Portland: Guided Delicious Donut Tour with Tastings

Trying to decide if a donut tour in Portland is worth your time? We’ve looked into this highly-rated experience from Underground Donut Tour, and here’s what you need to know. It’s a fun way to combine food, sightseeing, and a bit of Portland’s local flavor all in one go.

What we love about this tour is the chance to sample Portland’s best donuts at four well-loved spots, including Voodoo Doughnuts where you can skip the long lines—something many visitors really appreciate. Plus, the tour isn’t just about sweets; it also offers glimpses of iconic Portland sights like Pioneer Square and Chinatown, along with fascinating tidbits from your knowledgeable guide.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a walking tour. While it’s wheelchair accessible, it may not be ideal if you have mobility issues or prefer a more leisurely pace. Also, at $70, the price reflects good value considering the variety and portion sizes, but it’s not a cheap snack session—think of it as a treat that includes a bit of sightseeing and education.

This tour is perfect for food lovers, casual sightseers, or anyone curious about Portland’s donut scene. If you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even in a small group, the friendly, knowledgeable guides make it an engaging, memorable experience. It’s especially great if you’re into trying local flavors and learning about a city through its most beloved treats.

Key Points

• Taste Portland’s top donuts at four renowned shops, including skipping lines at Voodoo Doughnuts.
• Explore iconic sights like Pioneer Square, Chinatown, and the PSU campus during the walk.
• Learn fun facts and local stories from passionate guides with a deep knowledge of Portland.
• Enjoy a well-paced 2-hour experience that balances food with sightseeing.
• Group size is flexible, including options for bachelor/bachelorette parties, families, or corporate groups.
• Wheelchair accessible but not suitable for those with significant mobility challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and How It Works

The tour centers around curated donut tastings at four different shops, which means you’ll get to sample classics like glazed and chocolate donuts, along with more inventive flavors—think lavender or other unique toppings. The stops may include favorites like Sesame Donuts, Blue Star Donuts, and Voodoo Doughnuts, with the advantage of skipping long lines at Voodoo, where wait times can hit 30 minutes.

Your guide will accompany you as you stroll through downtown Portland, sharing interesting facts about local sights and the city’s history. The walking route is designed to be engaging without feeling rushed, and the tour generally lasts about two hours, making it a manageable outing even for those with tight schedules.

Meeting Point and Practical Details

You’ll meet your guide at Sesame Donuts, which is conveniently located near Portland State’s Campus. The tour runs in the morning and afternoon, and you’re encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing—Portland’s weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before you go.

Accessibility and Group Size

This tour is wheelchair accessible, but those with significant mobility impairments should consider if the walking pace and distance suit them. It caters to groups of all sizes, from families to bachelor parties, and is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of occasions. Pets, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted during the tour, aligning with health and safety standards.

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still a bit fluid. Plus, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you peace of mind when planning your trip.

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The Experience: What You’ll Actually Do

Once you start, you’re in for a treat—not just because of the donuts, but because of how the tour weaves in sights and stories. Your guide will lead you through Portland’s lively downtown, pointing out landmarks and sharing tidbits about the city’s culture and history.

At each donut shop, you’ll enjoy a curated sample platter, so you get a good variety of flavors. Reviews frequently mention the generous portions—many folks take half of their donuts home, which means you’ll definitely leave with a sweet souvenir of your experience. Several reviewers raved about guides like Kayla and Ian, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share local tips.

Why the Donuts Matter

Each shop has its own vibe and specialties. For example, Blue Star Donuts is known for their innovative flavors and high-quality ingredients, while Voodoo is famous for its quirky shapes and cult following. The stops are thoughtfully selected to give you a taste of Portland’s donut diversity, from traditional glazed to adventurous options like lavender or cereal toppings.

What the Reviews Say

Most reviews paint the tour as great value for money, with many customers noting that guides go above and beyond in offering local recommendations—whether for other restaurants, bars, or sights to see afterward. One reviewer said, “Our guide gave us good reccos for other sites and restaurants in Portland. We tried Kaizen sushi next night and very much enjoyed as well.”

People also appreciate the fun atmosphere and the fact that the tour is well-paced, with many describing it as “a fun morning,” “a great experience,” and “a perfect way to explore Portland’s food scene.”

The Value of the Tour

At $70, you’re paying for more than just donuts—you’re paying for a curated experience that includes guided walking, insider knowledge, skipping long lines, and generous tastings. Many reviews mention that the portions are sizable enough to either satisfy a sweet tooth or allow you to take some home—a nice bonus.

Compared to just wandering into a donut shop on your own, this tour offers a structured, informative, and social experience. If you’re new to Portland or just want a fun, food-focused activity that also shows off some of the city’s landmarks, this is a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for foodies, curious travelers, and social groups. It’s a particularly good pick if you want to taste Portland’s famous donuts without the hassle of waiting in line. If you love trying local flavors and enjoy learning about the places you visit, you’ll find this tour engaging.

If you’re traveling with family, keep in mind that the tour is not specifically designed for children, but families with older kids or teens who love sweets may enjoy it. It’s also a good option for small groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or solo travelers wanting a guided, social experience.

Final Thoughts

The Portland Donut Tour from Underground Donut is more than just a tasting session—it’s a delightful way to combine Portland’s food scene with sightseeing and storytelling. You’ll walk away not only with a box of delicious donuts but also with a better understanding of the city’s culture, landmarks, and local flavors.

The guides consistently earn high praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep the tour engaging. The stops include some of the top donut shops in town, with enough variety and generous portions to satisfy even the most devoted donut fans.

If you’re looking for a fun, tasty way to explore Portland’s vibrant food scene and see some of its most recognizable sights, this tour is a smart pick. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, arrive hungry, and be ready for a sweet adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour is wheelchair accessible, it involves walking around Portland’s downtown area. If you have significant mobility challenges, it’s best to consider whether the walking pace and distance will suit you.

Can I skip the line at Voodoo Doughnuts?
Yes, the tour includes skip-the-line access at Voodoo, which is a big perk since some visitors wait up to 30 minutes.

How much food will I get?
You’ll sample four different donut shops with curated portions at each stop, often enough to satisfy a sweet tooth or even take some home.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since Portland’s weather can change unexpectedly.

Is it suitable for families or children?
While not specifically targeted at kids, families with older children who love sweets might find it enjoyable. The tour is more geared toward casual groups and adults.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Reserving now and paying later offers flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, if you’re a fan of donuts, love discovering new flavors, and want to see some key Portland sights in a fun, relaxed setting, this tour hits the mark. It balances food, sightseeing, and storytelling in a way that keeps the experience engaging and memorable. Just be prepared to walk, sample, and enjoy the sweet side of Portland.

You can check availability for your dates here: