Portland, known as the “City of Roses,” is famous for its vibrant culture, stunning parks, and a commitment to sustainability. With over 10,000 acres of public parks, including the expansive Forest Park, Portland provides many opportunities for novice drivers to practice their skills in peaceful environments. For those looking to hone their manual driving abilities, this article explores the best locations in the greater Portland area with spacious and generally quiet parking lots.
1. Washington Park
4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221
Nestled in the west hills of Portland, Washington Park is a beautiful area with ample parking spaces. It features well-maintained roads leading to attractions like the Portland Japanese Garden and the Oregon Zoo. The expansive parking lots are often less busy during weekdays, making it a great place for practice.
2. Portland International Airport (PDX)
7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218
While the airport is typically busy, the economy parking lot offers large, less crowded spaces. You can practice navigating tight turns and parking techniques here without the pressure of city traffic. Be sure to visit during off-peak hours to find more open spots.
3. South Waterfront Park
3500 SW Moody Ave, Portland, OR 97239
This picturesque waterfront park has spacious lots and scenic views of the Willamette River. It’s an excellent location for beginner drivers to practice parallel parking while enjoying the serene atmosphere. The area tends to be quieter during weekdays.
4. Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
The Convention Center features a large parking garage with ample space. On weekends or during off-peak hours, you can practice in a safe environment with minimal distractions. The surrounding area offers wide streets for practicing lane changes and turns.
5. IKEA Portland
10280 NE Cascades Pkwy, Portland, OR 97220
The IKEA store has a massive parking lot that is generally quiet during weekdays. This location is perfect for practicing parking maneuvers and navigating large open spaces. Plus, you can reward yourself with a Swedish meatball meal afterward!
6. Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center
5000 Discovery Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058
Although a bit of a drive from downtown Portland, this discovery center has a spacious parking lot with stunning views. It’s an excellent place to practice driving while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Columbia River Gorge, especially during weekdays when it’s less busy.
7. Lloyd Center Mall
2201 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR 97232
The Lloyd Center has a large parking garage that tends to have less traffic, especially during weekdays. You can practice parking techniques while enjoying the mall amenities nearby. It’s an excellent spot to practice your skills before venturing out into busier areas.
8. Eastbank Esplanade
98 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214
This scenic waterfront path features several open areas with parking that are less crowded. The peaceful environment allows for practicing driving and parking without distractions. Enjoy the view of downtown Portland as you practice your manual driving skills!
Conclusion
Portland is a fantastic city to practice manual driving, with plenty of spacious, quieter locations perfect for honing your skills. If you’re looking to book a lesson in Portland, you can do so with Manual Driving Academy here. Enjoy the journey as you become more confident behind the wheel!
