What are the best things to do on a rainy day in Portland? Check these out!

Seeing rain clouds on the horizon? Your trip to Portland wouldn't be complete without a little Pacific Northwest liquid sunshine! Prepare to have the best time ever, and yeah... we'll know you're a tourist if you bring your umbrella. But you do you! First things first, though...

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GET YOUR ROOM

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Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway

Honestly, the Columbia Gorge is stunning in all weather, but we are particularly partial to the rainy day drives. Sitting in your warm, cozy car, you can view the waterfalls along the drive, stop at the Vista House for incredible views of the entire Gorge (and wave hi to Washington across the river!), and get back to Portland with the afternoon to spare.

Historic Columbia River Highway

Spend a leisurely afternoon at the Lan Su Chinese Garden

With covered walkways and a lovely little tea house, spending an afternoon in the tranquil botanical garden featuring rare plants native to China, decorative stonework & a gift shop that's perfectly unique to our city. Check out the Scholar's Study as you pass through the garden, and get a little respite from the rain. Pure relaxation. Grab your book from Powell's, sit back, sip your tea, and watch the rain fall.

Lan Su Chinese Garden
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Let your inner nerd out at Ground Kontrol

Revisit your childhood with an adult twist at Ground Kontrol, a vintage video games & pinball machine bar in a futuristic 2-story arcade. From Mario Kart races to Smash Bros smackdowns, to Pac-Man and Street Fighter group games, your competitive side will pair nicely with a Nintendo-themed cocktail and a lit-up Tron restroom. Seriously, you have to see it.

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Read a book or 12 at Powell’s City of Books

Powell's Books, dubbed Powell's City of Books, claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. We don't doubt it since it's three stories on an entire city block downtown. You'll get your fill of entertainment between the coffee shop downstairs, and the gorgeous photography books on the top floor, plus everything in between. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to find your next read.

Catch a movie in a historic building

Duck out of the rain and find your own bit of magic at any of Portland's historic movie theaters featuring first or second run movies, cold beer, pizza, and the quirkiest crowds you'll find in Portland. Looking for a long-haul experience? The Historic Hollywood Theatre features film festivals such as the Cascade Festival of African Films, QDoc Queer Film Festival, HUMP!, and so many more.

Sing your heart out at karaoke at The Alibi Tiki Lounge or a private room at the Voicebox

The Alibi, Portland's long-lived tiki bar with island-themed murals, tropical cocktails & nightly high-energy karaoke is the perfect landing spot to show your most Grammy-winning vocals off, or to just goof off and have a good time. Chances are, you'll see costumed-out bachelor parties, first date shenanigans, and there's often a flaming bowl of something highly alcoholic involved. Want a lower-key experience? Get your own karaoke room with your nearest and dearest (or end the corporate retreat week with a special treat!) at Voicebox Karaoke, only a few blocks away from the Jupiter.

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Spend time digging into all that OMSI has to offer

On a rainy day, there's nothing like exploring other cultures, history, and the natural world around us. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a science and technology museum with three auditoriums, including a large-screen theatre, planetarium, and exhibition halls with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits focused on natural sciences, industry, and technology. If you're a history or science buff, or you just like learning, OMSI is definitely the spot for you!

*Steak and collard greens (courtesy of Tusk).*

Grab multicultural meals at Akadi, Marrakesh, Eem, or Tusk

Portland is known for being a foodie town. What better way to celebrate than to look at the multicultural offerings all around the Rose City. From Michelin-star chefs to James Beard awardees, Top Chef locales, and more, you can't go wrong with a bite from any of these restaurants: West African Akadi, Morrocan Marrakesh, Thai-style Eem, or Mediterranean-inspired Tusk. Dig in!

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*Image courtesy of Multnomah Whiskey Library.*

Finish off the night in a cozy nook at the Multnomah Whiskey Library

A membership-based bar housing a comprehensive collection of over 1500 spirits in a cozy upstairs lounge that brings back old school masculine vibes with dark wood and green leather. Not a member? Don't worry, you can grab a hall pass for the day. Start with a drink in the downstairs Green Room before waiting to be let into the Library above.

Multnomah Whiskey Library

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OR JUST STAY IN BED

Looking for a rainy day excuse to stay in bed? Lucky for you, we are now offering pick up at Hey Love to guests in the hotel. Simply order from the menu via QR code (all you need is a smart phone), and Hey Love will text you when your food is ready. Spend the day snuggling up in your room, spying on the city from above. You deserve it.
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