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  • Attractions
    • women dances with large fans outside on a city street surrounded by people in colorful dragon costumesView All Attractions
    • Museums
    • Parks & Gardens
    • Family Friendly
    • Shopping
    • On a Budget
    • EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO
  • Culture
    • people dining at picnic tables in front of a food cartView All Culture
    • Arts
    • Beer
    • Biking
    • Cannabis
    • Cultural Communities
    • Craft Spirits
    • Food
    • Makers
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Outdoors
    • Sports
    • Weird
    • Wine
    • MORE CULTURE
  • Neighborhoods
    • aerial view of downtown area with buildings and roadways, bridges crossing a river to a smaller set of buildings that expand into the distanceView All Neighborhoods
    • Alberta Arts District
    • Belmont
    • Central Eastside
    • Division/Clinton
    • Downtown
    • Hawthorne
    • Lloyd
    • Mississippi
    • Northwest / Nob Hill
    • Old Town Chinatown
    • Pearl District
    • St. Johns
    • Sellwood-Moreland
    • Williams
    • ALL NEIGHBORHOODS
  • Region
    • RegionView All Region
    • Near the City
    • Columbia River Gorge
    • Mount Hood
    • Oregon Coast
    • Willamette Valley
    • ALL REGIONS
  • Plan
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Tiara Darnell

Tiara Darnell

Tiara Darnell is a creative strategist, writer, and video and audio producer based in Buffalo, New York, and Portland. Read More

Tojo Andrianarivo

Tojo Andrianarivo

Tojo Andrianarivo is a Malagasy-American photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. Read More

a colorful map of Southwest Portland and South Portland highlighting prominent neighborhoods and landmarks
i
Best known for lively downtown Portland, Southwest Portland is also home to Washington Park’s numerous attractions, Goose Hollow’s blend of historic and modern, the small-town charm of Multnomah Village and more; South Portland offers diverse eats, great views and river activities.
Credit: Subin Yang
Neighborhoods / South Portland

South Portland

Enjoy diverse eats, great views and river activities in laid-back South Portland, the City of Roses' newest “quadrant.”

Updated Sept. 27, 2023 5 min read South Portland
Tiara Darnell

Tiara Darnell

Tiara Darnell is a creative strategist, writer, and video and audio producer based in Buffalo, New York, and Portland. Read More

Tojo Andrianarivo

Tojo Andrianarivo

Tojo Andrianarivo is a Malagasy-American photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. Read More

Created in partnership with Portland in Color

South Portland is a slim strip of land on the west side of the Willamette River, located south of downtown Portland. Bound by Interstate 5 and the Marquam Bridge to the north and the Sellwood Bridge to the south, South Portland encompasses the South Waterfront and Johns Landing neighborhoods.

In 2018, it joined North, Northwest, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest Portland as the newest of the city’s so-called “quadrants.” (With the official adoption of South Portland in 2020, it might be time to start calling them “sextants.”) Why the addition? The neighborhood’s off-beat oddity, a zero unique to many of its residential and commercial addresses, caused too much confusion for mapping applications, package couriers and emergency first responders.

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Zero aside, it’s easy to keep it one hundred in Portland’s sixth sextant; this laid-back river community is a perfect 10 if water recreation, low-key urban green spaces and hubs to grub and shop are your things.

a person wearing a head covering and an apron prepares a tray full of large cinnamon rolls
Owner Bella Chan prepares cinnamon rolls at Finales Fine Cakes and Desserts.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color

Eat

Gluttons for gluten, rejoice! Once operating in a smaller kitchen in the same neighborhood and predominately as a wholesaler, Finales Fine Cakes and Desserts owner Bella Chan expanded her business into a brick-and-mortar bakery and café called Sweet Coco G in late 2019. From bigger-than-your-hand, freshly baked cinnamon rolls to classic and seasonally inspired cookies, pies and cakes, there are no wrong choices. (If it’s Saturday, be sure to try the salted caramel and roasted pecan bread pudding.) Looking for something more substantial? In addition to their signature sweets, the bakery also offers homemade soups and sandwiches.

South Portland Eateries

Excellent restaurants and food carts abound in this up-and-coming part of town.

  • Al Hawr

    Al Hawr offers Lebanese cuisine, often served family-style, with kebobs, hummus, and falafel, in a modern space in South Waterfront.

  • Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille

    Offering a taste of Hawaii in South Portland, Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille is a full-service restaurant and bar located just steps away from Willamette Park.

  • Cha! Cha! Cha! – South Waterfront

    This authentic Mexican restaurant — whose chef and owner Javier Hurtado was born in Cuernavaca — emphasizes organic, local ingredients while balancing the modern and the traditional. Enjoy their specialty margaritas, tequila list and happy hour.

  • Cafe Du Berry

    Modern interpretations of French cafe classics in a homestyle setting, serving Portland for over 35 years. Breakfast served daily.

  • Elephants on Corbett

    This Portland-local casual, counter-service deli offers breakfast and lunch, with a delightfully robust pastry case.

Lunch or dinner, solo or with a group, book it to Szechuan Chef for classic Chinese American eats like sesame and General Tso’s chicken. For more adventurous eaters, the menu’s Szechuan specialties — like the lamb and enoki mushroom hot pot or spicy fried Chongqing chicken with peanuts, chilies and scallions — don’t disappoint.

a baker sprinkles flour over a large sheet of dough
French pastry technique meets classic Filipino recipes at St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color

Savor the fare of the Philippines, a cuisine heavily influenced by Spain, its former colonizer, at St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery. Owner Bob Ofilla also applies his knowledge of French pastry technique to typical Filipino pastries like cheese- or ube-filled ensaymadas, any-time-of-day bites like beef or chicken empanadas, and brunch-appropriate plates such as pancit or grilled beef tapsilog, served with rice and egg.

South Portland’s Best Beverages

Whatever your drink of choice, this quadrant has you covered — sip beer, wine, coffee and more.

  • Oracle Coffee Company

    This plant-based, specialty coffee shop in South Waterfront serves up matcha, mocha & cold-brew in a laid-back, minimal cafe.

  • Frank Wine Bar

    Established in 2013, this bright and open wine bar and bottle shop serves the South Waterfront district in Portland.

  • McMenamins Fulton Pub & Brewery

    The Fulton Pub was a Prohibition-era hangout in 1926. In 1988, it was renovated and opened by McMenamins and has been serving hearty pub fare and McMenamins ales since.

  • JoLa Cafe

    This coffee shop tucked in a residential street in South Portland has a cafe menu for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.

  • Buffalo Gap Eatery & Saloon

    This South Portland saloon has been serving up classic, American pub fare since 1974. With live music nights, pool tables and a full service bar.

A man, woman and child stand in front of a coffee shop
Pájaro owners Rogelio and Lindsey Landaverde stand in front of the shop with their child, Pablo.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color

Looking to leisurely sip a warm or iced spectacularly spiced beverage? Look no further than Pájaro. This Mexican-owned waterfront spot is no ordinary coffee shop. They offer a cozy, friendly space; the highest-quality ingredients, including remineralized water and house-made “mylk”; and a menu emphasizing low-waste and plant-based drink options. The mushroom- and date-derived “horchata de hongo,” an herbaceous take on the classic Latin American rice and cinnamon-spiced beverage, is a must-try as an add-on to your latte, cup of coffee or on its own. Don’t sleep on the rosewater ahogado (an ice cream and espresso pour-over), featuring local plant-based Kate’s Ice Cream; it’s everything.

A hand sprinkles rose petals over a scoop of ice cream in a rustic bowl
The rosewater ahogado (an ice cream and espresso pour-over) at Pájaro features local Kate’s plant-based ice cream.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color

South Portland Hotels

Find ideal accommodations near this quadrant's eateries, shops and parks.

  • River’s Edge Hotel & Spa

    This boutique hotel on the Willamette River near the South Waterfront offers the city's largest spa.

  • RiverPlace Hotel

    A Kimpton property, the RiverPlace Hotel is conveniently located just south of downtown. Accommodations range from standard rooms to deluxe suites and cottages.

  • Hyatt House Portland/Downtown

    This modern, upscale hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown and just two blocks from the Willamette River. Guests will enjoy their complimentary breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour market, fitness center and more.

  • Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown RiverPlace

    This all-suite extended-stay hotel is located downtown on the riverfront. It features 258 total suites, complimentary breakfast served daily, an exercise room, an indoor pool and a business center.

Play

Enjoy Willamette Park, a 26.9-acre (10.9-ha) waterfront property. Serve ‘em like Serena on the tennis courts, then “Bend It Like Beckham” on the soccer fields. Take to the water and rent single or tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or canoes by the hour from the adjoining Portland Kayak Company.

You’re sure to lose track of time exploring the Willamette River’s unique houseboats, public beaches, bridges and natural beauty. Sightings of bald eagles, ospreys and the occasional wayward sea lion await!

Make a Splash in the Willamette River

When summertime heats up in Portland, cooling off is as easy as heading to one of the city's many riverfront beaches or docks for a refreshing dip or getting the gear for water sports such as kayaking, or SUP.

Read More
two women on paddleboards in a river with houseboats in the distance
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A short paddle from Willamette Park takes you past scenic houseboats.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color
one person wearing a life jacket pilots a stand-up paddleboard in a river while a second person in the water looks on
2 of 5
Stand-up paddleboarding on the Willamette River is a popular activity.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color
two women pilot stand-up paddleboards on a river on a sunny day
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Paddling south from Willamette Park offers a great workout and distant downtown skyline views.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color
two women carry stand-up paddleboards and a kayak in a verdant park
4 of 5
Willamette Park is a great access point for the Willamette River, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available nearby.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color
a man balances on a slack line connected to a tree in a park
5 of 5
There are many ways to enjoy South Portland's Willamette Park, which also offers river access.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color

Head north for a more metropolitan park experience: Elizabeth Caruthers Park is a compact, modern green space surrounded by striking high-rises. Amenities include a splash pad, a bocce court, public art and walking paths. If you’re looking to get in some steps, the nearby South Waterfront Greenway is a good option — the walkway hugs the west bank of the Willamette River, extending from the River Forum Building to the Marquam Bridge. For a longer walk, consider a stroll across Tilikum Crossing, which connects the South Waterfront to the Central Eastside. Opened in 2015, it’s America’s first major car-free bridge, allowing only pedestrians, cyclists and transit vehicles.

Tilikum Crossing

This cable-stayed bridge spanning the Willamette River has the distinction of being the only bridge in the U.S. dedicated to light rail, buses, bicycles and pedestrians — without cars.

Read More

Hop on the Portland Aerial Tram for bird’s-eye views of Bridgetown. Operated by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), the tram runs daily between Marquam Hill and the South Waterfront. The trams — Jean on the north side and Walt on the south — are named in honor of Jean Richardson, the first female engineering graduate student at Oregon State University, and Walt Reynolds, the first Black person to graduate from the University of Oregon Medical School (known today as OHSU).

Portland Aerial Tram

If you’re looking for epic views and a unique perspective, look no further than the Portland Aerial Tram.

Read More

Shop

Established to address customers’ mastectomy, lingerie and compression needs, Just Like A Woman is all about finding the right fit and necessary support — with style. Common and atypical brands and hard-to-find sizes for all ages and cup sizes are easy to procure at this woman-owned shop, which also offers garment fitting, alterations and fixes.

What goes over your undergarments? Find something fashionable and “new to you” at Here We Go Again, a first-rate resale boutique specializing in trendy designer labels for women, including luxury handbags and shoes.

More South Portland Shopping

Peruse the varied, charming shops on offer in Portland's newest quadrant.

  • Chaparral Books

    This unassuming bookstore in South Portland stocks fine and rare books, in addition to inexpensive used books.

  • Gorge Performance

    Founded in 1983, Gorge Performance is a family-owned board shop offering equipment and clothing for snowboarding, skateboarding, wind surfing and more. Just steps from a calm stretch of the Willamette River, they also offer SUP lessons and rentals.

  • Ecru Modern Stationer

    Ecru, a South Waterfront specialty shop, offers stationery products & services, unique gifts, and greeting cards.

  • Wonderful PDX Jewelry & Gifts

    A South Waterfront boutique shop featuring locally and globally-made trinkets, jewelry, decor and gifts.

  • E&R Wine Shop

    This South Portland wine shop carries thousands of bottles from all over the world. Stop by for a tasting, then pick up a bottle (or three) for home.

During the warmer months, explore the charming South Waterfront Farmers Market in Elizabeth Caruthers Park. It’s smaller than some Portland farmers’ markets, but what it lacks in size, this collection of vendors makes up for in quality — peruse fresh produce, spicy hot sauce, locally distilled spirits and more. Snack options range from baked goods to homemade soups to delicious tamales. The market operates every Thursday from 2–7 p.m., June–October.

Neighborhoods

Portland’s Quadrants

Explore the six “quadrants” (yes — there are six of them!) that make up the City of Roses.

Go To Neighborhoods
a colorful map of Southwest Portland and South Portland highlighting prominent neighborhoods and landmarks

Southwest Portland

Best known for lively downtown Portland, this quadrant is also home to Washington Park’s numerous attractions, Goose Hollow’s blend of historic and modern, the small-town charm of Multnomah Village and more.

a colorful map of Southeast Portland highlighting prominent neighborhoods and landmarks

Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland embodies many of Portland’s best-known attributes: hip, artsy, quirky, foody. It’s home to popular neighborhoods, lively food-and-drink districts, peaceful parks and more.

a colorful map of Northwest Portland highlighting prominent neighborhoods and landmarks

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland is a study in contrasts, from swank shops and restaurants in the central city to the natural beauty of Forest Park — and everything in between.

a colorful map of Northeast Portland highlighting prominent neighborhoods and landmarks

Northeast Portland

For shows, sports and big events, Northeast Portland is hard to beat. It’s also home to many popular neighborhoods, noteworthy sights and attractions, and top-notch restaurants and bars.

a colorful map of North Portland highlighting prominent neighborhoods and landmarks

North Portland

From the beautiful blooms of Peninsula Park to the bustle of North Mississippi Avenue, there’s always more to explore in North Portland. The so-called “Fifth Quadrant” is home to charming neighborhoods, striking landmarks and unique attractions.

a colorful map of Southwest Portland and South Portland highlighting prominent neighborhoods and landmarks

South Portland

South Portland is a slim strip of land on the west side of the Willamette River. This laid-back river community is a perfect 10 for water recreation, low-key urban green spaces and lots of spots to eat, drink & shop.

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