Under $100: Portland, Oregon

Portland, Ore., is an inviting destination. The mid-size city is small enough to be accessible while large enough to have excellent public transportation and plenty of options for dining and entertainment. The city blossomed into a top-notch microbrewery scene, a culinary powerhouse and a favorite of young, idealistic travelers.

For a perfect Portland day, start with brunch — it’s an art form here. Great options abound, so check out spots like Broder, Tasty and Sons and Bijou Café. Allot around $20 for this outing.

Food Trucks in Downtown Portland, Oregon © Erica Schroeder | Dreamstime

Next, head to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to unleash your inner kid. Adult admission is $13, and the myriad hands-on exhibits here are wellworth the cash. Try your hand at building a riverside city, test your balance and flexibility and feel what it’s like inside a house during an earthquake.

For lunch, patronize any of Portland’s slew of food carts and save some dough. Street food is another Portland art form, and some of the city’s best meals can be had curbside. Pods are scattered around the city; lunch here will only cost you around $7.

Wash down lunch at one of Portland’s many microbreweries. The city is known for its abundance of breweries, many of which offer tasting flights or small pours so you can try several. Budget around $10 for this outing.

A Japanese Maple Overlooking a Pond in Portland’s Japanese Gardens © Daver0316 | Dreamstime

Walk off all that food and beer with a stroll — for free — in one of Portland’s fantastic urban parks. Spots like Forest Park transport you to the wilderness, while Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers views of Portland’s many bridges.

Experience Portland through your taste buds by spending your evening eating and drinking. You’ve got $50 to spend on food and drinks, and you really can’t go wrong. Pick a restaurant in the neighborhood you’re currently in, or ask nearby for recommendations. Finish the night off with a cocktail or more craft beer.