Portland, Oregon, is a city that celebrates creativity on every corner. It's where world-class breweries share streets with vibrant, large-scale murals, making it the perfect destination for anyone who loves craft beer and public art. Get ready to explore a city that proudly wears its artistic heart on its sleeve. You’ll discover how to plan your own brewery tour through iconic neighborhoods and where to find the most stunning street art for an unforgettable photo walk. You may even find yourself falling in love with the city and never wanting to leave! If you love the taste of beer, having fun, and browsing wonderful pieces of art, you’ve come to the right place!

The Heart of Beervana: Portland's Brewery Scene

Portland earned its nickname "Beervana" for a reason. With more breweries than any other city in the world, it’s a paradise for beer lovers. The city’s brewers are known for their innovation, quality, and community spirit. From classic IPAs to funky sour ales, there is always something new and exciting to try.

Planning Your Tap Room Hop

The best way to explore Portland's beer scene is by focusing on one neighborhood at a time. Many of the best breweries in Portland are clustered together, making them easy to visit on foot or by bike.

Southeast Portland: Division & Clinton

This area is a hotspot for both beer and food. Start here for a classic Portland experience.

  • Apex: Technically a beer bar, not a brewery, Apex is an essential stop with an enormous, rotating tap list and a sprawling outdoor patio. You can even bring food over from the food carts next door.
  • Schilling Cider House: If you want a break from beer, Schilling offers dozens of ciders on tap, from sweet to bone-dry.
  • Baerlic Brewing: Known for its inviting taproom and a solid lineup of classic, well-crafted beer styles.

The Pearl District & Downtown

Once an industrial area, the Pearl District is now home to polished galleries, boutiques, and some of the city's most established breweries.

  • Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House: A Bend, Oregon, original with a massive and popular pub in the heart of Portland. Their Mirror Pond Pale Ale is a classic.
  • Von Ebert Brewing: This award-winning brewery has a location in the Pearl, offering fantastic IPAs and German-style lagers alongside delicious food.

The Alberta Arts District

This vibrant neighborhood is famous for its independent shops, galleries, and a thriving street art scene.

  • Great Notion Brewing: If you love hazy, fruit-forward IPAs and creative sours, Great Notion is a must-visit. Their unique brews often draw a crowd.
  • Migration Brewing: A neighborhood favorite with a great patio and a diverse tap list that has something for everyone.

What to Try

When you visit, be on the lookout for seasonal releases. Many breweries create special beers for the spring, summer, fall, and winter. Don't be afraid to ask your beertender for a recommendation or try a tasting flight to sample a few different styles.

The City as a Canvas: Portland Mural Walks

Portland's commitment to creativity isn't only indoors. The city's walls are alive with color, thanks to a vibrant street art community and events like the Portland Street Art Alliance's annual mural festival. A self-guided mural walk is a fantastic way to see the city and capture some amazing photos.

How to Find the Best Murals

You can find street art all over the city, but these neighborhoods offer the highest concentrations.

  • Alberta Arts District: The heart of Portland's street art scene. Wander along NE Alberta Street between 15th and 30th Avenues to find dozens of colorful murals on shops, walls, and even utility poles.
  • Central Eastside: This industrial area has become a canvas for huge, impressive murals. Explore the side streets and warehouse walls around SE 10th Avenue and Division Street.
  • The Burnside Bridgehead: The area around the east end of the Burnside Bridge is home to some iconic pieces. Look for large-scale works visible from the MAX light rail line.

Photography and Etiquette

When photographing street art, remember that you are in a public space.

  • Be respectful of the art and the neighborhood.
  • Don't block sidewalks or traffic.
  • If a mural is on a private business, consider popping in to support them.
  • Always credit the artist if you know who they are when posting online. Many artists sign their work or leave an Instagram handle.

A Sample Weekend Itinerary in Portland

Ready to explore? Here’s a plan for a perfect weekend of beer and art. This is one of the best things to do in Portland this weekend!

Day 1: Southeast Art and Brews

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Start your day with a world-class coffee from one of Southeast Portland’s famous cafes, like Coava Coffee Roasters.
  • Afternoon (12:00 PM): Grab lunch at a food cart pod on Division Street. Then, begin your self-guided mural walk through the Central Eastside Industrial District.
  • Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Time for a beer! Head to one of the breweries in the area, like Baerlic Brewing, to relax and try a local brew.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner on Division Street and then hop over to Apex for a nightcap on their patio.

Day 2: Alberta Arts and the Pearl

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Head to the Alberta Arts District. Spend the morning walking along Alberta Street, popping into shops and galleries while hunting for murals.
  • Lunch (1:00 PM): Enjoy lunch at a local cafe or the popular Pine State Biscuits.
  • Afternoon (3:00 PM): Make your way to Great Notion Brewing for one of their famous hazy IPAs or sours.
  • Evening: Travel downtown to the Pearl District. Have dinner and a final pint at Deschutes Brewery to round out your Portland experience.