Vancouver Washington

Attractions & Lifestyle Guide

Popular Things to do in Vancouver, WA

Situated north of Portland, Oregon, against the bank of the flowing Columbia River is where you’ll find Vancouver, Washington, a beautiful and thriving city backdropped by snow-covered mountaintops thriving with activity, opportunity, and growth. Here, you’ll find a vibrant nightlife, an abundance of outdoor activities, and an ideal lifestyle for those looking to relocate.

As the city expands and grows, a beautiful mixture of timeless activities and new culture makes it easy to find exciting things to do any day or night.

If you’re considering relocating to the area, Vancouver and Clark County, WA, is home to some of the most sought-after custom home communities.  With over 30 luxury designs to choose from, we’re confident we can help you find the perfect home for your lifestyle.

Take a walk through one of the first permanent settlements west of the Rockies on Officers Row and Fort Vancouver. Originally a 19th-century fur trading post, this 191-acre site is located on the north bank of the Columbia River.

The fort is shaped in a parallelogram and consists of 24 buildings for housing, warehouses, a school, library, pharmacy, chapel blacksmith, and a large manufacturing facility. Outside the fort are additional housing, gardens, and orchards. 

Fort Vancouver is a great adventure to take to learn more about American trade history.

Fort Vancouver
Officers Row
Photo Courtesy of Visit Vancouver Washington

Take a walk through one of the first permanent settlements west of the Rockies on Officers Row and Fort Vancouver. Originally a 19th-century fur trading post, this 191-acre site is located on the north bank of the Columbia River.

The fort is shaped in a parallelogram and consists of 24 buildings for housing, warehouses, a school, library, pharmacy, chapel blacksmith, and a large manufacturing facility. Outside the fort are additional housing, gardens, and orchards. 

Fort Vancouver is a great adventure to take to learn more about American trade history.

Fodor’s Travel listed the Vancouver Waterfront as one of the nation’s best riverwalks in America. It offers two miles of pedestrian walking alongside some of the city’s most popular restaurants. 

Savory aromas from WildFin restaurant waft through the air as they prepare their Daily Catch of locally sourced seafood. Rest on the patio at Twigs Bistro while enjoying your favorite beverage and artisan flatbread. Enjoy the southern-style fare of Barlow’s Brewery. And if you love live music, step into Mayhill’s Tasting Room for some of the Northwest’s finest wines.

Vancouver Waterfront
Photo by Amanda Cowan/The Columbian
Vancouver Farmers Market
Photo courtesy of Visit Vancouver Washington

This nationally acclaimed market, known for its beautiful bouquets, offers the perfect balance of fresh, locally sourced food and unique artisan crafts. Round your day off with a walk to the expansive Waterfront Park. You can have a picnic and continue strolling down the Columbia Renaissance trail for waterfront dining and an umbrella drink at Beaches Cafe.

Outdoor Activities

When it comes to spending time outdoors, it’s hard to beat the State of Washington for reasons to get out and enjoy the lush beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Here you can enjoy tremendous hiking trails, fishing, hunting, boating, the Columbia River Gorge, and plenty of other outdoor activities, whether you want to stay close to home or explore the nearby mountains, lakes, and streams.

You’ll also be within easy driving distance of the Washington coast, Portland, Oregon, and the Oregon Coast.

Established in 1965 in Ridgefield, WA, The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is preserved by Washington State to provide wintering habitat for the subspecies of the Canada goose. You can spend the day exploring the natural wildlife habitat and learn the history of the people who lived there.

Sandhill cranes taking flight
Multon Falls photo

This beautiful waterfall on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is just northeast of Vancouver and is the perfect place to go for a hike in your own backyard.

Popular city hikes include the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail located in Vancouver and Whipple creek trail in Salmon Creek. Both trails offer a quick escape from a busy schedule to get out and explore nature.

Along the majestic Columbia River Gorge is one of the area’s most iconic destinations, the Stonehenge WW1 Memorial. Set atop a hill in Maryhill, WA, Stonehenge is not only rich in history but offers epic views of the Majestic Columbia River Gorge.  

The nation’s first WWI memorial was dedicated in 1918, honoring those who served in honor of their heroism and peace. 

Stonehenge is a great stopping point on your way to Hood River, Oregon, where you can enjoy a small waterfront town filled with art, food, and outdoor activities.

Stonehenge Vancouver
Photo Courtesy of Columbia Community Connection

Food, Beverage, Shopping and Entertainment

There’s also no shortage of great shops, boutiques, eateries, and live music venues. Not to mention some of the best restaurants in the west. You certainly won’t run out of things to do in the evening or on the weekends.

So just remember to bring your walking shoes and appetite as you begin exploring everything the city has to offer new arrivals.

Downtown Vancouver 

Downtown Vancouver is bustling with activity in vintage shops, eateries, and historic theaters. You’ll enjoy exploring antique stores and unique art while strolling down Main Street Vancouver, USA.

Wineries

The Pacific Northwest is brimming with elegant wine districts, and Washington offers some of the finest wines in the area.

Visit Three Brothers Vineyard & Winery to take in their summer concert series on the lawn. Maryhill Winery in Goldendale, Washington, has a beautiful tasting room with gorgeous views of the Columbia River Gorge. 

Closer to home is English Estate Winery, located in Camas, settled in 1903 and is the oldest vineyard, winery, and gathering place in Vancouver. And for the wine connoisseur, visit Niche Wine Bar located in the heart of downtown Vancouver offers an extensive wine selection from around the world. Choose from 160 bottle selections and 30 glass selections beautifully paired with small plates in an intimate setting.

Bakeries & Coffee Shops

Sugar and Salt and Bleu Door offer fresh-baked bread and pastries and brunch and breakfast menus that include vegan and vegetarian options.

Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar is the nostalgic Northwest gathering place outside Downtown Vancouver in a turn of the century craftsman house. Not only do they serve up custom coffee and warm beverages, but wine, sweet treats, and delicious food plates.

Vancouver Bakeries and Coffee Shops
Vancouver Breweries

Breweries

Loowit Brewing Company, named after Mt. St. Helens, is an award-winning Northwest craft beer brewery located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. You’ll not only have your choice of 18 beers on tap and tasty ciders but a well-rounded menu of pub-style food choices.

McMenamins is the spirit of Northwest brewhouses. You haven’t experienced Northwest craft beer until you’ve been to McMenamins. McMenamins is known for its Terminator beer and cajun tots or fries and live music. It’s a great place to have a nice cold brew while enjoying the ripples of the Columbia River.

Kingston Homes is a local custom home builder located in Ridgefield, WA. We offer a variety of floor plans that are fully customizable to create a true-to-custom home building experience.

To learn more about our homes and communities, contact us at chris@kingstonhomesllc.com.

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