Overview
10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Start at DIRECTOR PARK
Our downtown Portland, Oregon tours are engaging, well-paced and colorful: the Best of the City! It’s a weird city, but there are stories in every building, park and brick. We’ve organized our city’s best things -- and of course, its most complicated and conflicted, as well. In an ever-changing world we continuously change the story of the city.
Much of Portland’s history can be told through the buildings and street layouts including the prioritization of parks in the city center. It’s not a dry history: full of back-room deals, early deaths and greed; and then there were hippies!
How did Portland become the 1st city on the West Coast with a fine art museum? How did the city's early cultural reputation influence its mid-20th century; and how did it become such a lightning rod for racial justice protests? We'll discuss what was, is, and will be the soul of the city.
We keep groups to no more than 15 for personalization and safety.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Certified Guide
Gratuities (always appreciated)
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
DIRECTOR PARK, 815 SW Park Ave, diagonally across Yamhill Street from Nordstrom and across from the Elephants Deli.
We'll meet you near the paved fountain on the north end of the park, the NE corner of the park.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
You only need to provide the traveler’s name upon meeting your guide. Please note that we cannot wait more than five minutes for late arrivals and we cannot contact the guide after they depart from the tour start location.
What to expect
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Director Park
1 min
All tours start at DIRECTOR PARK. We'll meet you in the southeast corner of this urban hardscape park, near the intersection of SW Taylor and SW Park Ave. Our meeting spot is across the street from entrance to the Regal Fox Tower.
Parking is available on the streets nearby or in lots in the adjacent building. The MAX light rail comes just a block away, at the Pioneer Square stop. -
South Park Blocks
10 min
Much of Portland’s history can be told through the buildings and street layouts; most importantly, the prioritization of parks throughout the city center. We'll walk through the park blocks and learn why they were laid out this way; and what the park blocks' designer didn't do before he died.
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The Portland Building
5 min
From cast iron-fronted buildings to the grandly disastrous post-modern Portland Building, we trace our history through architectural choices our city planners made.
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Pioneer Courthouse Square
10 min
No tour of downtown Portland, or history of the city's relationships with hippies, would be complete without a visit to Pioneer Courthouse Square. From its past as the center of education to the drive to keep out the "dirty hippies," we'll learn how and why this square has never been far from the minds of Portlanders and the city's visitors.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
FAQs about Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour
Can I cancel Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours–2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
DIRECTOR PARK, 815 SW Park Ave, diagonally across Yamhill Street from Nordstrom and across from the Elephants Deli.
What's included?
- Certified Guide
What's not included?
- Gratuities (always appreciated)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Director Park, South Park Blocks, The Portland Building, Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Operated by Around Portland Tours
