Washington Square
4.4(16K)google
FamilyIndoorParking AvailableRestrooms AvailableFolk Culture
Overview
Located just southwest of Portland in Tigard, Washington Square is a premier, upscale regional shopping destination and one of the highest-grossing malls in the United States. Anchored by major department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's, the expansive indoor retail center features over 170 specialty shops, luxury boutiques, and a massive dining pavilion. The sleek, modern architecture incorporates wide skylights that flood the concourses with natural Pacific Northwest light, creating an airy shopping environment. Utilizing Oregon's highly appealing tax-free shopping status, it draws millions of regional and international visitors annually for premium consumer experiences.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeYear-round indoor appeal. Perfect as an indoor retreat during rainy winter days or hot summer afternoons. Weekdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM are best to browse major department stores and the Apple Store to enjoy Oregon's tax-free shopping with fewer crowds.
Getting ThereLocated in the southwestern suburb of Tigard. Driving is most convenient; take OR-217 South from downtown Portland for about 15 minutes to reach the mall's massive free parking lots. Alternatively, catch Bus Line 54 or Line 56 directly to the mall transit center.
Travel Tips
- Oregon strictly enforces a zero sales tax policy; all purchases made at this shopping center, including luxury goods and tech at the Apple Store, are completely tax-free, saving you 8%-10% compared to other states.
- The mall offers sprawling free open-air and garage parking; however, the Tesla Superchargers near Nordstrom get heavily bottlenecked on weekend afternoons, resulting in 30+ minute wait times.
- The mall is expansive with a radial layout; the Central Court frequently hosts limited-time pop-up markets. Presenting an out-of-state ID or passport at Guest Services occasionally unlocks a complimentary digital coupon booklet.
Reviews
Positive
- As Oregon's premier largest enclosed shopping megaplaza, its massive glass vaulted ceilings, soaring atriums, and endless fashion storefronts offer immense visual grandeur, living up to its name.
- Because Oregon enforces a strict zero sales tax policy, the spending value for designer retail and electronics purchases is unbeatable, serving as a shopping paradise for domestic and international travelers.
- The plaza logistics and convenience are flawless, offering massive multi-level free parking lots alongside an integrated public transit bus transit terminal right at the property's edge.
- The indoor infrastructure and maintenance are stellar, boasting wide ADA compliant corridors, spotlessly clean restrooms, interactive digital maps, and highly visible crowd control staff.
Heads up
- The megaplaza is highly commercialized, packed with standard corporate retail chains and massive ads, completely lacking Portland's proud rustic indie craft culture or peaceful local charm.
- During Black Friday, the holiday shopping rush, or weekend middays, the internal crowd density explodes exponentially. The food court overflows, and restroom lines trigger intense fatigue.
- Because the blueprint has a massive footprint, walking routes between anchor stores are grueling, and the distribution of free public rest benches falls short during busy periods.
- The food court options suffer from standard mall pricing premiums with mediocre quality. During lunch rushes, crowd management slips into chaos, making securing an open dining table tough.