Portland's aerial tram runs from the South Waterfront (where there's a streetcar stop) to Marquam Hill about every six minutes. The tram runs along a 3300ft line up a vertical ascent of 500ft – the ride takes four minutes and offers good views across the Willamette River and Portland's Southeast.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Oregon Museum of Science & Industry

0.66 MILES

This excellent museum offers hands-on science exhibits for kids, along with other temporary exhibits like 'The Science Behind Pixar.' There's also a movie…

2. Salmon Street Springs Fountain

1.08 MILES

This photo-friendly fountain, on Salmon St near the river, cycles through computer-generated patterns. On hot days kids (and adults) take turns plunging…

3. Mill Ends Park

1.14 MILES

Having the largest park (Forest Park) within city limits perhaps isn't an oddity, but having the smallest one might be. Mill Ends Park – located on the…

4. South Park Blocks

1.14 MILES

The South Park Blocks, a 12-block-long greenway that runs through much of downtown, are a fine, leafy refuge from downtown's bustle. They host a farmers…

5. Portland State University

1.17 MILES

This pretty campus is at the southwestern corner of downtown. There's a good farmers market here on Saturday, and several food carts around.

6. Portland Building

1.18 MILES

This controversial 15-story building (1982) was designed by Michael Graves and catapulted the postmodern architect to celebrity status. But the blocky,…

7. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

1.2 MILES

This popular riverside park, which lines the west bank of the Willamette River, was finished in 1978 after four years of construction. It replaced an old…

8. New Deal Distillery

1.22 MILES

This spirit-factory started as a small-time operation using a short copper still that remains on the premises (it's tucked away on a shelf). Now the…