Opened in 1967, the perfectly curated Portland Japanese Garden provides a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. The garden is beloved by locals and visitors alike due to its authenticity. In fact, the Portland Japanese Garden is regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in America, reason alone to visit. Make sure to swing by the cozy Umami Cafe for matcha or tea, you won’t be disappointed.

Spanning an impressive 16,000 square feet and sitting pretty atop the West Hills, Pittock Mansion is a stunning French-Renaissance mansion that dates back to 1914. Touring the mansion is a clear highlight as visitors are able to see the original decor while learning more about the family that called Pittock Mansion home. Local's Tip: Once you’re done with the tour, head to the immaculate garden for the best view of Portland, especially at sunset.

It’s no secret that Portland is one of the best beer cities in the country. From a local's perspective, no brewery shines brighter than Breakside Brewery -- largely thanks to the plethora of awards and accolades bestowed upon it. The prestigious awards span continents and there's simply too many to list, but the Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival is worth mention.

Salt & Straw has amassed a cult-like following since opening in 2011 and the steadfast devotion is justified -- they churn out the best ice cream in Portland. Locally sourced seasonal ingredients take center stage and the innovative (albeit unusual) seasonal flavors warrant a sample or two. Local's Tip: Don't skip the honey-lavender flavor, it's sublime.

Let's get real, it's rare to find locals and visitors congregating in the same restaurants nowadays. One clear exception is Pine State Biscuits where anyone is eager to wait in line for an hour when needed for the best biscuits in Portland, and that means something. Swing by during brunch for knock-out breakfast sandwiches and you'll instantly see why locals love this place so much -- it's definitely worth the hype.

Cheesy? Sure but don’t skip it unless you’re lactose intolerant. The reason is simple, if you don’t take an obligatory photo with the Keep Portland Weird mural then nobody will believe you ever stepped foot in Portland. So route yourself to this mural and let the magic happen. Local’s Tip: VooDoo Donuts (arguably the most famous donuts in Portland) is right next to the mural — two birds, one stone.

Spanning an entire city block, Powell’s Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world, reason alone to visit. More than one million new and used books can be found in the store, which covers 4 floors. Local’s Tip: Pop into the Gold Room during your visit to see the rarest books in the store.

Located in Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden is home to more than 10,000 roses — and if that’s not impressive enough — it’s also the oldest (and largest) public rose garden in the country. Founded in 1915 by the editor of the Oregon Journal in an effort to preserve roses susceptible to traditional during World War I, the impressive rose garden is free to tour. Visit between May and October for peak blooms.

Portland is known for spectacular scenery and unparalleled access to nature, so why not take a day trip to the breathtaking Columbia Gorge and see what all the fuss is about. Less than a 1-hour drive from Portland, this scenic day trip will take you past the tallest (and most beloved) waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls. Did you know: The Columbia River Gorge is the largest National Scenic Area in the country.

Portlanders take outdoor recreation seriously and nowhere is this more evident than the busy trailheads at Forest Park. Spanning more than 5,200 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country. With more than 70+ miles of trails, you're bound to find a trail you love. Insider Tip: Try to find the Witch’s Castle, it's an epic hike beloved by locals for its fascinating (and haunting) past.