The Best Ways to Keep Cool in Portland This Summer

Today and tomorrow are expected to be in the 90s. So what should we do to escape the severe heat — and maybe even have some fun while we’re at it?

Here are a bunch of suggestions, including some from Eden Dawn, author of “The Portland Book of Dates,” who talked with the City Cast Portland podcast.

📽️ Indoor Cooldown: Go to the Movies

Go to the movies at Cinemark Century Eastport Plaza 16.

“I have never had a house with air conditioning. Which means for 23 years in Portland, I have been going to the movie theaters when it is hot out, and I do have some favorites that I feel like are worth calling out. One is the one out on 82nd Century Eastport that has the recliners. The recliners are a game-changer.”

Also, check out some of the city’s independent theaters: the Hollywood Theatre, Clinton Street Theater, the Academy, Cinema 21, Laurelhurst Theater, Tomorrow Theater, or Bagdad.

🌊 Outdoor Cooldown: Escape to the Coast

If you can get out of the city, the coast is always cooler. Eden suggests ending the day at the Funland Arcade in Seaside, where you can play Fascination.

“Fascination is a thing in some arcades, which is so weird. It's a whole room where it's kind of like bingo meets bowling at a table,” says Eden.

Plus, a Whole Lot More

You can get out on the water, swim, visit a local mall, or:

• ⛸️ Ice skate your way through the heat at Lloyd Center. Also: wander through for comic books, classic arcade games, or simply the AC.
• 🛶 Get out on the river to kayak, sail, or paddleboard. And pull up to the Island Cafe.
• 🏊 How about a summer swim? The public pools are open or take a plunge in the Willamette at the Duckworth Dock.
• 🍨 Find your new favorite ice cream at Cornet Custard, Kate’s Ice Cream, Kulfi, Pinolo Gelato, or, Miss Oz.
• 🥽 Find a local swimming hole.
• 💧 Escape to a lake.

📲 Your turn: What do you do to cool down in town? Or what are your escapes? Would you email me your ideas?