The ultimate spooky weekend in Portland, Oregon

01.10.2024 - 15:41 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 1, 2024 • 8 min read

Not everybody knows this, but Portland, Oregon, has a hidden spooky side. The largest city in this Pacific Northwest state is a paradise for horror fans and a top spot for a Halloween weekend getaway. We’re not just talking about ghost tours, although these are definitely on the table. The city's shops, bars and lounges embrace all things eerie and macabre, and these aren’t your typical pop-up haunts. These places have a year-round dedication to the dark and mysterious.

Having visited Portland over a long fall weekend, I can promise that three days will barely scratch the surface of what Portland has to offer – especially if you plan to dive into the city's spookier side. To experience Portland’s haunting charm, here’s how to craft a perfect spine-tingling Halloween weekend.

When to arrive: Halloween falls on a Thursday in 2024, so check in by the afternoon for your three-day weekend to make the most of the quirky, haunted and delightfully eerie experiences that await in Portland.

How to get from the airport: From Portland International Airport (PDX), hop on the red line of the MAX Light Rail to Pioneer Square. It’s about a 40-minute train ride, with trains running every 15 minutes, and tickets cost less than $3 (one-way). A rideshare will get you the nine miles into town for around $40.

Getting around town: Portland is wonderfully walkable and easy to get around. You’ll find most spots easy to reach on foot. But if you need to cross the Willamette River or venture further, rideshares are fairly inexpensive and quick.

Where to stay: For convenience, staying centrally near Pioneer Square is a smart move. The Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District is a great mid-range option, with rates starting from around $150 per night. For something a bit more upscale, the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel along the Willamette River offers stays for under $300. If you’re on a budget, the Hotel Rose on SW Morrison St is a solid pick, with rooms for less than $80 per night.

What to pack: Portland’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be ready for anything. The city gets about 36 inches of rain a year, but showers are usually light. Portlanders don’t even bother with umbrellas; just throw on a jacket, and if the rain does start, pop into a cozy coffee shop. Chances are, the rain will have stopped by the time you’ve finished your latte.

Halloween falls on a Thursday in 2024. If your trip coincides with the Halloween weekend, there are plenty of themed events to check out if you still have energy after the journey. If not, you're sure to find a creepy movie on hotel cable TV.

Morning: Rise and shine; it’s time to explore. But first, breakfast. Head over to The Daily Feast, a hip spot where