Portland Car Tours: Top 5 Picks for an Amazing Ride

Portland, that city, well it is known for its quirky vibe, tasty food scene, plus stunning greenery, is just calling out for you to discover it all. And, you know, what’s a pretty relaxing way to experience all that it has to offer? Car tours! I mean, we’re talking about hopping in a car and seeing the sights at your own pace. No crowded buses, no strict schedules, just you and the open road. So, whether you are a first-timer or a local looking to explore a bit more, these top five car tours, very perfect for zipping around Portland, are the perfect way to go!

1. Pittock Mansion & International Rose Test Garden Tour

Alright, let’s kick things off with a bit of history plus, maybe, a dash of floral beauty. This tour usually, starts with a trip up to Pittock Mansion, an awesome spot providing crazy views of the city plus Mount Hood, you know, on a pretty clear day. Then, it usually winds its way over to the International Rose Test Garden, a spot bursting with colors and, it seems like, delightful smells. The combination is that, totally wonderful! I mean, you get to experience both Portland’s history and, well you see its amazing natural beauty all in one go. Plus, this particular route offers you photo opportunities too that are really remarkable. You might wanna bring your camera! I’m serious!

This is so, that great for people who are visiting Portland for the first time. You’ll definitely, gain an appreciation of what makes this place so cool. The views up at the mansion actually, are unforgettable! As a matter of fact, be sure to, just take your time to really explore those gardens; you may find some really interesting varieties of roses. A visit is absolutely amazing.

Read our full review: Pittock Mansion and International Rose Test Garden Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Pittock Mansion & Rose Garden)

2. Columbia River Gorge Loop

I mean, wanna see some natural wonders near Portland? The Columbia River Gorge Loop tour is so, your ticket. This scenic drive takes you along, is that the Columbia River Gorge, boasting tall waterfalls, you know, the forests so green, then the pretty breathtaking viewpoints. So, you’ll, for example, see Multnomah Falls, that one that plunges dramatically down the cliffside, so make sure, that you take a short hike, I am so sure, it is totally worth it. And the Historic Columbia River Highway shows awesome spots all along the way. Pack a lunch, really, you’re going to want to stop at some of the parks and the scenic viewpoints that are pretty available all along this route. A beautiful picnic is a way to add something really unforgettable. This tour usually takes around 2 to 3 hours!

I mean, it is, in some respects, an absolute must-do for, you know nature lovers. Even if you’re not very much into hiking, the viewpoints usually offer outstanding views you can see from just a very short walk. I am just advising that you should, check weather conditions before you go because, well, some parts, you see, might be closed depending on what is going on outside. As a matter of fact, just pack layers, so too that you stay comfortable, considering that weather may switch over here faster than in Portland!

Read our full review: Columbia River Gorge Loop Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Columbia River Gorge Drive)

3. Portland’s Quirky Neighborhoods Adventure

Want to discover that, so local side of Portland? So then this tour’s usually got your name all over it. Leave the crazy tourist traps behind and discover what makes each neighborhood have its own vibe, is that OK with you? Think funky shops, then cool street art, with a crazy-awesome food scene. Drive by Hawthorne, that has its vintage shops plus some cute cafes. Cruise through Alberta Arts District, with a splash of galleries then interesting murals, it really depends on what you wanna see and do. The Mississippi Avenue is what is thought of being cool; cool boutiques plus the trendy bars and shops are definitely here. And the South Waterfront shows modern architecture mixed with, of course, waterfront parks. Honestly, you are getting a taste that is pretty pure for what is being served here. Now it has a taste for food and, of course, arts! Bring your walking shoes, is that right for you?, as you will surely wanna hop out and then wander about from one point to another.

The city’s core culture can be seen on this adventure that actually, runs you to explore that Portland feeling and charm outside tourist hotspots, actually a little bit better than other tours may be showing, well to you at least. When people wanna show the real heart and soul of this place, it shows! This particular route could be absolutely spontaneous, meaning you will absolutely wanna stop somewhere if it definitely feels like an absolute impulse, usually because it is fun to do so.

Read our full review: Portland Quirky Neighborhoods Adventure Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Portland’s Vibe)

4. Bridges of Portland Scenic Route

This scenic path in some ways, shows respect that city’s relationship to the waterways; I just wanna recommend looking around. The scenic path drives near that very fantastic part where so many of those bridges will show you what each one stands for. Of course, all have designs and very significant, unique historical events that happened on them! From the St. John’s Bridge shows very picturesque spots that have many forestlike structures below, or like Marquam Bridge that has modern designs along that whole very active section on the Interstate 5 that crosses through! So many views show this place for exactly the place it is! Consider making sure, just to, pack things so as you have a way to maybe just learn each origin along that bridge that could really explain the path that follows and goes next.

Now you’re starting the Portland adventure. If maybe, I’m being honest, there are bridges for, like your everyday commutes or maybe those historical wonders? This kind of driving experience really enhances knowledge and I am showing and enhancing, just in a pretty simple path or plan so that maybe, you feel it just by, seeing a route so that maybe your vision or point, like your interest or passion might become wider? At any rate, do remember for sure that sometimes they’re able to start talking more in person? By any chance you should just come over and explore Portland more by talking directly to a real person?!

Read our full review: Bridges of Portland Scenic Route Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Portland Bridges Tour)

5. Oregon Wine Country Escape

So, you would like to explore outside that center a bit and enjoy the scenery, with really that relaxing feel so you just get to chill yourself more?! So, why is it we may plan some visit inside to those wine locations?! Very famous wine sites that are absolutely very easy, with very beautiful valleys all around for tasting so that we are really able to relax yourself inside the Portland’s vineyards. The wineries that show what that is really all around really give good varieties and some absolutely scenic drives where it has so many hills and places around that are completely gorgeous for touring, well at least for a while to just take that moment!

Those are pretty helpful tips I just wanna mention that maybe, usually when we do this here, those for driving who really admire wines with places or zones near some centers around Portland’s spots where maybe there really are those absolute tasting journeys. Be assured and just enjoy responsibly when taking a drink, right!? To say something for all whom you just visit it along. Or for other travelers.

Read our full review: Oregon Wine Country Escape Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Wine Country Drive)

Exploring Portland through car tours usually offers the most wonderful option that blends adventure for easy-access travel; you’re gonna love what happens after! A relaxing, peaceful ride up a city street, all tours show those best angles, like scenic things and places inside that area! And of course with things you’re passionate with maybe your taste with drinks, there usually that will bring up a trip that creates so much unforgettable feeling within!

“Basically, the roads around can let each traveler build their perfect routes by themselves… all you may have is that road ahead and things we just didn’t notice and some of things to learn for sure!.”