The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, Portland
The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
About
An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues,reflection ponds, and views offer inspiration to all who visit.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
356 within 5 kms
El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant
45
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Mexican
Elmer's Restaurant
473
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
Old Country Sausage Co
16
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Speciality Food Market • American • German
Good World
15
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Cantonese
Goodwill Chinese Restaurant
6
0.2 kmChinese
German Bakery
9
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • German
Fork And Spoon Food House
1
0.3 kmPhilippine
Antojitos Mexicanos
4
0.4 km$ • Mexican
Gilhooligans Bar And Grill
2
0.2 kmAmerican
Subway
4
0.3 km$ • Quick Bites • Fast food
Attractions
143 within 10 kms
The Story Garden
75 mPlaygrounds
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
4,637
2.8 kmBodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Gateway Green cycling park
1
1 kmBiking Trails
Mount Tabor Park
280
Mountains • Parks
Laurelhurst Park
257
Parks
TriMet- Portland Streetcar
360
Public Transportation Systems
Alberta Street
216
Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Knott Park
1
1.9 kmParks
Joseph Wood Hill Park
19
2.2 kmParks
Portland Meadows
19
2.4 kmHorse Tracks
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1,316 reviews
Excellent
934
Very good
293
Average
67
Poor
15
Terrible
7
KTKEYSGAL
Islamorada, FL103 contributions
Jun 2022
If you're ever in this area, near Portland, OR airport, stop here to relax, enjoy nature and take a moment for yourself. It's very renewing for your spirit.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
alohatripper
Honolulu, HI1,323 contributions
Dec 2021
What was scheduled to be a worthwhile annual Christmas attraction was compromised by not-so-great weather, too many visitors, and lack of food vendors. We were looking forward to this and bought tickets online. The location is remote, and access is tortuous using GPS. Parking is near impossible but thanks to the parking attendants we got one of the last spots without walking too long (in the rain).
The activities are clearly scheduled and on time. We saw the carolers, puppets, but no food booths because of COVID. The hot cocoa line was long.
We left early and didn't get the maximum or minimum benefit. That's too bad because of the obvious efforts by volunteers -- just to string the millions of colored lights.
The activities are clearly scheduled and on time. We saw the carolers, puppets, but no food booths because of COVID. The hot cocoa line was long.
We left early and didn't get the maximum or minimum benefit. That's too bad because of the obvious efforts by volunteers -- just to string the millions of colored lights.
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lee m
Oakland, CA47 contributions
Dec 2021
The Holiday Lights are up and beautiful. Varying and a really good Grotto Carolers perform live Christmas music nightly in the chapel and outdoor tent. Lovely spot outdoors in Nature with a charming Friar Catholic Chapel. A large basalt cliff holds a shrine alter and daytime can take an elevator or wooded trails to gardens and a meditation area with large cross overlooking a North view to Washington State.
Written 3 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RC u
2 contributions
Oct 2021
The Grotto is a hidden gem in Portland. It's in the NE corner of the city tucked on top of some cliffs. Lots to see from all over the world. And the meditation building with the big glass view is very peaceful. Gift shop is cool too!
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anita N
Salem, OR26 contributions
Oct 2021
A divine green Zen-like experience. The first day we tried to get the upper levels - they were not open as tree removal was underway. But we went back the next day- and we were glad we did.
There are terraced waterfalls tinkling when you arrive at the Sanctuary at the upper level. The view through the glass wall while you sit in the over-stuffed club chairs is simply heavenly.
We had just had a death in the family and, although we are not Catholic, the Grotto was the perfect place to have a moment of silence to say our goodbyes.
It's hard to imagine that just outside the Sanctuary is a bustling noisy urban area. You feel as though you are under water floating in a green sea as you walk through the lower level. It was just what we needed that day...that moment.
There are terraced waterfalls tinkling when you arrive at the Sanctuary at the upper level. The view through the glass wall while you sit in the over-stuffed club chairs is simply heavenly.
We had just had a death in the family and, although we are not Catholic, the Grotto was the perfect place to have a moment of silence to say our goodbyes.
It's hard to imagine that just outside the Sanctuary is a bustling noisy urban area. You feel as though you are under water floating in a green sea as you walk through the lower level. It was just what we needed that day...that moment.
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
X3594UCjackk
Fukuoka, Japan34 contributions
Aug 2021
Rather than drive to a faraway destination, I chose this place to relax from the hectic pace of a tourist trying to cram every attraction into a few days. Just a nice place to slow down and meditate on what's really important in life.
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sawadeeann
Oahu, HI370 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
There is absolutely no place like this anywhere else. In half a second, you drive out of the city and next you know, you’re surrounded by trees and serenity.
I love this place to get away, have some quiet spiritual time and get a blessing or two. I’m not what you would refer to as a practicing Catholic, but I am spiritual in my own sense. There is a church on property where they conduct masses. The parking lot is not immense so I don’t know where one would park if attending a Sunday mass amongst travelers such as myself.
There is also a gift shop and a room where you can get blessed or an object blessed. My daughter got her necklace blessed.
I did not take the huge elevator up to the top of the mountain as I didn’t want to pay $10 honestly. There is enough on the grounds itself to view and many areas to pray or take in the statues.
This is a place of tranquility that I try to visit each time I’m in Oregon.
I love this place to get away, have some quiet spiritual time and get a blessing or two. I’m not what you would refer to as a practicing Catholic, but I am spiritual in my own sense. There is a church on property where they conduct masses. The parking lot is not immense so I don’t know where one would park if attending a Sunday mass amongst travelers such as myself.
There is also a gift shop and a room where you can get blessed or an object blessed. My daughter got her necklace blessed.
I did not take the huge elevator up to the top of the mountain as I didn’t want to pay $10 honestly. There is enough on the grounds itself to view and many areas to pray or take in the statues.
This is a place of tranquility that I try to visit each time I’m in Oregon.
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Scott M
Portland, Oregon, United States9 contributions
Mar 2021
I *always* take visitors to Portland to see the Grotto. It's one of the most amazing attractions in the Pacific Northwest. It's peaceful, beautiful, and astounding, especially in the summer.
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ExpoNationals
Bakersfield, CA4,052 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Very Blessed and Beautiful destination in Portland, Oregon. We love visiting the Grotto whenever we are in the city. You do not have to be a Catholic in order to appreciate this peaceful area.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
50StatesMarathoner
Columbus, OH85 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
My wife and I discovered this distination on TripAdvisor. We attended the noon mass followed by a leisurely walk through the upper gardens. The entry fee was well worth the cost of admission. Great views to the north.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
gigglesunlmtd
Surrey, Canada174 contributions
Is there a bus or train from the airport to The Grotto? Or uber would be our best choice?
SC Wolfe
Portland, OR24 contributions
Just saw your question. Uber is your best option.
lydia c
Morelia, Mexico145 contributions
Who’s important this place on the faith? I tried to look online but didn’t find anything. Is any apparition of the Virgin?
narkfaith
St. George, UT18 contributions
can I bring a leashed dog
RichardSTigard
Tigard, OR83 contributions
While dogs are not allowed on the upper level, they are allowed outdoors on the first level, both in the plaza and in the botanical garden. The Grotto holds special events throughout the year, including a Blessing of the Animals each July. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed.
Linda M
Vancouver, WA1 contribution
What is the admission cost for a senior?
Tabinosorakara
Niantic, CT49 contributions
$5 if you want to go up to the garden.
beverlyb137
Toledo, OR1 contribution
any near by overnight accommodations that alow dogs?
sbeguy
Hood River, OR85 contributions
check location of Motel 6 allows pets. Air BNB try that too.
Elizabeth S
San Lorenzo, CA2 contributions
How far is it from 5522 north commercial ave, Portland Oregon?
Ann J
Indianapolis, IN18 contributions
Since I live in IN, I have no clue of how far it is, but if you use Google or MapQuest, you can get your answer right away. Good luck in your search!
Debbi R
Oakwood (Montgomery County), OH182 contributions
are dogs on a leash allowed on pathways?
NellaiXpress
San Jose, CA85 contributions
From the FAQ of the Grotto website:
Pets
Properly restrained pets are allowed on the grounds of the lower level. No pets are allowed on the upper level, or in the buildings. Service animals are allowed in all areas of The Grotto.
I didn't see anyone with pets when i visited there.
H5143HFmary
Sioux Falls, SD
Is there public transportation from the downtown area to the Grotto?
RSNN
Portland, OR6,303 contributions
Yes you can get to the Grotto from downtown by taking a tri-met bus.
if you caught a bus at SW 6th and W Burnside (Stop ID 792):
Board 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd to Parkrose TC
(The Grotto stop is ID 5046)
this option is estimated to take 37 minutes travel time.
Trimet has a web site. They are and organization. (trimet + org) They have a trip planner that you can use to plan a trip with to get there. Just type in where you are going to and where you are starting from. It will generate a potential trip plan that will tell you the details. And options you have.
and you can enter a different starting place closer to where you will be downtown.
Adult one way far is $2.50
RetiredTravelers61
Las Vegas, NV17 contributions
Hi, we are planning a pilgrimage for April, visiting a Holy Door and spending time meditating. This sounds exactly what we are looking for. Wherever we will be staying is a problem since there is no transportation. Public transportation is ok but we must walk quite a bit distance to bus stops, which I am unable to do. Is there a regular shuttle that goes from the Grotto to different areas around? We are thinking something like San Diego has that people can get off and on at their leisure at different sites. Thank you.
Cynthia T
El Paso, TX25 contributions
There is not a shuttle I am aware of. That would be lovely if there was! Maybe call The Grotto & inquire, perhaps they will have a suggestion. I found everyone very helpful! Enjoy! Can't wait to return! Blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
- The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Hotels near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother:
- (0.13 km) Carolina Motel & Trailer Park
- (0.29 km) Courtesy Inn Motel Portland
- (0.76 km) Nordic Inn and Suites
- (0.87 km) Best Western Pony Soldier Inn - Airport
- (1.27 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Portland Airport
- Restaurants near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother:
- (0.15 km) El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant
- (0.17 km) Gilhooligans Bar And Grill
- (0.24 km) Good World
- (0.24 km) Goodwill Chinese Restaurant
- (0.30 km) Old Country Sausage Co
- Attractions near The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother:
- (0.71 km) Aspen Limo Tours
- (0.07 km) The Story Garden
- (2.97 km) A Great Oregon Wine Tour
- (2.77 km) Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- (4.73 km) Escapism