Laurelhurst
Overview
Laurelhurst is one of Portland's most beautiful and coveted neighborhoods, centered on the 26-acre Laurelhurst Park — a masterpiece of Olmsted Brothers landscape design. The neighborhood is famous for its stunning early 20th-century homes, tree-lined streets, and a tight-knit community that fiercely protects its character. It's a quiet, leafy enclave that feels far from the city yet is minutes from Hawthorne, Belmont, and Burnside.
History
Laurelhurst was developed in the early 1900s as an upscale streetcar suburb, platted on the former estate of Dr. John C. Ayer. The centerpiece, Laurelhurst Park, was designed by the Olmsted Brothers (sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of Central Park) in 1909. The neighborhood was marketed as an exclusive residential community, with deed restrictions protecting its character. The park's spring-fed pond, winding paths, and majestic trees made it a destination. Many of Portland's early 20th century elite built homes here, resulting in a remarkable collection of Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Arts and Crafts architecture.
Highlights
- Laurelhurst Park — a 26-acre Olmsted-designed park with a spring-fed pond
- Stunning early 20th-century architecture on every block
- Laurelhurst Park's Saturday farmers market and summer concerts
- Close to Hawthorne, Belmont, and Division dining corridors
- Quiet, tree-lined streets perfect for walking
- Laurelhurst Club — a historic community gathering space
Top Attractions
- Laurelhurst Park — A 26-acre Olmsted Brothers-designed park with a spring-fed pond, walking paths, and a Saturday farmers market.
- Laurelhurst Club — A historic community clubhouse hosting events, classes, and neighborhood gatherings.
- Laurelhurst Theater — A neighborhood theater showing second-run films with a full bar and pizzeria.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Laurelhurst Park
A 26-acre Olmsted-designed park with a spring-fed pond, trails, tennis courts, and a Saturday farmers market.
🌲 Belmont Park
A 2-acre neighborhood park with a playground, basketball court, and community garden.
🌲 Mount Tabor Park
A 190-acre dormant volcano park with hiking trails and panoramic views, a 10-minute walk north.
🌲 Hawthorne Park
A 3-acre park with a playground and basketball court on SE Hawthorne.
Things to Do
🌳 Laurelhurst Park
Walk around the spring-fed pond, have a picnic, or catch a summer concert in the park.
🏛️ Architecture Walking Tour
Self-guided tour of the neighborhood's Craftsman, Tudor, and Arts and Crafts homes.
🧑🌾 Saturday Farmers Market
Shop local produce and artisan goods at the Laurelhurst Park farmers market.
🎬 Laurelhurst Theater
Catch a second-run film with beer and pizza at this neighborhood institution.
☕ Coffee at Either/Or
Grab a pour-over at this neighborhood coffee institution on SE Belmont.
🍽️ Dine on Belmont
Laurelhurst is steps from the Belmont District's restaurants, bars, and cafes.
☕ Coffee & Cafes
Either/Or Coffee
The Belmont location of Portland's favorite roaster is a short walk from Laurelhurst Park.
TaborSpace Coffee
A community-oriented coffee shop in a converted church near Laurelhurst with excellent espresso.
🌙 Nightlife & Bars
Laurelhurst Theater
A neighborhood theater showing second-run films with a full bar and pizzeria in a historic building.
Belmont Station Tavern
Portland's most famous bottle shop and tavern — a short walk from Laurelhurst.
🛍️ Shopping
- Laurelhurst Park Farmers Market — Saturday market at the park with local produce, artisan bread, crafts, and prepared foods.
💡 Insider Tips
- Laurelhurst Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers — notice the winding paths and spring-fed pond inspired by Central Park.
- The park has free summer concerts — bring a blanket and arrive early for a good spot.
- Architecture fans: walk NE 32nd and NE 33rd for the best Craftsman and Tudor homes.
🚆 Getting Around
Laurelhurst is served by TriMet bus 15 (Belmont) and 14 (Hawthorne). The neighborhood is somewhat car-dependent for errands but the park and surrounding commercial strips are walkable.