Portland Travel Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Short Visit

Portland, Oregon, affectionately known as the "City of Roses," is a vibrant metropolis celebrated for its eclectic blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're extending your trip or fitting in as much as you can after hours, here's a comprehensive guide to what you should know and do in Portland throughout Anatomy Connected 2025 weekend.

Downtown Portland Oregon aerial city scape, boats on the water, sunset

Must-Visit Attractions
  • Powell’s City of Books: As the world's largest new and used bookstore, Powell's is a literary paradise spanning an entire city block.
  • Portland Japanese Garden: Experience tranquility in this meticulously maintained garden, often hailed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
  • International Rose Test Garden: Home to over 10,000 rose bushes, this garden showcases a stunning variety of roses and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Savor the Culinary Scene

Portland's food culture is a gastronomic adventure. The city is renowned for its diverse food carts, offering global cuisines that cater to every palate. Additionally, with the highest concentration of craft breweries in the world, beer enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of locally brewed beverages.
Below is a brief breakdown of restaurants within ten minutes of Oregon Convention Center (OCC), perfect for lunch!

  • Three options inside the Hyatt Regency (1 block away from OCC)
    Bridgetown BBQ
    Hyatt Regency Market
    Spoke & Fork
Explore Portland's Wine Country

No trip to Portland is complete without a visit to the nearby Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier wine-producing region. Just a short drive south of the city, this region is home to over 700 wineries and is internationally recognized for its exceptional Pinot Noir. The valley’s scenic rolling hills, vineyard-covered landscapes, and intimate tasting rooms provide an unforgettable experience for wine lovers.

  • Top Wine Varietals: While Pinot Noir is the star of the show, the region also produces excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.
  • Urban Wineries: If you can’t make it to the valley, Portland offers an exciting urban winery scene. Several wineries within the city showcase high-quality, locally produced wines.
  • Scenic Drives & Tours: Many visitors opt for guided wine tours or scenic drives through the valley, stopping at boutique wineries and sampling world-class wines along the way.
  • Sustainable Winemaking: Oregon is a leader in sustainable and organic winemaking, with many vineyards practicing biodynamic and eco-friendly farming methods.

For a curated list of wineries and trip-planning resources, visit the Willamette Valley Wineries Association website.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Nature is an integral part of Portland's identity. The city encourages exploration through walking tours, cycling paths, and hiking trails within its expansive urban forests. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Oregon Coast, Mount Hood ski resorts, and Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are all within a two-hour drive from downtown. 

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Portland is committed to being an inclusive destination. The city's infrastructure includes wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly attractions, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the experiences it offers. Check out Travel Portland’s Accessibility blog to explore an expansive list of attractions depending on the neighborhood you want to explore.

Tips for First-Time Visitors
  • Embrace the Local Culture: Portland is known for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Engage with locals, explore diverse neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the city's unique vibe.
  • Utilize Public Transportation: The city's public transit system is an efficient, accessible, and user-friendly way to navigate throughout the city without the hassle of driving. Every Anatomy Connected attendee receives a MAX Light Rail pass, so you can seamlessly attend the event and explore the city.

Make the most of your Anatomy Connected 2025 experience—book your hotel, secure your flight, and register today to ensure you don’t miss out on this exceptional conference in one of the country’s most exciting cities. Visit anatomy.org/AnnualMeeting to plan your trip and get ready to connect, learn, and explore in Portland!

About the American Association for Anatomy

The American Association for Anatomy is an international membership organization of biomedical researchers and educators specializing in the structural foundation of health and disease. We connect anatomists, neuroscientists, developmental biologists, biological anthropologists, cell biologists, and physical therapists to advance the anatomical sciences through research, education, and professional development. For more information visit anatomy.org or give us a call at (301) 634-7910.