Two teens on their own in Portland July 3-5

Our daughter turns 16 on July 4th. Wants a ';road trip'; from Seattle area with her big brother to celebrate (he%26#39;s 18). They are responsible and resourceful, but don%26#39;t know Portland (except son when he did the STP at age 11). Anyway, is the Blues Festival the best/easiest place to see the fireworks? What are good places for two teens to see/have fun/eat in Portland? Not wanting to do hiking/parks this trip. I know it will be very crowded. Any help is appreciated. Have hotel reservations about 5 miles out of downtown.

Two teens on their own in Portland July 3-5

Your teens should have a fun day at the Blues Festival and it%26#39;s for a good cause - the Oregon Food Bank.

There are also fireworks at Oaks Amusement Park and after the ballgame at PGE Park, if either of those activities sound more to their liking.

Be sure they take the bus or MAX downtown rather than driving, especially if they go to the blues festival. Go to trimet.org and they can figure out the bus schedules.

Have them bring sunscreen and water and walk the esplanade along the river and go to the Salmon Spring fountains and up to Pioneer Courthouse Square (across the street from Nordstrom). The buses and train are free within the downtown area.

Two teens on their own in Portland July 3-5

Thanks so much! Those little tidbits will help a lot -- especially about the driving.

Be sure they look on the trimet website and find out the time of the last bus.

Right! Have you ever watched the fireworks from the Jetboat Excursion trip? I was thinking about that as a unique way for them to experience the fireworks on her 16th. It%26#39;s only $25.00, and would solve the problem of trying to find a good spot to sit, etc.

Thanks,

Johnie

I%26#39;ve not, but they are a very reputable company and that sounds like a perfect birthday way to celebrate.

Here are the bus and Streetcar websites/schedules/maps etc.

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i1396-Portland_鈥?/a>