When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Around Portland Tours
Why Around Portland Tours is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Around Portland Tours offers an exceptional way to explore Portland through immersive walking, hiking, and biking experiences guided by passionate local storytellers and avid bicyclists. Founded with a deep love for Portland, the tours allow visitors and locals alike to move through the city while discovering its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Each tour is thoughtfully crafted with a narrative thread that connects you to the streets, bridges, gardens, parks, and the people of Portland, revealing fascinating stories behind landmarks, street names, natural features, and local lore. Highlights include dynamic routes through urban and forested areas such as Forest Park, visits to the International Rose Test Garden, and scenic stops at historic locations like Pittock Mansion. The tours emphasize not only knowing the geography of Portland but understanding its place in broader historical, geological, and cultural contexts. Besides regular guided tours, Around Portland Tours specializes in custom experiences including group tours ranging from small to over 150 participants, blending activities like hiking, biking, culinary stops, and even team-building exercises. Their knowledge extends to spectacular nearby natural sites like Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and the Oregon Coast, offering wide-ranging options for those wanting to experience Portland’s outdoors and history in a meaningful, engaging way.
Here's what people think of Around Portland Tours
As of recent, Around Portland Tours holds a 4.9-star rating based on 530 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Around Portland Tours for their insightful, entertaining, and well-paced touring experiences. With a stellar overall rating of 4.9 from over 530 reviews, many guests highlight how the guides bring Portland’s history alive with compelling stories, local anecdotes, and little-known facts, even delighting longtime residents who thought they knew the city well. Positive remarks often mention the guides' passion, depth of knowledge, and ability to weave rich narratives that transform the cityscape into an engaging storybook. Reviewers appreciate the balance of physical activity and education, noting that tours are not overly demanding yet physically engaging enough for an active outing. Customized tours and the flexibility offered for group sizes are especially valued for team-building and special events. On the other hand, very few negative reviews appear, but some mention occasional scheduling or communication hiccups, or preferences for tour pacing differing among participants. Nonetheless, the overwhelmingly positive feedback underlines the professionalism, friendliness, and personalized touch of the guides and staff. Overall, the reviews confirm that Around Portland Tours provides a unique and memorable way to experience Portland through its vibrant history, culture, and natural surroundings, making it highly recommended for visitors and locals seeking deeper engagement with the city.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amy C
What an amazing tour!! It was a small van that took a group of 11 people around to the various waterfalls. There were several hikes and beautiful view. We are happy we did this and Carrie was an absolute amazing tour guide!! she also had tons of tips about Portland and various restaurants and food options, highly recommend!
Jessica Moyer
Fantastic experience touring multiple waterfalls and a scenic point along the Gorge. We got up close and personal with multiple waterfalls. Our guide, Carrie, was wonderful. She kept the conversation going with fun facts and tips for visiting the area. If you’re wanting to get a feel for the beauty of Portland, this tour is a must!
Katie Bahr
We did both the silver falls tour and the Oregon coast tour. They were both excellent tours that were informative, but our tour guide Carrie for the Oregon coast tour was awesome! She was very knowledgeable and personable. Never a dull moment on her tour!
Joe Sanchez
We took 2 families on a tour to go and check out the falls around the Portland area. Carrie was extremely knowledgeable and just did an outstanding job of showing us the 4 different falls in the area. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
Robin Deluna
This was the best tour. A perfect combination of hiking and biking. We got to see 3 different waterfalls, and several rivers. Angela and Austin were our guides and they were great! Friendly, knowledgeable, and helped ensure we had a safe ride. Thanks guys! I would totally recommend this tour
How to reach Around Portland Tours
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Why rally at Around Portland Tours with your friends?
Gathering at Around Portland Tours is an exceptional choice when planning a meetup with friends or family because it offers a shared experience that combines active exploration with compelling storytelling about Portland's rich history and vibrant culture. Unlike a typical venue, Around Portland Tours transforms the city itself into your playground and narrative, where every street, park, and landmark becomes part of a living story you discover together. Whether cycling through scenic routes or walking historic neighborhoods, you and your group engage directly with the city's fabric—its architecture, rivers, gardens, and even mysterious urban legends. This shared adventure builds connection and creates lasting memories enhancing the social bond within any group. Moreover, the variety of tour options caters flexibly to different interests and activity levels, allowing your group to choose from biking, walking, hiking, or custom itineraries. The passionate local guides—avid bicyclists and storytellers—bring each tour to life with vivid narratives, making everyone feel part of Portland’s evolving story. Hosting a gathering here guarantees more than just a meetup; it offers an immersive, interactive, and unforgettable group experience that blends education, exercise, and fun in the heart of Portland.
What types of activities does Around Portland Tours offer for group meetups?
Around Portland Tours excels in offering a diverse range of activities perfectly suited for groups of any size, from intimate gatherings to large groups of over a hundred people. Their flagship offerings focus on walking and biking tours that combine urban exploration with engaging storytelling, allowing groups to traverse Portland’s streets, parks, and landmarks while hearing the city’s unique tales about history and culture. These tours are designed to be active yet accessible, providing an ideal balance for groups seeking both physical activity and immersive education.
Beyond urban tours, Around Portland Tours also specializes in hiking experiences, including excursions to iconic natural destinations such as Forest Park and the Columbia River Gorge. These hikes often feature visits to stunning waterfalls or scenic viewpoints and are guided by naturalists who explain the local ecology, geology, and indigenous history. For groups interested in culinary adventures, the company offers specialized food tours, such as the “Around Portland Like a Local Westside” or “Eastside Food Carts and Favorites” tours, which allow participants to sample Portland’s famed food scene in a relaxed, social setting.
In addition to standard tours, they provide custom itineraries tailored to your group's preferences. Whether your team desires bike rides, forest bathing exercises (a meditative forest walk), team-building activities, or even culinary experiences, Around Portland Tours accommodates the request. Their ability to coordinate full-service experiences—including catering, venue arrangement, and transportation—makes them an excellent partner for corporate events, celebrations, or any social meetup that benefits from careful planning and local expertise.
How does Around Portland Tours make group meetups unique and memorable?
Around Portland Tours stands out for its commitment to storytelling, local expertise, and flexibility in crafting bespoke experiences that resonate deeply with groups. The guides are not just tour operators but passionate Portland locals and avid cyclists and hikers who expertly weave fascinating narratives about Portland’s natural and urban environments. This approach transforms a simple group outing into a rich, cultural immersion where every landmark is a chapter and every trail a storyline. Participants get to experience the city from a personal perspective, learning about everything from the origins of street names to the ecology of ancient forests and the legends behind historic sites.
Additionally, the company’s ability to handle groups ranging from just a few people to over 150 makes it a versatile option that scales with your event’s requirements. Their comprehensive service offerings include walking, biking, and hiking tours plus optional extended excursions to nearby natural wonders like Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and the Oregon Coast. This breadth ensures that groups with diverse interests and fitness levels find activities perfectly suited for them.
Around Portland Tours is also well-regarded for its seamless coordination with local caterers, venue managers, and transportation providers, ensuring that your group event flows smoothly from start to finish without logistical headaches. The option for customized itineraries means your meetup can include unique elements like forest bathing sessions for relaxation or team-building challenges to foster camaraderie. This flexibility paired with professional support elevates a routine group outing into an unforgettable, stress-free event full of discovery, connection, and fun.
Why is Around Portland Tours ideal for outdoor and nature enthusiasts in groups?
For groups who enjoy active outdoor adventures interspersed with cultural discovery, Around Portland Tours presents an unparalleled option. Their tours often incorporate Portland’s most spectacular natural surroundings, such as Forest Park—the largest urban forest in the U.S.—and the nearby Columbia River Gorge with its breathtaking waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. These outdoor tours provide fresh air, scenic beauty, and a physical challenge that can be tailored to different levels of endurance and interest, making them inclusive for mixed-ability groups.
The company’s guides are knowledgeable naturalists skilled at sharing insights about local flora, geology, and environmental stewardship, which enriches the outdoor experience with depth and meaning. Examples include guided hikes through old-growth forests, visits to lava tubes near Mt. St. Helens, and exploration of the Rose Test Garden, adding layers of discovery as groups traverse iconic natural sites. Around Portland Tours also offers seasonal and full-day excursions that blend hiking with cycling or other activities, ideal for groups who crave diverse outdoor stimulation.
Moreover, the incorporation of forest bathing—a mindful, sensory immersion in nature—distinguishes their offerings from standard hikes, promoting wellness and group bonding in a serene, stress-relieving environment. With the ability to customize routes and activities, Around Portland Tours ensures that every outdoor meetup is perfectly tuned to the group’s preferences, making it a sought-after choice for those who want the best of Portland’s urban and natural worlds combined.
How does Around Portland Tours accommodate large groups and special events?
One of the defining features of Around Portland Tours is its experienced event planning and group coordination capabilities, which make it an excellent venue for large meetups, corporate events, family reunions, or celebrations. The company has a strong track record of managing groups from a handful of participants to over 150, demonstrating their logistical expertise and flexibility. Whether your gathering involves combining multiple transport modes like biking and walking or requires a fully curated experience with dining and venue arrangements, Around Portland Tours can orchestrate all details seamlessly.
The business works closely with local caterers, transportation providers, and venue owners to assemble full-service packages tailored to your event’s unique requirements. For instance, if your group wants a morning bike tour followed by a catered lunch at a scenic spot or a visit to a winery with cycling tours in the Willamette Valley, Around Portland Tours can coordinate those complex elements so your event runs smoothly. This one-stop approach alleviates the usual stress associated with planning group outings and lets hosts focus on enjoying the day with their guests.
Their custom itineraries also allow the inclusion of specialized activities such as culinary tours, team-building exercises, or forest bathing sessions, adding variety and engagement to the event. By tailoring routes, pacing, and experiences to suit your group's size, interests, and energy, Around Portland Tours provides a personalized, memorable atmosphere that appeals to diverse tastes and preferences, making any meetup not just an activity but a celebration.
What should groups expect when booking a tour or event with Around Portland Tours?
When booking with Around Portland Tours, groups can expect professional, attentive service from start to finish. The company’s base of operations is conveniently located in Southeast Portland at 833 SE Main Street, which serves as the launchpoint for many of their offerings. For downtown walking tours, meetups often begin at notable public spaces like Director Park or Revolution Hall, ensuring convenient and accessible gathering spots.
Communication is clear and responsive, with dedicated contacts such as Sarah available by phone or email to assist with questions, custom plan development, and gift card purchases. The knowledgeable team provides timely recommendations on what to wear, what to bring, and the best time to visit certain sites, preparing groups for an optimal experience regardless of Portland’s notoriously variable weather.
Guests should anticipate tours led by guides who are not only local experts but also passionate storytellers and outdoor enthusiasts eager to share their favorite corners of Portland. Activities are designed to be engaging and informative yet flexible enough to accommodate different group dynamics and interests. Visitors are encouraged to prepare for moderate physical activity but also to expect moments of relaxation and culinary indulgence depending on the chosen itinerary. With daily tours available year-round and the option for custom events, booking with Around Portland Tours means your group will enjoy a thoughtful, tailored, and immersive Portland experience.