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Everything You Need to Know about South Portland in Portland
- Where is South Portland?
- What is the main avenue in South Portland?
- How to Get to South Portland?
- What to Do and See in South Portland
- Delve into various activities at Willamette Park
- Destress yourself at Min Zidell Healing Garden
- Take in the visuals at The Geezer Gallery
- Where to Eat and Drink in South Portland
- Café du Berry
- Elephants Delicatessen
- JoLa Café
- Where to Shop in South Portland
- April Grace Studio
- Chaparral Books
- Wonderful PDX Jewelry & Gifts
- Where to Stay in South Portland?
- SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center
- Fulton House Bed & Breakfast
- River’s Edge Hotel Portland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- FAQ
Stretching along the picturesque west banks of the Willamette River, the South Portland neighborhood is known for its charming waterfront views and recreational activities. It has diverse housing options, ranging from historic bungalows to modern riverfront condos.
The neighborhood’s got a fun dining scene, with plenty of spots and food carts offering tasty options for everyone.
South Portland is a tight-knit community with plenty of local spots that capture Portland’s essence. There’s a lot to explore, so dive in and enjoy!
Where is South Portland?
The South Portland neighborhood is situated just south of downtown Portland, nestled along the west banks of the Willamette River.
It spans from the Sellwood Bridge in the south to the Marquam Bridge in the north. It encompasses various neighborhoods such as Corbett, Lair Hill, and Terwilliger.
What is the main avenue in South Portland?
Macadam Avenue is the main avenue in South Portland. It runs parallel to the Willamette River, offering scenic views and easy access to waterfront activities. It facilitates travel to and from the neighborhood, linking South Portland to downtown Portland and other areas.
How to Get to South Portland?
Metro Bus Service: Route 3 is the primary bus route servicing the South Portland neighborhood, providing connections to Portland and Westbrook. You can board this bus at various locations, including the Martin’s Point stop.
Light Rail options: The orange line goes south from downtown towards Milwaukie, which is very close to the South Portland area. You can disembark at the City Center station and transit to the nearby bus routes like route 1, 3, and 5 that lead directly to South Portland.
What to Do and See in South Portland
Delve into various activities at Willamette Park
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Address: S Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street Portland, OR 97219
Phone: (503) 823-4000
Pricing: Free
Operating hours: Everyday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Website
Willamette Park is a great spot if you’re into water activities. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards in the summer and get right on the Willamette River. It’s perfect for getting some exercise while taking in the scenery.
If you’re into fishing, you’ll find easy access to spots where you can catch Chinook salmon. There’s also a boat launch if you want to bring your boat or just enjoy a chill cruise.
And when it’s warm out, there are swimming spots and little riverfront beaches that are perfect for picnics or sunbathing. You might even spot some cool wildlife while you’re out there!
Destress yourself at Min Zidell Healing Garden
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Address: 49 South Porter Street Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 552-1555
Pricing: Free
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The Min Zidell Healing Garden is a peaceful 11,000-square-foot botanical garden right on the National University of Natural Medicine campus in South Portland. It’s packed with medicinal plants, so if you’re into herbal healing, it’s a must-see.
But even if you’re not, it’s just a gorgeous spot to unwind. It features a cozy tea house and a quiet labyrinth for some walking meditation.
The best part? It’s open to the public, so anyone can come by and soak in the calming vibes.
Take in the visuals at The Geezer Gallery
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Address: 3147 S Moody Ave, Portland OR 97239
Phone: (971) 263-3957
Pricing: Free
Operating hours:
- Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
The Geezer Gallery is a cool nonprofit that shines a light on the creativity of senior artists. They’ve got an amazing collection of artwork from master-level seniors. They also offer therapeutic art programs for older adults.
These programs are all about boosting mental and emotional well-being while building a sense of community through creativity.
It’s such a unique and inspiring spot that celebrates older generations’ talent and adds something special to the local art scene.
Where to Eat and Drink in South Portland
Café du Berry
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Address: 6439 S Macadam, Portland, Oregon 97239
Phone: (503) 244-5551
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Daily: Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Dinner: Thursday – Saturday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Good to know: Ideal for French cuisine lovers
Website
Cafe du Berry is a relaxed breakfast and brunch spot renowned for its delicious French cuisine. Housed in a quaint Victorian house across the Willamette River, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners.
The menu features beloved dishes like crab omelets, Eggs Benedict, and mouthwatering French toast. Plus, with reasonable prices that keep meals under $10 per person, it’s perfect for a friendly gathering or a casual bite any day of the week.
Elephants Delicatessen
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Address: 5221 S Corbett Ave, Portland, OR 97239
Phone: (971) 937-1075
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good to know: Great for casual dining
Website
Elephants Delicatessen is one of those dining venues you just have to try. They’re all about from-scratch food, and the vibe is super welcoming.
Their gourmet deli sandwiches are a must, especially the pastrami on rye! If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, don’t miss their local wines and craft beers available at the wine and coffee bar.
Elephants Delicatessen is a tip-top place to grab a bite or enjoy a relaxing meal with friends and family.
JoLa Café
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Address: 5915 SW Corbett Ave, Portland, Oregon 97239
Phone: (503) 244-1812
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Daily Breakfast/Lunch: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Weekend brunch: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Good to know: Best spot for brunch dates
Website
JoLa Cafe is that cozy nook you just want to keep coming back to.
Their breakfast sandwiches, especially the breakfast burrito, are seriously good—just right for kicking off your day. And if you’re in the mood for coffee or tea, they’ve got you covered with a great selection.
Whether you’re grabbing something quick or staying for a relaxed brunch, JoLa’s mellow vibe and friendly atmosphere are perfect!
Where to Shop in South Portland
April Grace Studio
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Address: 105 S Gibbs St, Portland, OR 97239
Phone: (714) 615-8263
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Monday – Sunday: Closed
April Grace Studio is one of the hidden gem shops in the neighborhood. They’ve got a mix of creative and healthy treats, all handmade from scratch with a focus on vegan and organic options.
Plus, they’ve got these amazing handcrafted vegan soaps and candles, so whether you’re grabbing a sweet snack or looking for a thoughtful gift, this place has you covered.
Definitely worth a stop if you’re into yummy treats or natural goodies!
Chaparral Books
Address: 5210 S Corbett Avenue, Portland, OR 97239 United States
Phone: (503) 887-0823
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website
Chaparral Books is a beloved little bookstore, just across from Elephant’s Deli. What makes it notable is its awesome collection of Western Americana and Native American lit, but they’ve got a great mix of other genres too.
If you’re into rare and collectible books, this place is a must check-out. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry buddy while you browse.
Wonderful PDX Jewelry & Gifts
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Address: 3660 S River Pkwy, Portland, Oregon 97239
Phone: (503) 477-6209
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re ever in Portland’s South Waterfront and want to find something unique, you’ve got to swing by Wonderful PDX Jewelry & Gifts.
This lovely boutique offers a cool collection of sterling silver and mixed metal jewelry. It also has a bunch of quirky decor and fun gifts from all over the world.
The vibe here is super relaxed, and you’ll stumble upon stuff you wouldn’t see in the usual stores. It has a ton of creative gems that’ll make your shopping trip totally worth it!
Where to Stay in South Portland?
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center
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Address: 2401 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 226-1121
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 12:00 PM
SureStay Hotel by Best Western is just 1.2 miles from downtown, a comfy place to crash where it’s close to all the action!
What’s cool about this spot is how cozy and clean the rooms are. Plus, they throw in some solid perks like free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and free parking, which is a total win for budget-conscious travelers. They also have an on-site restaurant and bar/lounge.
Whether you’re here for work or just to have fun, SureStay Hotel has a friendly ambience and all the essentials to make your stay enjoyable.
Fulton House Bed & Breakfast
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Address: 7006 South Virginia Avenue, Portland, OR 97219
Phone: (503) 892-5781
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
Fulton House Bed & Breakfast is snuggled right in the heart of South Portland, just a short stroll from the gorgeous Willamette Park. The house has four spacious guest rooms, each with its own private bath and unique decor.
You’ll also get modern perks like free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and complimentary goodies like bottled water and wine. And don’t miss the homemade breakfast! They whip up amazing dishes like French toast and quiche that are excellent for kickstarting your day.
River’s Edge Hotel Portland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
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Address: 455 S Hamilton Ct, Portland, Oregon 97239
Phone: (503) 802-5800
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 4:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
River’s Edge Hotel is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection and sits right beside the Willamette River, giving you gorgeous views and a chill vibe. You’re close to downtown and fun spots like the OHSU Aerial Tram.
The hotel has free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and an on-site restaurant. In addition, there’s a fitness center and a business center.
What’s cool is the boutique feel—modern but doesn’t lose its homely feel. And for nature lovers, there are great spots for walking or biking along the waterfront.
