Portland is a beautiful city with eclectic vibes and a vibrant culture. Amongst the many things to do, tourists miss out on one of the most fun activities you can do here: escape rooms!
The place is a gold mine of thrilling escape rooms with unique concepts. If you’re a wanderer seeking adventure while traversing the city, this blog will help you find the best rooms with amazing nearby attractions and activities.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned escapist, here’s how you can enjoy an array of indoor adventures while discovering the best of Portland!
All the Great Escape Rooms
Plan hitting up at least 2-3 escape rooms during your whole trip and visiting the nearby tourist spots. That way, you’ll maintain a perfect balance between adrenaline rush and a soothing vacation.
Starting with a Festive Touch!
If you visit the neighborhoods of Irvington and Lloyd District, you’re not far from the Candy Cane Conundrum. This Christmas-themed escape room features engaging puzzles and games.
Your game master, Jessica, will make the holiday adventure even more memorable. After finishing your escape room experience, consider heading to Irving Park or checking out dining options like The Crafty Underwriter or East Gilsan Pizza Lounge.
Exploring Mafia Mysteries
If you’ve always been a fan of Godfather, Scarface, and Goodfellas, you’ll love Lombino’s Casino. This escape room is a blend of crime drama, presenting you with clever challenges that give off mafia vibes.
After cracking the case, you may visit Broadway Avenue for some entertainment and cool off in Laurelhurst Park with a stroll. The Nana’s Irish Pub and Doma are two of the most delicious meal options that you’ll find near this escape room.
Carry Out a Secret Operation
As you explore the Laurelhurst neighborhood, you’ll come across some cozy cafes that serve exquisite food. If the mafia theme is not your cup of tea, the same location also has Operation Gyaznayavoda, another unique escape room that offers an immersive experience.
Nearby, you can also visit the Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education to gain some insight and enrich your knowledge of history. Moreover, you’ll love the architecture of this place because it’s historic yet subtle.
Test Your Assasin Skills
For a real challenge, the Assasin’s Deadly Game is one of the best escape rooms in Portland that you should not miss out on! It’s deceptive, brilliant, and engaging. The game masters are quite skilled, and they ensure that your experience is as enticing as ever!
The Montavilla neighborhood is a short drive away from this spot, and it’s perfect for enjoying the view of unique architecture, local theatres, and charming eateries.
Ancient Escapades
In the same area, you’ll also find The Pharaoh’s Lost Relic, an escape room in which you’re put on a quest to find the mask of Zanahkt. It is set in a realistic Egyptian-themed environment, and you can play with 6-8 players.
However, the success rate is only 59%. The Montavilla Farmers Market and The Grotto would be wonderful places for you to unwind and frolic after an intense playthrough.
Solve a Spooky Mystery
At Happy Valley, you’ll find Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure, one of the most fun escape rooms in Portland. The Scooby-Doo castle is created with precision, and the makers of the game are extremely meticulous about building a worthwhile mystery for the visitors.
You have to find the missing Baroness before midnight in a haunted place and put your brains to work. What could be more thrilling? The Happy Valley Park and boutiques of the area are where you should head after you’ve completed the challenge.
Tips To Make the Best of Your Time in the Escape Rooms
When planning your escape room adventure in Portland, a bit of preparation can make a big difference. Here’s what to keep in mind to ensure you have a fantastic time:
Book in Advance
Most escape rooms are packed on weekends and holidays, so make a booking to ensure you get an ideal time slot. You can check particular websites for availability and make early reservations so you don’t struggle at the last minute.
Also, check out what other spots you’ll visit throughout the day and plan accordingly.
Group Size and Difficulty
If you’re traveling with people, do check the minimum and maximum number of people required for an escape room. If you have novice players, choose one with a moderate level of difficulty so it becomes a fun experience for everyone.
On the other hand, if you’ve got seasoned players, don’t shy away from picking rooms with complex puzzles and more appealing themes.
Prepare for the Experience
Dress comfortably, as escape rooms require you to move around, so go for something loose-fitting, light, and easy. Bring your essentials with you, like a bottle of water, any medications you might need, or personal belongings.
Make sure you’re ready to collaborate with your group members, prepare your team to communicate effectively and keep their composure during tough sections of the challenge.
Engage with the Game Master
Most Escape Rooms have a game master who oversees the games and makes sure that you’re having a fun experience. They ensure that everything runs smoothly and give you hints from time to time.
If you get stuck anywhere, do not hesitate to interact with the game master and ask for assistance.
Take Notes and Communicate
After every important clue, you can take notes on your phone and share the information with your teammates. A collaborative effort makes it easier to piece the puzzle together, especially when you’re working against time.
So, stay on track, focus completely, and do not lose your cool because it may hamper your communication.
Enjoy the Experience!
Everything aside, do not forget that you’re in the escape room to have fun. So, don’t stop yourself from cracking silly jokes or making funny remarks. Play it as you will. If you want a more immersive experience, you can get into the character and completely lock-in.
In a Nutshell
Escape rooms in Portland are some of the best that you’ll ever come across. Discuss with your teammates in advance about the type of experience you want to have and the places you’d like to visit after you’re done with the short adventure.
Keep all the pointers in mind and make a thorough plan of all the things you want to do throughout the day. An ideal outing would begin with having breakfast at a cafe and visiting an escape room, followed by lunch at a garden picnic and a slow exploration of all the historic and unique places in the city.
