The Definitive Guide to The Most ‘Grammable Spots In Portland

In our digital world, your social media feed represents the best version of yourself. Sort of like an elegant timepiece or statement handbag one might wear as a status symbol, the photos you choose to upload and share with the world portray how you spend your time, who you hang out with, and where you choose to travel. That’s why we’re no strangers to taking dozens of photos to capture the perfect shot! (Admit it: You do it, too!).

While most places are picture perfect only in theory, Portland, Oregon, is one destination that’s been blowing up our social feeds lately that just gets better IRL. Not only is the region a sight for sore eyes, but it offers a variety of activities that cater to a variety of contrasting interests. For example, there’s hiking and biking for the active-minded, lots of tax-free shopping destinations for the fashion-forward, and quirky, portable food carts for the gourmands in our lives.

Of course, since there’s so much to do in Portland, the only problem is figuring out how to spend your time! To help you bask in all of those heart-shaped double taps while exploring a new region, we’ve teamed up with Travel Portland to give you the definitive guide to the most picturesque spots in Portland.

Not only will your trip be amazing — but you’ll have the most gram-worthy pictures to prove it!

These 6 Local (and Tax-Free) Shopping Destinations Will Be The Envy Of Your Feed

Whether you're looking for name brands or local finds, you can find it in Portland — all without sales tax! Thrift Shop lovers can peruse between 55 independent dealers offering gram-worthy collections of vintage clothing, furniture, and art at House of Vintage, and modern feminists with an eclectic style can find the perfect streetwear pieces — think: muscle tanks, shirt-dresses, or 'Wild Feminist' t-shirts — at Wildfang. Book lovers can bask in the colorful bindings at Powell's City of Books, and crafty Pinterest enthusiasts will love capturing the essence of Tender Loving Empire, a unique shop that combines a record label, screen-printing studio, art gallery, and retail store offering the best of Portland’s DIY scene under one roof.

Those with a love for fresh produce and supporting the local community can check out the Portland Farmers Market on Portland State University’s campus. With more than 200 different vendors, farmers, and artisan food producers serving up everything from craft kombucha, hot sauce, beer, and locally-raised meat, you’ll get some of the best bites in Portland in one picturesque, convenient destination. As for outdoor enthusiasts looking to gear up for their local adventures (or just dress like they are), you can head to the charming West End to check out Poler Stuff, an outdoor gear brand with serious "camp vibes." And what's a better sight to share than a rustic campsite?

The 6 Most ‘Grammable Hikes In Portland

One of the best things about Portland is its accessibility to the outdoors! One minute you could be in downtown Portland, and just a short car ride away will take you to Forest Park, home to a variety of nature-filled hikes you’ll want to capture for your feed. For breathtaking views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood, leave from Lower Macleay Park Trailhead and trek to Pittock Mansion for an expansive, cityscape panorama you don't want to miss. For something a little more low-key yet equally cool, head to Witch’s Castle to explore moss-covered ruins with a notorious (and slightly complicated!) past.

Flora and fauna enthusiasts can choose between the 21 trails of Hoyt Arboretum that house over 1,000 species of trees and shrubs, or bask in the waterfowl and floral diversity of Southeast Portland’s Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. And those who are looking from something a bit more exotic — like, say, volcanoes — can explore Portland’s Mt. Tabor or Powell Butte Nature Park. The two extinct volcanic cinder cones each offer a plethora of hiking (and photo-taking!) opportunities sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure.

The 6 Most Social Media-Worthy Food Carts In Portland

After a day full of hiking or shopping, you’re bound to be hungry for some delicious, local eats. While Portland has many amazing food offerings, there’s nothing quite like the quirky food cart scene that spans across the city. In fact, there are entire communities devoted to them! Cartopia, for example, is a food cart community located on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard known for its covered, heated seating area and late-night options. Home to portable venues like Chicken and Guns, you can get wood-fried Latin chicken from a rustic-looking rickshaw.

Other food cart communities include the colorful Portland Mercado, a public market of diverse enterprises including a neighborhood grocery, meat market, coffee shop, and food cart pod. Options like Colombian cart Que Bacano serve up traditional recipes infused with local ingredients, and a fun-filled events calendar schedules regional arts performances, like mariachi music, for a full culture immersion. Then, there’s Cartlandia, located in Southeast Portland and home to 30 international food carts including the The Pancake Underground, a hotcake mecca with a menu featuring its infamous (and unique!) pancake sliders, cheeseburger pancakes, and more.

Of course, not all food carts live in super pods. The charming yellow Fried Egg I'm in Love serves delectable breakfast sandwiches and mimosas within a humble group of carts in Hawthorne, and Village Patisserie serves up an ever changing menu of sweet and savory mini pastries amongst a pod in Sellwood. If your sweet tooth is really strong, we suggest heading to Nineteen27 in The Lot at Scout Bar, where you'll be treated to gourmet s'mores made from scratch.

Just remember to snap a photo before indulging!

This post is sponsored by Travel Portland.