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 for a relaxed afternoon date, you won’t be disappointed.

Credited for putting Portland on the national culinary map, dinning at Le Pigeon has been considered one of the most romantic things to do in Portland since it opened in 2006. Founded by Chef Gabriel Rucker, there's two exceptional 5-course tasting menus (one for vegetarians). The wine pairing is highly recommended for an unforgettable affair. $125 per person. Local’s Tip: The restaurant is tiny (and cozy), it has a very relaxed feeling, dress nicely but don’t expect a stuffy dining experience.

Oregon is known for producing world-class wines, so why not make a date night out of trying some local bottles produced in Portland? Focusing on quality over quantity, the folks behind Enso Winery hand craft old-world style wines using grapes sourced from Vineyards in Washington, California and Oregon. They produce around 1,000 cases of small-batch wine per year (all within city limits!) and the passion shows. You can try them for yourself at this charming winery.

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 on a stormy day is quite romantic. You can 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. Doesn't get better than this.

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. Strolling the park slowly (and stopping to smell the roses) is an iconic Portland date.

Started in 1898 in an effort to preserve the "state's collective memory," the Oregon Historical Society has a well-curated collection of artifacts dating back to the Oregon Trail. This beloved museum has been sharing Oregon's history for more than 118 years, invite your special someone and learn something new together. Local's Tip: There's a lot to explore at the museum but the biggest draw is the famous 1845 penny used to decide Portland’s name in a coin toss. You won't want to miss it.

The vibe alone warrants inclusion on this list of Portland date ideas. A sophisticated interior (clad with dark leather furniture, bookshelves storing 1,000 whiskey bottles and classy music) clearly evokes library feels. But rather than Nabokov and Dickens lining the shelf, you'll find the knowledgeable team scrolling past Ardbeg and Lagavulin. It's a treat all around, especially for whiskey enthusiasts, but those that don't prefer whiskey won't go thirsty either, wine is on offer too.

Papa Haydn has been considered a Portland institution by sweet-tooths across the city since they opened in 1978. Serving some of the best cakes in Portland, there's two locations: NW 23rd Ave. & SE Milwaukie Ave. Both locales offer cozy vibes, creating the perfect setting for a romantic date night. The Milwaukie location has an outdoor patio that can’t be beat on a warm summer evening. As for the menu, dessert is where they shine (the chocolate cake is worth a trek across town).

This Grammy-nominated symphony ranks as one of the best orchestras in America. Currently led by Music Director David Danzmayr, the Oregon Symphony hosts more than 100 concerts per year and sees more than 235,000 visitors annually. It's hard to imagine a more romantic Portland date idea than an evening serenaded by award-winning classical music. Rain or shine, this is the place to be if you want to impress a special someone (or want an occasion to put on the fancy shoes).

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. This is a great place to go on a rainy day, get lost in the aisles before deciding on a book to take home (better yet, ask your date to recommend a new-to-you book). Local’s Tip: Pop into the Gold Room during your visit to see the rarest books in the store.