Jamison Square - A street scene with buildings and trees.
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Jamison Square

4.4
·1k reviews·Portland, United States

A vibrant urban square in Portland's Pearl District, featuring a unique interactive fountain and shaded seating.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Fountain is on, perfect for cooling off

CrowdMedium
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Jamison Square - A street scene with buildings and trees.

Jamison Square

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Fountain is on, perfect for cooling off

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant urban square in Portland's Pearl District, featuring a unique interactive fountain and shaded seating.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"The perfect little spot to get wet, with plenty of shade spots and picnic area."

Vertical photo
TIP

Splash-Ready Attire

Bring swimsuits and towels for kids (and adults!) to enjoy the fountain. :athletic_shoe:

Pack a Picnic

Limited seating, so bring a blanket for a comfy picnic. :sandwich:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Fountain

Interactive Fountain

Center of the square

A fun, wading-friendly fountain perfect for kids to splash and cool off on hot summer days.

Shaded Seating Areas

Shaded Seating Areas

Perimeter of the square

Enjoy a moment of calm under the trees, ideal for reading or people-watching.

Unique Totem Poles

Unique Totem Poles

Entrance areas

Distinctive totem poles add a quirky, artistic touch to the urban landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat at the Fountain

Jamison Square's interactive fountain is a major draw, especially for families. It cycles through different water features, making it a fun spot to cool off. Check the schedule as it sometimes drains for events.

Urban Oasis with Amenities

This concrete urban park offers a peaceful escape with shade trees and a wading fountain. Nearby cafes and ice cream shops make it easy to grab a snack, but seating can be limited.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Fountain is on, perfect for cooling off
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dear Jackson Square #hamilton #hamiltonontario #thehammer #hamiltontiktok #jacksonsquare #mcmaster #mcmasteruniversity #fyp
@dinkbalshin
8.4K likes • 219.9K views

Splash-Ready Attire

Bring swimsuits and towels for kids (and adults!) to enjoy the fountain. :athletic_shoe:

Pack a Picnic

Limited seating, so bring a blanket for a comfy picnic. :sandwich:

Having fun in Jackson Square #2023jazzfestival
@swampb22
2.3K likes • 13K views
Exploring the heart of the Pearl and discovering urban oases Tanner Springs Park and Jamison Square. Immerse yourself in nature while exploring everything the Pearl District has to offer! 🌿🌸🏞️ #portland #pnw #oregon #portlandoregon #pacificnorthwest #travelportland #pdx
portland
2.3K likes • 74.9K views

Nearby Treats

Ice cream and coffee shops are just steps away for a sweet treat. :ice_cream:

Check Event Schedules

Fountains may be drained for special events like concerts. :musical_note:

Splash 💦 Summer Cool Off! 💦 #jamisonsquare #jamisonsquarefountain #summervibes #summerbreak #summer2023 #portland #portlandoregon #portlandparks #portlandparksandrec #pnwkids #pearldistrictpdx #lucasbrysonco
boosakorn_co
11 likes • 99 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Splash-Ready Attire

Bring swimsuits and towels for kids (and adults!) to enjoy the fountain. :athletic_shoe:

Pack a Picnic

Limited seating, so bring a blanket for a comfy picnic. :sandwich:

Nearby Treats

Ice cream and coffee shops are just steps away for a sweet treat. :ice_cream:

Check Event Schedules

Fountains may be drained for special events like concerts. :musical_note:

Public Transport Access

Conveniently located near a streetcar stop. :train2:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Jamison Square is a highly-rated urban park, particularly praised for its interactive fountain that delights families and offers a fun way to cool off. Visitors appreciate the shaded areas for relaxation and the park's peaceful atmosphere, despite its city location. Some reviews mention the presence of unhoused individuals, but generally note they are not disruptive.

"Family friendly baby fountain. Has a mini wade pool, ice cream shop and Starbucks around the corner and food up the street. The perfect little spot to get wet, with plenty of shade spots and picnic area. Not a lot of tables, and a few benches. But overall very enjoyable for the kiddos!!"

WiLL One Of The Chosen

"Fun, awesome small fountain great for younger children. Some of the down on their luck folks hang around, but aren’t rude; and I didn’t see one single needle! Played in the fountain with my son and we had a blast!"

The Gospel of Grant

"Concrete urban park in the city. Decent place to relax during the day. Has public restroom and is next to a street car stop. Its defining feature is the large fountain you can play in and relax on hot days in the summer. Decent place to bring a kid for that."

Ryan Cuda

What People Like

Fantastic interactive fountain
Great for kids
Peaceful urban oasis

What People Dislike

Limited seating
Occasional unhoused presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Jamison Square is easily accessible in Portland's Pearl District. It's conveniently located near a streetcar stop, making public transport a great option. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other parts of downtown. :train2: Reddit

Street parking can be challenging in the Pearl District. There are several paid parking garages nearby, but walking or using public transit is often recommended. :car: Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Jamison Square is a public park and is free to enter and enjoy. :ticket:

As a public park, Jamison Square is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific fountain operating hours may vary seasonally. :clock3:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the interactive fountain, perfect for cooling off. You can also relax in the shade, enjoy the unique totem poles, and people-watch. It's a great spot for families and a peaceful urban escape. :fountain: InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The wading fountain is a huge hit with children, offering a safe and fun way to play in the water. There are also open spaces for free play. :child: InstagramReddit+1

Yes, public restrooms are available at Jamison Square, which is convenient for families and longer visits. :toilet: Reddit

Typically, dogs are allowed in Portland parks on a leash. Always check local park regulations for the most current information. :dog2:

Yes, despite being an urban park, Jamison Square offers shaded areas and a generally calm atmosphere, making it a nice spot to unwind. :leafy_green: Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Jamison Square is located in the Pearl District, which is packed with cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops. You can easily grab a coffee, a sweet treat, or a full meal nearby. :coffee: InstagramReddit

You can definitely have a picnic! While there aren't many tables, bringing a blanket to sit on the grass or near the fountain is a great way to enjoy a meal. :sandwich:

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the interactive fountain in action, the unique totem poles, and the urban greenery. The surrounding Pearl District architecture also offers great backdrops. :camerawithflash: Instagram

While the park is beautiful during the day, especially with the fountain, it's primarily a daytime destination. Nighttime photography might be limited by lighting. :nightwithstars:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Jamison Square is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive fountain is the main draw, offering hours of fun for children to splash and play in the shallow water. Bring swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes! Instagram+1 There are also open spaces for kids to run around. Nearby ice cream shops and cafes make it easy to grab snacks or a quick meal. InstagramReddit

While seating can be limited, bringing a picnic blanket is a great idea for comfortable lounging. Public restrooms are available, adding to the convenience for families. It's a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon outing in the city. :child: :ice_cream:

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers or couples seeking a peaceful urban escape, Jamison Square offers a pleasant respite. You can relax on a bench under the shade trees, enjoy a coffee from a nearby cafe, and people-watch. Reddit The unique totem poles provide visual interest, and the fountain, even when not in full splash mode, adds to the ambiance. TikTok

It's a great place to read a book, sketch, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the Pearl District. The proximity to other attractions and dining options makes it an easy addition to a day of exploring Portland. :book: :couplewithheart:

☀️ Summer Visitors

If you're visiting Portland during the warmer months, Jamison Square is a must-visit for its famous interactive fountain. It's the ideal place to cool off and enjoy the sunshine. Instagram+1 The fountain's unique design makes it a fun experience for everyone. Instagram

Combine your visit with a stop at one of the many nearby eateries for lunch or an ice cream treat. The park provides a refreshing break from sightseeing and a chance to experience a beloved local spot. :sunwithface: :ice_cream:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Jamison Square Fountain

The centerpiece of Jamison Square is its innovative interactive fountain. Unlike traditional fountains, this one features water that emerges from the steps, creating a shallow wading pool on the ground. It then drains and recycles, offering a dynamic and engaging water play experience for visitors of all ages. Instagram+3

During the summer months, the fountain is a major draw, providing a welcome respite from the heat. It operates in cycles, with periods of active splashing followed by moments where the water drains, allowing for different ways to interact with it. This design makes it particularly appealing for families with young children who love to splash and play. Reddit

It's worth noting that the fountain may occasionally be drained for special events, such as free concerts or community gatherings. Checking the park's schedule or local event listings can help you plan your visit to ensure the fountain is active if that's your primary interest. Reddit

Jamison Square: An Urban Oasis

Jamison Square is a well-loved urban park situated in Portland's vibrant Pearl District. It's designed as a concrete plaza with strategically placed trees and seating areas, offering a balance of open space and shaded retreats. The park's layout encourages relaxation and people-watching, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. InstagramReddit

The park is known for its unique totem poles, which add a distinctive artistic flair to the landscape. These sculptures contribute to the square's character and provide interesting visual elements for visitors. Combined with the central fountain, Jamison Square offers a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond a typical city park. TikTok

While it's an urban environment, many find Jamison Square to be a peaceful and calming place to spend time. Its proximity to cafes and shops in the Pearl District makes it an ideal stop for a break during a day of exploring the city. Reddit

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