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Oregon Zoo

4001 SW Canyon Rd · Portland, OR

Why you should go…

The Oregon Zoo has bred more Asian elephants than any zoo in North America and pairs its animal habitats with condor and primate conservation programs. In summer, the zoo's outdoor amphitheater hosts a long-running concert series after hours.

  • #zoo
  • #animals
  • #kids
  • #washington park

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Oregon Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Date Night

    Portland Japanese Garden

    Under $25

    A meticulously tended traditional Japanese garden called one of the most authentic outside Japan.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

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    Iconic

    International Rose Test Garden

    Free

    Portland's oldest continuously operating public rose garden, with skyline and Mount Hood views.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Washington Park

    Free

    A 410-acre Portland park home to the Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, Rose Test Garden and miles of trails.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    World Forestry Center

    Under $25

    An interactive Portland museum in Washington Park teaching visitors about forests and sustainable forestry.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Pittock Mansion

    Under $25

    A hilltop 1914 chateau-style mansion with sweeping views of Portland and, on clear days, five Cascade peaks.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Creo Chocolate

    $25–$50

    Bean to bar chocolate factory tours and tasting bar in Portland's Lloyd district.

    1.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours