Tom McCall Waterfront Park Tours and Activities

Tom McCall Waterfront Park which includes a bridge, a river or creek and bird life
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park showing a park and landscape views
Tom McCall Waterfront Park featuring a fountain and a city
Tom McCall Waterfront Park which includes picnicking, a park and bird life


Cool off in the fountain, walk or bike the paths, or take in a festival at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Spend any time in Portland and you will no doubt find yourself drawn to this locals’ favorite, which they simply call Waterfront Park. 

Many visitors from other cities envy Portlanders’ attractive green space in the heart of the city. Stroll along the banks of the Willamette River and in no time you will forget that you are only minutes away from the hubbub of a busy commercial center. The wide, tree-lined paths filled with joggers, cyclists and dog walkers make for a pleasant atmosphere any time of year, although summer is when this park really comes alive. 

Join the dozens of families who like to cool off in the waters of the ornate fountain, Salmon St Springs. With 185 water jets, there is room for everyone. On Saturday and Sunday from March through December, the Market Pavilion showcases locally made arts and crafts. This outdoor market started in 1974 and is the longest running of its kind in the United States. As well as handmade items, the market has an international food court with booths offering anything from Nepalese-style dumplings to Philly steak sandwiches.

As you make your way around the park you will notice several statues and memorials. Notable among these is a monument to the Battleship Oregon, a U.S. naval ship built in 1893. There is also the Japanese-American Historical Plaza, which commemorates the Japanese citizens held in inland World War II prisoner-of-war camps. 

The park hosts many city festivals. There’s a Waterfront Blues Festival in early July, and the Oregon Brewers Festival in late July. Oregon Bite showcases the best of all things culinary in August, and the Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival is held in November.

Plan a trip to see Tom McCall Waterfront Park

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Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland by IHG
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Best Lodging Options Near Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

3.5 out of 5
550 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Paramount Hotel
Dossier Hotel

Dossier Hotel

4.5 out of 5
750 SW Alder Street, Portland, OR
Dossier Hotel
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
Hotel Lucia

Hotel Lucia

4 out of 5
400 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
Hotel Lucia
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Mark Spencer Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

4 out of 5
319 SW Pine St, Portland, OR
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hyatt House Portland/Downtown

Hyatt House Portland/Downtown

3 out of 5
2080 SW River Drive, Portland, OR
Hyatt House Portland/Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland offers a variety of activities for visitors, including biking along scenic paths and exploring the beautiful Willamette River. Enjoy a day trip filled with enriching excursions, and if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at kite surfing. With its vibrant atmosphere and cultural attractions, the park is a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.

Shopping

Close to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, you can explore Powell's City of Books, only 1.1km away, and the vibrant Portland Saturday Market, just 966m away. If you're up for a drive, head to Lloyd Center, a shopping mall located 3.2km away, offering family-friendly experiences.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Moda Center, a premier sports venue just 1.6km from the park, perfect for catching a game. For a lively night, enjoy a concert at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, 1.3km away, or dance the evening away at Norse Hall, also 1.6km from the park.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Portland International Raceway, located 9.7km from Tom McCall Waterfront Park. For a family-friendly adventure, take a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram, only 1.6km away. Enjoy scenic hikes along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, situated 11.3km from the park.

Nightlife

At Tom McCall Waterfront Park, experience vibrant nightlife with the Keller Auditorium's cultural performances, the nostalgic fun at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, and the lively atmosphere of Roseland Theater. Each venue offers unique entertainment options just a short stroll away, perfect for an enjoyable evening out.

Find the best attractions near Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon, offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, modern universities, and private gardens, making it a fantastic spot for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Nearby attractions include the Portland Riverfront, Columbia Riverfront, and South Waterfront, providing plenty of options for exploration and enjoyment. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, there's something for everyone around this beautiful park.

  • Oregon Convention Center: Located 1.6km from Tom McCall Waterfront Park, this bustling venue is ideal for conferences and events. With its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, it's a hub for business and networking in the heart of Portland.
  • Oregon Health and Science University: 1.6km away, this cutting-edge institution combines education and research. Its impressive campus offers a glimpse into medical advancements while providing a lively city vibe, making it a unique stop for those interested in health sciences.
  • Hawthorne District: Situated 3.2km from the park, this eclectic neighbourhood is known for its artsy shops, vintage boutiques, and diverse eateries. The vibrant atmosphere invites exploration and offers a taste of local culture.

Best time to go to Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Visitor numbers around Tom McCall Waterfront Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Tom McCall Waterfront Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Visiting Tom McCall Waterfront Park can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Entry to the park is free, and nearby attractions like Powell's City of Books and the Hawthorne District also have no entry fees. For the cheapest accommodation, consider visiting from December to February and booking stays on Mondays, as Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels and consider package deals to save on flights and activities. Remember to compare rates and look for eco-certified hotels to align with sustainable travel practices.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tom McCall Waterfront Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tom McCall Waterfront Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Tom McCall Waterfront Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool is designed to help you find the perfect accommodations based on your budget and preferred location, among other criteria. You can easily sort the results by price, ensuring that the most affordable hotel options appear first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Tom McCall Waterfront Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.