Streetcar Around Portland to Pearl, Slabtown, and Waterfront

4.8 (17 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

17 reviews

4.8

The streetcar passes the iconic sculpture at the Portland Art Museum — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

the Cultural District in summer — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Travel through four of Portland’s quadrants, and explore 8 to 10 of the city’s unique districts by foot and our European-style streetcar. Stroll, taste, see and learn about what makes Portland so special, with accompaniment of a passionate local, and 2.5–4 miles of slow-paced walking (4–7 km).

Starting at Director Park at the edge of the Cultural District in Portland, we will begin our exploration with short streetcar segments interspersed by leisurely walks through several districts. Learn about the Art Museum, visit the Pearl District, explore the historically industrial Slabtown. See the mural district and the space-age buildings in the South Waterfront and into the University District. Walk park blocks and fountains that made the name for Portland’s urban planning, and also brought us into conflict over racial and cultural ideals. Explore how Portland’s activist spirit has challenged its government and structures, before returning you to the center of the city, Pioneer Square.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Sustainable Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Rail Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Around Portland Tours

Ages: Children (0–12 years) · Adults (13–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Streetcar fare

Not included

Not included: Beverages and snacks at stops along the way are on your own
Not included: Gratuities for your enthusiastic guides

Itinerary

Director Park

5 min

At Teacher's Fountain in the northeast corner of Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave, at the edge of the Cultural District in Portland, we will begin our exploration. Meet your guide and begin your day by a walk through the shade of the old giant elms as you walk past the art museum for your first streetcar ride into the Pearl District.
South Park Blocks

5 min

Your walk to the first streetcar stop will take us through the Park Blocks and past some of the monuments and public art here.
Portland Art Museum

Passing by

Walk through the Cultural District to the Art Museum. Under the shadow of giant elms we will learn about the district and meet the art museum
Powell's City of Books

Passing by

Your route will take us right past the biggest independent new and used bookstore in the world!
Pearl District

20 min

Get off the streetcar in the Pearl District and walk through this vibrant neighborhood, learning of its history of industry and art.
Tanner Springs Park

5 min

Your route will take us through Tanner Springs, where we will learn about the park design of NW Portland's Pearl District
Stop 7

15 min

Explore via foot and streetcar the formerly industrial, lumberyard origins of Slabtown
South Waterfront Park

Passing by

We'll check out the South Waterfront District and learn about the Aerial Tram

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets 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, ball-shaped fountain on the north end of the park, the NE corner of the park.

End point

Our tour ends a few blocks away, at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The experience is a loop.

Using your ticket

There is no need to present a ticket for the tour; you will check in with the name on your booking. Upon departure you will be given a transit ticket for the city system. It will be your responsibility to retain that ticket and can be used for other city transit after the tour concludes. Your guide will be waiting near the ball-shaped concrete fountain (in the northeast corner of the block near SW Yamhill and 8th Ave) at Director Park a few minutes before the start time of the tour.