Vancouver, WA, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Pacific Northwest destinations, but it’s a city that deserves your attention.
Nestled on the north bank of the Columbia River, Vancouver combines the charm of a small town with the perks of a larger city. It’s where history meets modernity, nature is right at your doorstep, and the food scene is as diverse as its population.
With its proximity to Portland, OR, and the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver serves as a perfect base for both adventure and relaxation.
The city’s appeal lies in its variety of activities and attractions. From outdoor adventures in its many parks and along the riverfront to a rich cultural landscape that includes museums, historic sites, and a vibrant arts scene, there’s something for everyone.
Vancouver has you covered whether you’re into hiking, history, or enjoying a good meal.
The city is a gateway to the scenic beauty of the Columbia Gorge and the Pacific Coast, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Meanwhile, its downtown area is bursting with shops, restaurants, and breweries, offering plenty of options for leisure and dining. If you’re looking for a Pacific Northwest experience without the crowds, Vancouver, WA, is worth a visit.
Get outdoors
1. Waterfront walk
There are two sides to our waterfront.
The first side is the Vancouver Waterfront.
It houses a ton of restaurants.
Our favorite is Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar.
And we got our own Salt and Straw this year. In case you don’t know, Salt and Straw is Portland’s famous ice cream shop. They’ve been slowly expanding around the PNW. We are thrilled to have one in our backyard! More on Salt and Straw in the ‘Eats and Treats’ section.
The other side of the waterfront is called Waterfront Renaissance Trail.
This is a great walking trail.
It goes past one of my favorite coffee shops, Savona, Who Song and Larry’s Restaurant, and McMenamins on the Columbia—two more of our favorite dinner spots.
The Waterfront trail is a great place to take a picnic or stop at one of the waterfront restaurants for patio dining with a view.
Pro Tip from the Jaunty Family: There are a few beaches near McMenamins with walk-in water access for cold plungers. This is where we come for our New Year’s Day Polar Plunge.
2. Farmers Market
Farmers Market at Esther Short Park
Every Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm
605 Esther St
Highlights at the market:
- Farm Maid Soap is one of my favorite stops. Some fresh, homemade soaps that smell amazing.
- Columbia River Sourdough Breads is a family favorite. The Asiago bread they make is amazing.
- Getting a sample at the Soma Kombucha booth is a must.
- Grab a fresh bouquet – They are beautiful.
- KAFIEX is a great coffee shop to stop at while at the market for a boost.
3. Trails
Salmon Creek Trail: 5 miles – very pretty area
Lacamas Round Loop Trail: A one-mile trail around the lake. It’s a super easy, fun trail.
There’s also a longer 7-mile trail at Lacamas Lake if you want more…
4. Quiet beaches
Wintler Community Park
Sandy beach and the parking lot is close to the water.
Many families frequent this park, so along with the trains and water traffic, it’s not exactly quiet, but it’s a good spot on the Columbia to splash around.
Marine Park
Marine Park connects Wintler and Esther Short parks on the Vancouver Renaissance Trail.
There’s a cool overlook tower to climb and get a better view of the waterfront.
Vancouver Lake Park
You do need a day pass – purchased at the park.
We do paddleboard at Vancouver Lake, but there are a lot of geese. Wear water shoes and bring some type of plastic rake to clear your spot on the beach.
5. Parks around town
Orchards Community Park
9800 NE 54th St, Vancouver, WA 98662
It is an excellent place with picnic tables and a playground.
Marine Drive
4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Wintler Community Park
Wintler Community Park, Vancouver, WA 98661
6. Watch sunrise and sunset
The best place to catch the sunrise and sunset is the waterfront.
Vancouver Land Bridge
WA-14, Vancouver, WA 98661
You can park at Fred Meyers and walk over
Pro Tip: Thatcher’s Coffee is also in the Fred Meyers shopping area.
Museums and sights
7. Check out Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver has a beautiful historic garden to walk through. We try to come here a few times a year because there’s always something different to see.
There are lots of walking trails around the fort. You can stroll along Officers Row, through the parade grounds, or around the Fort itself.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is open to the public. There’s an admission fee to get inside the Fort, but the ground, garden, and visitors center are free.
Inside, the Fort reenacts life in a frontier trading post. They’ll usually have museum docents in period dress answering questions.
The blacksmith shop is a working blacksmith. They make objects for the National Park Service.
Currently, there are only self-guided tours of the village. But the Fort hosted a full schedule of living history tours and special holiday events in years past. Hopefully, those events will return soon.
8. Pearson Air Museum
Pearson Air Museum – A fun and free experience at Fort Vancouver.
The museum is organized as a chronological history of aviation at Pearson Field.
There are four planes on display from the WWI era.
Pearson Air Museum is next door to Fort Vancouver.
Activities
9. Favorite book store
My all-time favorite bookstore is…
Vintage Books: 10 am – 6 pm – 6613 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661
Vintage books is a labirynth of books in every genre. Book lovers can spend hours in here, getting lost in the shelves.
There’s also a small section of new releases, gift books, and puzzles.
Pro Tip: Nifty and Thrifty Thrift store is next door (see below).
10. Thrift shopping
Favorite Vancouver thrift shops are:
ReTails Thrift Store: 10 am – 6 pm
5000 E 4th Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661
This is a huge store. They usually have a lot of furniture. All the household decor is categorized by color, which makes it easy to find just the right treasure.
Nifty and Thrift Charity Resale: 10 am – 6 pm
6607 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661
Divine Consign (They have a cool vintage shop downstairs). 10 am – 5:30 pm
904 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660
Excellent source for used furniture and home accessories. Downstairs is dedicated to antiques and collectibles.
Any of the Goodwills – Vancouver has several. Check their sale days and only shop for that color for the best deals. I have all these on the map below.
11. Downtown Library
The downtown library is beautiful inside and out.
Besides books, you’ll find a large magazine area with plenty of tables, a working counter, and charging stations.
The Children’s library has an amazing play area. If you have little ones and a rainy day, stop at the library.
Don’t miss the balcony on the 4th floor with a pretty view of downtown.
901 C St, Vancouver, WA 98660
Friday – Monday 10 am – 6 pm
Tuesday – Thursday, 9 am – 7 pm
12. Walk downtown Vancouver and shop
We love to park and walk downtown.
There are a ton of little antique, thrift, and boutique shops on many of the streets.
Coffee shops, bookstores, eateries, and galleries round out the experience.
You can always walk down to the waterfront for some ice cream or the farmers market on Saturday and get a treat on your walk.
Parking is metered (paid) in most of downtown Vancouver. Meters take cards and cash. Parking is still inexpensive compared to other cities, and even near the Farmer’s Market, we never have trouble finding a spot.
13. Go the movies
Take in a movie at one of our theaters – note the discount days below.
Downtown Regal City Center Theater
C St – $5 Tuesdays with the Regal app
$5 Sundays with the Regal app
14. Paint some pottery
We love Kilnfolk in downtown Vancouver
108 W 6th St
Mon-Sun: 11 am – 6 pm
This is such a fun place to go and either take a class or just paint a piece of pottery. The owner is super sweet and friendly.
We like to go here with a group, for a date night, or for some solo art therapy.
15. Stay in
:) Bailey’s favorite option! Cuddle up with a book and some tea or hot chocolate.
Enjoy your vacation rental or hotel room.
Maybe take some time to enjoy the books you purchased at Vintage Books!
Eats and treats
16. Favorite coffee shops
Thatchers Coffee
104 Grand Blvd Suite 100
Mon – Sun: 7 am – 4 pm
Hosta Coffee
2707 NE 114th Ave
M – Sat: 10 am – 3:30 pm
Brewed Awakenings
6709 NE 63rd St #101
Mon – Fri: 5 am – 6 pm
Sat: 6 am – 6 pm
Sun: 6:30 am – 6 pm
Sweet Touch Cafe
6478, 4804 NE Thurston Way
M – Sat: 10 am – 8 pm
Sun: 11 am – 6 pm
Savona Coffee House
1898 SE Columbia River Dr
M – F: 8 am – 4 pm
Sat & Sun: 8 am – 5 pm
Gold Cup
10805 NE Fourth Plain Blvd
Mon – Sat: 6:30 am – 4:30 pm
Check out our post for a detailed review of the above coffee shops:
The Introvert’s Guide to Coffee Shops in Vancouver, WA
17. Breakfast (Brunch)
La Provence
17719 SE Mill Plain Blvd
Daily 7 am – 4 pm
Black Bear Diner
1505 SE 164th Ave
Sun – Thurs: 7 am – 8:30 pm
Fri – Sat: 7 am – 9:30 pm
Bleu Door Bakery
Indoor Seating open Wed-Sun: 8 am – 2 pm
Express Window open Tues – Sat: 8 am – 2 pm and Sun: 8 am – 1 pm
18. Dinner spots
Wyld Pines
2005 SE 192nd Ave (Camas)
M – Sun 11:30 am – 9 pm
Sushi Mo
Bailey isn’t a fan of sushi, but they have great Teriyaki Chicken :)
1012 Washington St
Mon – Thu 11:30 am – 2:30 pm 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday – 11:30 am – 2:30 pm 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday – 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday – 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Thai Time
11310 NE 49th ST Ste.107
Mon – Fri: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
571 Burger and Whiskey Bar
They have passports you can get filled out for free goodies
670 Waterfront Way
M – Sun: 11:30 am – 9 pm
McMenamins on the Columbia
They also have passports you can get filled out for free goodies
1801 SE Columbia River Dr
M – Sun: 11 am – 10 pm
Related post:
The Ultimate Guide to McMenamins Passport
Petra House
Petra House is Jordan’s favorite Mediterranean restaurant.
1900 NE 162nd Ave
M – Sun: 11 am – 9 pm
Tap Union Free House
We love the upstairs dining area; it’s cozy and intimate.
The downstairs dining room is bright and cheerful.
You can’t go wrong either way.
1300 Washington St
M – Sun: 11 am – 12 pm
19. Always have time for dessert
Salt and Straw
Salt and Straw is an institution in the Portland area.
We’ve driven over the river to one of the three Portland locations for years.
It was a cause for celebration when we got our location on the Vancouver Waterfront.
740 Waterfront Way
Mon – Sun: 11 am – 11 pm
Bleu Door Bakery
2411 Main St
Indoor Seating open Wed-Sun: 8 am – 2 pm
Express Window open Tue – Sat: 8 am – 2 pm and Sun: 8 am – 1 pm
Sweet Touch Cafe
6478, 4804 NE Thurston Way
Ice Cream Renaissance
Because you can never have too much ice cream…
1925 Main St
Mon – Thu: 2 pm – 9 pm
Fri – Sun: 12 pm – 9 pm
20. Soma Kombucha
By far our favorite place to get kombucha is Soma Kombucha.
It is a whole experience.
You can test their brews at the farmers market, too.
You pay $1 to open the door, and that $1 goes toward your order. It is self-serve with many options.
There’s a cute seating area.
They even have red light therapy set up.
