HMC

My husband & I are going to Oregon the week of Thanksgiving to visit relatives. We will be staying in the Hillsboro area for 7 days. Any suggestions on things to do and places to see in Portland and Oregon Coast area?

jenneepoo

Well, some people hate this recommendation, but start with doing some research, by looking under Oregon on this board and doing a search under Portland, too. You'll find everything from what you're asking about to restaurant recommendations.
Use your favorite search engine to look for Portland tourism sites, including POVA.org, the Portland Oregon Visitor's Association.
Bear in mind that the days will be short and the weather will in all likelihood be rainy, and that's going to limit the number of things you can do outside comfortably. As I don't know what you're interested in, I don't know which direction to point you, but here are a few ideas. You can just put on your parkas and explore town: Check out the galleries, the shops, the restaurants, the Chinese Garden, the Art and History Museums, OMSI if you're bringing kids. Go to Powell's (the world's biggest book store?) Watch a movie at one of the McMenamin theaters where you can drink beer and eat while you watch the flick. Buy some sales-tax free stuff. There's the Japanese Garden, the Zoo, the International Rose Test Garden if you are lucky enough for a clear day, although it's the wrong time for the flowers. Take a jaunt up to Mt St Helens across the Washington border. Head east through the Columbia Gorge and stop at the myriad waterfalls, poke around in Hood River, drive up and around Mt Hood stopping at Timberline Lodge. Coastal weather will likely not be too great, but head west for the coast through the lovely wine country and stop at a few tasting rooms, then the Evergreen Air Museum to see the Spruce Goose, and then on to the coast for some stormwatching. Newport has an aquarium, if you're into that, and Lincoln City has a big casino and outlet malls. If you were coming for Easter, I'd suggest going south of town, toward the capitol at Salem, recommending a hike around Silver Falls, and a walk through the Oregon Gardens. Whew! And enjoy seeing your family and some turkey, too!

SaraLM

Well you have gotten some great recommendations thus far - she hit almost all I usually give. We always go to the coast for Thanksgiving and the weather can vary greatly. Last year it was shorts weather - sunny and warm - delightful. Most other times it is damp and sometimes just plain stormy. One thing I do like about the coast is the storms pass quickly, in the valley it just rains and rains. Leave your time flexible enough that if you get a clear day you make a run to the coast to enjoy it.

Once you do some more research come back and ask a little more specific questions and you'll get even more ideas.

Enjoy!

jimshep

Oregon highlights are the Columbia River Gorge, the Pacific coast, and Crater Lake. Unfortunately, the latter is off the beaten track and is likely to be closed (or not fully open) in November.

Traveling the Columbia River Gorge, I suggest driving west on Washington 14 visiting Mary Hill Museum and nearby winery before returning on the Oregon side of the river.

On the coast, I recommend a night at Cannon Beach, a delightful town with outstanding State Parks nearby.

Jim

kimamom

Hope you read this post before you leave! I would recommend visiting Cannon Beach, Seaside and Astoria on the Oregon Coast. In Astoria you can visit the Maritime Museum if it is rainy. You could easily spend an afternoon there. There are many shops, galleries, etc. to keep you busy there.

Stop for lunch at the Ship Inn if you like good fish and chips. A dinner at the Silver Salmon Grille is a must. www.oldoregon.com to learn more about Astoria.

If you are interested in theatre, Cannon Beach has theatre house there to catch a play. Also many nice shops there.

In Portland, the Zoo is very fun but it may be rainy near Thanksgiving. The Pioneer Place has world-class shopping. You could spend a day there if that interests you.

The Harborside is very nice right along the waterfront for lunch or dinner in Portland.

If you fell adventuresome, go over the Astoria-Megler bridge and explore Long Beach. Marsh's Free Museum has tons of souvenirs, seashell, etc. Make sure you have a meal at The Shoalwater at the Shelburne Inn if you do visit Seaview, WA www.shoalwater.com to check out this four-star dining establishment. Have a great trip!! ***kim***

Orcas

The No-Sales Tax Shopper inside me says if you want bargains, check out the outlet stores for Columbia Sportswear, Norm Thompson, and Hanna Anderson, all in Mountain Park (near L. Oswego) and conveniently located near a Starbucks.

kimamom

And there is also an outlet mall in Seaside with many nice shops such as Liz Claiborne, Nine West, Nike and a wonderful wine shop. I agree, the tax-free shopping is great!! Have fun!! ***kim***