The Perfect Day Out in Portland: Outdoor Activities & Deli Delights

Discovering Portlands Charm

Portland blossoms through its outdoor activities. It thrives on musical concerts on Waterfront Park, Portland marathons, hiking, bike rides, trekking in the most beautiful trails, and culinary delights like food festivals displaying gourmet bites, that hold the hearts of locals and tourists. Going for a trek would be a great exercise with breathtaking views. And the fresh morning air is good for the lungs.  If you are a foodie or someone who wishes to hear different genres of music, Portland offers the perfect blend of activities from hiking to musical concerts in the open sky that keep you energetic and entertained. 





It is a place where the urban meets the wilderness—a symphony of nature where adventure meets tranquillity and you can hear the call of the wild in the wind.  You can spend the perfect day in Portland, starting with an adventurous morning hike or trekking and ending with a satisfying meal at Charlie’s Deli; a sandwich shop that is as beloved as the city itself, and sandwiches perfectly complement any day out in Portland. Charlie’s Sandwiches will be the ideal spot to recharge your fuel after a buoyant hike. If you are a diehard fan of the Twilight movie series, visiting Portland should be on your wish list as some of the movie scenes were taken from parts of Portland.

Morning Hike: Start Your Day with Adventure


Your delightful day in Portland starts with a morning hike at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Located southwest of Portland, just a short drive from downtown, Tryon Creek is a hideaway for nature lovers. The park covers approximately 670 acres. It is the habitat for different types of flora and fauna and since it runs through the park, there are chances of seeing wildlife animals. These parks offer trails running almost 8 miles. These trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Some of the famous trails of Tryon Creek are Red Fox Trail and  North Trail. As you wander through the sky-high trees and along with the glistening peaceful streams, you will be immersed in the natural beauty that makes Portland so special. 

Bring a camera, as the trails offer plenty of picturesque spots, especially in the early morning when the sun is just above the horizon and its light rays filter through the trees. Don’t forget to pack water but you can also find freshwater streams, a light snack, and a jacket, as mornings can be cool. And if you are bringing your four-legged friend, make sure that the park is dog-friendly and keep them on a leash, and enjoy the adventure together.


After exploring Tryon Creek, take a short drive to one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks, Multnomah Falls. A visit to Multnomah Falls is a marvelous experience that feels like stepping into a mystical wonderland. The majestic Multnomah Falls gracefully raised to the height of 620 feet, is a stunning display of nature's beauty. You can hear the roar of this waterfall from far, as it falls creating mist, and when the sun is at its brightest creating magical rainbows. For a panoramic view of the fall take a little walk to the charming Benson Bridge, which arches over the lower tier of the falls, offering an unforgettable vantage point perfect for pictures and will give you a mesmerising view of the dance of waters.

Arriving early is key to beating the crowds, particularly on weekends when the crowds are at their peak. Visiting early will give you more time to contemplate this standing beauty of Portland. This serene view and divine sound of the waterfall with the mist give a refreshing and peaceful experience.

Lunch at Charlie’s Deli: Refuel After Your Adventure

After a day of conquering Portland's stunning trails, there is no better way to refuel your lost energy than with a visit to Charlie’s Deli. Known for its wide range of mouthwatering sandwiches, Charlie’s Deli’s cozy spot offers the perfect post-adventure meal that will satisfy any appetite. 

As the tagline says,

Real Food.

From Scratch.

Everyday.

With Love.

We make sure to optimise all locally grown gems by offering sandwiches of different flavours and ingredients. Every sandwich is made from scratch using the finest ingredients, with a focus on local and organic whenever possible.


If you’re looking for a robust meal after your hike, Charlie’s  Reuben is something you can always count on. Crafted with homemade corned beef with smoked Swiss, sauerkraut, sizzled with Thousand Island dressing, and waffle-cut pickles all packed on Portland French marble rye bread. Turkey & Genoa Salami Sandwich is another favorite choice of many, features layers of Smoked turkey & Genoa salami with smoked Gouda, with the crunch of tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, and pepperoncini, on an exceptionally baked Portland French soft ciabatta roll all covered in an eco-friendly wrap.


We also have gluten-free bread options and a variety of vegetarian and vegan sandwiches like Charlie's Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Alicia's Vegan Seasoned Tofu Sandwich, and Alicia's Veggie Sandwich, which doesn't skip a beat of taste and flavor. You can Pair your sandwich with their side options like Turkey Caesar Salad or German Potato Salad with canned soda or Diet Coke, and there you get your picture-perfect lunch without compromising your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a quick bite before your activities or a leisurely meal after a day of adventure Charlie’s Deli is the perfect stop.

Afternoon Activities: Explore More of Portland

You can dive back into the outdoor activities of Portland after devouring a hearty meal. Portland is a bike-friendly city making it easy to explore the city on two-wheelers. One of the best routes is the Eastbank Esplanade, a stunning pathway that runs along the Willamette River, perfect for a stroll, walk or jog. You will get to see and witness some of the best views of the city, including the skyline and several iconic bridges of Portland. Dogs are allowed in and you can cycle 24/7 in this pathway. If you are looking for an escape after a stressful day, this will be your greatest choice, the city lights will boost your energy and you will be ready to face the adventures of tomorrow.


If you are looking for an even more adventurous day, head to Forest Park. Forest Park is one of the largest parks in the United States and larger than the New York Central Park. This park attracts more than 12 million visitors each year. Find a good map and you can wander to overlooks of the St. John's bridge or get lost intentionally for hours in the heart of nature.

Kayaking through the Willamette River will offer you a different perspective of the city. Paddling along the river will give you a different standpoint to overlook the city’s skyline and beauty. The calm waters are perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers and there are plenty of rental spots along the river where you can get everything you need to experience water sports. It is safe to swim on this river.

There are many companies offering kayak tours and campsites along the Willamette River. You can get your permit to stay and Kayak in the upper end of Ash Island through online portals. Kayaking in the Willamette River is a peaceful and memorable way to spend your afternoon in Portland.

The Perfect Day Out:

A day filled with outdoor activities in Portland offers a perfect remedy for a stressed mind. Whether it's a peaceful hike, a scenic bike ride, or a relaxing moment under the stars, it allows you to escape the city's hustle while staying close to its vibrant charm. At the end of the day, you will have experienced the best of the city, stunning views of the city, exciting outdoor activities and a delicious meal from Charlie’s Deli. So why wait to plan your perfect day out in Portland with Charlie’s Deli?

Ready to explore Portland and treat yourself with some of the best sandwiches in the city? 

Plan your visit to Charlie’s Deli today! 

Check out our menu, hours, and location here!!


Location:

32 NW 5th Avenue

Hours:

Portland, OR 97209

Across from the NW 5TH & Couch MAX stop

Open Every day: 8:30a-1:30a

Dining Room: 8:30a-9:00p