15 of My Favorite Things to Do in Pearl District Portland

One of my favorite places in Portland, the lively Pearl District is a great place to shop, eat, or drink. Here reclaimed warehouses have been converted into hip bars, trendy restaurants, artisan coffee shops, independent boutiques, art galleries, and craft breweries. From my many hours spent in this cool area and from vegan eateries and vintage stores to must-see museums and unique theaters, here are my favorite things to do in the Pearl District, Portland, Oregon…

Top 3 Best Things to Do in the Pearl District Portland
1.
a l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Art Lovers
Blue Sky Gallery
2.
s l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Coffee Lovers
Barista coffee shop
3.
d l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Classical Art-Theater
Portland Center Stage (The Armory Building)
Best For Art Lovers

Blue Sky Gallery

Froelick Gallery Contemporary Gallery Portland

Whether you’ve got a taste for contemporary art or not, we can all come to appreciate a good masterpiece in a traditional setting. If you’re visiting Portland for the first time, I would definitely recommend exploring some of the best art galleries in the Pearl District as it’s a fascinating way to learn more about the history and culture of the city. 

Looking at different pieces of artwork isn’t only a mental exercise that stimulates creativity and positive thoughts. Still, it also helps a person learn a great deal about world history and geography- a plus for all the nerds out there. The best art galleries to visit in Portugal are:

Blue Sky Gallery: The Blue Sky Gallery is probably the most exciting gallery to visit when arriving in the Pearl District. It is a modern space with contemporary photographic art hung neatly across its pearl-white walls, with each picture telling stories worth a thousand words.

The gallery is an excellent space for local and international artists to showcase their photographic work, so if you’ve got a knack for photography, put your name down for your work to be considered at no cost!

Foelick Gallery: For those looking for modern artwork that’s more than just some expressive photography, Forelick Gallery is the place to be.

The gallery is an expansive area with various art forms from individual artists who have strong voices and tell a story through their art.

Not good with interpreting art? No problem. Just feel free to ask the highly knowledgeable staff at Forelick Gallery any questions you have and I promise they’ll be happy to answer as long as they’re within their knowledge capacity.

PDX Contemporary Art: The well-lit vintage building of the PDX Contemporary Art gallery offers an aesthetic backdrop to your sleeky Instagram photos. Visit this place anytime from 10 AM to 5 PM to experience the zest of modern artwork and photography.

Pros

Offers trendy and beautiful spaces

Offers a vibrant display of modern artwork

Opportunities for artists

Storytelling through art

Cons

Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Art interpretation can be subjective

Vintage aesthetic might appeal to a specific taste

Nearby Attractions

Oregon Jewish Museum

City center parking

Must Do Things

Attend Events and Exhibitions

Engage with local and international artists

Appreciate contemporary photographic art

Facilities

Staff members available to assist visitors

Networking opportunities

Best For Coffee Lovers

Barista coffee shop

Prince Coffee Portland

Cute coffee shops are the one remarkable feature of Pearl District that makes you want to visit again simply for the mind-blowing aromas and the best-tasting coffee in the world. 

I’d suggest stopping by the Barista coffee shop on 13th Avenue in the Pearl District and experiencing a world completely different from what you’re used to. This coffeehouse allows you to sit out front and watch all of the passersby with a latte in hand, I love it! 

La Perlita is another great coffeehouse if you’re willing to take your taste buds on an all-time high. The espressos and the baristas at La Perlita are exquisite, and we don’t just say that.

The place has a 4.7 rating on Google reviews, which is exceptionally good for a small cafe that sells coffee. Anything you’d be too skeptical to order otherwise, try at La Perlita.

You’d be happy you listened to us while you enjoyed the best food at Pearl District.

Pros

Offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere

Renowned for high-quality coffee

Adventurous Coffee Experience

Cons

May have limited seating

Prices relatively high compared to average coffee shops

Nearby Attractions

Must Do Things

Capture the Moment

Trying different coffee options

Facilities

WiFi availability for customers

Knowledgeable and friendly staff

Best For Classical Art-Theater

Portland Center Stage (The Armory Building)

Portland Center Stage - Portland

Where are all the cinema geeks? This one’s for you. The Portland Center Stage is a historic theater company located on 11th Avenue in Portland, featuring two gigantic theaters inside the antique building.

What better way to spend an evening than watching classical and contemporary theater art and stories brought to life in exceptional ways inside The Armory building?

The place has been awarded several times for its award-winning plays, such as The Twelfth Night and Sometimes a Great Notion

Pros

Brings stories to life through skilled performances

Offers a unique and nostalgic experience

Enriching cultural experience

Cons

Live theater experiences can be expensive

Quality of the performance can vary

Nearby Attractions

Steel Bridge

Mark Spencer Hotel

Must Do Things

Explore nearby restaurants or cafes for a pre-show meal

Attend Special Events or Workshops

Facilities

Restrooms and Amenities

Seating and Auditorium

Best For Craft Beers

Barrel Brewing

10 Barrel Brewing or Deschutes Brewery & Public House - Portland

The Pearl District in Portland also enjoys a rich beer culture you do not want to miss out on. The best kind of beer is the one that’s been carefully brewed with a thick aroma and a bitter-sweet taste of fruity ales.

Like any other city in America, you must be 21 or older to enjoy a beer in Portland legally.

You’ll find the best craft beer available at the 10 Barrel Brewing or the Deschutes Brewery & Public House. Deschutes Brewery offers both takeaway and dine-in options in a small pub downtown.

Enjoy gourmet food and the best-tasting beer in Portland at these rich places.

Cons

The lively atmosphere may lead to elevated noise levels

Limited parking spaces can make it challenging

Nearby Attractions

Khao Sun Restaurant

Ace Hotel Portland

Must Do Things

Enjoy a tasting session

Participate in Brewery Events

Facilities

Wifi access

Facilities for disabled person

Heating and cooling systems

Best For Book Lovers

Powell’s City of Books

Powell's City of Books - Portland

For all our bibliophiles, it is a time to rejoice if you’re taking a trip to Portland. Powell’s City of Books is a chain of bookstores lining the streets of Portland.

It claims to be one of the world’s largest bookstores for old and new books.

You’ll likely find everything among an assortment of as many as a million books- from children’s stories to modern-day literature at the City of Books. 

Pros

Customers can sell their used books

Offers an extensive and diverse collection of books

Cons

The multi-level layout can get confusing

Parking in the downtown area can be difficult

Nearby Attractions

Ace Hotel Portland

Must Do Things

Browse and shop for book-themed merchandise

Engage young readers in the children's section

Facilities

In-Store Cafe

Restroom facilities for customers

Best For Healthy Food

Kure

Vtopia All Vegan Restaurant and Cheese Shop - Portland

Kure and Vtopia are some of the best places to enjoy a healthy meal after exercise or before starting your day with a good city exploration.

Head to these famous restaurants and order anything from fresh salads to a gluten-free meal for a healthy eating experience.

The Kure juice bar is especially famous for its refreshing smoothies, coffees, and meal shake. At the same time, the Vtopia cheese shop enjoys a reputation for its mouth-watering cashew-based cheeses, salads, and sandwiches. 

Pros

Healthy and nutritious food

Gluten-free food

Best for people having diet

Cons

Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Non-veg food is not available

Nearby Attractions

OMSI Museum

Must Do Things

Try a variety of their fresh smoothies and juices

Customize your meal by selecting from the menu

Facilities

Access to nutritional information about the menu

Facilities to accommodate individuals with disabilities

Best For Tourists

Jamison Square

Jamison Square Fountain - Portland

Jamison Square is a tourist attraction in Portland. It was one of the first parks to be established in the Pearl District neighborhood.

Take a morning walk through the park’s vast grounds or visit the attraction for some great outdoor pictures.

Either way, Jamison Square Park is a great picnic spot for fun in the sun and relaxing under the cool breeze of Portland. 

Pros

Offers a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city

A community gathering place

Features an interactive fountain where visitors can wade through

Cons

Can get crowded

especially during weekends

The open and public nature of the park limits privacy

Nearby Attractions

Broadway Bridge

Must Do Things

Picnic and relaxation

Exercise and yoga

Facilities

Walkways and paths

Public restrooms for visitors' convenience.

Best For Events

Eco Trust

Eco Trust - Portland

Eco Trust is an organization working towards preserving a climate-smart future.

Visit the Ecotrust building to learn about the amazing things the organization is doing in contributing towards their cause, and have a drink at the facility and enjoy their Mexican cuisine.

Make sure to get involved in some way possible with the organization. This place especially offers a great learning curve for environmentalists and eco-conscious people. 

Pros

Offers educational programs and workshops

Actively engages with communities to raise awareness

Supports local economies by promoting sustainable businesses

Cons

Can get busy

Limited to specific regions or communities

Nearby Attractions

Pain-Free Laser service

Must Do Things

Learn about sustainable practices

Attend programs enhancing environmental awareness

Facilities

Resources and facilities for conducting research

Outdoor areas promoting greenery

Best For Beautiful Views

Tanner Springs Park

Tanner Springs Park - Portland

Tanner Springs Park is a small city in Portland, fed by the waters from Tanner Creek. Tanner Springs Park is part of what we now call the Pearl District and is a great spot to revisit nature and enjoy the pond ecosystem.

The park is just two blocks from Jamison Square, so while you’re at it, visit the place for another mesmerizing experience.

Pros

Observe the local wildlife and birds

Admire the water features and the central pond

Participate in any organized community events

Exhibits art installations and sculptures

Cons

Urban areas may lead to increased noise levels

The park's enjoyment may be weather-dependent

Nearby Attractions

Jamison Square park

Must Do Things

Participate in any organized community events

Take a leisurely walk around the park

Facilities

Fresh atmosphere due to greenery

Best For Diverse Food Options

HotLips Pizza

HotLips Pizza - Portland

It is no surprise that the benefits of a gluten-free diet are many. Not only is a gluten-free meal light and easy on your digestive tract, but it also promotes healthy, glowy skin.

And who doesn’t want to look their absolute best while on vacation? 

While most gluten-free meals are bland to the taste buds, the gluten-free pizzas at Hotlips Pizza in Portland are a famous feast for vegans and non-vegans.

In addition to being gluten-free, the pizzas at HotLips are vegan and whole-wheat for a complete vegetarian experience. The place also serves great-tasting wine, real-fruit sodas, and whole pies that are also vegan. 

Pros

Many patrons appreciate the taste and quality of the pizza

Offers a variety of pizza options

Uses locally sourced and fresh ingredients

Cons

More expensive compared to other pizza

Limited Menu

Nearby Attractions

Old town

Must Do Things

Support Sustainable Practices

Enjoy Pizza Variety

Facilities

A space for customers to dine-in

Booking options for hosting parties

Best For Clothes and Jewelry

House of Vintage

Visit vintage stores - best things to do in the Pearl District

If you’re looking for things to get your loved one back at home, explore the vintage stores at Pearl District.

These vintage stores also have great collectibles and apparel items ranging from a few bucks to a good thousand dollars.

Try a few pieces of vintage clothing to express your tourist spirit in Portland, or go window shopping for an equally fantastic experience.

Pros

Often features and unique one-of-a-kind items

Provides a nostalgic shopping experience

Vintage items are often affordable

Cons

High-demand items may quickly sell out

Time-consuming to look through

Nearby Attractions

Laurelhurst Park

Must Do Things

Look for unique

thoughtful vintage gifts

Capture memorable moments and creative shots

Facilities

Private dressing rooms for customers

Seating or resting areas

Best For Music Lovers

My Vinyl Underground

My Vinyl Underground - Portland

Another great gift idea would be to shop for vinyl records and CDs for a music fanatic. These are easily the most thoughtful gifts anyone would give someone with a thing for music or vinyl records.

Visit My Vinyl Underground in Portland, an indie-pop record shop selling vinyl.

Pros

Provides a unique in-person shopping experience

Knowledgeable staff often available to assist customers

Supports local and independent artists

Cons

Some stores may have a more focused selection

Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Nearby Attractions

New Seasons Market

Must Do Things

Engage with the staff and fellow music enthusiasts

Participate in events featuring specific artists or genres

Facilities

Well-organized displays and racks

Comfortable seating or lounge area for customers

Best For Clothing Designs

CULT

Hello from Portland - Portland

While we’re on the shopping subject, you may want to check out some other independent shops in Portland that cannot be found elsewhere. Some popular shops in Pearl District are: 

  • CULT: Cult is a vast souvenir shop housing everything from precious collectibles to unique gifts for your significant other. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your friend list here.
  • Hello from Portland: This souvenir shop has incredible clothing designs and apparel items. 
  • Portland Gear: Portland Gear is a clothing store in Portland that sells explicitly hip merchant and custom-tailored Portland-themed apparel, accessories, and souvenir items for friends and family. The brand is unique to Portland only.
  • PorchLight: Porchlight is a unique shop selling antique items, notable furniture and decor pieces, statement jewelry, apothecary items, and much more   

Pros

Affordable prices

Good and trendy design

Celebrates and promotes Portland's unique culture

Cons

Size of store is small

Some items are overpriced

Nearby Attractions

The Society Hotel

NW Portland Hostel

Must Do Things

Participate in events

Capture moments

Facilities

Packaging and Wrapping Area

Sections with information about the products

Market research and analysis to help customers

Best For Classical Theater Art

Gerding Theater at the Armory

Gerding Theater at the Armory - Portland

We all miss high school, don’t we? To revisit that high school musical experience, visit the Gerding Theater at The Amory building and watch a good musical.

Annually, the theater produces eleven to twelve original plays that are all-time hits among theater lovers.

If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to watch their most popular play or musical at the time of your visit.

Pros

Brings stories to life through skilled performances

Offers a unique and nostalgic experience

Enriching cultural experience

Cons

Live theater experiences can be expensive

Quality of the performance can vary based on the specific show

Nearby Attractions

Steel Bridge

Mark Spencer Hotel

Must Do Things

Explore nearby restaurants or cafes for a pre-show meal

Attend Special Events or Workshops

Facilities

Restrooms and Amenities

Seating and Auditorium

Best For Education

Visit the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

Oregon Jewish Museum Portland

Jewish or not, it’s always a good idea to expand your mind and learn about other people’s beliefs, culture, history, and more.

The Oregon Jewish Museum provides an opportunity to learn about Jewish history and beliefs and explore the famous Holocaust exhibition at the Museum.

These exhibitions provide direct insight into the lives of the Jews during World War 2, and it’s a very eye-opening experience.

If you’re in Portland and you want to learn more about the Jewish culture or the Holocaust, this is a museum that cannot be missed.

Pros

Offers valuable education about the Holocaust

Features exhibitions and collections

Plays a crucial role in preserving the history

Cons

Emotionally distressing

Nearby Attractions

The Hoxton

Portland

Must Do Things

Engage in educational programs

Contribute and volunteer

Facilities

A space equipped with resources

books

Security systems and measures

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