25 Fun Things to Do in Vancouver, WA

Waterfront & Downtown

1. Vancouver Waterfront Park—stroll the pier and Grant Street Pier.

2. Riverfront dining & tasting rooms—wine, small plates, and river views.

3. Events & markets—seasonal festivals, live music, and pop-ups.

4. Esther Short Park—farmer’s markets and summer concerts.

5. Coffee & pastries crawl—mix of indie roasters and cozy bakeries.

History & Culture

6. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site—living history, gardens, trails.

7. Pearson Air Museum—aviation history next to Fort Vancouver.

8. Clark County Historical Museum—local stories and rotating exhibits.

9. Art walks & galleries—peek into local makers’ studios.

Outdoors & Nature

10. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge—birding and peaceful trails.

11. Water sports—kayak or SUP on the Columbia/Lake River.

12. Urban trails & greenways—connect parks without the car.

13. Day trip: Columbia River Gorge—waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

14. Day trip: Mount St. Helens—visitor centers and hikes.

Food & Drink

15. Brewery hop—PNW craft scene with family-friendly taprooms.

16. Food halls & carts—easy, fun group dining.

17. Brunch favorites—worth the wait spots for weekends.

18. Date-night restaurants—from casual river views to chef-driven.

Family-Friendly

19. Playground circuit—track down the best slides and splash pads.

20. Library events—story times and maker workshops.

21. Seasonal farms—u-pick berries, pumpkins, and holiday trees.

Rainy-Day Plans

22. Indoor climbing or trampoline parks—burn energy inside.

23. Boutique shopping—Waterfront to downtown finds.

24. Cooking or craft classes—learn something new.

Quick Wins

25. Sunset at the Waterfront—end any day with river glow and a treat.

FAQs

Is Vancouver, WA walkable?
The Waterfront and downtown/Esther Short are the most walkable, with trails connecting nearby parks.

Where should visitors stay?
Waterfront hotels offer easy dining and views; plenty of family-friendly options nearby.