Portland appears on Travel + Leisure's list of top July getaways

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland has appeared on a travel magazine’s roundup of the top getaway destinations for this month.

To give readers time to plan their itineraries, Travel + Leisure released its list of the 15 Best Places to Travel in July back in April. The experts consider July as the “height of the summer vacation season,” with class out of session for many students and with better chances of soaking up the sun.

The list includes destinations throughout several countries, although the U.S. claimed eight spots — one of which was the Rose City’s.

While it contradicts the latest weather forecast, Travel + Leisure highlighted Portland for its sunny and dry summers with temperatures that are typically in the high 70s.

“The city’s walkable downtown is known for tax-free shopping, casual dining at food carts, and coffee culture,” the magazine added. “July brings the Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4-7) with more than 100 performances spread across four stages in Waterfront Park along the Willamette River, kicking off on July 4 with Oregon’s largest fireworks show.”

Travel + Leisure recommended The Nines Hotel as an option for luxury, pet-friendly lodging. The Ritz-Carlton, Portland that opened on Halloween last year was also highlighted for its views of downtown, the Cascade Mountains and the Willamette River.

Other top places to visit in July include Costa Brava, Spain; Outer Banks, N.C.; and Aspen and Snowmass, Colo.