Here’s how you can see Portland’s best attractions on a budget.
It can be expensive to see a city’s best sites. That is not the case for Portland’s best attractions. Many of the top attractions offer complimentary and reduced price days every month. If you have friends coming to town, vacationing in the city or wanting to get a discount on local entertainment, enjoy some of the best free and cheap attractions in Portland.
The list below has details about free and cheap days at Portland’s best attractions. These attractions are open on various days and times. Check the website before visiting.
Free and Cheap Days at Portland’s Best Attractions
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Nestled between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course is an urban oasis called Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. On the 9-acre property grows a collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, shrubs, companion plants and unusual trees. The garden blends water and land as winding paths take you along the banks of Crystal Springs Lake to see the incredible blooms and foliage.
Free days at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden:
- Admission is free every Monday.
- It costs only $5 on all other open days, making this local attraction a great place to visit.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is at 5801 SE 28th Ave. in Portland.
International Test Rose Garden
This attraction is one of the city’s beloved free rose gardens. Sitting atop the city in Washington Park, you’ll find this immaculately maintained garden complete with an amphitheater, fountain, picnic tables and thousands of rose blooms. The test garden opened in 1917 and has drawn worldwide attention for its gorgeous roses.
While you’re there, use the free Washington Park shuttle to get around to other attractions throughout the 410-acre park.
Free public tours are offered daily at 1 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
This attraction is free, but you will have to pay for parking.
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is located at 400 SW Kingston Ave.
Oregon Historical Society
For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has acted at our state’s collective memory with a collection of artifacts, photographs, films, manuscripts, books, and oral histories. The three floors of permanent and traveling exhibitions explore the people, places, and events that shaped the history of Oregon and our country.
Oregon Historical Society is free to Multnomah County residents and kids 5 and under.
The museum is located at 1200 SW Park Ave. in Portland.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
On the banks of the Willamette, OMSI treats guests to a behind the scenes view of scientific wonders from around the world with traveling and permanent exhibits. Founded in 1944, OMSI’s mission is to inspire curiosity, exchange of ideas, and stimulate informed action. It is a great place to take your family for a day of fun.
Free and cheap days at OMSI:
- On the first Sunday of every month, OMSI drops the price of general admission to $5 per person.
- Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit cardholders receive free admission the first full weekend of every month.
Other free and cheap OMSI programming includes star parties and science pubs.
OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water St. in Portland.
Oregon Zoo
In the past, Oregon Zoo has offered free days periodically as well as discounts on the second Tuesday of the month. Hopefully these programs are returning soon. Subscribe to Portland Living on the Cheap to be notified when these discount days return.
Portland Art Museum
Located in the heart of downtown, Portland Art Museum is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. Tour the collection of permanent galleries and six stories of modern art. The museum offers some incredible exhibits temporarily on display.
Free days at Portland Art Museum:
- The museum offers free admission Sundays quarterly. Subscribe to Portland Living on the Cheap to be notified of the next Sunday free day.
- Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit cardholders receive free admission the first full weekend of every month.
- Library cardholders can reserve two free adult admissions through the Multnomah County Library’s My Discovery Pass.
- Kids 17 and under get free admission every day.
Portland Art Museum is located at 1219 SW Park Ave. in Portland.
Portland Japanese Garden
Nestled among Washington Park, the Portland Japanese Garden deems itself the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. It features five traditional styles of Japanese gardens on 5+ acres.
Free daya at Portland Japanese Garden:
- Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit cardholders receive free admission the first full weekend of every month.
- Library cardholders can reserve two free adult admissions through the Multnomah County Library’s My Discovery Pass.
While you’re visiting, ride the free shuttle around Washington Park and one of Portland’s best free rose gardens, the International Rose Test Garden.
Portland Japanese Garden is at 611 SW Kingston Ave. in Portland.
Pittock Mansion Grounds
The Pittock Mansion resides in the west hills with an incredible view of the city. The 16,000 square foot French Renaissance style home was built in 1912 by Henry Pittock, the former publisher of The Oregonian. The mansion is now a beloved museum with beautiful grounds.
Ways to visit the Pittock Mansion for free:
- You can get free tickets through the Washington and Clackamas county libraries’ free adventure passes.
- While the Pittock Mansion does not offer free tour days, you can visit the ground for free. It is worth it for the city views, manicured gardens and picturesque curb appeal of the home.
If you’re looking for an adventure, the best way to access the grounds is by hiking from Lower Macleay Park. Take Lower Macleay Trail along Balch Creek and connect with Wildwood Trail, which leads to the Pittock Mansion.
Pittock Mansion is located at 3229 NW Pittock Drive in Portland.
“The Grotto, Portland” by Scarlet Sappho is licensed under CC BY SA 2.0.
The Grotto
In Northeast Portland, there’s a sanctuary nestled among a tranquil forest: The Grotto. The outdoor Catholic shrine and sanctuary features a cave carved out of 110-foot basalt cliffside with a stone altar where the depiction of Mary holding the body of her son after his crucifixion rests. There’s also a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà.
The lower level with the outdoor shrine is always free to visit.
The Grotto is located at 8840 NE Skidmore Street in Portland.
Topgolf
Located a short drive from the city center, Topgolf is on par with Portland’s most entertaining attractions. Whether you’re an experienced golfer working on your game or a newbie looking to have fun with friends, Topgolf offers a casual, fun environment for all to enjoy.
You can save on this attraction by visiting during Topgolf discount days.
Cheap days at Topgolf:
- During weekday mornings, enjoy unlimited Topgolf game play. That means you’ll get unlimited golf balls from 10 a.m.–noon for $15 per person.
- On Tuesdays, save 50% on all game play.
- Military (active duty and veterans), police, fire and EMS personnel, teachers and healthcare workers get 10% off Topgolf game play every day.
Topgolf is located at 5505 NE Huffman St. in Hillsboro.
Other Ways to Save
Free Cultural Passes at Portland Libraries
Free cultural passes allow you to visit some of the best attractions throughout the Portland area for free. This program is great for individuals, couples, friends and families with tickets to several attractions available free of charge.
Browse the free passes available at libraries throughout the Portland area.
Museum For All
Through Museums for All, people who receive food assistance (SNAP benefits) can get free or reduced admission to six attractions in the Portland area by presenting their EBT card. Participating locations include:
- Architectural Heritage Center
- Barn Exhibit Hall
- Harlow House Museum
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Oregon Historical Society
- Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals
Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to my newsletter (only one email a day), and follow me on Facebook and Twitter!
You may also like:
7 Places to See a Movie for $7 or Less
Portland Living on the Cheap is a member of 