The Top Ten Guide for Dating in Portland

Climb a mountain, take a walk, or have a drink at a trendy bar. Whatever your plans for your next date are, Portland has it all. Check out the Top Ten Guide for Dating in Portland.

Below, you'll have an opportunity to give us your tips for dating in Portland, so let us know what you think!

The Pacific Northwest holds a certain allure for a particular type of people. For the most part, these people love the great outdoors, but still enjoy the conveniences of an urban lifestyle. Although an influx of 20- and 30-somethings moved in recent years to Portland, it is the city famous for being a popular area for aging hippies.

That said, it is a relatively liberal town that places high value on the arts and culture. This means that Portland has an endless variety of dating options. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Play in the snow!

With Mount Hood within driving distance of the city, a skiing or snowboarding date is a romantic option for like-minded singles. Nothing beats the romance of après-ski hot cocoa. However, under no circumstances should you ever attempt to teach a significant other or a potential significant other to ski or snowboard. Leave that to the professionals! For a mellower, get-to-know-you type of activity, consider a snowshoe date.

2. Take to the Waters!

The Columbia River is a great place to go kayaking or windsurfing. Got a date? Consider a Portland Spirit lunch, brunch or dinner cruise.

3. Show your Creativity

The Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is named after the classical composer Rimsky-Korsakov. It features nightly classical music as well as creative coffee drinks and unique desserts.

4. Get a Dog

Portland is a pet lover’s paradise, and dogs are natural icebreakers.

5. Consider Moving to the Pearl District

This former warehouse and industrial district is now a mecca for art galleries, trendy stores and bookshops.

6. Browse the Books

What a great way to meet people who share your interests! Spend an afternoon at Powell’s Books.

7. A Walk in the Park

Spend a day exploring the wetlands at Tanner Springs Park.

8. Movie and Pub Date

The St. John’s Cinema and Pub is a Portland institution. This 500-seat Venetian theater opened in 1926. Described as a place where you can find first-run films at second-run prices, the St. John’s Cinema is a place to enjoy a flick, and then chat over pizza and beer after the show.

9. Share a Drink at the Sapphire

Sexy and intimate, the Sapphire Hotel pours some of Portland’s best five-dollar drink specials. Described as a place where couples “gaze meaningfully into each other’s eyes,” the lush red décor spells romance with an exclamation point.

10. Climb Rocky Butte

This is especially recommended at sunset, when you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River. Whether you are an athlete, an intellectual or an iconoclast, there’s something to do in Portland. Doing it with the right person adds to the thrill!