Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known by locals as 'Portland’s Living Room', is a square located directly in the heart of downtown Portland. This popular attraction and public gathering spot is the city’s premier public park, one of the most successful public spaces in the entire United States. Pioneer Courthouse Square is actually known as the world’s fourth best public square, a great achievement for the city of Portland! This square first opened in 1984, a living homage to the local 1875 courthouse it sits right next to. This beloved urban park hosts over 300 different programmed event days each year, a truly impressive feat, all completely driven by the community.
Here on the square, your group will be able to do a multitude of different things, all depending on the time of year and time of day. Stroll around the many different outdoor attractions first, ranging from impressive outdoor art and fountains to popular food carts and sidewalk vendors. Strolling around the busy streets will show you the Visitor Information Center, TriMet Bus Station (one of the best local ways to get around downtown), the KGW HD Studio on the Square, the Theater, Pink Trolley, or the famous Spellbound Flower Dutch Cargo Bike. Feel free to take part in any of the several scheduled events while here, options ranging from such popular choices as the Holiday Ale Fest, Portland Artisan Festival, or holiday Lights on the Mall.
If you work up an appetite while here you will have the arduous task of making a lunch break decision, the area boasting everything from burritos and Philly cheese steak to burgers and artisan coffee. Before you go be sure to take a photo with the 33 foot tall Weather Machine, bronze Umbrella Man statue, Milepost Sign, or historic iron gateway, all really iconic photo ops. What better way to immerse yourself into the local culture and have some fun while doing so!