Spend any time in Portland and you will no doubt find yourself drawn to this locals’ favorite, which they simply call Waterfront Park.
Many visitors from other cities envy Portlanders’ attractive green space in the heart of the city. Stroll along the banks of the Willamette River and in no time you will forget that you are only minutes away from the hubbub of a busy commercial center. The wide, tree-lined paths filled with joggers, cyclists and dog walkers make for a pleasant atmosphere any time of year, although summer is when this park really comes alive.
Join the dozens of families who like to cool off in the waters of the ornate fountain, Salmon St Springs. With 185 water jets, there is room for everyone. On Saturday and Sunday from March through December, the Market Pavilion showcases locally made arts and crafts. This outdoor market started in 1974 and is the longest running of its kind in the United States. As well as handmade items, the market has an international food court with booths offering anything from Nepalese-style dumplings to Philly steak sandwiches.
As you make your way around the park you will notice several statues and memorials. Notable among these is a monument to the Battleship Oregon, a U.S. naval ship built in 1893. There is also the Japanese-American Historical Plaza, which commemorates the Japanese citizens held in inland World War II prisoner-of-war camps.
The park hosts many city festivals. There’s a Waterfront Blues Festival in early July, and the Oregon Brewers Festival in late July. Oregon Bite showcases the best of all things culinary in August, and the Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival is held in November.
This casual, intimate hotel overlooks Director Park and is located in the heart of downtown Portland near concert halls, art museums, Pioneer Square shopping, restaurants, and MAX Light rail and trolley.
Set in the entertainment and business district, this hotel is within walking distance of the shops, theaters, and offices of downtown Portland. Pioneer Courthouse Square is just a block away.
Located in the downtown core of both the financial and artistic core of the city, The Heathman Hotel is within a few blocks of Pioneer Courthouse Square, City Hall, and the renowned Pearl district.
This boutique hotel is in downtown's shopping and business district, 5 blocks from the Pioneer Place Mall, 8 blocks from the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, and 9 blocks from the Portland Art Museum.
Located in Downtown Portland, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Hawthorne Bridge and Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Portland State University and Pioneer Courthouse Square are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Set across from the Willamette River and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and river walk, this 5-story hotel is 4 blocks from downtown's Pioneer Place.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland is within 6 blocks of shopping centers, theaters, museums, and the Westside Riverwalk.
Located in Downtown Portland, this luxury hotel is steps from Pioneer Place and Pioneer Courthouse Square. Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Providence Park are also within 15 minutes.