Whenever I travel, researching the best instagrammable murals in the cities I’m in is at the top of my “to-do” list. I enjoy seeing the art and expressions of different artists and capturing my moments with them. In some cases, some of those murals won’t last forever, so capturing the beauty is important to me! If you’re looking for the most instagrammable murals for your Portland, Oregon trip, this article is for you!
#1 – Rhino Mural
This life-like mural is one to not pass up while in Portland. If you’re driving, it is in front of a spacious parking lot. Luckily, the lot was vacant when I visited the mural so I was able to get a great shot! Also, the neighboring bar owner saw me struggling to get a selfie with this giant mural and offered to take a better picture. Greatness is build as a community effort, haha!
Located on SE Morrison street just east of SE 12 outside of There Be Monsters, this life-like mural is a community favorite. It was painted in August of 2015 by artists Josh Keys for the annual Forest For The Trees mural event.
1308 SE Morrison Street, map
#2 – Flamingos at Pie Spot
While searching for murals, even though I sought out this one from friend’s recommendations, I totally didn’t realize I was dressed exactly like the flamingos.. it was fate.
This one is a little trickier because of the small parking lot, a lot of cars try to park in the limited spot. While you’re here though, grab a pie from Pie Spot! Ranked one of the top places to eat in Portland.
521 NE 24th Ave, 97232, map.
#3 – Arrows
Bright and beautiful! When I was lookin for this mural, I just about missed it. The wall is much smaller than I was expecting, but the colors and details certainly did not disappoint. A bright pop of happiness on a dreary, rainy fall day in Portland!
916 SE Hawthorne Blvd 97214, map
#4 – Powell’s City of Books
This huge bookstore is a vertebrae to the culture that is Portland. Come here to get lost on endless adventures with book varieties in all categories. Quirky and fun souvenirs as well as local coffees and brews fill the main room, but other rooms have endless book shelves, couches, and nooks to get comfortable and escape the hustle and bustle that is downtown.
1005 W Burnside St, 97209, map
#5 – Keep Portland Weird Sign
If someone is visiting the city for the first time and is wondering what type of crowd Portland is, direct them to this sign. It says it all, in the best way.
350 W Burnside St, 97209, map
#6 – International Rose Test Garden
Probably my most favorite piece of Portland to visit is the International Rose Test Garden. I visited in the fall right around Halloween (check out the fun design in the garden picture!) and it had rained that day, so the flowers were coming alive and dancing in their rows showing off their blooms and colors. The garden has much more than roses, but there are endless varieties, colors, and rows of flowers. This is the perfect spot for any occasion needing pictures because you’ll have a stellar background no matter what angle you choose!
400 SW Kingston Ave, 97205, map
#7 – Butterfly on the Wall
Although this is one of the smaller murals in Portland, it’s still adorable. Located right around the corner from Mother’s Bistro in downtown Portland!
121 SW 3rd Ave 97204, map