South Park Blocks

Portland


The South Park Blocks, a 12-block-long greenway that runs through much of downtown, are a fine, leafy refuge from downtown's bustle. They host a farmers market and occasional art shows, and are home to the Oregon Historical Society museum and the excellent Portland Art Museum. At the southern end of the South Park Blocks is Portland State University, the city's largest university.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Portland attractions

1. Portland State University

0.13 MILES

This pretty campus is at the southwestern corner of downtown. There's a good farmers market here on Saturday, and several food carts around.

2. Portland Art Museum

0.2 MILES

Alongside the South Park Blocks, Portland Art Museum's excellent exhibits include Native American carvings, Asian and American art, photography and…

3. Oregon Historical Society

0.2 MILES

Along the tree-shaded South Park Blocks sits the state's primary history museum, which in 2019 unveiled a permanent 7000-sq-ft interactive exhibit that…

4. Portland Building

0.31 MILES

This controversial 15-story building (1982) was designed by Michael Graves and catapulted the postmodern architect to celebrity status. But the blocky,…

5. Pioneer Courthouse Square

0.45 MILES

The heart of downtown Portland, at the heart of Portland’s retail district and the city’s transit system, is a multi-tiered brick plaza nicknamed Portland…

6. Pioneer Courthouse

0.46 MILES

Across 6th Ave from Pioneer Courthouse Square is the Pioneer Courthouse. Built in 1875, this was the legal center of 19th-century Portland. The courthouse…

7. Salmon Street Springs Fountain

0.55 MILES

This photo-friendly fountain, on Salmon St near the river, cycles through computer-generated patterns. On hot days kids (and adults) take turns plunging…

8. Mill Ends Park

0.56 MILES

Having the largest park (Forest Park) within city limits perhaps isn't an oddity, but having the smallest one might be. Mill Ends Park – located on the…