We're lucky to have beauty in every direction from Vancouver, and these specially curated and beautifully maintained museums, gardens, and more are truly destinations people visit from around the world. In order from closest, to furthest away:
International Rose Test Garden, Portland, OR: The oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, featuring more than 10,000 roses in bloom from late spring to early fall is truly breathtaking. It’s set in Washington Park along with the Hoyt Arboretum and the Japanese Garden (see those below!). There’s no entry fee, but it does get busy, so plan accordingly!
Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes.
Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR: A place to let go of worldly thoughts and see oneself as a small but integral part of the universe. Not just a garden, but also home to the Cultural Village where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese arts through seasonal activities, performances, and demonstrations in the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation Courtyard.
Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes.
Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, OR: Home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, 12 miles of trails, and 189 acres, it is the perfect place to clear your head and walk solo, or with a family. It’s worth a visit in every season to see what’s blooming.
Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes.
OMSI, Portland, OR: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is intriguing for all ages. With seasonal exhibits including my favorite, “Exquisite Creatures”, a wonderful display of bugs and small, colorful animals, and the very popular traveling “Body Worlds” showing you inside the human body, keep an eye on their website to see what’s current. For adults, OMSI After Dark is a monthly event for 21+ with food trucks, drinks, and music.
Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes.
Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals, Hillsboro, OR: If you’re into crystals, gems and prehistoric petrified wood and fossils, this place will “rock” your world (I had to.) My mind can’t even really fathom the age of some of the specimens and how it could have possibly been determined. The collection of 20,000 rocks and minerals was started by Richard and Helen Rice, who eventually turned their world class collection into a 501c3 and made it available for all those interested in the earth sciences.
Distance to Vancouver: 40 minutes.
Wildlife Safari, Winston, OR: A 600 acre Drive-Thru animal park with dozens of threatened species like the quirky Cotton-top Tamarin, Brindled Wildebeest, and literally, lions, tigers, and bears, (Oh my!). Driving your own vehicle, It takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete your tour.
Distance to Vancouver: 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Evergreen Space and Aviation Museum, McMinnville, OR: More than fifty vintage aircraft, rockets and aviation equipment, with optional bonus tours, including the famous Hughes Flying Boat Spruce Goose. No reservations are required, but you may have to wait if you don’t make one.
Distance to Vancouver: 1 hr 15 Minutes, depending on traffic.
