A Group Travel Guide to Portland, Oregon's Best Destinations

Washington Park: International Rose Test Garden & Portland Japanese Garden

No trip to Portland is complete without a visit to Washington Park, the crown jewel of the city's park system. Located in the West Hills, this sprawling urban oasis is home to two of the most iconic attractions in the Pacific Northwest: the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. The Rose Garden (400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205) features over 10,000 rose bushes and offers spectacular views of Mount Hood and the city skyline. Just up the hill, the Portland Japanese Garden (611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205) is proclaimed to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, offering a serene escape for groups seeking tranquility.

Traveling here with a group can be a logistical challenge due to limited parking and steep, winding roads coming off W Burnside Road or SW Canyon Road. During peak summer months, the public lots fill up almost instantly. When you book a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Rental Company Portland, you bypass the parking nightmare entirely. Your driver can drop your group off right at the designated loading zones near the tennis courts or the main entrances, allowing you to walk straight into the gardens. While you explore the sensory delight of thousands of blooming roses or the peaceful sand and stone gardens, your bus will handle the parking off-site and return to pick you up exactly when you are ready. This is the perfect destination for senior tour groups, wedding photoshoots, and nature lovers alike.

Powell's City of Books

For book lovers, Powell's City of Books isn't just a store; it's a pilgrimage site. Located in the heart of the Pearl District at 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, this is the world's largest independent bookstore, occupying an entire city block and housing over one million new and used books. It’s a fantastic stop for school groups, literary clubs, or just a group of friends looking to get lost in the stacks. The sheer size of the store means your group could easily spend hours exploring the color-coded rooms, grabbing coffee at the World Cup Coffee shop inside, and hunting for rare editions in the Rare Book Room.

However, the Pearl District is notorious for its difficult parking situation. Street parking is metered and scarce, and garage fees can add up quickly for multiple vehicles. A private minibus or charter bus rental makes visiting Powell’s a breeze. Your driver can navigate the busy intersections of West Burnside and NW 10th Avenue to drop your group curbside. Afterward, you can easily head to nearby breweries like Deschutes Brewery (210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) or explore the boutiques of the Pearl without worrying about moving cars or feeding meters. With ample storage space on our buses, your group can buy as many books as they want without worrying about carrying heavy bags around the city all day.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Located on the east bank of the Willamette River, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214) is a premier destination for educational field trips and corporate events. OMSI features five halls of hands-on science labs, a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, and the USS Blueback submarine docked right in the river. It is an engaging experience for students of all ages and a unique venue for private evening events. Whether you are dissecting eyes in the life sciences hall or watching a laser light show, OMSI offers a full day of entertainment.

Coordinating a school field trip or a large corporate outing here requires precision. While OMSI has a parking lot, it can be crowded, and coordinating arrival times for multiple personal vehicles is a recipe for delay. Charter Bus Rental Company Portland specializes in school field trip transportation, providing reliable buses that keep students, teachers, and chaperones together. The drivers can navigate the industrial Southeast district and can drop your group right at the front circle for easy access. Plus, with onboard DVD players and monitors, you can play educational documentaries on the way to the museum to get students ready for a day of learning. For corporate groups, a sleek charter bus ensures your team arrives at your OMSI after-hours event in style and comfort.

Pittock Mansion

Perched high in the West Hills, Pittock Mansion (3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210) offers a glimpse into Portland’s history and arguably the best panoramic view of the city. This French Renaissance-style chateau was built in 1914 for Henry Pittock, a newspaper publisher and key figure in Oregon’s development. Today, it stands as a house museum filled with period furniture and artwork. Groups visiting the mansion can enjoy self-guided or docent-led tours and hike the surrounding trails that connect to Forest Park.

Getting a large group to Pittock Mansion can be tricky without professional transportation. The road leading up to the mansion, NW Pittock Drive, is narrow, winding, and often busy with hikers and tourists. Standard school buses or inexperienced drivers may struggle with the tight turns. Charter Bus Rental Company Portland employs skilled drivers who know exactly how to handle these specific routes comfortably. We can transport your history buff group, wedding party, or tour group up the hill comfortably. Once at the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of five volcanic peaks on a clear day while your driver waits in the designated bus parking area. It’s the most stress-free way to experience one of Portland’s most historic landmarks.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Tucked away in Old Town Chinatown, the Lan Su Chinese Garden (239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209) is a breathtakingly authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden. It occupies a single city block but feels like a different world entirely, featuring a lake, tea house, pavilions, and native Chinese plants. It is a cultural treasure and a popular stop for architectural tours, cultural exchange groups, and anyone looking for a moment of zen in the city center. The garden often hosts events like the Lunar New Year celebration, which draws large crowds.

Driving and parking in Old Town can be intimidating due to congestion and limited street spots. When you rent a bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Portland, you eliminate these concerns. Your group can be dropped off right at the entrance on NW Everett Street. While you enjoy tea and mooncakes at the Tao of Tea inside the garden, your bus driver will handle the vehicle. This is particularly helpful for senior groups who may require closer drop-offs to minimize walking distances. Our climate-controlled buses also provide a welcome respite from the rain or heat before and after your visit.

The Grotto (The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother)

The Grotto (8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220) is a 62-acre Catholic shrine and botanical garden located in the Madison South district. It is a place of peace, prayer, and natural beauty that attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually. The lower level features the famous cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff, while the upper level includes manicured gardens and the Meditation Chapel with sweeping views of the Columbia River Valley. It is a top destination for religious groups, choir tours, and during the holidays for the spectacular Festival of Lights.

For choir groups and large congregations, a charter bus is the only way to travel. Charter Bus Rental Company Portland can provide a fleet of buses to transport your entire church group to The Grotto for a retreat or performance. The upper gardens are accessible via an elevator, but having a bus ensures that everyone arrives at the main plaza together. If you are visiting during the busy Christmas Festival of Lights, having a reserved charter bus means your group can stay warm and cozy while waiting to enter, avoiding the long walks from overflow parking lots. We offer plenty of undercarriage storage for choir robes, instruments, or picnic supplies for a lunch on the grounds.

Multnomah Falls & The Columbia River Gorge

Just a short drive east of Portland along I-84 lies the magnificent Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, home to the iconic Multnomah Falls (53000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019). As the tallest waterfall in Oregon, it is a bucket-list item for almost every visitor. Groups can hike the paved trail to Benson Bridge for a closer look or continue to the top for a dizzying view of the gorge.

However, visiting Multnomah Falls has become increasingly difficult for private vehicles due to extreme congestion and new timed-use permit requirements for personal cars during peak seasons. Parking lots often close early in the day once full. By booking a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Rental Company Portland, you can simplify this process immensely. We can navigate the Historic Columbia River Highway and drop your group off at the lodge. You won't have to worry about fighting for a parking spot or coordinating permits for multiple cars. Your group can enjoy the scenic drive along the river through large panoramic windows, spotting other falls like Wahkeena and Horsetail Falls along the way. Whether it’s a corporate team-building hike or a sightseeing tour for out-of-town wedding guests, a charter bus makes the Gorge accessible and enjoyable.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

For a colorful and relaxing group outing, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) in Southeast Portland is a spectacular choice, especially in spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. The garden is located near Reed College and features seven acres of paths, lakes, and springs. It is a favorite spot for bird watchers, garden clubs, and wedding ceremonies.

Parking at Crystal Springs is limited, especially on weekends when the flowers are peaking. A minibus rental is the perfect solution for garden clubs or senior centers visiting this location. We can drop your group off right at the gate across from Reed College. Your group can spend the afternoon wandering the paths without the stress of navigating the busy SE 28th Avenue or finding street parking in the residential neighborhood. After your walk, your bus can take you to nearby Eastmoreland Golf Course or over to the Woodstock neighborhood for lunch. With Charter Bus Rental Company Portland, you have the flexibility to build a custom itinerary that fits your group’s pace.

Rent Your Portland Charter Bus Today

Ready to explore everything Portland, Oregon has to offer without the hassle of traffic and parking? Charter Bus Rental Company Portland is here to make your group travel seamless. Whether you need a shuttle for a corporate event at the Oregon Convention Center, a party bus for a night out in the Pearl District, or a full-size motorcoach for a tour of the Columbia River Gorge, we have the perfect vehicle for you. Our warm and welcoming reservation agents are available 24/7/365 to assist you. Call us today at 458-299-3410 for a free, personalized quote. We’d love to earn your business and help you experience the best of the Pacific Northwest!