past koi-filled ponds, artfully pruned pines, and shaded teahouses that evoke the essence of traditional Japanese landscape design. Lush foliage frames views of Mt. Hood on clear days, while seasonal highlights like blooming water lilies and cool, shaded groves provide quiet places to linger and rest. The summer atmosphere encourages a slower pace, inviting visitors to reflect, wander, and enjoy the garden’s peaceful rhythm.
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611 SW Kingston Ave Portland, OR 97205 GET DIRECTIONS |
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(503) 223-1321 |
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Visit Website |
Helpful Hints: Rotating art exhibits and cultural demonstrations take placein the park’s Cultural Village, so check the event schedule before your visit to catch a tea ceremony, ikebana display, or traditional music performances.
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDEN
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is a stunning hillside sanctuary dedicated to the cultivation and display of roses, featuring over 10,000 rose bushes in a spectacular array of colors and fragrances. Established in 1917, the garden serves as a testing ground for new rose varieties and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the artistry of rose cultivation. With its beautifully terraced layout, tranquil walking paths, and sweeping views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood, the garden provides a serene escape and a celebration of nature’s elegance. It is a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone seeking beauty and inspiration.
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400 SW Kingston Ave Portland, OR 97205 GET DIRECTIONS |
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(503) 823-3636 |
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Visit Website |
Helpful Hints: The best time to visit is late spring through early summer when the roses are in full bloom. Arrive early as morning light is ideal for photography. Wear comfortable shoes, as the layout involves walking uphill and on uneven surfaces.
LAN SU CHINESE GARDEN
The Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon, is a walled urban oasis inspired by traditional gardens of Suzhou, China. Designed in partnership with Chinese artisans, the garden features classical architecture, winding stone pathways, a central lake filled with koi and lotus, and a harmonious balance of rock, water, and plantings. In summer, lush greenery, blooming lotus flowers, and shaded pavilions create a serene environment that feels far removed from the surrounding city. Visitors can enjoy seasonal tea in the teahouse, explore the symbolic meanings behind garden elements, and experience a peaceful space that blends art, culture, and nature.
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239 NW Everett St Portland, OR 97209 GET DIRECTIONS |
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(503) 228-8131 |
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Visit Website |
Helpful Hints: The Lan Su Chinese Garden is most peaceful early in the morning when it first opens—arriving at that time lets you enjoy the stillness of the water, the scent of blooming lotus, and the soft light filtering through the pavilions.
McMENAMIN’S KENNEDY SCHOOL
McMenamins Kennedy School is a repurposed 1915 elementary school transformed into a hotel and entertainment venue in Portland. Guests can stay in one of 57 guestrooms—many converted from original classrooms with chalkboards—and enjoy amenities like a movie theater, a brewery, themed bars, a restaurant in the old cafeteria, and a saltwater soaking pool. Whimsical murals and historic photos line the halls, preserving the building’s scholastic charm. Outside, lush gardens, mature trees, and creatively landscaped courtyards offer peaceful seating areas and a welcoming, community-friendly atmosphere, featuring a mix of rare and familiar plants that create a dynamic, ever-changing garden.
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5736 NE 33rd Ave Portland, OR 97211 GET DIRECTIONS |
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(503) 249-3983 |
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Visit Website |
Helpful Hints: Exploring the nearby Alberta Arts District is a short walk, offering a lively mix of independent shops, art galleries, coffeehouses, and local eateries, making it a perfect complement to the Kennedy School’s eclectic charm.
PENINSULA PARK ROSE GARDEN
Peninsula Park Rose Garden, located in North Portland, is the city’s oldest public rose garden and a hidden gem for flower lovers. Designed in a formal French style with symmetrical flower beds, brick walkways, and a central fountain, the garden features over 5,000 rose bushes representing a wide range of varieties and colors. In summer, the garden is filled with fragrance and color, offering a peaceful setting for strolling, photography, or simply relaxing on a shaded bench. Its historic charm and layout make it a favorite spot for locals seeking a quieter alternative to the larger rose gardens in the city.
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700 N Rosa Parks Way Portland, OR 97217 GET DIRECTIONS |
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(503) 823-2525 |
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Visit Website |
Helpful Hints: Peninsula Park Rose Garden is especially beautiful in the early evening, when the light is soft, the crowds are few, and the scent of the roses lingers in the air—perfect for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or relaxed photo session.