Vancouver WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vancouver, Washington.
1. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a preserved 19th-century military outpost that offers visitors a glimpse into the Pacific Northwest's early settlement history. The site features restored buildings, historical exhibits, and educational programs that bring the past to life. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the fort's significance as a fur trading post and military installation.
2. Esther Short Park
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PARK
Esther Short Park is the oldest public square in Washington State, spanning 5 acres in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The park features a clock tower, gazebo, playground, and picnic shelter that hosts various community events throughout the year. It serves as a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike, especially during seasonal festivals and the weekend farmers market.
3. Vancouver Waterfront
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Vancouver Waterfront is a scenic riverside development offering stunning views of the Columbia River and a variety of recreational opportunities. The area features a paved pathway perfect for walking, jogging, or biking along the water's edge. Visitors can enjoy waterfront restaurants, shops, and public spaces designed for relaxation and entertainment.
4. Waterfront Renaissance Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Waterfront Renaissance Trail provides a pleasant and easy walking experience along the Columbia River with beautiful views throughout. The paved pathway connects downtown Vancouver to Wintler Park, spanning approximately 5 miles of scenic riverfront. Numerous benches and stopping points along the way allow visitors to rest and take in the natural beauty of the Columbia River.
5. Officers' Row
HISTORIC VICTORIAN HOMES
Officers' Row features 21 restored Victorian homes that once housed military officers of the Vancouver Barracks, including residences of notable figures like Ulysses S. Grant and George C. Marshall. The historic drive showcases beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture and landscaped grounds that transport visitors back in time. Several buildings are open to the public, including the Grant House, which now operates as a restaurant.
6. Pearson Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
Pearson Air Museum is a historical air museum featuring a collection of well-preserved aircraft and engaging exhibits that tell the story of aviation in the Pacific Northwest. The museum offers educational tours that highlight significant aviation achievements and the region's contribution to flight history. Visitors can explore vintage aircraft displays and learn about pioneering aviators who made their mark at this historic airfield.
7. Vancouver Farmers Market
LOCAL FOODS AND CRAFTS
The Vancouver Farmers Market is Southwest Washington's #1 visitor attraction, hosting more than 100 vendors selling fresh local produce, flowers, baked goods, and artisan crafts. This pet-friendly marketplace offers visitors the opportunity to meet the people who have grown or created their purchases while enjoying live music and a relaxing atmosphere. The market operates weekends near Esther Short Park and has become a beloved community institution for both locals and tourists.
8. Salmon Creek Park
NATURAL RECREATIONAL AREA
Salmon Creek Park offers visitors a diverse natural setting with walking trails, wetlands, and recreational facilities throughout its expansive grounds. The park features both developed areas for sports and picnicking as well as more natural sections where wildlife viewing is possible. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hiking and bird watching to sports on the athletic fields.
9. Pop-Local
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ARTISANS
Pop-Local is a unique shop on Vancouver's waterfront that showcases products created by Pacific Northwest artisans. The store offers a diverse selection including local brews, wines, apparel, accessories, and stunning art pieces all sourced from regional creators. Visitors can support local businesses while finding distinctive souvenirs and gifts that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
10. Kindred Homestead Supply
SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Kindred Homestead Supply is an eco-friendly refillery that makes low-waste shopping accessible and enjoyable for environmentally conscious consumers. The shop offers beeswax candles, handcrafted soaps, beauty products, and other sustainably made goods for both home and personal care. A highlight of the store is its impressive selection of lush green plants available for purchase by indoor gardening enthusiasts.
11. Mount St. Helens
ICONIC VOLCANIC LANDMARK
Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano located approximately 50 miles northeast of Vancouver, famous for its catastrophic 1980 eruption that transformed the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which offers interpretive centers, hiking trails, and viewpoints showcasing the volcano's ongoing recovery. The area provides unique opportunities to witness geological processes firsthand and learn about the powerful forces that shape our planet.
12. Columbia River Gorge
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon stretching for over 80 miles along the Columbia River, featuring dramatic cliffs, numerous waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. This natural wonder offers countless recreational opportunities including hiking, windsurfing, and scenic drives with breathtaking vistas at every turn. Visitors from Vancouver can easily access the western portion of the gorge for day trips to experience its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
13. Moulton Falls Regional Park
WATERFALLS AND HIKING
Moulton Falls Regional Park features picturesque waterfalls along the East Fork of the Lewis River in a forested setting just northeast of Vancouver. The park offers well-maintained hiking trails, swimming holes, and a historic arch bridge that provides excellent views of the falls below. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, photography, and seasonal swimming in this natural retreat that showcases the beauty of Southwest Washington's landscape.
14. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE VIEWING PARADISE
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,300-acre sanctuary established to protect important wintering habitat for waterfowl, particularly the dusky Canada goose. The refuge offers a 4.2-mile auto tour route, hiking trails, and observation platforms where visitors can spot numerous bird species, deer, coyotes, and other wildlife throughout the year. Interpretive materials help visitors understand the ecological importance of the wetlands and their role in supporting diverse plant and animal communities.
15. Beacon Rock State Park
TOWERING GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Beacon Rock State Park centers around an 848-foot tall ancient volcanic plug, one of the largest monoliths in North America, located within the scenic Columbia River Gorge. The park features a well-engineered trail with switchbacks and railings that allows hikers to climb to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Beyond the signature rock formation, the park offers camping, additional hiking trails, and water access along the Columbia River shoreline.