Portland Ice Cream Tour

If you’re a fan of frozen treats, you might have already heard about the Portland Ice Cream Tour — a highly-rated, two-hour adventure that promises to introduce you to the city’s best local ice cream spots. We haven’t personally joined this tour, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it looks like a fantastic way to indulge your sweet tooth while exploring Portland’s charming neighborhoods. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, this experience seems to hit the right notes for a fun, flavorful outing.

Two things really stand out about this tour: first, it’s praised for its knowledgeable guide who keeps the mood lively and informative, and second, it offers notable skip-the-line access at Salt & Straw, which is notorious for long waits. That means more ice cream and less standing in line — a big plus when you’re trying to make the most of your time. A potential consideration is the price — at $55 per person, some might feel it’s a tad steep, especially if they’re comfortable exploring on their own and visiting shops independently. Still, for those who value guided experiences and curated tastings, this tour tends to be a hit.

In general, this tour feels like a great fit for anyone eager to sample Portland’s unique ice cream flavors without the hassle of planning or waiting. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a casual stroll through vibrant neighborhoods, appreciate local culinary creativity, and want a relaxed, social outing. If you’re a serious ice cream connoisseur or just looking for a sweet way to spend an afternoon, this tour could be a perfect choice.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience ensures you hit the best spots with interesting insights.
• Skip the lines at Salt & Straw, saving time and frustration.
• All tastings included means you won’t spend extra on each scoop.
• Short walking distances make the tour easy and accessible.
• Variety of shops offers a range of flavors from soft serve to artisan gelato.
• Good value for the experience if you’re looking for a curated, all-included treats tour.

What to Expect from the Portland Ice Cream Tour

A Well-Organized Itinerary with Diverse Stops

The tour kicks off at Elephants Delicatessen, a notable Portland staple. Meeting here is convenient, with the added benefit of easy parking and a charming atmosphere to start your day. This initial stop is about 20 minutes, giving you time to settle in and get excited for the tastings ahead.

Next, you’ll visit Eb & Bean NW, where the focus is on plant and milk-based soft serve. This cozy spot is known for artisanal toppings, and you’ll likely appreciate the way they blend textures and flavors, creating a soft-serve experience that’s a little different from the usual.

The highlight for many is Salt & Straw — a Portland icon with celebrity owners and a reputation for daring, inventive flavors. Here, you’ll skip the lengthy queues, thanks to the tour’s smart planning. Guests often rave about the “crazy flavors,” making it a must-visit. The 20-minute stop allows you to indulge in their signature artworks of ice cream creativity without the frustration of waiting in line for hours.

The tour continues to Staccato Gelato, crafted by a master gelato maker trained in Italy. This stop offers house-made gelato, crafted with skill and passion, and often described as a highlight. The flavors are authentic, and the craftsmanship shows through every spoonful.

Finally, the last stop is Fifty Licks, known for unusual flavors like cornbread ice cream and mango sticky rice. The 20-minute tasting here is a fitting finale, providing a variety of unique, memorable flavors that many reviewers found delightful and surprising.

What You’ll Experience at Each Spot

Each shop offers its own vibe and specialty, from soft serve to gelato to artisan flavors. The guide’s local knowledge shines in their flavor suggestions, accommodating even those with more adventurous palates. One reviewer mentioned being pleased with the “selection of high-quality shops with unique flavors,” which shows the tour’s focus on quality over quantity.

The guide, Beau, receives consistent praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. Multiple reviews highlight how well he keeps the pace relaxed — no rushing, plenty of time to enjoy each scoop. His enthusiasm and familiarity with Portland’s culinary scene add an extra layer of enjoyment.

How the Tour Adds Value

The all-inclusive tastings mean no extra spending is necessary once you’re on the tour, which is great for budgeting. Plus, the skip-the-line access at Salt & Straw reduces waiting time and makes the experience smoother, especially during busy seasons.

For just about two hours, you get to taste a diverse array of flavors, learn a bit about the local food scene, and walk through some of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a friendly and intimate environment.

What the Reviews Say

The general consensus is that this is a high-quality experience. Many reviewers describe the tour as “enjoyable,” “delicious,” and “great for ice cream lovers.” One person pointed out that “the flavors were all high quality with unique twists,” which is a common theme.

People also appreciate the guide’s friendliness and expertise. For example, one reviewer said, “Beau was very friendly and informative on the city and local ice cream shops,” adding that the shop owners were “fabulous and friendly.” Another mentioned how Beau “knew all the best spots” and “gave great flavor recommendations.”

A handful of reviewers felt it was a bit pricey for what you get, with comments like “the price seemed high,” but most felt that the curated experience and convenience justified the cost. The inclusion of all tastings and the skip-the-line benefit seem to tip the scale favorably.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Price: $55 per person. When you consider the number of shops visited, the tastings, and the guide’s expertise, many say it’s good value for the money.
• Duration: Roughly 2 hours, making it a relaxed addition to your day without feeling rushed.
• Group Size: Up to 20 travelers, fostering a friendly, manageable atmosphere.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 27 days ahead, so plan early if you want a spot.
• Meeting Point: Starts at Elephants Delicatessen on NW 22nd Ave, a convenient and charming location.
• End Location: Follows at Fifty Licks on NW 21st Ave, with recommendations provided for the area afterward.

The Sum Up

The Portland Ice Cream Tour offers a delightful way to experience the city’s sweet side. It’s especially well-suited for foodies, casual explorers, or anyone looking for a fun, low-pressure way to taste Portland’s best ice cream. The combination of expert guides, curated stops, and skip-the-line access makes it stand out from just wandering around on your own.

While the price isn’t the cheapest, many feel it’s justified by the quality of the shops and the ease of the experience. The tour is also praised for being informative and friendly, making the hour and a half of walking and tasting feel like a personalized adventure.

If you’re someone who loves trying new flavors, appreciates good company, and wants to skip the frustrating lines at Salt & Straw, this tour will likely be a hit. It’s a cozy, flavorful way to dive into Portland’s vibrant dessert scene without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy ice cream and are comfortable walking for about two hours should find it fun. The stops are relatively short, and the guide is friendly with kids.

Do I need to prepare anything before the tour?
Just bring your appetite and curiosity about Portland’s ice cream scene. No special preparations are needed, and the guide provides all tastings.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Are the tastings allergy-friendly?
The tour offers a variety of flavors, but specific allergy accommodations aren’t detailed. It’s best to contact the provider directly if you have special dietary needs.

How much walking is involved?
Expect to walk less than a mile over the course of the tour, mostly on sidewalks and neighborhood streets.

Is it easy to find parking?
The meeting point at Elephants Delicatessen has stress-free parking options, making it accessible for most travelers.

What’s the guide like?
Guests consistently praise Beau for being knowledgeable, friendly, and patient, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

Will I get enough ice cream?
Absolutely. With multiple stops and all tastings included, you’ll sample many flavors, often more than you think you can handle in just two hours.

The Portland Ice Cream Tour looks like a sweet way to explore the city’s culinary creativity and enjoy some of the best local frozen treats. It’s a balanced experience that offers a taste of Portland’s vibrant food scene, guided by a friendly expert who makes every scoop special.