The state of Oregon is home to a host of wild animals and one of the Pacific Northwest's hippest cities; Portland. Such a striking combination means that there are innumerable things to do in Oregon, and travelers heading to the big city in particular will find no shortage of fun things to do in Portland Oregon. Below, you'll find a list of some of the best things to do in Oregon; though don't forget to do some exploring on your own.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

If you only have a day to spend in Portland and you have children with you; spend some time at the OMSI. This is one not only one of the most educational things to do in Portland Oregon, but it is actually a lot of fun for an entire family. Interactive exhibits are the museums specialty, and visitors of all ages will find endless delights in the halls of this great museum. It also features the first IMAX Theater to come to the Pacific Northwest, and is open seven days a week during the day.

Portland Saturday Market

This is the oldest and largest continuously running outdoor market in the Pacific Northwest. Check out The Festival of the Last Minute if you need a last minute Christmas gift, or just go any time between March and December to enjoy this downtown treat. As one of the most fun things to do in Portland Oregon, this outdoor market is held under the Burnside Bridge in downtown Portland.

Portland Art Museum

Spend the day with other locals and visitors who have discovered the Portland Art Museum, another of the most fun things to do in Portland Oregon. The Portland Art Museum features a permanent art collection that focuses heavily on Native American art, and visiting exhibits are equally impressive. Open seven days a week, this is a local favorite and one of the largest museums in the area.

Portland Rose Garden

Perhaps one of the most famous things to do in Portland Oregon in the early summer is visit the Portland Rose Test Garden. This is one of the oldest gardens of its kind still operating in the world, and the collection outdoes itself from one year to the next. Themed gardens and simply outstanding rose sections create the perfect place for a picnic or stroll in Portland.

Visit the Gorge

Even those of us who aren't geography major will be astounded by the vastness of the Columbia River Gorge. After the Mississippi, the Columbia River moves more water than any other river in the United States. The surrounding gorge is a playground for windsurfers, boaters, kite boarders, fishermen and more. Excellent restaurants and even a few wineries have sprung up along either side of the river all along the gorge.

Oregon Zoo

As the areas premier zoo, this is one of the best things to do in Oregon. The Oregon Zoo has long been recognized as a major breeding site for the successful proliferation of elephants, but today the zoo is home to hundreds of species and is open throughout the year.

Ski Oregon

Whether you choose Mt. Bachelor or Mt. Hood, you cant really go wrong when planning an Oregon ski vacation. Timberline Lodge, Ski Bowl and the Mt. Bachelor Resort Village are three of Oregon's most trafficked areas, though you can also book something off the beaten path during the winter if you like.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Located along the Oregon coast in Newport, Oregon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is the biggest and best of its kind in the nation. And aptly so; a strong focus on sea creatures from the heavily populated Oregon seawater means the aquarium constantly teams with life. Lines are long on the weekend in the summer so get there early.