Portland

Each rainy day in Portland is a chance to settle into a comfy cafe with a perfect espresso and a good book. With the most roasters and cafes per capita in the US, the city has enjoyed a thriving independent coffee culture since the 1990s, when Stumptown Coffee Roasters was established. Heralding the third-wave coffee movement, they put the city on the map for their small-batch roasting practices. Many have followed in their footsteps since – today a killer cup of artisan joe is never far from reach in Portland.

With 60-plus breweries – more than any other city in the world – Portland is heaven for hop heads. Connoisseurs can sample a wide variety of microbrews at every turn – even the smallest dives have a couple of top-notch taps; and those who aren't usually big on beer will likely find something that suits their taste buds. High-quality suds are just the standard in this town – breweries take their craft seriously, often offering a unique edge, such as Hopworks Urban Brewery, whose brews are all organic and made with local ingredients.

The largest independent bookstore in the country, Powell's City of Books spans an entire block and contains more than a million titles in its 3500 different sections. Its a bibliophile's delight, with multiple floors and color-coded rooms – grab a map and lose yourself among the stacks of new, used, rare, small-press, special-edition and out-of-print selections. Spending an entire day here is an easy feat, and with the store buying over 3000 used books per day, there's always new inventory to peruse.

Set in Portland's scenic hills, the lush and tranquil Japanese Garden offers respite for those seeking a bit of peace and quiet amid the urban sprawl. Proclaimed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, it was one of a wave of many that were established in the wake of WWII to promote diplomatic relations between Japan and the US. Divided into multiple gardens, the grounds feature a tea house, wooden pavilions and bridges, winding stone paths and cascading streams to aid in serene contemplation.

The largest and longest-running open-air craft market in the US, Portland's Saturday Market is home to hundreds of vendors, which are all chosen by a jury. Despite the name, it's open on Sundays, too. You can easily while away hours as you wander through craft stalls selling everything from clothing, jewelry and handmade accessories to local art, knick-knacks and homewares. Grab a bite from the many food carts and take in the antics of street performers while you chow down – this is one of the best places in Portland for people-watching.

To get away from it all – without having to really leave – take a walk in Forest Park. It's the country's largest urban park, with more than 70 miles of woodsy trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Decked in moss, flowering shrubs, ferns and other flora, the paths wind through towering trees – you just may break your neck in wonder as you gaze up to their dizzying heights. The canopy is home to an array of bird and mammal species, making it a delight for birders and wildlife lovers.

Artists, musicians and buskers compete for attention among partying crowds on NE Alberta St during this iconic street art event, which takes place on the last Thursday evening of each month. But the festivities aren't limited to the street – during this time, galleries will launch new exhibitions, and bars and restaurants hang new local artwork for sale. It's a great way to support the local creative community by purchasing wares such as paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry and more.

With hundreds of food carts parked in pods around the city, some of Portland's best eats are served up on wheels. What began as a budget-friendly way to score high-quality meals has grown into a phenomenon that forms a large part of Portland's culinary fabric. Situated in parking lots, along sidewalks and in dedicated parks, a visit to a food-cart pod offers not only a range of different cuisines to pick from, but an opportunity to support small-scale operations and local vendors like Middle Eastern–inspired Wolf & Bear's.

If you're a movie buff, pass on multiplexes in Portland – instead, take your pick from a host of historic theaters screening first- and second-run flicks, indie and art-house gems, documentaries and foreign films. These neighborhood establishments have a cozy atmosphere with loads of character, and ticket prices are often much cheaper. And feel free to pass on the popcorn – many theaters, such as the Hollywood Theatre, have pizza and other grub available, plus craft beer on tap to wash it all down.

On the west bank of the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park spans a great stretch of downtown Portland and is home to many of the city's notable monuments and sights such as the Japanese American Historical Plaza and Salmon Street Springs. Its waterfront path is wonderful for strolling, jogging and cycling, and in springtime, you'll see an explosion of cherry blossoms from the trees lining the path. Named after the governor who established Oregon's urban growth boundary system to protect green spaces from development, the park hosts numerous festivals and events like the Waterfront Blues Festival and LGBTQ Pride.