Smart Choices for the Healthy Traveler

SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR PDX LAYOVER

We are creating a series of “things to do” at each airport.  This is to help you use your layover as wisely as possible.  We can’t always help that we are held up at an airport but if we can take advantage of the time we have there, then we hope you find the following suggestions useful:

Don’t forget how flexible your membership to the Sanctifly gym, swimming or spa is.  You can use it for an hour or more to suit the time you have available.  You can get single use membership or come onboard for full corporate membership for your business.

1 Hour

GET A TRIM

If you’re in need of a trim or a clean up, or just want the relaxing service of a good barber, be sure to visit The Barbers located in the pre-security area. It’s an old-fashioned barbershop with the modern touch of flat screen TVs, a selection of quality barbershop supplies, and the shop’s signature neck and shoulder massage after every haircut.

CHECK OUT THE ART

The Art Program at Portland International Airport provides a portal into the dynamic cultural life of the region. There are nine changing exhibits featuring the work of our region’s finest artists. To learn more about the artwork, visit the PDXArt Blog.

RELAX WITH MUSIC

Portland International Airport’s music program works to create a relaxing, pleasing and stress-free environment for travelers through the use of live music. Every day, volunteer musicians perform in the terminal and help enhance the passenger experience through personal interactions with travelers. Local musicians volunteer their time, offering travelers an eclectic mix of live music representing some of the best in local jazz, classical and contemporary styles and approaches. The PDX music performance schedule is published weekly and posted online.

READ SOME BOOKS

Even if you’re not a bookworm head to Powell’s Books. The legendary Portland bookseller offers a complete line of new and used books as well as gift items. Grab something to keep you occupied on your flight.

2-3 Hours

EXPLORE THE CITY

There is one luggage storage company at PDX, Luggage Storage and Logistics, located just past baggage claim carousel number 10 on the lower level. It’s open daily from 8am-midnight.

WATCH SOME FILMS

As a component of the PDX Art Program, the airport teamed up with the Hollywood Theatre, a nonprofit movie theatre located in Portland’s historic Hollywood District, to create a 17-seat movie theatre. Located on Concourse C, the Hollywood Theatre at PDX is part of the Port’s rotating art program. The theatre entertains travelers with short films telling stories specific to the Pacific Northwest. Drop by to watch films while waiting for a flight. All films are family-friendly; the short films play consecutively on approximately a 1-hour loop. For a current listing of films currently screening, visit the Hollywood Theatre at PDX section of the PDXArt Blog.

HEAD DOWNTOWN

Head out of the airport and explore the downtown. The easiest and cheapest way to get into Portland from the airport is via MAX, the city’s light rail system. The Red Line from PDX to downtown takes just under 40 minutes. A one-way adult ticket is $2.50, which is valid for 2.5 hours, or you can buy a day pass for $5. The MAX station is on the lower level at the south end of the baggage claim area.

TRY TO ESCAPE

There is no better way to blow through an an extended layover than by taking an hour to make new friends while solving a puzzle. Escape Rooms are a great activity offered around Portland. Try Labyrinth or 60 Minutes to Escape for a fun yet challenging first escape experience.

WORKOUT

Located 7.6 miles an 18 minute drive get your sweat on while leaving erasing your carbon footprint at EcoPower Fitness. Out of town guests may purchase a guest pass for $10 online at any time. As a green gym, many of their cardio machines generate electricity while in use, returning power back to the grid. Those that don't are either people powered or low energy consumption.

4+ Hours

EXPLORE THE ROSE GARDEN

It takes less than an hour to drive from the airport to the world-famous International Rose Test Gardens, clear on the other side of the city. Be sure to check out their recently renovated and much praised Japanese Gardens while you are in the area.

CLIMB SOME ROCKS

Get away from the airport and take a hike at Portland’s favorite local rock-climbing spot, Rocky Butte. The park-on-a-hill also offers some of the best panoramas of the city- including stunning views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, the Columbia Gorge, and downtown Portland.

LEARN SOME HISTORY

Fort Vancouver is only 20 minutes away. It’s a pioneer fort in Vancouver, WA, just across the Columbia River, and Portland’s history essentially begins at Fort Vancouver. It offers the chance to learn about the Wild West days of Oregon Country from within a 200 year-old wooden fort.

Thanks so much for reading and feel free to send any suggestions you may have to be added to this list.

Sanctifly is our number one recommendation at every airport. Become a full member now and enjoy the benefits today!