Cozy Season - Portland’s Best Indoor Spots
Welcome to Portland’s cozy season! One of our favorite times of year. When the summer rush has passed, the city calls for a different kind of exploration. The crisp air, misty mornings, and colorful leaves call for warm spaces where you can explore, sip, and savor in the great indoors. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend a cozy day indoors this season - including a new experience right here at The Hotel Zags.
Powell’s City of Books
No list of Portland's cozy indoor spaces would be complete without including Powell's City of Books. Spanning four floors and an entire city block in downtown Portland, Powell’s is the largest independent bookstore in the world.
Wander the labyrinth of shelves, discover your next great read, and cozy up with a warm latte from their in-house cafe. From new releases to rare finds, Powell’s is a beloved local tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Museum Hopping in Portland
When the weather calls for indoor exploration, Portland’s museums deliver.
The Portland Art Museum offers an expansive collection that spans everything from Native American art to cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. The museum is currently undergoing an enormous renovation and expansion, which is scheduled to open to the public in November 2025.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) provides a different kind of indoor adventure, where hands-on exhibits and interactive displays turn learning into play. The museum also offers adult (21+) evenings with workshops, drinks, and demos.
Oregon Historical Society is the best place to learn about the fascinating history of Portland. Discover how Portland was named and see the famous “Portland Penny”.
Live Performances and Indoor Events
If you’re in the mood to catch a concert, symphony, dance performance, or theatre show, check out the line up of events at Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Meanwhile, local theaters like Portland Center Stage offer intimate productions, perfect for a cozy night out. Also, if you're into stand-up comedy, check out the city’s thriving comedy scene at spots like Helium Comedy Club.
Cozy Coffee Shops
Portland is well known for its coffee culture and houses some of the best (and coziest) coffee shops in the country. Head to Stumptown Coffee Roasters for a classic Portland brew, Heart for expertly crafted espresso, or Coava Coffee Roasters for a modern, minimalist vibe with perfectly roasted beans. Each cafe offers its own unique and cozy atmosphere. If you are a coffee lover, you won’t be disappointed!
Indoor Golf, Soccer, and Carnival Games
Rain or shine, day or night, step into the state-of-the-art sports simulator in the lobby of The Hotel Zags. Practice your swing on 25+ world-renowned courses including Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, and more.
When you are finished hitting golf balls, turn on soccer mode and take your best shot on goal. If you’re not in the mood for golf or soccer, select from a variety of other options like bowling, darts, skee-ball, gallery shooting, and balloon pop. The simulator guarantees fun for all ages and all abilities. Book your session today.
Your Cozy Season Hotel
When you are finished exploring Portland’s cozy corners, you can look forward to returning to your headquarters at The Hotel Zags. Grab a warm drink from the bar and spend some time by the fire pit. Your time at The Hotel Zags will be as warm and memorable as your adventures in the city. Don’t forget to visit our Gear Shed where you can grab a Nintendo Switch, classic board games, Cornhole, and more.
Ready to book your cozy season trip to Portland? View our latest offers and check availability at The Hotel Zags.