Area Guide

Welcome to the City of Roses

Portland is the City of Roses so it comes as no surprise that we have an impressive rose garden located in the heart of the city! Portland’s International Rose Test Garden is the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Unofficially known as the Portland Rose Garden, the space features more than 10,000 roses. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world enjoy it sights and scents annually. The garden also offers spectacular views of downtown and Mount Hood. The garden is open daily and admission is free. While great city views are offered year-round, the best rose-viewing months are May through September.

Portland's Pearl District

The Pearl District is home to some of the city’s best-known chefs and restaurants, world-class art galleries, and vibrant shops and boutiques. The Pearl District has transformed over the years while maintaining unique historical elements much like the Harlow Hotel. Portland’s Pearl has something for everyone from arts & history to fine dining & shopping. 

Portland Waterfront

The river that flows through the city allows for nature to enter the city and gorgeous water views to captive locals and travelers alike.  Explore the Portland Waterfront and find boat docks, fountains,  paths, art, and trails all while enjoying the view. Much like the Harlow Hotel, the waterfront parks have a long historic past as well. The idea for this park came at the turn of the century when the 1903 Olmsted Report pointed out the need not only for parks within the city, but for a greenway scheme for the riverbanks in order to ensure their preservation for future generations. Floods and roadways created a divide in this area for a long time until the Eastbound highway (I-5) and the Marquam Bridge were constructed to help with traffic patterns. In 1974, the construction of a waterfront park began. It was completed and dedicated in 1978, gaining instant popularity.