Things to do in Vancouver, Washington
- Vancouver, Washington was incorporated in 1857, predating the founding of the more famous Vancouver, British Columbia by several decades.
- The city was the original terminus for the first transcontinental railroad spur in the Pacific Northwest.
- It served as a major center for ship construction during World War II, with the Kaiser Company shipyards producing over 140 vessels.
- The city is home to the oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest, planted in 1826 by the Hudson's Bay Company.
- Because of its location on the Columbia River, the city maintains a unique legislative status allowing for deep-water port access despite being inland.
About Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, Washington, sits on the north bank of the Columbia River and functions as a primary hub for the Pacific Northwest's historical and recreational landscape. The city serves as the site of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which highlights its legacy as a 19th-century fur trading outpost. Modern urban development is best observed along the Vancouver Waterfront and the connected Waterfront Renaissance Trail, which provide extensive access to the riverfront. Families often utilize the green spaces at Esther Short Park and Playground, while aviation enthusiasts visit the Pearson Air Museum located on the grounds of one of the oldest operating airfields in the country.
Highlights of Vancouver, Washington
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Walk through the reconstructed fort and barracks that served as the primary fur trading center for the Hudson's Bay Company.
Parks
Explore the expansive pier and dining district that reclaimed the city's relationship with the Columbia River.
Parks
Traverse the scenic multi-use path that offers uninterrupted views of the Columbia River and the Interstate Bridge.
Parks
Visit the city's oldest public square, which hosts year-round community festivals and a summer farmers market.
Museums
Discover a unique collection of vintage aircraft and flight memorabilia at a historic airfield that dates back to 1905.
Top things to do in Vancouver, Washington
The 142 highest-rated places in Vancouver, Washington, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
The Vancouver Waterfront is a multi-phase urban renewal project spanning 21 acres along the north bank of the Columbia R...
2
Parks
Laurelhurst Park is a 32-acre city park in southeast Portland listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Design...
3
Temples
The Grotto is a 62-acre Catholic sanctuary built into the base of a 110-foot basalt cliff in Northeast Portland. The sit...
4
Parks
Peninsula Park is home to Portland's first public rose garden, established in 1913. The park features a sunken rose gard...
5
Parks
Esther Short Park is the oldest public square in Washington State, established in 1853. It serves as the central anchor...
6
Venues
Cascades Amphitheater is a purpose-built outdoor music venue located within the Clark County Fairgrounds in Ridgefield,...
7
Parks
Rocky Butte Natural Area is a dormant volcanic cinder cone offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Portland metropoli...
8
Parks
Lewisville Regional Park spans 159 acres along the East Fork Lewis River in Battle Ground, Washington. Established in 19...
9
Parks
Battle Ground Lake State Park is a 280-acre park featuring a lake formed within a volcanic crater known as a maar. The c...
10
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Vancouver is an indoor trampoline park featuring wall-to-wall jumping surfaces and specialized fitness programm...
11
Parks
Pier Park is a 74-acre public park located in the St. Johns neighborhood of North Portland. It features a prominent conc...
12
Parks
Moulton Falls Regional Park is a 387-acre forested landscape situated along the Lewis River in Clark County, Washington....
13
Zoos
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a protected habitat spanning over 5,300 acres along the Columbia River. It consis...
14
Parks
Lucia Falls Regional Park is a 24-acre park located along the East Fork Lewis River in Yacolt, Washington. The site is m...
15
Parks
Kelley Point Park is located at the unique geographic convergence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in North Portlan...
16
Parks
Irving Park is a 15.3-acre community park located in Northeast Portland's Irvington neighborhood. The site features a fe...
17
Parks
Alberta Park is a 16-acre municipal recreational area located in the Concordia neighborhood of Northeast Portland. The p...
18
Parks
Vancouver Lake Regional Park covers 190 acres of shoreline along the eastern bank of Vancouver Lake. The park provides d...
19
Parks
Salmon Creek Regional Park is primarily defined by the 13-acre Klineline Pond, a man-made swimming facility created by a...
20
Parks
Horseshoe Lake Park is a central community recreation area in Woodland, Washington, anchored by a large oxbow lake creat...
21
Parks
Overlook Park is a 7.5-acre public space in North Portland known for its panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the...
22
Historical places
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site serves as a reconstructed 19th-century Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post and r...
23
Parks
Orchards Community Park is a 16-acre municipal site located in the Orchards area of Vancouver, Washington. The park feat...
24
Parks
Wintler Community Park is a 13-acre riverfront site along the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. It serves as the...
25
Historical places
The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a restored 1876 water-powered mill located along the banks of Cedar Creek in Woodland, Was...
26
Parks
Paradise Point State Park is situated along the East Fork Lewis River in Ridgefield, Washington, offering a distinct riv...
27
Parks
Pacific Community Park is a 56-acre public facility in Vancouver, Washington, serving as one of the largest recreation s...
28
Parks
Fernhill Park is a 26.5-acre public space located in the Concordia neighborhood of Northeast Portland. It features a lar...
29
Parks
LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park is a 24-acre park in Vancouver, Washington, serving as a hub for local outdoor recr...
30
Parks
Holladay Park is a historic 3.9-acre urban space located in the Lloyd District of Portland, Oregon. Originally acquired...
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Vancouver, Washington on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Vancouver, Washington
Late June through September, when the Pacific Northwest climate is at its driest and temperatures are most favorable for outdoor activities.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the historic riverfront district, national park sites, and surrounding community parks.
The city is primarily accessible by car, though the Vine bus rapid transit system provides efficient north-south connectivity through central corridors.
Staying near the Downtown core or the newly developed Waterfront provides the best walking access to restaurants, parks, and historical monuments.
Mid-range; while accommodation and dining prices are rising due to waterfront development, the city generally remains more affordable than neighboring Portland.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 142 curated attractions in and around Vancouver, Washington, ranked by traveller ratings.
Vancouver Waterfront is the highest-rated place to visit in Vancouver, Washington right now.
The largest category is parks, with 88 places to explore.
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