Portland's Vibrant Suburb Is An Artsy Oregon 'Shoppers Paradise' With Outdoor Recreation

Portland's draw goes well beyond being Oregon's biggest hub. It's not only America's cleanest city, per a 2025 study, but also the best city for vegans and vegetarians, positioning itself above even some of the more popular destinations in terms of value. If you really want to take in Portland's culture and authentic charm, though, you'll have to venture a bit out of its center, namely to Tigard, a vibrant suburb full of art, shopping, and outdoor recreation. This is the place where you'll get to take advantage of all the big-city amenities while enjoying a slower pace of life — perfect for those who can't decide what to do for their next vacation.

Coming here couldn't be easier, too. Tigard sits just 9.5 miles southwest of Portland and around 20 miles away from the city's airport, making it easily accessible to out-of-staters. You can either rent a car at the airport starting at just $25 a day, or you can go the public transportation route. If you choose the latter, you'll have to change between a train and a bus to cover the distance, and the whole thing can take close to two hours, but this is the more economical option, with tickets being just $3 per person at the time of writing this article. Tigard is very walkable, too, so if you're trying to stick to a tighter budget, it's entirely possible to leave driving behind and explore the city on foot. Be warned, though, that there are plenty of outdoor attractions and surrounding hubs you might want to explore, so a rental might be the better choice for the more adventurous souls.

With a population of over 57,000, Tigard's not your average sleepy suburb. City trippers will have their itineraries full, starting with a shopping spree through the two major retail spaces in town: Washington Square Mall and Bridgeport Village. The former is not only home to some of the largest chain stores in the state, but also to more than 170 specialty shops. When you're not shopping, you can take advantage of all the dining and refreshment options, including cafés, fast food joints, brunch spots, and even sit-down restaurants. Best of all, the mall doesn't get too crowded even around holidays. They're open all week, but check their hours on their website, since they can vary between seasons and different stores. Your second stop, Bridgeport Village, gives off a different vibe with its outdoorsy charm, but you'll still get all the exclusive stores and restaurants, as well as the largest Regal IMAX theater in Oregon. Parking is free, and they have 24-hour professional security on-site.

Art lovers can explore the local theaters and murals. Of the latter,  A Walk Through Time by Jeremy Nichols is one of downtown's best-known gems, taking you through a journey of Tigard's history and culture. For a full-on show, head to Broadway Rose Theatre Company, which brings a jam-packed calendar of live musicals and concerts to over 40,000 spectators a year.

Don't want your city adventures to be over? Plan some day trips. Lake Oswego is an artsy town with boutiques, restaurants, and European vibes, waiting for you just 15 minutes away. And if you're willing to drive up 16 miles, stop by Oregon City, too. Here, you can escape the Portland crowds and enjoy a city full of charm that's even called "Oregon's hometown."

Outdoor lovers will have a blast visiting Tigard. Home to over 550 acres of open spaces and more than 18 miles of paved trails, the city gives you endless opportunities to connect with nature. A great first stop would be Cook Park, which sits right on the banks of the Tualatin River. With a wide range of amenities from baseball and basketball courts to BBQ grills and picnic shelters, the park promises to never leave you bored. There's also a boat ramp here, from where you can go paddling or kayaking in the river. The grounds are open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and dogs are welcome, too.

If you drive a few minutes outside the city center, you'll get to explore the Fanno Creek Greenway Trail. It includes 4.5 miles of ADA-accessible trail, and here, you can do anything from jogging and biking to just walking around and enjoying the surrounding wildlife. There are also several parks you can stop at along the way for a long rest or even a picnic. While you can visit these gems year-round, there's one outdoorsy event in Tigard you might have to schedule your visit for: the Festival of Balloons. This usually takes place in early summer and stays true to its name. Hot air balloons fill up the morning sky while attendees gather to shop, eat, and play. You'll have to purchase a ticket beforehand, but children under six enter for free.

Want to birdwatch and paddleboard while enjoying an even slower pace of life? King City might just be the spot for you. Located a mere 2-mile drive away from Tigard's center, this is a charming, tree-lined town tucked between a mountain and a river.