South Waterfront Travel Guide
Portland
Visit South Waterfront
Popular places to visit
Portland Aerial Tram
Enjoy a trip to Portland Aerial Tram and popular activities such as cycling in Portland. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Moda Center
See sporting teams do battle and rock out to musical legends at one of Portland’s major venues for sports and big-ticket entertainment events.
Oregon Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Oregon Convention Center, a top convention centre in Portland. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Oregon Zoo
Awesome beasts native to America have a home alongside exotic and endangered species from around the world at this picturesque Portland attraction.
Oregon Health and Science University
Walk around the campus at Oregon Health and Science University during your stay in Portland. Discover the area's shops or seek out its cycling trails.
Portland State University
Walk around the campus at Portland State University during your stay in Portland. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area or seek out the cycling trails.
Things to do
Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown
Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings
Portland: Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River
Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Portland: Brunch Cruise on Willamette River
Top hotels in South Waterfront
The Paramount Hotel
"We have stayed here many times and still like it. Location is excellent, and staff is friendly, helpful, and professional. Rooms are comfortable with pleasant city views. Although we’re never happy when hotels charge for bottled water, we sure enjoyed the discount we received at the bar."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Moxy Portland Downtown
"Nice, urban hotel with a bar and lobby perfect to hang out in. Walkable to Powell's Books, Whole foods, fun bars, a movie theater and Portland Center Stage theater. Rooms are tiny but efficient, not much storage but they do have a fold-out desk & espresso maker, so that's a win. Helpful young staff ..."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Hyatt House Portland/Downtown
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
"Beautiful spot. Great central location. Wifi was a bit patchy."
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Airport
"Conveniently located off of I-5 and near the PDX airport & Cascade Station (with various shopping options and fast food restaurants). We find these rooms to be perfect for our family as it provides enough privacy when traveling with our teen. Plus, it gives us enough room to spread out our luggage ..."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Heathman Hotel
"Amazing!! Clean. Great views."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Where to stay in South Waterfront
Downtown Portland
Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Portland. Check out top attractions like Portlandia and Portland City Hall, and jump on the metro at City Hall-SW 5th and Jefferson Street Station or SW 6th-Madison Street Station to see more of the city.
Northeast Portland
While you're in Northeast Portland, take in top sights like Moda Center or The Grotto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center or NE 82nd Avenue Station.
Pearl District
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Pearl District. Spend some time visiting top spots like Powell's City of Books, and catch the metro at NW 10th & Johnson Stop or NW 11th & Johnson Stop to see more of the area.
Southeast Portland
Travellers choose Southeast Portland for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at SE Powell Boulevard Station or SE Holgate Boulevard Station and check out top sights like Mall 205.
Southwest Portland
Southwest Portland is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Congregation Kesser Israel and Sellwood Bridge. See more of Portland by jumping on the metro at Bancroft St Stop or S Lowell & Bond Stop.
