The best way to explore the Pearl District—Portland’s most popular commercial area and arguably one of the most influential cultural centers in the Pacific Northwest—is on foot, letting you easily pop into shops, bars, and restaurants that catch your eye. Look for guided walking tours of downtown Portland that include a stroll through the Pearl to learn about its history and culture, or join a niche brewery tour, food tour, or small-group sightseeing tour by bike or Segway for a specialized experience. Sights may include the fountains, tide pool, and statues of the Pearl’s three popular parks—Jamison Square, Tanner Springs Park, and North Park Blocks—as well as the flagship Powell’s City of Books, which bills itself as the world’s largest independent bookstore.