I'm back in the office after a quick--and action-packed--trip to Oregon. Ever since I traveled through the Pacific Northwest in 2006, I've been scheming for a reason to go back--and when my best friend offered up a free flight to Portland, I finally had the perfect excuse.

With only a few days to spend in the city and its surrounding areas, I carefully planned a way to hit a number of urban attractions as well as enjoy a few outdoor adventures. Here are the highlights of my trip, in no particular order:

The Oregon Coast: Only 80 miles from the heart of Portland, the Oregon coast is a must-see for nature buffs. Pack a picnic and leave yourself plenty of time to catch stunning views of the beach from the 101. Stick around to comb the beach and watch the sunset over the water before heading back to the city for dinner.

The Pearl District: The Pearl District's unique cafes, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries make it a paradise for tourists like me who love to find local color in a new city. Be sure to visit Powell's Books, the largest new and used bookstore in the world, and then take your purchases to Pearl Bakery where you can enjoy a signature cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry while you read.

The Kennedy School: If you're looking for a unique dining experience, try this elementary school-turned pub/restaurant/movie theater. Grab dinner and a movie simultaneously in the on-site movie theater, then hit one of the five pubs to sample a local brew--and make sure you check out the work of local artists while you're roaming the halls.

Multnomah Falls/Columbia River Gorge: A short 40-minute drive on the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway, Multnomah Falls is the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation, dropping 620 feet. Take the steep one-mile hike to the top of Larch Mountain, where you can catch the waterfall's origin--and a breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge.