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Your Guide to the 10 Most Unique Things to Do in Portland That’ll Stick With You 

| Last Updated: June 2025

I’ve known Portland for its cool mix of nature and urban life. It’s even nicknamed “City of Roses” thanks to its lush gardens full of them. 

Portland is beautiful—no denying that. But maybe you’re looking for something a little different…something you haven’t quite seen before. 

That’s the thing about this city: it’s a two-sided coin. And I’m here to show you the flip side, where the weird, wonderful, and totally unique experiences live. 

I’ve compiled a list of the most unique things you can do in Portland for a memorable visit. Check them out here!

1. Explore the quirky world of Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

Media credit: peculiarium.pdx

Location: 2234 NW Thurman St
Contact:503-227-3164
Operating hours: Open daily: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM   
Cost: $10 per person, Tuesdays $7 per person
Website

Everybody’s got a little weirdness inside, and Freakybuttrue Peculiarium is one of those places where you don’t have to keep it in. It’s a museum that celebrates the oddities of the world, and I loved how it engages all my senses, from a haunted dollhouse to zombie encounters. 

Adding to the experience, Mike Wellins, one of the co-creators, has some amazing sculptures and mixed-media art scattered throughout. Admiring those, I couldn’t help but let my imagination run wild, and it’s actually really refreshing. 

One of the coolest parts is you get to take the bizarreness home with you. Their gift shop is full of things you didn’t know you needed. I ended up with a “bottle human soul”—how could I not? It’s definitely one of those experiences you won’t forget. 

Pro tip: Add some fun to your visit by wearing a decent costume or bringing a well-behaved pet along—and you’ll even get FREE admission! 

2. Spot the toy horses of the Portland Horse Project

Media credit: photosbymikewarner

Location: Pearl District, inner Southeast, Sellwood neighborhood, West Hills south of Washington Park, and more 
Website

It’s easy to miss it at first, but once you start spotting them—these little rings popping up on curbs—you’ll find yourself getting drawn. I was just casually strolling through the Pearl District when I came across a cute little toy horse. 

Turns out, it’s part of the Portland Horse Project, an art initiative that started back in 2005 and is still going strong. It gives a nod to a time when horses were the main mode of transportation and were tethered to these very same metal rings. It’s a fun way to remember a piece of history. 

Open to all ages, people often add their own unique horses. I even tied up my pink horse (which I got from Target) and shared a pic with the community. I had so much fun like an urban scavenger hunt. This is something you don’t usually come across while traveling! 

Pro tip: Excited to join but not sure how to tether your toy horse? Just check out the guide on their website for an easy walkthrough and make your participation smooth and fun! 

3. Create your story at the Portland Zine Symposium

Media credit:  pdx_zines

Location: Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom at Portland State University (1825 SW Broadway)
Operating hours: (2025)  Saturday – Sunday: November 8-9:  11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website

I’ve made a few zines myself on self-erasure, the painful weight of memory, and the persistence of dreams—and the Portland Zine Symposium welcomed those expressions with open arms. It’s a volunteer-run annual event that’s brought together over 150 zinesters since 2001. 

Conversations flowed easily across tables. I loved hearing people’s stories and felt completely at ease sharing mine. The vibe is welcoming and refreshingly free of ego. I was especially drawn to a particular queer zine—the storytelling was sharp and the art style was seriously cool. 

The workshops were a nice bonus too. I picked up so many useful tips on self-publishing that by the end, I couldn’t wait to dive back into creating something new. It centers around one big idea: creativity thrives when it’s shared. It’s not every day you get to be a part of something like this. 

Pro tip: Besides the creativity bursting from every corner, the event’s also designed to keep things safe. Everyone is encouraged to wear masks to help keep the space comfortable for all. 

4. Ride free and bold at Portland World Naked Bike Ride

Media credit: pdxwnbr

Location: TBA
Operating hours: Saturday: July 26, 2025 – ride leaves at 8:30 PM
Website

Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride is exactly what it sounds like—and somehow so much more. Thousands of people hop on bikes (and rollerblades, scooters, whatever rolls) to promote body positivity and protest oil dependency. 

The whole thing feels like a street party. It’s loud, weird, joyful, and completely judgement-free. Some go full glitter, others lean into wild costumes, and I went for body paint and a smile. 

I definitely recommend wearing shoes and a helmet—not just for safety but to keep warm too. The route shifts each year to keep things intimate, but the vibe stays the same: celebrating body freedom and sustainable transportation in the most unforgettable way possible. 

Pro tip: Don’t have a bike ready for the protest? Portland’s got you with rental spots like Cyclepath PDX and Everybody’s Bike Rentals & Tours, so you can join in happily! 

5.  Build your dreams at the ReBuilding Center

Media credit: rebuildingcenter

Location: 3625 North Mississippi Avenue
Contact: 503-467-4985
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Cost: Free – $240 classes 
Website

I really have a thing for cool furniture, so I really love ReBuilding Center. It’s the kind of place you walk into just to browse, only to leave with a head full of project ideas, and maybe a random but perfect doorknob or two. 

It’s a 30,000 sq. foot store packed with reclaimed and surplus building materials, making it a huge win for both your wallet and the planet. What really makes it special is how they make creativity and skill-building totally accessible, offering tons of classes ideal for beginners. 

I adored working on my own tile mosaic over two days—it was such a fun process and a cool way to create something personal. For home improvement, I also tried floor tiling, which turned out to be surprisingly satisfying once I got the hang of it. 

Pro tip: Planning to redecorate? Check out their online curated selection of high-quality antique furniture, doors, and lighting. Just a heads up: prices can be a bit higher due to the quality and rarity, but it’s totally worth it! 

6. Play a whimsical round of golf at Wonderwood Mini Golf

Media credit: wonderwoodsprings

Location: 7410 N Chicago Ave
Contact: +1 503-956-5706
Operating hours: 

  • Monday – Thursday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Cost: $12 per person, free kids 3 and under
Website

The first time I laid eyes on Wonderwood Mini Golf, I thought it was really cool to be inside—and it totally lived up to that feeling! It welcomes you into a wildly creative 9-hole indoor immersive experience that’s ideal for both kids and adults. 

Every corner is a feast for the eyes, with over 750 hand-painted walls featuring original characters and scenery. It really felt like I was walking through the pages of a storybook, and honestly, trying to beat my own high score made it even more fun. 

Each hole is its own little world, full of quirky obstacles and backdrops that make it impossible not to stop for photos. 

Pro tip: Once you’re on the waitlist, head to the Wonderwood Springs Cafe next door. Grab a coffee, enjoy some food, and maybe even play a board game—it makes the wait fly by! 

7. Sip some great coffee at Tandem Coffee + Roastery

Media credit: tandemcoffeeroasters

Location: 122 Anderson St
Contact: 503-371-4242
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $3 – $5 coffee, $4 – $11 food and pastries
Website

If you’ve heard of a cafe that practices sustainability and has a great selection of vinyl, I’m sure you’d want to check it out. The space has such a welcoming vibe, with refreshing white walls and a cozy mix of brick and wood touches that give it a personal feel. 

I had my latte served in a reusable cup, with a 25-cent charge for using it. This is part of their green initiative, encouraging everyone to bring their own cups. Their waste reduction efforts also extend to eco-friendly packaging and composting—definitely not your typical cafe experience. 

The good feels from the space and coffee only intensified with a stroll through their vinyl collection. I happily went home with Freeclouds by Carter Tanton! The whole experience was unique and unforgettable. and it’s definitely a place I’d come back to. 

Pro tip: If you’re up for more coffee and music, check out their The Good Thing subscription. For $44.99 a month, you’ll get a curated vinyl and coffee combo—such a fun way to enjoy both! 

8. Uncover crawly wonders at Portland Insectarium

Media credit: pdxinsectarium

Location: 5429 N Moore Ave
Contact: (833) 510-8419
Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Online booking – $9 (30 min) $12 (45 min) adults, $6 (30 min) $9 (45 min) Kids/students/seniors
Website

Bugs aren’t exactly everyone’s favorite. Some people would rather admire them safely behind the glass (I get it). But whether you’re facing a fear or just super curious, Portland Insectarium makes learning about their tiny world surprisingly fun. 

I didn’t expect to be so into it, but the live bug zoo totally fed my curiosity. It’s not every day you get to see scorpions or mantises up close—and yes, I even got to touch a few and peek at them through a microscope. Wild! 

The whole space is really hands-on and welcoming. It’s set up so you can easily wander, learn, and even play a bit (grown-ups included). The staff are awesome—super friendly and totally game to answer even the weirdest questions. 

Pro tip: Got a soft spot for the eight-legged kind? Ask about their Tarantula Adoption Program—it’s a unique way to take your fascination to the next level! 

9. Get lost in the fun with Movie Madness

Media credit: moviemadness_pdx

Location: 4320 SE Belmont St
Contact: 503.234.4363
Operating hours: 

  • Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Cost: $2 – $5 (DVD and VHS rental for 3 days)
Website

I know I’m not the only one obsessed with the art of movies—I mean, who doesn’t watch films? Exactly. 

Movie Madness takes my movie nerdiness to a whole other level. Their collection is wild: row after row of DVDs, Blu-rays, and even VHS tapes. 

I picked up Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead, which I hadn’t seen in ages and I couldn’t pass up a 4K copy. And if the rentals weren’t enough to drop your jaw, the museum definitely will. I stood there just staring at Julie Andrews’ dress from The Sound of Music. 

It’s the kind of stuff I never thought I’d see in person, and finally seeing it felt incredible like I was right on a movie set. While they don’t sell their rental movies they do have merch. I got an awesome short and some enamel pins, just little pieces of the experience to take home with me. 

Pro tip: Don’t miss the tiny theater inside Movie Madness! Check their schedule for special events and enjoy a unique film experience in this cozy, intimate space. 

10. Crafty Wonderland 

Media credit: craftywonderland

Location: 808 SW 10th Ave.
Contact: +1 503-281-4616
Operating hours: Open daily: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website

Sometimes we just get the urge to step into a store and admire its quirky items like it’s a mini-museum, and then maybe even pick up something along the way. And Crafty Wonderland? It blessed my eyes with the most mystical and quirky finds. 

Every corner of their shop is packed with locally made gems—prints, stickers, jewelry, and even adorable onesies. It’s honestly tough to walk out without something like a shirt or at least one enamel pin. Their selection is super thoughtful, with art prints that capture Portland vibes. 

It’s like stepping into a curated gallery of the city’s creative soul. And if you ever get the chance, their Art + Craft Markets are next level. Held twice a year at the Oregon Convention Center, they feature over 250 vendors for some serious local handmade shopping. 

Pro tip: Extend the fun of discovering unique items by exploring their online shop, too! 

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