Pearl District
The Pearl District sits Northwest of downtown Portland, bounded by West Burnside Street, NW Broadway, the Willamette River, and NW Lovejoy Street. This neighborhood transformed from an industrial warehouse area to one of Portland’s trendiest spots, known for its art galleries, boutiques, eateries, and residential lofts. Spend an afternoon gallery hopping, shopping local Portland designers, and dining at some of the city’s top restaurants. Try packing a picnic and eating in Jamison Square, a lovely city park featuring a shallow pool where kids play in the fountains. Don’t miss Powell’s City of Books, one of America’s largest independent bookstores, and the Portland Saturday Market, featuring local arts and crafts. When you’re ready for a drink, visit Deschutes Brewery, Rogue Distillery, or one of Portland’s many brewpubs.
Alberta Arts District
North of downtown Portland, the Alberta Arts District stretches along Alberta Street from around NE 15th to NE 31st avenues. Once a downtrodden area, Alberta Street underwent revitalization thanks to an influx of artists and entrepreneurs who opened quirky shops, cafes, and galleries. Today, Alberta feels lively and hip, with colorful murals, eclectic boutiques, and an artsy vibe. On the last Thursday of every month, Alberta hosts an art walk where the galleries stay open late. Be sure to browse The Bye and Bye for vegetarian fare and cocktails and Vita Cafe for a cozy morning coffee. Music lovers will enjoy perusing the vinyl collection at the Alberta Street Record Store. Don’t miss the magical weirdness of the Peculiarium, featuring oddities like shrunken heads, two-headed calf skeletons, and other curiosities.
Hawthorne District
Hawthorne Boulevard runs east to west from SE 20th to SE 55th Avenue, making up the lively Hawthorne District. Hawthorne offers trendy cafes, unique boutiques, and great people watching. Start your visit at Hawthorn Coffee, then stroll by the Bagdad Theater & Pub, an eccentric 1927 movie theater inside a converted ballroom. Vintage shops like House of Vintage and Magpie share street space beside modern clothiers like Frances May and Dockers. Grab lunch on the patio at porcini or chow down on authentic tacos at the Hawthorne location of Portland favorite, Por Que No?. Bibliophiles flock to Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, the smaller cousin of Powell’s flagship store downtown. And you can’t miss the #KeepPortlandWeird mural emblazoned on the side of the Red Fox Vintage clothing shop.
Mississippi District
Centered along the trendy stretch of N Mississippi Avenue, the Mississippi District sits adjacent to the hip Alberta Arts District. Like its neighbor, Mississippi Avenue underwent revitalization thanks to the arrival of artists, creative businesses, and unique eateries. Spend an afternoon browsing the modern furnishings at works or the mid-century décor at Retro Revival. Grab a nitro cold brew from Heart or some pour-over coffee at either of Coava’s two locations here. Food options range from barbecue at The People’s Pig to empanadas at La Panza Café to bagels from Boxcar Bagels. Don’t miss browsing the records at Mississippi Records or catching some live tunes at Mississippi Studios. Outdoor seating makes Mississippi Pizza Pub the perfect spot for a pizza and pint on a sunny day.
Sellwood-Moreland
South of the city center, the community of Sellwood-Moreland exudes small town charm right in the big city. Meandering along SE Milwaukie Avenue, the historic downtown area comes alive with antique shops, home décor boutiques, salons, and local eateries. Built in 1912, Oaks Amusement Park provides old-fashioned fun with roller coasters, mini golf, and more. Keep an eye out for the 30-foot high mural of a sugar skull painted on the side of Maya Vintage, celebrating Dia de los Muertos. Enjoy a scoop from Portland’s one-and-only vegan ice cream shop, Bloom Organic. And don’t miss Sellwood Riverfront Park, offering walking trails, a public pool, and views of the Willamette River.
Northeast Alberta
Yes, there are technically two different Albertas in Portland. Along NE Alberta Street, Northeast Alberta forms the northern boundary of the Concordia neighborhood. Like its namesake neighborhood in north Portland, Northeast Alberta also experienced revitalization led by a community of artists and small business owners. The result is a vibrant thoroughfare lined with locally-owned shops, ethnic eateries, and public art. Browse Mexican imports at La Sirenita before grabbing lunch at authentic taqueria La Bonita. Bop around to live music at The Waypost. And save room for some whiskey and dessert at pie+whiskey bar Random Order. Every August, Northeast Alberta throws the Alberta Street Fair, featuring street performances, arts and crafts booths, and local eats.
Division-Clinton
What do you get when you combine Southeast Portland’s Division and Clinton Streets? One incredibly lively, chic neighborhood packed with trendy shops and eateries, of course. Stroll along the leafy streets browsing wares at lifestyle boutiques like Wildwood and Castor. Then refuel at any of the area’s famed restaurants and food carts, like Pok Pok, Salt & Straw, and Wolf & Bear’s. Many businesses reside in converted early 20th century homes and buildings, lending to the neighborhood’s charm. Don’t miss a stop for coffee and people watching at the original Stumptown location. And nearby Division Hardware stocks artisan candles, plants, and curios for the modern home. With so many shops, restaurants, and cafes packed into close proximity, Division-Clinton is a delight to discover.
Belmont-Hawthorne-Division
Known as one of Portland’s hippest areas, Belmont merges seamlessly into Hawthorne and Division with block after block of trendy shops, cafes, and pubs. Get your retail therapy fix browsing everything from curiosities at Curiosities to plants at Solabee Flower Company to gifts at Aalto Home. Refuel with third wave coffee at either Fül or Nossa Familia. Enjoy a local microbrew on the patio at Horse Brass Pub or catch some live music at The Goodfoot. Food options range from wood-fired pizza at Escape from New York to handmade Georgian specialties at Kargi Gogo. And book lovers will feel right at home with two Powell’s Books locations here. With so much to see and do just steps from your party bus, Belmont-Hawthorne-Division makes for a perfect day of urban exploring.
Book a Bus With Us
The best way to experience Portland’s unique neighborhoods is together on an entertaining party bus rental from Portland Party Bus Company. Our top-quality fleet, experienced team, and customizable packages make it easy to explore Portland in comfort and style. Give us a call at 971-304-0402 to start planning your neighborhood hopping party bus adventure today. We can’t wait to show your group the best of weird, wonderful Portland!