Keep Portland Weird: Things to do in Oregon's City of Roses

Tampa International Airport is beefing up its West Coast lineup with expanded nonstop service to Portland, Oregon!

Alaska Airlines will soon operate its first-ever daily nonstop flights between TPA and PDX. Previously, the airline offered this route on Saturdays only. The increased service will be available through March 28, 2027.

While Portland's rainy season is in full swing during those months, the Pacific Northwest's famously mild winters and evergreen scenery make it a refreshing change of pace from the Gulf Coast. If you're thinking about planning a winter or early spring getaway, this quirky city and the surrounding area offer plenty of fun things to do.

Get lost in Powell's City of Books: Portland is a city built for readers, and nowhere proves it better than Powell's City of Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. Spanning an entire city block and offering multiple color-coded rooms, Powell's is the kind of place where you can wander for hours, browsing new releases and staff picks with handwritten recommendations. It's a cozy, indoor spot that's perfect for a rainy Portland afternoon.

Wander Washington Park and its attractions: Even in the cooler months, Washington Park is a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown. Stroll among the towering evergreens of Hoyt Arboretum, or visit the animals at the 64-acre Oregon Zoo. Of course there's the International Rose Test Garden, open since 1917 and featuring 10,000 blooms of the city's signature flower. You also can step inside the Portland Japanese Garden, often called the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, where covered walkways and koi ponds make for a serene visit no matter the forecast. And if you just want to take a hike, there are more than 15 miles of trails among Washington Park's 458-plus acres. It's a beautiful mix of sheltered and open-air exploration, all in one park.

Sample Portland's food cart and brewery scene: Portland's food culture is legendary, and much of it happens indoors — or at least under cover. Duck into one of the city's beloved food cart pods for everything from Korean tacos to pizza, then warm up at one of the dozens of craft breweries scattered across town. Portland is purported to have more breweries per capita within city limits than any other city in the country, so there's no shortage of cozy taprooms to duck into between rain showers.

Take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls: One of Portland's biggest advantages is its proximity to some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. Just a 30-minute drive east of downtown, the Columbia River Gorge is home to Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall, which cascades 620 feet. With Portland as your base, you can easily spend a day chasing waterfalls and gorge overlooks before heading back to the city for dinner.

Whether you're browsing bookshelves, wandering through gardens, sampling food carts, or hiking to scenic vistas, Portland has something for every kind of traveler this winter and spring.

Thanks to Alaska Airlines' expanded daily flights from Tampa to Portland, your next Pacific Northwest getaway is just a nonstop flight away. Book your next flight today: https://www.alaskaair.com/