Just north of Portland, OR, and three hours south of Seattle, Vancouver Washington combines scenic beauty with cultural experiences. Vancouver’s rich history invites exploration—from the Indigenous peoples who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial, to the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1806 and the early roots of the Pacific Northwest. It’s a story still visible in the city’s landmarks, trails, and cultural sites.
Stroll the waterfront with its many tasting rooms, explore the region’s aviation history, view vibrant murals, or head out for a hike in the nearby Columbia River Gorge. Vancouver Washington is where history meets creativity, and where the past meets the future.
Things to do in Vancouver Washington
Arts & Culture
Kiggins Theatre
The historic Kiggins Theatre is more than just a place to watch movies. Since 1936, it has been a community gathering place and a timeless icon on Main Street. Head to the red marquee for classic films and the best popcorn in town.
First Friday Art Walks
Vancouver’s First Friday Art Walks keep local businesses open late and feature rotating gallery exhibits, live music, and restaurant specials. In the surrounding blocks, visitors can view more than 24 murals created by local artists. Many tell the story of the city’s rich history.
Clark County Historical Museum
Discover the cultural history of Clark County and the Pacific Northwest. Located just off Main Street, the museum is operated by the Clark County Historical Society (founded in 1917). Housed in the 1909 Carnegie Library, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Play explorer for the day at Fort Vancouver, a 191-acre property on the bank of the Columbia River. Visit a fur trading post at the Hudson’s Bay Company, learn about the area’s military legacy at the US Army’s Vancouver Barracks, and explore the magic of flight at Pearson Field and Air Museum.
ilani
Meaning ‘sing,’ the name ilani is a fitting stamp of Cowlitz culture on a world-class venue. The Cowlitz Tribe’s casino—located just 20 minutes north of Vancouver—offers entertainment options guaranteed to impress everyone from gaming pros to concert-goers and craft drink enthusiasts.
Cascades Amphitheater
From May to October, the amphitheater brings the biggest names in music to the rolling fields of northern Clark County. Past concert seasons have included national acts such as Coldplay, Kenny Chesney, Aerosmith, Halsey, and more.
Also See: Catch a Show at these Outdoor Venues
Outdoors & Nature
Hiking & Walking
The paved Waterfront Renaissance Trail follows the Columbia River, connecting downtown with multiple parks. Start or end the 5-mile route at the Vancouver Waterfront with its iconic Grant Street Pier. For views of Mount Hood on a clear day, try the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail. This 3-mile (one-way) jaunt takes your through meadows, forest, and ponds.
Just 10 minutes from Vancouver, Whipple Creek Park offers 4.3 miles of trails through Douglas firs and mossy forest. To the east in Camas, Lacamas Lake Park has 12 miles of trails, kayaking and standup paddleboarding, and a field of purple Camas lilies in early spring.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
North of Vancouver, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge offers 5,200 acres of marshes, lakes, and grassland. Drive the 4-mile loop for wildlife watching or rent a kayak to explore one of the bordering water routes. From May to October, stop by the Cathlapotle Plankhouse to learn about the land’s original stewards, the Chinookan Peoples of the Lower Columbia River.
Scenic Drives
Head east of Vancouver for easy access to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, one of Washington’s best drives. The route follows the river, offering sweeping views and ample opportunity for hiking. About 40 minutes north of Vancouver, Moulton Falls Park is a must-stop spot for photographers. Snap a photo of the iconic bridge and two rushing waterfalls.
In Woodland, find the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, the only grain-grinding mill in Washington that has maintained its original structural integrity, grinds with stones, and is water-powered. Built in 1876, the mill has been restored as a working museum and is a National Historic Site.
Shopping
Pop-Local
Find products created by artisans local to the Pacific Northwest at this shop on Vancouver’s waterfront. Discover local brews, wine, apparel and accessories, stunning art, and so much more.
Doppelgänger
Located on the edge of Esther Short Park, this boutique features affordable attire and contemporary jewelry.
Wild Fern
Head to this airy, modern space on Main Street for high-end brands for both men and women. In addition to apparel, you’ll find art, books, and plenty of gift ideas.
Willows
Looking for the newest “in” fashions, home décor, and gifts that are sure to thrill? Stop by this style-forward women’s clothing store founded by a mother/daughter team.
Most Everything
From clothing and accessories to mid-century furniture and vinyl records, this boutique brings vintage styles from every era back to life.
Kindred Homestead Supply
This refillery for home and personal care products makes low-waste shopping easy, accessible, and fun. Find beeswax candles, handcrafted soaps, beauty products, gift ideas, and other sustainably made goods. Don’t miss the large selection of lush green plants for sale as well.
Vancouver Farmers Market
Perhaps one of the most iconic shopping stops is best saved for the weekend. The Vancouver Farmers Market is a top attraction and home to more than 100 vendors. Discover fresh local produce, flowers, baked goods, delicious food, pet treats, and more. The market is also one of Vancouver’s pet-friendly places.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Farmers Markets
Where to Eat & Drink
Elements Restaurant
A neighborhood eatery in the heart of downtown, Elements is dedicated to seasonal ingredients and a rustic approach to Northwest cooking.
Bleu Door Bakery
Between the made-from-scratch breads and pastries to the beignets and bennies at weekend brunch, you can’t go wrong at Bleu Door’s Parisian-inspired bakery.
Loowit Brewing
A ‘Brewcouver’ original, Loowit Brewing pairs its uniquely PNW brews with delicious burgers and tacos in a comfortable space complete with darts and arcade games.
Kafiex Roasters
Get granular with intricate coffee-making techniques at Kafiex’s downtown Coffee Lab and waterfront Gastro Pub. Don’t skip on the Mexican sweet breads, and gourmet cakes.
Brian Carter Cellars
One of the eight wine=tasting rooms on the waterfront, Brian Carter serves gourmet charcuterie boards and the best crab cakes to pair with blended European-style wines.
What a Catch Fishbar
This seasonal walk-up window on the waterfront serves up crispy fish ‘n’ chips, fish tacos, clam chowder, and more.
Little Conejo
For authentic Oaxacan tacos and an outstanding selection of mezcals, look no further than Little Conejo. Find their burrito trailer in Ridgefield’s Carts by the Park food truck pod.
DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + tequila bar
Dress to the nines and prepare to be wowed at DOSALAS on the Vancouver waterfront. Order Latin fusion tapas, a flight of tequila, or carefully crafted cocktails served in extravagant containers.
Amaro’s Table
With two locations, Amaro’s Table brings modern flair to American dining. Try their daily risotto specials, melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken, and gorgeous cocktails.
Find more Vancouver restaurants.
Major Annual Events & Festivals
4 Days of Aloha (July)
With a strong Hawaiian cultural presence, it’s only natural that Vancouver has one of the most prominent Polynesian festivals on the mainland. Experience dancers, drummers, and other performers that will make you think you’re on the Islands.
Vancouver Arts & Music Festival (August)
This four-day celebration features live music, large-scale art installations, gallery shows, dance, family activities, and food vendors throughout downtown.
BirdFest & Bluegrass (October)
In the fall, celebrate the return of the sandhill cranes to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Take in the natural and cultural wealth of the refuge with activities for avid and novice birdwatchers alike.
Dine the Couve (October)
October is dining month in Vancouver, with original Clark County eateries offering special menus highlighting what they do best.
Christmas Ships Parade (December)
Gather by the waterfront or make reservations at a riverfront restaurant to view a passing fleet of Christmas Ships. Boats are adorned with colorful lights and wreaths as they cruise by on the Columbia River.
Also See: Find More Events in Washington
Where to Stay in Vancouver Washington
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo’s chic vibe is paired with restaurants El Gaucho and 13 Coins, Evoke Wine Bar, and the city’s only rooftop bar.
AC Hotel by Marriott
Located at the Vancouver Waterfront, the AC Hotel was built with sustainability in mind overlooking the Columbia River.
Hilton Vancouver
In the heart of downtown across from Esther Short Park, Hilton Vancouver is close to dozens of restaurants, breweries, the waterfront, and Fort Vancouver. Grays Restaurant is located on the ground level.
The Heathman Lodge
Bringing the quintessential PNW feel with rustic charm, The Heathman Lodge is a unique lodging experience in central Vancouver. Also, home to Hudson’s Bar & Grill.
Know Before You Go
Climate & Seasons
Vancouver offers a year-round mild climate. The summer temperatures average in the upper 70s and the winter temperatures rarely dip below freezing. Spring brings wildflowers and fall is marked by vibrant foliage. As always in Washington, it’s a good idea to pack layers.
Getting to Vancouver Washington
Vancouver and Clark County are conveniently located next to major interstate highways, airports, railways, and bus lines.
- By car: Interstate 5, the major north-south artery for the West Coast, travels directly through the area. Across the river, Interstate 84 runs along the Oregon side of the Columbia River, providing easy access from the west. A number of other state highways give visitors easy access from the northwest and southwest.
- By air: Portland International Airport (PDX) is located just across the Columbia River and only a 15-minute drive from Vancouver.
- By bus or rail: The Vancouver Amtrak passenger station is located near downtown. North-, south-, and east-bound trains arrive and depart daily. Greyhound Bus offers service to many locations.
Find even more trip ideas, places to eat, and lodging options on the Visit Vancouver WA website.