Wander along the Willamette

GETTING THERE:

From LAX to Portland, Ore., Alaska and United fly nonstop; Southwest flies direct and America West has connecting flights (change of plane). Restricted roundtrip fares begin at $198.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel deLuxe, 729 S.W. 15th Ave.; (866) 895-2094, www.hoteldeluxeportland.com.v Features rooms decorated in old Hollywood themes. Doubles from $149.

Jupiter Hotel, 800 E. Burnside St.; (503) 230-9200 or (877) 800-0004, www.jupiterhotel.com. This former motel has gone retro and bills itself as Portland’s only “cultural boutique hotel.” Doubles from $99.

WHERE TO EAT:

1. Fenouil, 900 N.W. 11th Ave.; (503) 525-2225, www.fenouilinthepearl.com. Fenouil means “fennel” in French, and little sprigs of the plant grace each table. The menu includes classic French fare such as fried frog legs, along with fish, lamb and seafood paella. Entrees $18-$31.

2. Andina, 1314 N.W. Glisan St.; (503) 228-9535, www.andinarestaurant.com.v Traditional Peruvian dishes and contemporary Andean cuisine. The cocktails are amazing. Entrees $17-$29.

3. Bluehour, 250 N.W. 13th Ave.; (503) 226-3394, www.bluehouronline.com.v Contemporary French and Italian, with choices such as potato gnocchi with black truffles. Entrees $16-$75.

4. Cadillac Cafe, 1801 N.E. Broadway; (503) 287-4750. A good breakfast spot. Less than $15, including an elaborate coffee drink.

5. Nostrana, 1401 S.E. Morrison St.; (503) 234-2427; www.nostrana.comv. Some food critics call this Portland’s best restaurant. This cavernous place features a changing menu of pizzas, salads and soups. Pizzas from $8, pasta from $13, meat and seafood from $16.

WHAT TO DO:

6. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside, (503) 228-4651, www.powells.comv. Another fun place to wander and shop.

The Pearl District is a lovely place to wander, shop, dine or people watch. But Portland, with its miniature-sized blocks and plentiful parks, is delightfully walkable.

TO LEARN MORE:

Oregon Tourism Commission, 670 Hawthorne Ave., Suite 240, Salem, OR 97301; (800) 547-7842, www.traveloregon.com.

— Jessica Garrison