From plant-based eats to zero-waste shopping and tranquil green spaces, Portland makes it easy to plan a day that treads lightly on the planet. This Portland sustainable travel guide maps out a full day of sustainable things to do in Portland—with plenty of good coffee, gorgeous views, and green restaurants along the way.
Morning
Kick off your eco-friendly Portland itinerary with a feel-good breakfast at Harlow Café + Juice Bar. The vintage furniture and leafy plants give this space that perfectly cozy vibe. The real star here, though, is the menu—everything is organic and locally sourced, and can be made gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. Try the biscuits and gravy with roasted vegetables—you won’t believe the mushroom-scallion biscuits are gluten-free or that the rich gravy is made with tempeh sausage. Prefer something sweet? Go for the banana walnut pancakes topped with coconut, toasted walnuts, and fresh bananas. All drinks, from cold-pressed juices to turmeric tonics, are served in reusable glasses!
Rather a caffeine fix? Step inside this airy café and take a deep breath—it smells like roasted heaven. Nossa Familia Coffee isn’t just brewing excellent espresso; they’re brewing a movement. As Portland’s first B Corp-certified roaster, they’re as passionate about sustainability as they are about pulling the perfect shot. What makes this spot one of the best sustainable things to do in Portland? Every cup of coffee supports direct-trade farms in Brazil, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. They even track their carbon footprint during the roasting process and repurpose used grounds into compost for local gardens.
Order the Bee Sting Latte—it’s a spicy-sweet combo made with local GloryBee honey and their homemade Fogo spice blend. (It’s got a kick, but it’s worth the buzz.) And if you needed an excuse to grab a second cup, they’ve donated over $667,000 to social impact programs since 2004. You’re basically saving the world, one sip at a time.
After breakfast, it’s time for some outdoorsy fun. The Waterfront Loop is one of the city’s crown jewels when it comes to car-free exploring. This 10-mile path hugs the banks of the Willamette River and wraps through some of the city’s most scenic neighborhoods, making it perfect for a morning stroll or an e-bike joyride.
Rent a Biketown e-bike (they’re part of Portland’s bike-share program and powered by renewable energy) and cruise past floating homes, flower gardens, and the occasional blue heron fishing for brunch. Along the way, you’ll spot pedestrian piers ideal for a water-side selfie, and you might even stumble upon a spontaneous drum circle or a local pop-up market.
Whether you’re a power-walker or a pedal-powered explorer, this route is a zero-emissions win—and one of the best sustainable things to do in Portland when the sun’s out (or even when it’s not—this is still Portland, after all).
If your visit falls on a weekend, swap the bike ride for the Portland Saturday Market. It’s one of the largest continuously operating arts and crafts markets in the country, featuring over 250 vendors selling handmade goods and artisanal eats.
This is the best place for zero-waste shopping in Portland—you’ll find everything from upcycled stoneware and candles to locally made clothing and jewelry. There’s live music powered by solar-charged amps, and compost stations throughout the food court area make it easy to reduce waste. Grab a snack from one of the many global food vendors, featuring goodies like Guatemalan pupusas and vegan acai bowls.
Afternoon
Hungry yet? Head to Blossoming Lotus in Slabtown, where the menu is fresh, flavorful, and 100% plant-based. But don’t expect bland salads or sad tofu here—this is veggie food with serious flavor.
Start with the vegan mac and cheese, rich and creamy, thanks to a dreamy cashew and butternut squash sauce. Or go for the Bibimbap bowl, packed with crispy Korean-style BBQ tempeh, kimchi, and perfectly cooked jasmine rice. Even the most die-hard carnivore will be impressed!
Need something to sip? The Skin Toner smoothie is practically a green juice glow-up, packed with spinach, cucumber, apple, kale, and a splash of lemon.
Blossoming Lotus also earns its spot on any Portland sustainable travel guide with its commitment to local farms, reusable takeout containers, and composted food scraps. Plus, the bright and modern interior makes it easy to linger a little longer than planned.
Next up: combine biking and beer with a Cycle Portland Brews Cruise. This guided tour takes you to historic East Side breweries, all while riding bikes powered by renewable energy.
Choose between a multispeed cruiser or an e-bike—rain gear and helmets are included. Beers are a la carte, so you can sip as little or as much as you’d like. Bonus: you get to take home a souvenir pint glass at the end!
Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, a 5.5-acre sanctuary of tranquility in the heart of the city. Wander through bonsai displays, koi ponds, moss gardens, and shaded pathways.
The LEED-Gold certified Cultural Crossing Village was designed by architect Kengo Kuma using sustainable building methods. The structures feature FSC-certified cedar, geothermal wells, and rain catchment ponds that irrigate the surrounding gardens.
Before you go, sip a cup of single-origin, shade-grown tea in the Umami Café. This charming tea house even has desserts, like matcha cake and raspberry macarons (perfect for an afternoon recharge!).
Evening
Dinner at Nostrana feels equal parts rustic and refined. This Italian kitchen is known for its locally sourced, seasonal ingredients—they even publish the farm-to-table mileage on their menu. As a James Beard “Smart Catch” partner, Nostrana is also committed to sustainable seafood practices.
Arrive early for happy hour or stay late for a cozy candlelit dinner. Standouts include the grilled Idaho trout with fried chickpea panelle and the capellini pasta with tomato butter sauce, whipped ricotta, and Parmigiano.
Ready to flip the script on dinner? At G-Love, one of the best green restaurants in Portland, veggies take center stage, and meat is just an optional extra. This playful “reverse steakhouse” is redefining what indulgent eating looks like—with 70% of the menu focused on vibrant, seasonal produce.
Grab a seat inside the colorful, plant-drenched dining room, or snag a spot on the patio if the weather’s playing nice. Spring for the chef’s tasting menu—it’s a nonstop parade of inventive, flavor-packed dishes like mushroom grilled cheese, roasted fingerling potatoes with citrusy aioli, and the beloved Ensalata Bomba, layered with aged gouda, seasonal charred fruits, and a surprise crunch of seed mix.
Don’t be surprised when dessert arrives: mini donuts, hot and pillowy, land at your table whether you asked or not. Because balance.
The kitchen sources nearly all its produce from local farms, including Olde Moon Farm, which just so happens to be owned by the chef’s family. If you’re on the hunt for a green restaurant in Portland that’s bold, beautiful, and deliciously different, this one’s a must.
Nightcap
Wind down at Epif, a warm and colorful vegan bar specializing in pisco cocktails. With the largest pisco selection in Portland, this is the place to try a Chilean Pisco Sour or one of their inventive mocktails, like the El Urri Gato, made with pineapple, chili pepper, lime, and sparkling water.
The space is as eco-conscious as the menu: think bartops made from skateboard remnants and tables crafted from reclaimed gym bleachers.
Getting Around — Portland Streetcar
Portland makes it easy to explore car-free. The Portland Streetcar is an all-electric fleet that connects the Pearl District, NW 23rd, and Central Eastside.
Hop on the NS Line to head through downtown or take the A and B Loops for a full-circle view of the city. For just $3, you can snag a day pass via the Hop Fastpass app, which integrates with TriMet buses and MAX light rail for seamless, low-emission travel throughout your stay.
