After some hot and sunny beach days, a trip to Farley Hill National Park can be a refreshing alternative. Grab a picnic and enjoy hiking through mahogany woods and looking down at the eastern coast from time to time. The ruins of Farley Hill house, once a splendid mansion, add a mystical aspect. Sometimes, this place is even transformed into a stage for theatrical events.

Portland’s Japanese Garden spans 5.5 acres and is often considered the finest of its kind outside Japan. This serene oasis features tranquil waterfalls, koi ponds, and lush greenery, providing a peaceful retreat year-round. The garden also hosts a charming café that offers traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, with tea and snacks imported directly from Japan.

Dive into the wonders of the Indian River Lagoon at the Marine Discovery Center, a non-profit dedicated to preserving this unique estuary and educating the public about its fragile ecosystem. Visitors can join guided boat or kayak tours to explore the lagoon’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities to spot playful dolphins, manatees, and an array of bird species.

Dubbed the "home of American coffee culture," Portland knows what it takes to brew the perfect cup. In a 2016 survey of 100 U.S. cities, Portland topped the list, boasting the most coffee roasters per capita and the highest number of cafés. With so many spots to enjoy a great cup of coffee, you might think there's little room for discovery — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Portland’s coffee scene continues to evolve, with unique additions like Oracle Coffee Company, run by Andy Hurley, the drummer of Fall Out Boy and a self-described "vegan straight-edge anarchist." The choices are endless, but for a glimpse of where it all began, visit the original Stumptown Coffee Roasters location at 4525 Southeast Division Street. Many credit this tiny space with launching Portland’s rise to coffee fame, now a chain with outlets from New York to LA.