2-Day Portland Budget-Friendly Travel Guide (with Food) 🫡

Labor Day long weekend is just around the corner! For friends in Seattle, a trip to Portland is absolutely perfect—it’s close, fun, and packed with things to do 🚗. DAY 1: 8:00 AM: Hit the road! Start your day early to avoid any possible traffic and make the most of your time in Portland 🌅. 11:00 AM: Grab lunch at Tanaka—their fried chicken sandwich is a must-try! It’s stuffed with creamy egg salad inside, and every bite is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor 😋. 12:00 PM: Visit Pittock Mansion, a stunning historic mansion once owned by Portland’s wealthy elites. The gardens around the mansion are meticulously maintained, with colorful flowers blooming everywhere 🌸. Walk to the back of the mansion for an incredible panoramic view of the city, and step inside to admire the vintage, time-honored interior decor—you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time! Tickets can be bought on-site 🎫. 1:00 PM: Head to the Portland Japanese Garden, a peaceful oasis in the city. There are gentle streams flowing through the garden, and they even showcase the growth process of Japanese bonsai trees—great for anyone who loves plants or tranquility 🪴. Don’t miss the cozy café at the entrance; it’s a nice spot to grab a coffee or a light snack. Remember to buy tickets online one day in advance to skip the line! 3:00 PM: Next up is the International Test Rose Garden, right across from the Japanese Garden. This garden is a paradise for rose lovers—there are countless varieties of roses in different colors, and the air is filled with their sweet, fragrant scent. Best of all, entry is free 🆓🌹. 5:00 PM: Make your way to Multnomah Falls, one of Oregon’s most iconic natural attractions. The waterfall is truly breathtaking, with water cascading down from a high cliff into a clear pool below 📸. It only takes about 5-10 minutes of easy walking to reach the bridge, where you can get an up-close view of the falls. You need to book tickets in advance for $2, but luckily, they didn’t check ours when we went! 6:00 PM: Stop by Vista House at Crown Point (check out photo 5!). This small museum sits on top of a hill, but most people come here for the stunning sunset views over the Columbia River Gorge 🌄. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring. 7:00 PM: Dine at Saburos for dinner—this sushi spot is a game-changer! Their sushi rolls are super big, the sashimi slices are thick and fresh, and even the classic California roll is way larger than usual 🥢. Their udon noodles are also loaded with toppings—you won’t leave hungry! Evening: Check into Hyatt Regency. It’s a comfortable, convenient hotel to rest up for the next day’s adventures 🏨. DAY 2: 8:00 AM: Start your second day with another early departure—there’s still lots to see! 🚀 9:30 AM: Arrive at Trilium Lake Day Use Area (see photo 6). The scenery here is absolutely stunning and perfect for taking photos! The lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the snow-capped mountains and fluffy clouds in the sky 🏔️. If you have a kayak or paddleboard, bring it along for a relaxing time on the water. There are also short hiking trails nearby if you want to stretch your legs. Make sure to have $10 cash per car—they check tickets very strictly! 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Nongs Khao Man Gai. Their signature Hainanese chicken rice and braised pork knuckle rice are both popular. While many people rave about the pork knuckle rice online, I found it a bit greasy—my personal favorite is the Hainanese chicken 🐔. Be sure to choose the chicken thigh; it’s tender and juicy, and pairs perfectly with the fragrant rice! 1:00 PM: Visit the Airplane House—this was the highlight of our trip! I’ll share a detailed post about it later, but here’s a sneak peek: an old Boeing airplane has been converted into a home, and a kind grandpa lives inside 🛩️. He’s super friendly and even gives visitors a tour of his unique “house”—it’s such a cool, one-of-a-kind experience! 4:00 PM: Head to Cannon Beach. The sand here is soft and ，and there are huge, dramatic rock formations along the shore—it’s the ideal spot to watch the sunset 🌊. Unfortunately, we had to head back home in a hurry, so we missed the sunset, but it’s definitely worth staying for if you have time. Keep in mind that parking is only available on the street nearby, and it can be tricky to find a spot. 10:00 PM: Finally, arrive back home! After two busy days, it’s time to relax and unwind 💤. #Portland #PortlandTravel #SeattleSurroundings #Travel #RoadTrip #SeattleWeekend #SeattleRoadTrip #PortlandArea #portland #Oregon