Once an industrial district, the Pearl District has sprung to life in recent years. Portland has a culture for outdoors activities, but there are also plenty of cosmopolitan things to do in Portland's main downtown areas. Portland Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions Winters in Portland can get cold, but it is relatively more mild than other northern destinations because of the coastal effect. But because Portland is a welcoming destiination year-round, there are actually other great LGBTQ events taking place such as regular gay karaoke nights, an LGBTQ film festival, and more. Portland's annual pride, the Portland Pride Festival and Parade takes place in mid-June each year and is Portland's biggest LGBTQ event. Portland's culture is very outdoorsy, so the summer months are the best time to visit to take advantage of all the outdoor activities. The area has also been a meeting place for Portland’s LGBT community since the turn of the 20th century.Įthnically and culturally diverse, Mississippi Avenue is one of several eastside neighborhoods where independent businesses and creative spirits thrive. This area is considered to be Portland’s up-and-coming gayborhood and it provides visitors with a taste of the city’s quirky character. 14th Ave., West Burnside Street and Southwest Broadway Street, this area is known for its nightlife, boutiques and restaurants.
Portland’s most visibly gay community is comprised of a triangular set of city blocks known by some as the Burnside Triangle. The Hawthorne District in the southeast quadrant is the most concentrated lesbian gayborhood. Trendy, affordable and funky coffeehouses, bars, secondhand shops and boutiques line Hawthorne Boulevard and Belmont Street. Gay and lesbian bars can be found throughout Portland and most everywhere is gay-friendly. Though Portland is not as visibly gay a city as San Francisco, it has one of America’s strongest feminist and lesbian communities. Gay Portland is one of the few urban cities that can stake its claim as being surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterways. With a beautiful backdrop of Mount Hood in the distance, Forest Park on the edge of downtown and five major waterways within a 10-minute drive of the city, Portland’s location is truly one of a kind. Host to Pride Northwest and the Lesbian and Gay Film Fest, we think all LGBT travelers should experience this gorgeous city, the biggest city in Oregon. Portland is a green, clean, open-minded city that still has a small-town vibe. Once you’ve visited, you will understand why. Portland is ranked as one of America’s top five most livable cities and THE most eco-friendly city.