The Neighborhood Around
The Watermark at The Pearl

Book aficionados will undoubtedly want to visit Powell’s Books, which is believed to be the world’s largest independent bookstore. Founded in 1971, Powell’s Books is a beloved Portland landmark. The massive three-story store is an entire city block encompassing almost 70,000 square feet. You’ll find more than one million titles in 3,500 sections. Fortunately, Powell’s offers a detailed color-coded map to find your way around all the rooms, so you don’t get lost!

Tanner Springs Park is a stunning urban park located in the heart of the Pearl District. Its sustainable, wetland-inspired design incorporates stormwater in innovative ways, creating a sort of refuge for people and wildlife in Portland. The plants you see are native to the Willamette Valley. Part of what makes Tanner Springs Park so unique is the design process. Residents were invited to public workshops to weigh in and share their thoughts on the park’s design. 

If you’re looking for performing arts, look no further than Portland Center Stage. It’s the largest theater company in Portland and in the top 25 of the largest theater companies in the country. Portland Center Stage performs at two theaters, both of which are located inside the historic 1891 Armory Building. Productions include a mix of classical, contemporary, and world-premiere productions. 

The Pearl District is renowned for its many art galleries. Each gallery offers a glimpse into the creative soul of the district. Late-night openings and new show receptions welcome art lovers and enthusiasts. Join in the tradition of First Thursday, a seasonal monthly celebration of art, wine, and community that transforms the streets into a festive gallery under the open sky.