The Essential Things to Do in Vancouver, WA

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Outdoors | Museums & Culture | Day Trips & Adventures | Food & Drink

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the largest city in southern Washington. I’m a Washington state local, and I promise you there are more cool things to do in Vancouver than you realize.

Learn fascinating state history and dine at tiny hole-in-the-walls with locals. Hike along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge and through wetlands within the city. Vancouver is full of gems and I’ll cover them all in this guide. By the end of it, I’m sure you’ll love this vibrant Washington city as much as I do.

21 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, WA

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Explore a restored 19th-century fur trading outpost with barracks, historic homes, and an air museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 816-6230 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tues-Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: $10 adults (16+), Free kids 15 and under

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of Vancouver’s top attractions. It’s worth visiting even if you’re not a history buff. The 200-acre site has an air museum, a replica of the original Fort Vancouver, and preserved homes of notable officers.

You could spend several hours here, but start at the visitor center if you’re short on time. Grab a map, then go explore Fort Vancouver and the village. This was the heart of activity for the British Hudson Bay Company’s fur trading network.

Fort Vancouver has dozens of exhibits that explain what life was like for its 19th-century inhabitants. Volunteers from the National Park Service give demonstrations while dressed in period-appropriate clothing. Learn about trading and watch a blacksmith demonstration.

Vancouver Farmers Market

Browse farm-fresh goods and local arts and crafts at one of the state’s top farmers markets.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 737-8298 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3 pm Sat & 10 am – 3 pm Sun (April-October); 10 am – 2 pm Sat (November-March), closed Mon-Fri year-round

The downtown Vancouver Farmers Market is among the best in the state. Visit so you understand why checking out these local markets is one of the best things to do in Washington. The market is open year-round on weekends, so you can come rain or shine.

The Vancouver Farmers Market is right next to Esther Short Park. Browse stalls filled with locally grown produce and fresh-cut flowers. Purchase handmade jewelry, paintings, and ceramics, and grab tasty treats from various food trucks.

Esther Short Park

Attend outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals at the oldest public square in Washington.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 487-8311 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily

Esther Short Park is in the heart of downtown Vancouver, which is fitting because it is the heart of the city. This small but mighty park was the first public square in Washington State. 

The park hosts dozens of local events, especially in summer. Some of the most popular events are the free outdoor movies and concerts, the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival, Pride, and Juneteenth. The park also has a playground, historic statues, and a loop for riding bikes and scooters or taking a casual stroll.

Vancouver Waterfront

Explore restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, a quaint beach, and a scenic trail at Vancouver’s bustling waterfront.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily

Vancouver Waterfront Park is one of the prettiest places in the city, located just a few minutes south of Esther Short Park. The park’s best feature? Its scenic and lively waterfront trail that follows the Columbia River.

While on the trail, you’ll meander past restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, and popular hotels like the Hotel Indigo Vancouver, which houses an upscale steakhouse and a great rooftop bar.

Stop at Surprise Beach and admire the view of Oregon across the water. A glass of wine from Maryhill Winery Tasting Room is a wonderful way to end an evening stroll.

Beacon Rock State Park

Camp and hike at a scenic state park along the Columbia River Gorge.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (509) 427 8265 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Discover Pass ($10 one day, $45 annual)

Beacon Rock State Park should be on any outdoor enthusiast’s list. It’s a beautiful place to camp, but it’s popular. Book a campsite as early as you can!

The state park is about 40 minutes east of Vancouver. It’s right along the Columbia River Gorge, the area along the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon. Needless to say, the views here are incredible.

Even if you can’t snag a campsite, I recommend hiking the Beacon Rock trail for the best views of the Gorge with the least amount of effort. Other hikes lead you down mossy, forested trails, over bridges, and past waterfalls.

Outdoors

Columbia Springs

An outdoor education center with hiking trails and a fish hatchery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 882 0936 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 8 pm daily

Columbia Springs is a great resource for kids and adults who want to learn about nature and wildlife in the area. It’s located in west Vancouver along the Columbia River.

The main attraction is the trout hatchery, which is teeming with life from March through November. You can even feed the fish for an interactive experience. I recommend taking a self-guided tour. Different signs have information about native plants, water-powered mills, and the surrounding wetlands.

Vancouver Land Bridge

Walk a historic bridge with sculptures and viewpoints along the way.

📍 Google Maps | Website

The Vancouver Land Bridge connects Fort Vancouver to the waterfront. It’s a pleasant half-mile walk, and the trail winds past a native garden with Indigenous art and sculptures. You’ll have excellent views of the water and Fort Vancouver from the bridge. 

The trail along the Vancouver Land Bridge also takes you past the Old Apple Tree Park. This park was home to the oldest apple tree in Washington state – the very one that established Washington’s booming apple industry.

Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park

Fish, hike, and play volleyball at this popular local park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 397 2285 | Website | Entrance: $5 parking fee

Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park is one of the best parks to spend a lazy day outside. It’s on the Columbia River and has plenty of water access, making it a good spot to fish.

Lay out on the sandy beach when it’s sunny, or try out a game of volleyball at one of eight courts. The park has paved trails for walking dogs and jogging. In the evenings, you can admire pretty sunsets and big ships making their way through the river.

Vancouver Lake Regional Park

Go kayaking, windsurfing, and rowing at this pretty park with mountain views.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (564) 397-2285 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $5 parking fee, free to walk or bike

Vancouver Lake Regional Park is adjacent to Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park and is connected by a trail that runs between the two parks. Both are great parks, but this is the better choice if you want to be on the water. 

Rowing, kayaking, and windsurfing are the most popular activities here. But if you’re not feeling adventurous, you can simply enjoy a quick dip in the water and lay out on a small beach to admire the views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount St Helens.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Spot wildlife at a massive refuge along the Columbia River.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 887-4106 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset | Entrance: $3 per day, $15 annual pass

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place for bird-spotting. It was created for wintering Canadian geese, but is now home to both year-round and migrating species.

Hike through wetlands and forests and book a ranger-led tour to help with identification. Hawks, otters, herons, and coyotes are some of the common critters seen in this massive refuge.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge also has a drive-through auto tour, though this route is only open from October through April. It takes visitors on a four-mile loop through different habitats, making it possible to enjoy this attraction on a rainy day. From May to September, the auto tour route is only open to pedestrians.

Salmon Creek Greenway Trail

Hike a pleasant and easy 3-mile trail without leaving the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 397 2000 | Website | Hours: 7 am to dusk daily

Salmon Creek Greenway Trail is one of Vancouver’s many great trails that you can experience without leaving the city. The 3-mile hiking trail is just fifteen minutes from Esther Short Park and runs through the nearby Salmon Creek Regional Park.

The trail’s well-maintained and mostly flat path makes this an accessible one for hikers of all levels. You may spot rabbits, deer, birds, beavers, and more as you walk through the forests and wetlands around Salmon Creek.

Burnt Bridge Creek Trail

Bike or walk along an 8-mile trail through a variety of habitats.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 487-8311 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily 

Burnt Bridge Creek Trail is another hiking option for anyone who wants to stay within city limits. You can arrive at the trailhead from downtown in 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes via bus. Burnt Bridge Creek Trail is flat and mostly paved, making it good for walkers and bikers alike.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this easy-to-access trail. There’s plenty to see, including ducks swimming in the creek, birds darting overhead, and several unique habitats.

Museums & Culture

Kiggins Theatre

Catch a nostalgic classic at a beloved theater in downtown Vancouver.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 816-0352 | Website

Kiggins Theater is an ideal spot to spend a rainy day. Come here to see nostalgic classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Goonies, and Roman Holiday. The theater opened in the 1930s and still retains many Art Deco details, despite multiple renovations.

Kiggins also hosts comedy nights and silent films accompanied by live music. It’s a fun place to enjoy the area’s film festivals and other unique programming. 

The theater sells beer, cider, and pizza, so grab a bite to eat before the show and count on a fantastic night.

Clark County Historical Museum

Check out historic and contemporary exhibits on the people and culture of Clark County.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 993-5679 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Tues-Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: $5 adults, $3 youth (5-18), free 4 and under

The compact Clark County Historical Museum provides a detailed glimpse into the area’s history. It’s located in the historic Carnegie building in downtown Vancouver. 

Peruse interesting art and artifacts, historic clothing, portraits, and documents about the county’s early days. The museum also has rotating contemporary exhibits on topics like the county’s beer culture and its music scene. 

Big history buffs can attend one of the museum’s historic or haunted walking tours to learn even more about Vancouver’s beginnings.

Pearson Air Museum

Admire World War I and early 20th-century aircraft at this small museum in Fort Vancouver National Historical Site.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 816-6232 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tues-Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: free

Come to the Pearson Air Museum to see World War I-era planes and learn about aircraft production at the historic Pearson Field. The museum has exhibits that detail every plane on display, along with profiles of the pilots who drove them. 

Pearson Air Museum is small but free to visit. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in early aviation history.

Day Trips & Nearby Adventures

Naked Falls

Go swimming and cliff jumping at a hidden swimming hole.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $14 Parking Pass

Naked Falls is a hidden gem on the Washougal River. It’s about an hour from Vancouver proper but, trust me, it’s worth the journey. Come here to swim, cliff jump, float, or cool off in the chilly river on unbearably hot days.

The path down to the swimming hole is incredibly steep, and requires a tiny bit of scrambling to reach the water. There’s not much shade here and the area is rustic. Come prepared with food, water, and sunscreen when you visit.

One final thing to note: Despite the name, Naked Falls is not a nude destination! You do need to wear a swimsuit while visiting.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t risk a citation! You’ll need to have the proper pass to visit Naked Falls. You can purchase your pass on the website or at the Washougal River Mercantile before visiting.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Hike around Washington’s most infamous volcano.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 449 7800 | Website | Entrance: $8 (Johnston Ridge Observatory); $5/vehicle/day at developed recreation sites

⚠️ Closure Notice: The Johnston Ridge Observatory is temporarily closed due to a landslide that has rendered it unreachable. It’s estimated to reopen in 2027. However, visitors can still explore around Mount St Helens via other access points. Check here for more information.

Mount St. Helens is best known for the eruption in 1980 that obliterated forests, altered the landscape, and left the mountain crater-shaped.

While it is still an active volcano, you can safely explore its many trails and viewpoints. It’s about 90 minutes from Vancouver, so it’s a good option for a day trip.

Go to the Johnston Ridge Observatory for an incredible view of the mountain and educational volcano exhibits. Ape Cave is one of the most unique areas to explore at Mount St. Helens…if you’re not claustrophobic. Bring your headlamp and warm clothing to explore the lava tubes that formed 2,000 years ago!

Moulton Falls Regional Park

Wander through a picturesque park with multiple waterfalls, bridges, and a swimming hole.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am to 9 pm, daily

Moulton Falls Regional Park is a great park to visit if you’re a fan of Washington’s many waterfalls. The park is just outside of Vancouver near Battle Ground. It has picturesque bridges, trails, and a stunning green landscape. 

Moulton Falls has two waterfalls and the hikes to reach them are relatively short. Some trails lead to Lucia Falls Regional Park, another good park for waterfall viewing. Moulton also has an enticing swimming hole, which makes a popular hangout spot on really hot days.

Portland

Cross the bridge to The City of Roses.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a Downtown Portland Food Tour on Viator

Vancouver and Portland are only 20 minutes from one another, so it’s easy to experience the perks of The City of Roses while staying in Washington. Vancouver locals tend to pop over to Portland when they’re craving some nightlife.

After spending the day in Vancouver, head over to Portland to experience its vibrant bar scene. Grab drinks and bar bites at Pink Rabbit. Shoot pool at McMenamins Tavern & Pool, and enjoy burlesque shows, live music, and karaoke nights at Dantes.

If you’d rather visit during the daytime, I highly recommend diving into Portland’s incredible food scene on this Downtown Portland Food Tour.  And before you go, take a look at my guide to the best places to stay in Portland. You just may enjoy your time there so much that you decide to stay overnight.

Food & Drink

Treat

Crush your sweet cravings at a tiny but mighty ice cream shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 750-0811 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 9 pm Wed-Fri; 12 pm – 9 pm Sat; 12 pm – 3 pm Sun (hours change seasonally, check website)

Treat is a dessert destination you don’t want to miss. This downtown Vancouver ice cream shop is tiny, but it has enough rotating ice cream flavors to keep you coming back for more. 

Ask for samples to help you make your flavor choices. Two of my favorites were the banana nilla wafer and cinnamon toast crunch cereal milk. Ice cream is Treat’s primary dessert of choice. But occasionally, it also serves cookies, brownies, and pies.

La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop

Enjoy a meal at the best place in the city for a tasty, reasonably-priced lunch.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 571 5010 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun

La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. It serves tasty and affordable Italian food in a relaxed environment. Peruse a menu of sandwiches, pasta, soups, and salads. 

I love that you can order a half serving of some of its delicious dishes if you’re not too hungry, want to save money, or just want to sample multiple items. The smoked mushroom ravioli is simply divine. You can’t go wrong with the deceptively simple, but very flavorful aglio e olio. 

Also, don’t leave here without stopping in the deli shop where you’ll find meat and cheeses, handmade pasta, and Italian wine.

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Vancouver is one of the best places in Washington and I’m sure you’ll enjoy a trip there. Leave a comment if you have questions and let me know what you’re most looking forward to doing!