Charles Gullung
Map your trolley route.

South: Campus and RiverPlace

S.W. Park Ave. and Market St. If it’s Saturday, visit Portland Farmer’s Market (8:30–2 Sat; South Park Blocks between Montgomery and Harrison Streets), where the park blocks meld into the Portland State University campus. On Wednesdays the market is in the park blocks on Salmon Street.

S.W. Fifth Ave. and Market St. It’s just two blocks from here to Keller Auditorium, with its opera and ballet performances (222 S.W. Clay St.; www.pcpa.com or 503/248-4335)or a croque monsieur at Carafe ($$; closed Sun; 200 S.W. Market; 503/248-0004).

S.W. River Pkwy. and Moody Ave. This stop, the end of the line, is close to the marina, shops, and views at RiverPlace. Watch the boats come and go, or get in one; Portland River Company ($43 to Ross Island, reservations required; 0315 S.W. Montgomery St.; www.portlandrivercompany.com, 888/238-2059, or 503/229-0551) offers guided paddle trips to Ross Island. At Three Degrees restaurant ($$$; 1510 S.W. Harbor Way; 503/295-6166) in the RiverPlace Hotel, drink in the Willamette River view—or something more substantial. Remember: You’re not driving.

ENLARGE IMAGE
Christoph Diermann

When you go

Visit www.portlandstreetcar.org for schedules, fares, and other information. If you’re arriving in Portland by air, the MAX Red Line (www.trimet.org) whisks you from PDX to downtown, stopping a block away from the streetcar route along S.W. 10th Ave. By train, it’s an eight-block walk from Union Station to the streetcar stop at N.W. 10th and Glisan St.

Lodging

Most of Portland’s downtown hotels are within a few blocks of MAX or the streetcar. These four—two new, two classic—are all right on the streetcar line, strung from Nob Hill to RiverPlace. For tips on discounts through the Portland Big Deal, contact Portland Oregon Visitors Association (www.pova.com or 877/678-5263).

The Governor Hotel. Elegantly restored 1909 hotel, with 24-hour room service from local favorite Jake’s Grill ($$$; 611 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503/220-1850). From $169. 614 S.W. 11th Ave.; www.govhotel.com, 800/554-3456, or 503/224-3400.

Inn at Northrup Station. Roomy suites with retro decor on a quiet street. From $109. 2025 N.W. Northrup St.; www.northrupstation.com, 800/224-1180, or 503/224-0543.

The Mark Spencer Hotel. Centrally located, furnishings a little dated, rooms a bit small, but comfortable. From $69. 409 S.W. 11th; www.markspencer.com, 800/548-3934, or 503/224-3293.

Residence Inn by Marriott. New all-suite hotel is beside the streetcar’s S.W. River Pkwy. stop. From $129. 2115 S.W. River Pkwy.; www.marriott.com/pdxri 800/331-3131, or 503/552-9500.