Timeline
15:23
Grab a pint and a snack at Moon and Sixpence. It is a short walk from Providence Office Park and opens at 15:00 on Saturdays, giving you plenty of time to settle in before heading up the hill.
15:53
Walk up to The Grotto Gardens. The entrance is on NE Sandy Blvd across from NE 85th Ave. The grounds open at 9AM and close at 8:30PM in the summer, so you have ample time to reach the upper level before dark. Buy your token at the gift shop if you wish to see the upper shrines and reflection ponds.
16:53
Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The Grotto sits on a basalt cliff, offering a tranquil and spiritual sanctuary with secluded gardens. The fading light illuminates the reflection ponds and shrines, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a special night out.
17:38
End the evening with Missionary Chocolates. Head back down to Providence Office Park area. The chocolatier is open until 17:00 on Saturdays, but since sunset is at 16:53, this step is only viable if you visit on a day when sunset is significantly later or if you adjust the timing. For the January sunset listed, this shop closes before the moment. Instead, choose Sonder Listening Bar (open until 02:00 on Saturdays) for a late-night drink to cap off the evening.
Local tip
The upper level requires a token ($7 general) sold at the gift shop. Tokens are sold up to one hour before closing. The lower level is free. Check the website for precise closing dates during the holiday season when hours extend to 10PM.
Check before you go
- The Grotto grounds close at 8:30PM in summer, but the gift shop may stay open until 10PM during the holiday season.
- Moon and Sixpence is open 15:00-01:00 on Saturdays.
- Sonder Listening Bar is open 17:00-02:00 on Saturdays.
Worth knowing
- Moon and Sixpence is open at 15:23 only on Fr, Sa, Su
- Missionary Chocolates is open at 17:38 only on Tu, We, Th
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Portland (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).