Take A Romantic Stroll Through Oregon's Stunning Garden Full Of Thousands Of Rosebushes

When thinking of the best places to see amazing floral displays, the many botanical gardens in the U.S. likely come to mind. If you want to see roses in particular, generally considered to be the flower most associated with romance, you might think of the iconic Rose Parade in Pasadena (although it's actually much more than just roses).

However, there are reasons why Portland has earned the nickname "Rose City." One of the biggest reasons is the Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. You can escape downtown Portland at this serene urban park, offering a heavenly experience for you and your significant other's eyes, and of course your noses. 

As the U.S.' oldest rose species testing site, the Portland International Rose Test Garden has been a beloved aspect of Portland's urban gardens for nearly 100 years. As you stroll through the rows and rows of horticultural marvels, you'll see over 610 types of roses across more than 10,000 bushes. On TripAdvisor, it ranks within the top five best things to do in Portland, with dozens of visitors giving it five-star reviews. What makes the Portland International Rose Test Garden even better is the fact that it's open every day and free to enter, offering up a romantic outing that's both lovely and affordable.

When wandering through the acres of floral cultivations at the Portland International Rose Test Garden, take note of its different sections. Testing beds are north of the gazebo, and this is where the "test" part of the organization's name comes in. Judges evaluate flowers from around the world here. If the roses give off strong fragrance and are able to withstand disease, they can remain in the facility and be sold all over the U.S.

Another notable section is The Shakespeare Garden. This is a must-visit for literature lovers, because the roses in this section are named after characters in Shakespeare's plays. You'll also find the Shakespeare Memorial here, featuring his quote, "Of all flowers methinks a rose is best."

The Portland International Rose Test Garden is open year-round, but the best time to visit is May through October. Free guided tours occur every day at 1PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Perhaps combine your visit with other points of interest in Washington park. For example, the neighboring Portland Japanese Garden is thought to be the best outside of Japan itself. Keep going west to hike among huge trees at the Hoyt Arboretum as well.